Saudi Arabia Barley Market Overview, 2030

The Saudi Arabia barley market is characterized by a strong reliance on imports due to the country’s arid climate and limited agricultural capacity for barley cultivation. Domestic production of barley is minimal, constrained by water scarcity and harsh environmental conditions, making the kingdom almost entirely dependent on external sources to meet its demand. Barley is primarily used in the animal feed industry, which supports the large livestock population including camels, sheep, poultry, and cattle. The brewing and malt beverage segment also contributes to demand, albeit limited due to restrictions on alcoholic beverages. The market has evolved with increasing focus on food security and supply chain resilience, driven by government initiatives aiming to diversify import sources and secure stable feedstock supplies. Major barley import sources for Saudi Arabia include Australia, Ukraine, Russia, and European Union countries. The kingdom’s key import hubs are the ports of Jeddah, Dammam, and Jubail, which facilitate large-scale grain shipments and distribution to feed manufacturers and processors. Leading importers and feed millers operate extensive storage and processing facilities, ensuring consistent availability and quality control. Opportunities in the Saudi barley market stem from the government’s emphasis on enhancing food security and modernizing the feed sector. There is potential for growth in value-added barley products, such as malted barley for non-alcoholic beverages and processed barley ingredients for health-oriented food products. Technological adoption in supply chain management and feed formulation can optimize barley utilization, reducing waste and improving feed efficiency. The development of strategic grain reserves and diversification of import partners also create resilience against external shocks.

According to the research report ""Saudi Arabia’s barley Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia’s barley market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.09 Billion by 2030. The kingdom imports barley mainly through key ports such as Jeddah on the Red Sea and Dammam and Jubail on the Arabian Gulf. These ports serve as major entry points for shipments primarily originating from Australia, Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) customs union facilitates streamlined customs procedures and relatively low tariffs on barley imports, often ranging between 0 to 5%. International commodity prices and global supply-demand balances remain key determinants, as the kingdom depends entirely on imported barley. Freight costs, affected by fuel prices and shipping capacity, add variability to landed prices. Domestically, demand growth from the animal feed sector and evolving food security policies drive stable long-term demand, providing some price support. The regulatory landscape governing barley imports and usage in Saudi Arabia encompasses strict food safety, quality, and trade compliance standards. Importers must comply with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulations, which require pre-import registration of barley consignments, adherence to labeling standards, and submission of relevant certificates including phytosanitary, health, and origin documents. Inspections and laboratory testing are conducted to verify compliance with pesticide residue limits, mycotoxin thresholds, and other safety parameters aligned with international Codex Alimentarius standards. Tariff policies are aligned with GCC customs frameworks, and the government maintains oversight through import licensing and quota systems to regulate market stability.

In Saudi Arabia, barley consumption by type reflects the country’s import-driven market and the varied needs of its end-user industries. Whole grain barley is primarily used in animal feed, serving as a key energy source for livestock including camels, sheep, and poultry. Its nutritional profile and cost-effectiveness make it the preferred form for bulk feed formulations. Pearled or polished barley, which has the outer hull and bran partially removed, is more commonly used in food processing and retail. It is favored in culinary applications such as soups, stews, and traditional dishes, offering quicker cooking times and improved digestibility compared to whole grain. Barley flakes are less prevalent but are gradually gaining attention among food manufacturers targeting health-conscious consumers. These flakes are incorporated into breakfast cereals, snack bars, and other value-added products that appeal to a growing segment interested in whole grains and fiber-rich diets. Barley flour remains a niche product in Saudi Arabia, used mainly in specialty bakery items and gluten-reduced formulations. Its use is limited due to the dominance of wheat flour and the relatively small demand for barley-based bakery products. Malted barley holds strategic importance despite the country’s restrictions on alcoholic beverages. Malted barley is mainly imported for non-alcoholic malt beverages, which have a significant market among the population. The quality standards for malted barley are stringent, with suppliers predominantly from Australia and Europe. Grits, which are coarsely ground barley kernels, are used occasionally in food manufacturing and catering sectors, though their consumption remains minor compared to other types. The majority of barley imported is conventional whole grain and malted types for feed and beverage production. Processed forms like pearled barley, flakes, and flour occupy smaller market shares but show potential growth aligned with evolving consumer preferences and food industry innovation.

In Saudi Arabia, the barley market’s end-user segmentation is shaped by the country’s import reliance and regulatory environment. The animal feed industry represents the largest consumer of barley. Barley is a vital energy and protein source in feed formulations for camels, sheep, poultry, and cattle across commercial and traditional livestock sectors. Feed manufacturers rely on imported barley from countries like Australia, Russia, and Ukraine to maintain consistent supply, as local production is negligible due to harsh climatic conditions. The brewing and distilling industry in Saudi Arabia primarily involves non-alcoholic malt beverages, given strict regulations on alcoholic drinks. Malted barley is imported in specialized quantities to support brands offering halal-certified malt drinks popular among both locals and expatriates. This segment is stable and benefits from growing demand for health-conscious and culturally appropriate beverages. Food and beverage manufacturers use barley in processed formats such as pearled grains, flakes, and flour for incorporation into cereals, snacks, bakery products, and traditional dishes. Though smaller compared to feed use, this segment is gradually expanding due to rising consumer interest in whole grains, fiber-rich diets, and functional foods. Premium retail and foodservice sectors drive demand for value-added barley products. The biofuel and industrial use of barley in Saudi Arabia is minimal. The country’s biofuel industry focuses mainly on other feedstocks such as dates, sugarcane, and imported corn. Pilot projects exploring barley as a sustainable raw material exist but have yet to scale commercially. The seed industry related to barley is limited, with most seeds imported for research, demonstration, and experimental farming under government initiatives. Local barley seed production is almost nonexistent due to environmental constraints, restricting the seed industry’s market size.

In Saudi Arabia, the barley market is predominantly driven by conventional barley, which constitutes the bulk of imports and consumption. Due to the country’s arid climate and limited arable land, domestic barley cultivation is minimal, and nearly all barley consumed is sourced through imports, primarily from countries such as Australia, Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union. These imports are largely conventionally grown, meeting the requirements of major end-use segments like the animal feed industry, malt beverage manufacturers, and food processors. Conventional barley remains the preferred choice due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for mass-market applications. The organic barley segment in Saudi Arabia is very niche and underdeveloped. The demand for organic barley is limited and primarily arises from select premium retail and health food channels catering to a small but growing population segment interested in natural and certified organic products. There is also some use in high-end bakery and specialty food processing, although the volumes remain marginal. Given the import-dependent nature of the Saudi barley market, organic barley must be sourced internationally from certified organic producers, increasing costs and limiting competitiveness. Government policy does not currently include specific incentives or support programs for organic barley production, and there are no major commercial organic barley cultivation initiatives within the Kingdom due to water scarcity and limited organic agriculture infrastructure. The regulatory environment for organic imports is guided by SFDA (Saudi Food & Drug Authority) standards for organic labeling and compliance, which align with international norms. Overall, the Saudi barley market remains overwhelmingly conventional in nature, both in terms of supply and consumption patterns. Show more