Saudi Arabia Molasses Market Overview, 2030

The Saudi molasses sector has changed from being mainly reliant on imports to becoming a strategically important field that caters to local needs and re-exports to the larger Middle East and North Africa region, showcasing the integration of global trade and the increasing variety in sweetener uses. The roles and reach of molasses in Saudi Arabia and globally include applications in food production, drink flavor enhancement, animal feed, biofuels, and niche industrial purposes, establishing it as a flexible ingredient with value for both consumers and industries. Historically, molasses was introduced to the Saudi market through imports related to sugar refining, initially depending on large shipments from countries that produce sugarcane like Sudan, Egypt, and Brazil. Before it became widely utilized, sectors faced challenges with inconsistent sweetener availability and had few stable, mineral-rich alternatives; molasses, available in forms like light, dark, and blackstrap, became a practical, stable, and multifunctional choice. Currently, molasses is commonly utilized in Saudi food production facilities, baking establishments, beverage production, and animal feed processing plants, with blackstrap types primarily leading the animal feed category due to their rich nutritional value.In technical terms, molasses is the thick leftover substance from the process of extracting sugar from sugarcane or sugar beets, containing essential minerals, trace vitamins, and sugars that do not crystallize. In practice, it addresses various issues prolonging product shelf life, enriching flavor profiles in foods, increasing the palatability of animal feed, and acting as a substrate for fermentation in the production of ethanol and yeast. Its efficiency is apparent in its combined roles as a flavor enhancer and a nutrient provider, decreasing the need for artificial additives and enhancing cost-effectiveness for producers. Lately, advancements in technology such as better refining methods, processes for quality stabilization in high-temperature settings, and research and development into fortified and organic molasses options have allowed Saudi consumers and industries to adjust.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia Molasses Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Molasses market is anticipated to add to more than USD 30 Million by 2025–30. Fueled by the growth of the food, beverage, and animal feed sectors. Recent trends involve the launch of value-enhanced molasses mixtures enriched with minerals for the animal feed industry and an increase in organic-certified molasses imports aimed at health-focused consumers and premium retail markets. Prominent players in this sector in Saudi Arabia include Saudi Sugar Refinery, Savola Group, and key import-distribution companies like Al-Watania for Industries and Almarai for feed applications. These companies provide a range of light, dark, and blackstrap molasses customized for various end-use markets from bakery and confectionery industries to high-energy animal feed motivated by the push to diversify product lines and target niche, high-profit areas. There are chances to exploit Saudi Arabia’s strategic position and logistical capabilities to establish itself as a molasses re-export center for the GCC, East Africa, and South Asia, while also addressing the growing demand for biofuel feedstock as part of sustainability efforts. An emerging opportunity exists in the functional food market, where molasses serves as a natural sweetener with health benefits, attracting both local and international consumers. Adherence to regulations is vital in the Saudi molasses sector. Both imports and products processed domestically must comply with Saudi Food and Drug Authority SFDA guidelines, standards from the GSO Gulf Standardization Organization, and for organic types, globally recognized certifications like USDA Organic or EU Organic. These regulations tackle matters such as contaminant management, microbiological safety, and traceability, ensuring the quality of products from their source to the consumer.

In the Saudi molasses industry, by source is divided into sugarcane and sugar beet, which exhibit unique sourcing habits, taste qualities, and usage sectors. Sugarcane molasses is the key player in Saudi imports because of its richer taste, higher mineral levels, and adaptability in food, drink, and animal feed sectors. Mainly imported from nations such as Brazil, Sudan, and India, sugarcane molasses is favored by bakeries, confectioneries, beverage makers, and animal feed suppliers, as it boosts flavor and nutritional benefits. In animal feed, blackstrap molasses made from sugarcane is particularly appreciated for its iron, calcium, and magnesium levels, which are beneficial for dairy, poultry, and camel agriculture. The food industry also prefers sugarcane molasses for its rich caramel flavors, utilized in sauces, marinades, and classic Middle Eastern sweets. Sugar beet molasses, although a smaller segment in Saudi Arabia, has significant importance in particular industrial and feeding uses. It is mainly imported from the EU, Russia, and Egypt, featuring a milder taste but a higher betaine concentration, making it especially useful for animal feed additives and fermentation procedures in yeast, ethanol, and citric acid manufacturing. Sugar beet molasses is also a cost-effective option, providing Saudi feed producers with a dependable choice when international sugarcane prices change. While it is less common in retail or foodservice spaces due to its more bitter flavor, sugar beet molasses is starting to gain traction in specialized food uses where its distinct flavor can be balanced with other types of sweeteners. The mixture of sugarcane and sugar beet molasses allows Saudi Arabia to uphold supply chain adaptability, broaden its import sources, and cater to a variety of sectors. This dual-source setup makes sure that the market stays robust against global agricultural changes, while enabling Saudi producers, traders, and re-exporters to satisfy both local needs and those of nearby GCC and African regions.

In the Saudi molasses industry, by end use is divided into Industrial, Food and Beverages, Biofuel, Animal Feed, Commercial and Household. The industrial sector largely focuses on using molasses in fermentation-based production, which results in products like ethanol, yeast, citric acid, and various biochemical substances. In Saudi Arabia, manufacturers in the industry heavily depend on blackstrap molasses due to its economic benefits and nutrient-dense profile that fosters microbial growth. The food and beverages sector utilize molasses in baked items, sweets, sauces, marinades, and drinks. Both light and dark varieties of molasses are appreciated for their rich flavors, natural sweetness, and their ability to retain moisture in baked goods. Beverage makers in Saudi Arabia incorporate molasses in artisanal syrups and traditional beverages. Within the biofuel sector, molasses is used as a primary resource for ethanol production, supporting Saudi Arabia’s aims for renewable energy and sustainability as outlined in Vision 2030. Although this sector is still emerging locally, the demand for molasses in biofuel is predicted to rise as industrial strategies transition toward lower carbon options. The animal feed segment remains a significant market. Blackstrap molasses is commonly added to feed for ruminants, poultry, and camels, enhancing taste, increasing energy levels, and serving as a binder for pelletized feed. The dairy sector highly values its contribution to improving feed efficiency. The commercial segment covers the bulk distribution of molasses to restaurants, catering businesses, and hospitality establishments, where it enhances recipes and flavors. Hotels and catering companies often choose high-quality light or dark molasses to maintain culinary standards. Lastly, the household segment, though not as large, caters to consumers looking for natural sweeteners for baking, cooking, and traditional healing. Specialty grocery stores and supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are increasingly offering imported organic molasses to satisfy this growing demand.

In the molasses market of Saudi Arabia, by nature is divided into organic and conventional types, with each serving different groups of consumers and various industry demands. Organic molasses comes from sugarcane or sugar beet cultivated without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms, and is processed without adding any chemicals. This category is motivated by the health-focused consumer population in Saudi Arabia that appreciates natural, minimally processed sweeteners. Organic molasses is mostly utilized in high-end food and drink settings, including artisanal baked goods, natural syrups, health products, and specialty beverages. It is frequently imported from certified manufacturers in India, the European Union, and Australia, bearing USDA Organic or EU Organic certifications to comply with the regulations of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority SFDA and Gulf Standardization Organization GSO. While its volume is smaller, organic molasses is sold at a higher price, appealing to specialized retail sectors and luxury hospitality services. In contrast, conventional molasses constitutes the majority of molasses usage in Saudi Arabia. It is created using regular agricultural and refining methods, providing cost benefits and a broader range of uses. Conventional molasses is favored for industrial processing, animal feed, biofuel generation, and large-scale food production due to its bulk availability and lower cost. Blackstrap conventional molasses holds particular importance for feed mills and ethanol manufacturers, while lighter and darker varieties are supplied to bakeries, candy makers, and beverage factories. The presence of both organic and conventional segments ensures that Saudi Arabia’s molasses market satisfies both high-end niche demands and large-scale industrial needs. Although conventional molasses contributes to the market's volume and facilitates trade with nearby GCC and African nations, the organic segment improves Saudi Arabia’s connection to global clean-label movements and premium food exports, resulting in a well-balanced and robust market framework.

In the Saudi molasses industry, by type is divided into light molasses, dark molasses, and blackstrap molasses, each fulfilling distinct roles across various sectors. Light molasses is created from the initial boiling of sugarcane or sugar beet juice and has the highest sugar concentration among different types of molasses. It features a gentle taste, a light hue, and a smooth consistency, making it a favored component in baking, sweets, sauces, and drinks. In Saudi Arabia, light molasses enjoys popularity in commercial bakeries, high-quality food production, and luxurious hospitality kitchens, where consistent flavor and appearance are essential. Dark molasses is obtained from the second boiling, yielding a darker color, richer taste, and reduced sugar levels. It provides a mix of sweetness and slight bitterness, making it ideal for savory sauces, marinades, traditional Middle Eastern desserts, and drink syrups. Dark molasses is commonly utilized in Saudi Arabia’s food processing sector, especially by sauce producers and gourmet dessert creators looking for bold, rich flavors. It is also incorporated into specialized animal feed mixes due to its moderate nutrient benefits and taste improvement. Blackstrap molasses, which results from the third boiling, has the least sugar but the highest amount of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In Saudi Arabia, blackstrap molasses is essential for animal feed production, enhancing flavor, serving as a binder in pelletized feed, and supplying crucial nutrients for livestock, poultry, and camels. It is a cost-efficient material for biofuel creation, fermentation sectors, and industrial yeast production. The diversity among light, dark, and blackstrap molasses allows Saudi Arabia’s molasses market to meet the needs of high-end culinary uses, large-scale food manufacturing, agricultural demands, and industrial processes, guaranteeing a well-rounded demand profile that supports both premium niche goods and large-volume commodity trading.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Molasses Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source
• Sugarcane
• Sugar Beet

By Type
• Light Molasses
• Dark Molasses
• Blackstrap Molasses

By Nature
• Organic
• Conventional

By End Use
• Industrial
• Food and Beverages
• Biofuel
• Animal Feed
• Commercial
• Household Show more