Saudi Arabia Food Packaging Market

Market Overview:

Saudi Arabia food packaging market size reached USD 1,741.4 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 2,552.5 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.25% during 2025-2033. The escalating demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) products, increasing consciousness among people about the environmental impact of packaging materials, and rapid technological advancements in the food processing industry represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Food packaging refers to the process of enclosing food products in suitable materials to prevent spillage or leakage of food items during handling and transportation. It involves the use of various packaging materials and techniques to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of the food items. It often contains labels and nutritional information, helping consumers make informed choices about the products. It shields products from external factors like moisture, air, light, and contaminants, which can otherwise lead to spoilage or degradation. It helps extend the shelf life of food products by controlling temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions. It can be designed for ease of use, such as resealable bags, portion-sized containers, and microwave-safe packaging. It provides on-the-go options and convenience, reducing food preparation time. It is widely used by restaurants and fast-food chains for takeout and delivery to ensure food reaches customers in good condition. It is also utilized by several food manufacturers to preserve and transport ingredients and finished products. Moreover, it is employed for pre-packaged meals, frozen foods, and instant snacks. Besides this, as it enhances the visual appeal of products and serves as a marketing tool, influencing consumer choices, the demand for food packaging is increasing in Saudi Arabia.

Key Trends of Saudi Arabia Food Packaging Market:

Growing applications in food and beverage (F&B) industry

Rising applications in the thriving F&B industry are positively influencing the market. As per industry reports, Saudi Arabia's user expenditure totaled SR11.8 Billion from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, with the F&B industry maintaining its dominance in sales. As the sector is expanding with more processed, ready-to-eat (RTE), and convenience food products, manufacturers continue to rely on effective packaging to preserve freshness, extend shelf life, and ensure product safety. The growing popularity of bottled beverages, dairy products, snacks, and frozen food items requires innovative packaging materials that can withstand different temperatures and handling conditions. Branding and attractive designs also become essential, as packaging influences user buying decisions. With an increase in food exports, the need for secure and transport-friendly packaging is increasing.

Expansion of retail outlets

Expansion of retail outlets is fueling the market growth. As supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online grocery platforms are growing across urban and semi-urban areas, food products must be packaged in ways that ensure long shelf life, visibility, and safety. Retailers demand packaging that enhances brand recognition, offers convenience, such as resealable or portion-sized packs, and supports easy storage and display. With a broader range of local and imported food items on shelves, packaging is becoming essential for differentiation and compliance with labeling standards. Moreover, the shift towards pre-packaged food items in retail spaces is adding to the need for innovative packaging. As retail channels continue to broaden, the food packaging industry is experiencing steady expansion across Saudi Arabia. According to industry reports, the retail market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow by USD 64.6 Billion at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2029.

Growing utilization of digital printing

Rising utilization of digital printing is enabling faster, more flexible, and cost-effective packaging solutions. As per the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia digital printing market size reached USD 283.07 Million in 2024. Digital printing allows food manufacturers to create high-quality, visually appealing designs with vibrant colors and intricate details, which help attract people and enhance brand identity. It supports short print runs and quick design changes, making it ideal for seasonal promotions, limited editions, and personalized packaging. This flexibility reduces lead times and lowers inventory costs, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Digital printing also facilitates better traceability and labeling accuracy, which is important for compliance with food safety regulations. Additionally, it allows the integration of smart packaging features, enhancing customer engagement and transparency.

Growth Drivers of Saudi Arabia Food Packaging Market:

Increasing demand for packaged food items

Rising demand for packaged food products is creating the need for reliable, safe, and convenient packaging solutions. As user lifestyles are becoming busier, there is a greater preference for RTE, frozen, processed, and snack food items, which require appropriate packaging to maintain freshness and quality. Packaging is essential for prolonging shelf life and safeguarding contents from contamination, and providing essential product information. The shift towards urban living and inflating incomes is also contributing to higher consumption of packaged food products, driving the demand for diverse and innovative packaging formats. Additionally, packaging supports portion control and portability, which appeals to health-conscious individuals. With the growing awareness about hygiene and food safety, packaging is becoming more critical.

Growing use of automation

Rising utilization of automation is offering a favorable market outlook. Automated systems help manufacturers speed up production lines, reduce manual errors, and maintain hygiene standards, which are essential for handling food products. Automation allows companies to meet high-volume orders while ensuring uniformity and quality. It supports various functions, such as filling, sealing, labeling, and quality control with minimal human intervention, decreasing labor costs and operational delays. Automation also enables the integration of advanced features like real-time tracking. As technology is becoming more accessible, medium-sized businesses are adopting automated systems to remain competitive. Additionally, automation improves flexibility, allowing quick adjustments to packaging formats and designs. This increased efficiency and reliability is supporting the rapid expansion of the food packaging sector in Saudi Arabia across diverse food categories.

Rising adoption of sustainable and recyclable packaging materials

Increasing adoption of sustainable and recyclable packaging materials is stimulating the market growth. People are growingly preferring eco-friendly options, encouraging food manufacturers to shift towards biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging solutions. This transition not only meets customer expectations but also helps companies reduce their environmental impact and improve brand image. Sustainable packaging materials, such as paper-based, plant-based plastics, and reusable containers, are gaining popularity across segments like snacks, beverages, and dairy. Retailers and food service providers are also supporting this trend by choosing suppliers who prioritize sustainability. As regulations and initiatives promoting waste reduction and sustainability are growing stronger in the country, the demand for green packaging continues to rise. This is leading to innovations and investments in sustainable packaging technologies.

Saudi Arabia Food Packaging Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on packaging type and application.

Packaging Type Insights:

• Flexible
• Paper and Paperboard
• Rigid Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the packaging type. This includes flexible, paper and paperboard, rigid plastic, glass, metal, and others.

Application Insights:

• Bakery, Confectionary, Pasta, and Noodles
• Dairy Products
• Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
• Snacks and Side Dishes
• Convenience Foods
• Meat, Fish, and Poultry
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes bakery, confectionary, pasta, and noodles, dairy products, sauces, dressings, and condiments, snacks and side dishes, convenience foods, meat, fish, and poultry, fruits and vegetables, 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. Some of the key players include:

• Flex Pack (ENPI Group)
• Napco National
• National Plastic Factory
• Packaging Product Company
• Printopack
• Salman Group
• Saudi Arabian Packaging Industry WLL (SAPIN) (Al Suhaimi Holding Company)
• Smart Pack Flexible Packaging
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Saudi Arabia Food Packaging Market News:

• May 2025: The government of Saudi Arabia entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the international packaging company Sidel to assess the creation of advanced food packaging facilities in the Kingdom. This collaboration aimed to promote knowledge transfer and improve industrial self-reliance.
• April 2025: The second SaudiFood Manufacturing show was set to be conducted from 13 – 15 April at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre. This year's event would feature numerous exhibitors, buyers, and international expert speakers as the Kingdom furthered its role as a regional powerhouse in the F&B sector. SaudiFood Manufacturing was the inaugural and sole dedicated event for F&B manufacturing in the Kingdom, covering packaging and control and automation.
• March 2024: ULMA Packaging was set to be present at Saudi Food Manufacturing 2025, the premier trade exhibition for food processing and packaging in Saudi Arabia. Guests could discover its newest packaging options for fresh, frozen, and processed food items. ULMA Packaging was a leader in thermoforming and traysealing technologies, creating reliable machinery.
• October 2024: Tetra Pak announced its 'Made, consumed and recycled in Saudi Arabia' campaign, celebrating 44 years as a leader in promoting Saudi Arabia’s economic growth, sustainability initiatives, and food security. The initiative reinforced the firm's dedication to diversifying the Kingdom's economy and seized the chance to showcase Tetra Pak’s contribution to establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional center for food packaging and manufacturing in the Middle East.
• August 2024: Alesayi Beverage Corporation, a top beverage producer in Saudi Arabia, teamed up with SIG to broaden its product and food packaging range. Employing a cutting-edge SIG SureFill 42 Aseptic BIB filling system, Alesayi would introduce innovative new items in hotels, restaurants, and cafes (HoReCa).

Saudi Arabia Food Packaging 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 food packaging market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia food packaging 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 food packaging 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.