Pakistani entrepreneurs are exploring potential joint ventures in Saudi Arabia’s thriving food sector, with a particular focus on the growing snacks market, according to Shahid Imran, convenor of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s regional food committee. Imran, who is leading a Pakistani delegation in Jeddah, shared that Saudi investors have shown strong interest in partnering with Pakistani businesses, aiming to meet the rising demand for quality snack products.
The delegation emphasized Pakistan’s expertise in traditional snacks like nimco, roasted chickpeas, and spicy mixtures, as well as modern offerings such as flavored chips, cookies, biscuits, and energy bars. These products align with Saudi consumers’ evolving tastes.Â
Imran noted that Saudi investors are seeking co-branding opportunities, technology transfers, and halal certification for Pakistani snacks, which are seen as affordable, tasty, and crafted with expertise.
The growing interest comes amidst a robust expansion of Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage market, which is expected to reach $57.4 billion by 2025. The growth is driven by urbanization, an affluent young population, and the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which is spurring demand for convenience foods and quick-service restaurants.
Pakistani exporters believe they can capitalize on this demand by offering snacks that cater to both traditional tastes and modern health trends. Joint ventures are seen as a key strategy for establishing processing units, improving packaging, and obtaining the necessary certifications to meet Saudi standards.
While Pakistan’s food exports stand at $7.116 billion for FY25, snacks and allied categories contribute a small portion of this figure. However, Saudi Arabia’s reliance on food imports due to limited agricultural capacity makes it an attractive market for Pakistani snack producers. Still, some economists warn that competing in the competitive Saudi market will require substantial investments in branding, packaging, and marketing tailored to local tastes.
Despite the challenges, Pakistani exporters are optimistic about establishing a foothold in the Saudi market. Industry leaders argue that affordability, authenticity, and halal certification are key strengths that could resonate with Gulf consumers.
