15/05/2026 02:50 AST
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources confirmed the readiness of the food industries sector for the Hajj season, noting that Hajj represents a strategic opportunity to introduce millions of visitors to Saudi products.
During a tour of production lines at factories in Jeddah to review preparations for the Hajj season, Bandar Alkhorayef said the sector plays a vital role in serving pilgrims due to its strong level of maturity and operational efficiency. He added that the sector recorded significant export growth last year, with exports reaching SR15 billion ($3.99 billion).
The food industry sector is estimated at approximately SR200 billion and is the second largest industrial sector in the Kingdom in terms of employment, with the number of factories in the sector reaching 1,900.
According to the minister, the industrial system is working to ensure that companies operating in the food industry sector meet their requirements ahead of Hajj and to overcome challenges, in order to provide food at appropriate prices and quantities with a variety that satisfies all tastes.
Alkhorayef anticipated that the number of factories in the world's largest food cluster would rise to 800 with investments reaching SR20 billion by 2035, after it recorded a leap in 2024 by adding 375 facilities.
He clarified that the real value of the sector is not limited to the volume of investments alone, but extends to include annual achievements in supporting the local market and active contribution to national exports.
The National Industrial Strategy targets investments worth SR78 billion through 2035, after growing to more than SR28 billion in new investments from both local and international companies.
Regarding food security, Alkhorayef stated that Saudi Arabia has achieved self-sufficiency rates in essential commodities, such as the dairy and egg sectors at 100 percent, while the poultry sector reached 70 percent, and the bakery sector exports its products to neighboring countries.
The minister's field tour included a visit to the facilities of Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co., whose factory has an annual production capacity of 300 million tonnes of dairy products, juices, and ice cream, with daily production during Hajj season exceeding 1.7 million liters.
Alkhorayef also reviewed the production lines at one of Almarai's bakeries, which produces more than 800 million pieces of pastries and baked goods annually, with its production capacity increasing during Hajj season by 40 percent, reaching 2.8 million pieces per day.
These factories play a role in supplying catering centers, pilgrim groups, and hotels in the holy sites with diverse food products during the Hajj season, while complying with the highest standards of quality, health, and safety.
The minister also reviewed the logistics services, infrastructure, and enablers provided by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones to investors in the region during his visit to the administrative building of the First Industrial City in Jeddah.
Arab News
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