Report

Saudi Arabia organic honey market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.12% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 11.24 million in 2024 to USD 15.53 million in 2032F owing to health trends, economic factors, and government initiatives. Growing health awareness among consumers has contributed to increasing demand for organic honey because of its natural antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties, making it a sought-after substitute for refined sugar. Support from the government under Saudi Vision 2030 also drives this growth by encouraging agricultural independence, providing subsidies for local bee farmers, and maintaining stringent food safety standards through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).
The nation's high disposable incomes also come into play, with customers willing to spend premium prices on genuine and imported honey types such as Yemeni Sidr and New Zealand Manuka, bought in many cases for luxury gifting. Furthermore, the growth of modern retailing channels and e-commerce websites such as Noon and Amazon.sa has increased accessibility for organic honey. Cultural and religious influences enhance demand further since honey has a special place within Islamic culture because of its curative qualities, with Sidr honey being specifically sought after. The hospitality industry and tourism business fuel market development by adding gourmet food with organic honey and treatments for wellness. Sustainability patterns influence consumer trends also, with enhanced demand for ethical sourcing, traceable honey as a counteractant to false or fake product claims. Despite the import dependence, domestic beekeeping is picking up pace, with the help of investments to cut down on foreign supplies. For instance, According to OEC (Observatory of Economic Complexity) in 2023, Saudi Arabia exported USD 14.9 million and imported USD 62.9 million of natural honey. In the future, the market will grow further through organic certification, value-added honey products, and marketing campaigns, and thus it will be a lucrative sector for both local and foreign players.
Rising Health Consciousness Driving the Saudi Arabia Organic Honey Market
Rising focus on health and wellness is one of the primary drivers of the growth of Saudi Arabia's organic honey market. People are increasingly looking for natural, chemical-free alternatives to processed sugars and are turning to organic honey due to its well-documented health benefits. Honey, especially high-quality types such as Sidr and Manuka, is accepted as a sweetener and also as a functional food with medicinal properties. This change is also strengthened by increasing awareness of lifestyle conditions like diabetes and obesity, which drive health-conscious Saudi Arabia individuals towards cleaner eating patterns. Furthermore, the Islamic culture's respect for honey as a medicinal food, as quoted in the Quran, adds to its popularity. The trend is also evident in the hospitality and wellness industries, as organic honey appears more and more in gourmet foods, herbal products, and high-end gift packs. As consumers demand more transparency and purity, they are choosing certified organic and sustainably sourced honey, presenting opportunities for brands that focus on authenticity and sustainability. With awareness of health growing further, the market for organic honey is destined to grow steadily, backed by cultural values and contemporary wellness trends.
For instance, in July 2022, Businesswoman Norah Shawi Al-Shimmari, beekeeper from Saudi Arabia, snagged a gold medal for her honey at the renowned London Honey Awards. In addition, she has just rolled out a new skincare line that features organic honey and honeycomb ingredients.
Government Initiatives and Vision 2030 is Driving the Saudi Arabia Organic Honey Market
The proactive government policies of the Saudi government within Vision 2030 are critically fueling expansion in the market for organic honey, complemented by wider initiatives towards agricultural expansion, food self-sufficiency, and financial diversification. To reduce foreign dependency and enable sustainable agriculture, the government launched subsidies, beekeeper training and development programs, as well as investment support schemes, to finance the local beekeeping industry in its expansion. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) strictly applies quality and safety measures, promoting consumer confidence in organic honey. Furthermore, efforts such as the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program aim to advance beekeeping methods, enhance yields, and assist small-scale farmers. Vision 2030's focus on private sector investment and export-led growth has also brought foreign and domestic brands into the market, encouraging innovation and competition. By giving more importance to autonomy and high-value crops, the policies are not only consolidating local supply chains but also setting Saudi organic honey up as an upscale product on regional and global markets.
For instance, in June 2022, The Qassim Governor, who also chairs the Qassim Youth Council, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the local Beekeeping Cooperative Association. This agreement focuses on providing training for beekeepers and promoting the sale of their organic honey, which is made from 15 different types of wild and agricultural plants.
Food and Beverage Application Holds the Larger Market Share
Food and beverage is the largest application market for organic honey in Saudi Arabia, fueled by the increasing demand for natural and healthy ingredients in the country. With consumers seeking alternatives to sugar, organic honey has emerged as a sweetener of choice in traditional Saudi cooking, baked food, breakfast food, and high-end beverages. Its addition to favorite local sweets such as ma'amoul (date cookies) and honey milk, as well as specialty coffees and teas at high-end cafes, has significantly contributed to increased consumption. The hospitality sector also magnifies this movement, with high-end hotels and restaurants utilizing organic honey prominently in gourmet desserts, salad dressings, and healthy-oriented menu items. Separately, the food industry is incorporating honey as a clean-label ingredient in foods such as granola bars, flavored yogurts, and functional drinks, taking advantage of both its nutritional value and premium status. As Saudi Arabia consumers increasingly turn towards health-conscious diets and the government encourages healthier diets through programs such as the Saudi Healthy Food Strategy, the food and beverage segment is set to continue its leading market position with significant growth potential for organic honey suppliers who can move in line with these changing consumption trends.
For instance, in September 2022, Sunbulah Group, a leading food manufacturing company in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, unveiled an exciting new honey product under its Alshifa brand: Alshifa Saudi Talh honey. This special and rare honey is 100% organic and proudly made in Saudi Arabia, and it's being launched to celebrate the Saudi National Day.
Future Market Scenario (2025 - 2032F)
- The rise of online shopping is enhancing accessibility to organic honey products to reach a broader audience, facilitating growth in sales.
- The market for premium organic honey products, such as single-origin and raw varieties, will expand as consumers seek unique flavors and higher-quality products.
- Growing preference among consumers for natural sweeteners over processed sugars due to health concerns will boost market growth.
- Increasing consumer focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices is driving demand for organic honey.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The Saudi Arabian organic honey market is characterized by a dynamic competitive landscape featuring a mix of established local producers, international brands, and specialty importers. Leading players that specialize in high-end Sidr and Manuka honey target health-conscious consumers. Global brands maintain a strong market presence through hypermarkets and pharmacies, while authentic Yemeni Sidr honey remains highly prized for its medicinal properties. Distribution channels are diversifying, with supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu serving mainstream demand, specialty organic stores catering to premium segments, and e-commerce platforms experiencing rapid growth, particularly for imported varieties. Looking ahead, the market is projected to grow, driven by health trends and government support under Vision 2030, which aims to boost local production and reduce import reliance. Key trends include increasing premiumization of certified organic and therapeutic honey, adoption of traceability technologies to combat counterfeiting, and emerging export opportunities in GCC and global halal markets. As the market evolves from import dependence to localized production, success will hinge on brands' ability to demonstrate authenticity, embrace sustainability, collaborate and innovate to meet growing consumer demand for premium, health-focused honey products.
For instance, in June 2023, Saudi Arabian Oil Co. has just inked a deal to help 600 beekeepers enhance their harvesting skills, all part of the country's mission to ramp up organic honey production. The partnership aims to produce around 10,000 honeybee queens and 4,000 breeding colonies of local bees, without having to depend on outside sources.