The country has the largest dairy processing plant in the world, producing million tons of milk and milk products – Foodex Saudi

Milk consumption is expected to help maintain the food industry’s growth at a CAGR of 11.62% during the forecast period of 2018-2023.

A high per capita income, growing health-conscious population, and increasing interest of women in milk consumption are a few factors that are expected to help maintain the industry’s growth at a CAGR of 11.62% during the forecast period of 2018-2023.

The changing consumer preference toward healthier foods, includes milk as one of the constituents in day-to-day consumption. For over four decades, the consumption of dairy has changed, from only consumption of milk to milk products, such as cheese, processed yogurt, low calorie butter, cream, and others. Milk is considered to be a highly nutritional food by consumers. In 2016, Almarai dominated the fresh milk market with a 46% share, followed by Al Safi Danone.

Health benefit attributes spur the demand for yogurt. Yogurt (Laban) is also a traditional diet in Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern regions. Yogurt demand peaks in April, but stays very stable throughout the year. The Saudi Arabian dairy industry is now focusing on production increment, with an expected annual growth rate of 5.39% per annum.

As Saudi has hot temperature and dry climate, different companies have established cattle friendly environment for maximum output of milk from cows. Saudi Arabia is the largest dairy producer in the GCC countries, supported by highest per capita consumption of dairy products in the country.