Saudi investors are showing growing interest in Pakistan’s food sector, with a particular focus on the fast-expanding snacks segment. This development was highlighted by Shahid Imran, Convenor of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s regional food committee, during his visit to Jeddah as part of a trade delegation. According to him, discussions with Saudi entrepreneurs have revealed a strong appetite for joint ventures that can bring innovation, co-branding opportunities, and halal-certified products to meet surging demand in the Kingdom.
The Pakistani delegation presented a wide range of snack offerings, combining traditional and modern products to showcase the country’s versatility in food innovation. Items such as nimco, roasted chickpeas, and spicy mixtures were introduced alongside contemporary options like flavored chips, cookies, biscuits, and energy bars. Imran noted that Saudi stakeholders were particularly keen on exploring technology transfer and brand collaboration, underscoring their recognition of Pakistan’s expertise and cost competitiveness in snack production.
The timing of this interest aligns with the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s broader food and beverage market. According to data from Statista, the Kingdom’s food market is projected to reach $57.4 billion in 2025, with bread and cereal products accounting for $10.46 billion. This growth, at an annual rate of around 4%, is being driven by urbanization, a youthful and increasingly affluent consumer base, and Saudi Vision 2030. The reform agenda is reshaping the economy through tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, creating higher demand for convenient foods, packaged snacks, and quick-service restaurants.
Pakistani exporters view these trends as a promising opening. Food exporter Ahmed Rauf explained that Pakistani products can balance traditional flavors with modern health-conscious options, such as baked snacks, organic energy bars, and low-fat chips. He added that joint ventures with Saudi partners could accelerate the establishment of local processing facilities, improve packaging standards, and ensure compliance with halal and quality certifications necessary for success in the Gulf market.
Pakistan’s overall food exports stood at $7.116 billion in FY25, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. While this represents a significant portion of the country’s export profile, the contribution of processed snacks remains limited. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia continues to rely heavily on imported food due to its agricultural constraints and water scarcity, making it an attractive destination for exporters seeking new markets.
Still, experts caution that gaining a foothold in Saudi Arabia will not be straightforward. Economist Dr Kamran Siddiqui pointed out that while Pakistan’s food exports are robust, the share of value-added snack products is minimal. He warned that Pakistani exporters will face stiff competition from established global brands that dominate the snack sector in the Gulf. Success, he argued, will require major investments in branding, packaging, quality improvements, and targeted marketing campaigns designed to appeal to Saudi consumers. Without such measures, Pakistan risks losing out despite its advantages in affordability and halal certification.
Nevertheless, optimism remains among industry leaders. They believe that Pakistani snacks, rooted in authenticity and competitive pricing, can resonate strongly with Saudi consumers who value halal assurance and diverse flavors. Shahid Imran stressed that the opportunity extends beyond immediate trade volumes, representing the foundation of long-term partnerships between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
“This is not just about increasing exports; it is about building a model of cooperation that could expand into dairy, beverages, and processed meats,” Imran remarked. “By taking these steps, Pakistan can position itself as a serious player in the Gulf’s food and beverage industry, creating lasting economic linkages that benefit both sides.”
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