Saudi Arabia Cheese Market

Saudi Arabia Cheese Market Overview:

Saudi Arabia cheese market size reached USD 358.1 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 540.9 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during 2025-2033. The growing demand for low-fat and reduced-sodium cheese varieties due to the health-consciousness among the masses, rising availability of new flavors, textures, and packaging formats, and increasing number of quick-service restaurants and pizzerias represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Cheese is a solid, usually yellow or white substance with a wide range of textures and flavors. It comprises brie cheese, which is a soft and creamy cheese with a mild, buttery taste, often served with fruits. It also consists of parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella, which are known for their excellent melting qualities and taste. Additionally, it includes blue cheese, which is known for its distinctive blue veins and bold, tangy flavor. It is aged for an extended period to improve the characteristics and create complex flavors and textures over time. Cheese is a rich source of essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, and vitamins like B12. It enhances the flavor and texture of a wide range of dishes, making it a kitchen staple. It is a convenient and portable snack option, suitable for on-the-go consumption. It elevates the taste of various dishes, making them more enjoyable. It is used to make cheese boards, which are popular in social gatherings and served as an elegant appetizer or snack. It is also employed to make cheesecakes and cheese-filled pastries.

Key Trends of Saudi Arabia Cheese Market:

Growing applications in foodservice industry

Rising applications of cheese in the foodservice industry are positively influencing the market in Saudi Arabia. As more consumers are eating out, foodservice providers are using cheese in a wide assortment of dishes, such as pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta. The popularity of Western-style and fusion cuisines is further enhancing the utilization of different cheese varieties. Cheese adds flavor, texture, and appeal to meals, making it a preferred ingredient among chefs and food businesses. With the expansion of the quick-service restaurant sector, the need for bulk and consistent cheese supply is growing. This is encouraging higher imports and local production. As the foodservice industry is thriving in the country, cheese is becoming an essential component, supporting steady market expansion. As per the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia foodservice market is set to attain USD 58,310 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.21% from 2025-2033.

Increasing working population

Rising working population is fueling the market growth in Saudi Arabia. According to the CEIC, Saudi Arabia's employed population was recorded at 17,181,335.000 individuals in September 2024. As more people are joining the workforce and leading busy lifestyles, they are seeking quick meal solutions that save time and effort. Cheese fits this need well, as it is versatile, nutritious, and easy to use in a variety of dishes like sandwiches, salads, wraps, and snacks. Working individuals often prefer processed cheese slices, spreads, and shredded cheese that require minimal preparation. The growing trend of eating outside and ordering in is also supporting the employment of cheese in fast food and restaurant meals. With limited time for home cooking, the working population is contributing to rising cheese consumption in the country.

Broadening of retail outlets

The expansion of retail outlets is stimulating the market growth in Saudi Arabia. As per industry reports, the retail sector in the country experienced moderate growth with Q3 2024 sales reaching SAR 37.4 Billion. As more supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online grocery platforms are opening, people find it easier to purchase a wide variety of cheese options. Modern retail outlets offer both local and imported cheeses, catering to different tastes and preferences. Organized retail chains are utilizing in-store promotions and sampling activities to encourage purchases. They also maintain better cold storage and display facilities, ensuring product freshness and quality. Online grocery services are further enhancing cheese sales by offering home delivery and promotional deals. With retail channels expanding in urban and semi-urban areas, more people are exposed to cheese products, leading to higher consumption.

Growth Drivers of Saudi Arabia Cheese Market:

Innovations in flavor

Innovations in flavor are fueling the market growth. As manufacturers are introducing new and unique cheese flavors, such as spicy, herb-infused, and regionally inspired varieties, people are becoming more curious and willing to try different options. These creative savors appeal to both traditional and modern taste preferences, making cheese a more versatile ingredient for meals and snacks. Flavored cheeses are often used in sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and as standalone snacks, increasing their presence in daily diets. The availability of diverse flavors is also supporting product differentiation in a competitive market. With evolving user tastes and interest in culinary experiences, flavor innovations play an important role in driving the demand and expanding the cheese market in Saudi Arabia.

Increasing adoption of advanced packaging technologies

The growing employment of advanced packaging technologies is offering a favorable market outlook. Modern packaging methods, such as vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging, and resealable packs, help preserve the freshness and quality of cheese for longer periods. These technologies protect cheese from contamination, moisture, and spoilage during transportation and storage, which is important in a region with high temperatures. Individuals benefit from easy-to-use packaging that supports portion control and reduces waste. Attractive and functional packaging also enhances product appeal on retail shelves, encouraging impulse purchases. For manufacturers, advanced packaging enables efficient distribution and extended market reach, including online channels. As the demand for hygiene, quality, and convenience is increasing, the utilization of innovative packaging plays a vital role in supporting the growth of the market in Saudi Arabia.

Rising tourism activities

Increasing tourism activities are driving the demand for a wide variety of food products, including cheese, across hotels, restaurants, and cafés. As more tourists are visiting the country, the hospitality industry is expanding to cater to diverse culinary preferences. Cheese is commonly used in many international dishes offered in hotels and tourist dining spots, such as pizzas, pastas, salads, and breakfast menus. Tourists from different regions often expect high-quality cheese in their meals, encouraging hotels to source both local and imported varieties. This growing demand is leading to higher cheese consumption in urban areas and tourist hubs. Increasing tourism activities are also supporting the broadening of specialty food stores that provide gourmet and artisanal cheeses.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on source, type, product, format, and distribution channel.

Source Insights:

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, and others.

Type Insights:

• Natural
• Processed

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type have also been provided in the report. This includes natural and processed.

Product Insights:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, roquefort, and others.

Format Insights:

• Slices
• Diced/Cubes
• Shredded
• Blocks
• Spreads
• Liquid
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the format have also been provided in the report. This includes slices, diced/cubes, shredded, blocks, spreads, liquid, and others.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Northern and Central Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, and Southern Region.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Market News:

• June 2025: The Government of Saudi Arabia initiated a significant dairy industrial complex in Al-Kharj, bolstering its goal to emerge as the area's primary center for dairy production and food processing. Declared at the Saudi Dairy Forum in Al-Kharj, the initiative served as a key element of the Kingdom’s wider National Industrial Strategy. The cluster covered 1 Million sq. m and featured sophisticated infrastructure designed to aid dairy production and associated sectors.
• May 2025: The Government of Saudi Arabia and the Government of China finalized agreements to export dairy products. This alliance represented a significant improvement in trade connections, especially regarding premium food items, and sought to strengthen customs collaboration between the two nations.
• November 2024: Fifteen Saudi and Italian chefs collaborated to craft a seven-course meal named ‘Italy meets KSA,’ merging the two culinary traditions at Azzuro Restaurant in the Ritz Carlton. The event featured a sample of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, produced in the Kingdom by Sana Cheese Company, known for its Italian cheeses. The goal was to build a connection between these two cultures, showcasing how local Saudi ingredients and methods could blend well with Italian culinary craftsmanship.
• July 2024: Puck introduced its inaugural limited-edition flavor jar: Zaatar Cream Cheese. The newly crafted, exclusive jars were in stock at chosen retailers in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Lebanon. The availability of Puck cream cheese as a household essential in the area highlighted the firm’s dedication to offering distinctive and enjoyable products for families everywhere through this special edition savor.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Market Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia cheese market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia cheese market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia cheese industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.