Saudi Arabia Shrimp Market

Market Overview:

Saudi Arabia shrimp market size reached USD 267.5 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 384.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% during 2025-2033. The growing demand for seafood delicacy, rising investments in research and development (R&D) activities to make disease-resistant varieties and follow effective disease management protocols, and increasing adoption of genetic selection and breeding programs represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Shrimp is a small, aquatic crustacean belonging to the order Decapoda, known for its elongated body, ten legs, and front pair of modified claws. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. It is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their weight while still getting essential nutrients. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are beneficial for heart health and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is a source of calcium and phosphorus, minerals important for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It contains antioxidant astaxanthin, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It is often used as bait in recreational fishing as it is consumed by various fish species. Shrimp is also employed in studying the effects of environmental changes on aquatic life.

Saudi Arabia Shrimp Market Trends:

Rising support for aquaculture development

Increasing support for aquaculture development is fueling the market growth in Saudi Arabia. In April 2025, NEOM collaborated with Tabuk Fisheries Company to create an aquaculture business in Saudi Arabia. Topian Aquaculture, the product of the partnership, was approved by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) to aid the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program in achieving its objective of generating 600,000 Tons of fish products each year by 2030. The government is implementing incentives, such as subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans, that help shrimp farmers expand their operations and adopt modern cultivation practices. Investments in hatcheries, research facilities, and water management systems enhance yield and biosecurity, leading to higher-quality shrimp. Officials also streamline regulatory processes to facilitate farm setup and encourage public-private partnerships. These measures decrease reliance on imports, strengthen food security, and make domestic shrimp more competitive.

Thriving foodservice industry

The expansion of the foodservice sector is impelling the Saudi Arabia shrimp market growth. According to the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia foodservice market size was valued at USD 28,669 Million in 2024. As more venues are introducing seafood dishes, such as shrimp salads, kebabs, pasta, and sushi, chefs are seeking reliable sources of high-quality shrimp to meet menu needs. This rising demand is encouraging suppliers and distributors to strengthen cold chains and storage facilities to support consistent and safe delivery. With more people dining out, restaurants and catering businesses are committed to offering diverse shrimp-based options to attract customers. These commercial buyers often place large, regular orders, encouraging producers to scale up production and improve supply capabilities. In turn, they are engaging in partnerships with aquaculture farms to ensure steady availability and quality standards.

Growing need for protein-rich and healthy seafood options

Rising need for healthy and protein-packed seafood options is positively influencing the market. Shrimp is seen as a nutritious choice, rich in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers. As awareness about healthy eating and balanced diets is increasing, families and individuals are seeking alternatives to red meat and processed foods, turning to seafood like shrimp. Shrimp’s versatility in cooking and its presence in global cuisines are further boosting its popularity. Rising disposable incomes allow people to afford higher-quality and premium seafood options more frequently. The thriving e-commerce industry is responding by expanding shrimp offerings, making it more accessible and desirable. As per industry reports, the Saudi Arabia e-commerce market is set to grow at a CAGR of 12.10% during the period from 2025 to 2033 and attain USD 68.94 Billion by 2033.

Saudi Arabia Shrimp 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 environment, species, shrimp size, and distribution channel.

Environment Insights:

• Farmed Shrimp
• Wild Shrimp

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the environment. This includes farmed shrimp and wild shrimp.

Species Insights:

• Penaeus Vannamei
• Penaeus Monodon
• Macrobrachium Rosenbergii
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the species have also been provided in the report. This includes penaeus vannamei, penaeus monodon, macrobrachium rosenbergii, and others.

Shrimp Size Insights:

• <21 
• 21-25
• 26-30
• 31-40
• 41-50
• 51-60
• 61-70
• >70

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the shrimp size. This includes <21, 21-25, 26-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and >70.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Hotels and Restaurants
• Online Sales
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, hotels and restaurants, online sales, 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 in the market. 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:

• Almunajem Foods
• Arasco
• Jazan Energy and Development Company
• National Prawn Group
   

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

Saudi Arabia Shrimp Market News:

• March 2025: Saudi shrimp leader NAQUA named Fawaz Aljasser as the new CEO, succeeding Diego Illingworth, who served for three years. Mr. Al Jasser exhibited an extraordinary capability to stimulate growth and promote innovation, boasting more than 20 years of exceptional leadership in the food and beverage (F&B) sector and business development. NAQUA provided aquaculture products cultivated in Saudi farms that were strategically positioned along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. It was among the globe’s largest completely integrated marine farms focused on shrimp and fish cultivation.
• July 2024: Fishermen in the Eastern Province geared up for the start of the 2024 shrimp season, commencing on August 1 and continuing for six months. The government approved 710 fishing boats for the 2024 season, which included both large and small vessels. Shrimp fishing would occur along the Eastern Province’s Arabian Gulf shores, spanning approximately 1,000 Kilometers from Khafji Governorate in the north to Uqair Governorate located in the south.

Saudi Arabia Shrimp 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 shrimp market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia shrimp 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 shrimp 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.