Introduction
The seafood industry in Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of a major transformation. With increasing consumer awareness around health, nutrition, and sustainability, seafood has emerged as a favored protein source. In 2024, the Saudi Arabia seafood market stood at USD 1.02 billion and is projected to reach USD 1.25 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.45%. This growth is attributed to a blend of urbanization, dietary shifts, infrastructure development, and government-backed initiatives like Vision 2030.
Cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are witnessing dynamic lifestyle changes. As urban populations grow and become more exposed to global culinary trends, seafood consumption is experiencing a steady uptick. This is not merely a matter of taste but a conscious move toward healthful, protein-rich, and omega-3-laden diets.
In parallel, the enhancement of cold chain logistics and retail frameworks is expanding access to fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products. Consumer convenience, coupled with the reliability of product quality, is positioning seafood as a mainstay in Saudi households. The landscape is also becoming more competitive as domestic aquaculture production scales and imports diversify.
Industry Key Highlights
Market Size (2024): USD 1.02 Billion
Forecasted Market Size (2030): USD 1.25 Billion
CAGR (2024–2030): 3.45%
Fastest-Growing Product Segment: Shrimp
Leading Region: Eastern Region
Key Drivers: Urbanization, Cold Chain Expansion, Aquaculture Investments, Health Consciousness
Primary Challenges: Import Dependency, Supply Chain Fragmentation, Consumer Education
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Market Drivers
1. Urbanization & Changing Dietary Preferences
The rapid urban expansion in cities such as Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah is reshaping consumer behavior. Urban dwellers, typically equipped with higher disposable incomes and global exposure, are gravitating toward healthier dietary choices. Seafood, known for its nutritional richness and low-fat content, fits seamlessly into these evolving preferences.
2. Cold Chain Infrastructure Modernization
The Saudi government's strategic investments in refrigerated transportation and cold storage are enabling wider and more consistent access to perishable seafood items. This ensures product freshness, reduces waste, and enhances consumer trust—ultimately driving market expansion.
3. Government Vision 2030 & Aquaculture Focus
Aligned with its Vision 2030 diversification goals, the Saudi government is heavily investing in sustainable seafood production. By promoting domestic aquaculture, particularly in regions like Tabuk, the Kingdom aims to reduce its reliance on imports while creating local employment opportunities and supporting food security.
4. Health & Wellness Trends
Globally, and increasingly in Saudi Arabia, consumers are adopting diets rich in lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. Seafood meets these requirements, making it the preferred choice for health-conscious individuals. This growing awareness is translating into sustained demand.
Emerging Trends
1. Shrimp Aquaculture Expansion
Shrimp stands out as the fastest-growing segment within the market. Its popularity is fueled by affordability, versatility, and taste. Government investments and innovations in closed-system shrimp farming, particularly in Tabuk, are boosting domestic production and reducing environmental strain.
2. Rise of Packaged & Frozen Seafood
Busy urban lifestyles have amplified the demand for convenient food formats. Frozen and packaged seafood offers extended shelf life, ease of storage, and quick preparation. Improved packaging technologies are preserving taste and texture, driving consumer confidence.
3. Digital Transformation in Seafood Retail
Online grocery platforms are becoming a preferred purchase channel, especially among younger consumers. Tech-enabled traceability and delivery apps are helping bridge the gap between suppliers and end-users, ensuring timely and fresh delivery.
4. Regional Diversification in Aquaculture
While the Eastern region is currently dominant, regions like Tabuk and Jazan are emerging as aquaculture hubs. This geographical expansion is optimizing resource utilization and enhancing supply chain efficiencies.
5. Sustainable Practices and Certifications
Environmentally responsible practices, including traceable sourcing and sustainable aquaculture, are gaining traction. Certifications and eco-labels are becoming more prominent, attracting a conscious consumer base.
Market Segmentation
By Product:
Fish
Shrimp (Fastest-Growing)
Crab
Lobster
Others
By Type:
Raw
Frozen
Processed
By Application:
Retail
Institutional Sales
Food Service
By Distribution Channel:
Supermarket/Hypermarket
Departmental Stores
Specialized Stores
Online
Others
By Region:
Eastern (Leading Region)
Western
Central
Northern
Southern
Competitive Analysis
The Saudi seafood market features a mix of domestic producers and global importers. Strategic collaborations, sustainability certifications, and cold chain reliability are key competitive differentiators.
Major Players Include:
Arab Fisheries Co
National Aquaculture Group
Izafco
Sammak
Sealand Foods
Royal Future
East Coast Seafood Company
Asian Seafood Corporation
The Sea Food Company Pte Ltd
Aljunaid Seafood
These players are investing in technological innovations, quality assurance mechanisms, and distribution expansion to gain a competitive edge. Shrimp production, in particular, has become a battleground for differentiation.
10 Benefits of This Research Report
Detailed market sizing and growth projections up to 2030.
In-depth segmentation by product, type, region, and channel.
Strategic insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences.
Clear identification of key market drivers and challenges.
Evaluation of government policies and Vision 2030 influence.
Competitive analysis featuring top market players.
Insights into aquaculture innovations and sustainable practices.
Retail and distribution trends, including e-commerce integration.
Regional opportunities and investment hotspots.
Customization options for specific business requirements.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Saudi seafood market is poised for structured and sustainable growth. Investments in cold chain logistics, domestic aquaculture, and consumer awareness campaigns are expected to further stimulate demand. Digital platforms will play an increasingly vital role in connecting producers with consumers, while urbanization continues to shape consumption patterns.
As Vision 2030 progresses, the seafood sector will benefit from synergies with broader initiatives around food security, sustainability, and non-oil economic diversification. With a solid foundation and proactive policy support, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a regional seafood powerhouse by 2030.
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