Saudi Arabia Food Waste Management Market Overview

Market Size in 2024 : USD 0.73 Billion

Market Size in 2033: USD 1.15 Billion

Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 5.25%

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication,"Saudi Arabia Food Waste Management Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Waste Type, Process, Source, Application, and Region, 2025-2033", The Saudi Arabia food waste management market size reached USD 0.73 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1.15 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.25% during 2025-2033.

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Growth Factors Driving the Saudi Arabia Food Waste Management Industry

• Government Initiatives and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s push for sustainability through Vision 2030 is a major driver for the food waste management industry. The government’s National Waste Management Strategy aims to reduce landfill use and promote recycling, with food waste being a key focus due to its 40-50% share of total waste. The Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), backed by the Public Investment Fund, is investing heavily in waste-to-energy and recycling projects. For instance, a recent agreement plans to convert 3 million tonnes of municipal waste, including food waste, into refuse-derived fuels, cutting carbon emissions by 1.8 million tonnes annually. These efforts, combined with stricter regulations from MWAN, encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices, boosting demand for innovative waste management solutions.

• Rising Urbanization and Population Growth

Saudi Arabia’s growing population and rapid urbanization are increasing food waste, fueling the need for better management systems. With over 80% of the population living in urban areas, households generate significant organic waste, estimated at 184 kg per person annually. This surge, driven by changing lifestyles and higher consumption, overwhelms traditional landfill methods, pushing the industry toward advanced solutions like composting and anaerobic digestion. Companies like Tadweer Food Recycling Company are capitalizing on this by converting food waste into organic fertilizers. The rise in urban dining, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, further amplifies waste from restaurants and cafes, creating opportunities for waste management firms to offer tailored collection and processing services to meet the growing demand.

• Increased Awareness and Consumer Behavior Shift

Growing awareness about food waste’s environmental and economic impacts is driving industry growth. Saudi Arabia loses approximately $10.6 billion annually due to food waste, prompting public campaigns like the Ministry of Environment’s initiatives to promote responsible consumption. Educational efforts targeting households, where 78% of purchased food is discarded weekly, are shifting consumer habits toward better planning and reduced waste. Businesses are also responding, with restaurants adopting technologies like Winnow’s waste tracking systems, which have shown 2x to 10x ROI in hospitality settings. Cultural norms around over-preparing food for events are being challenged through community programs, encouraging donations to food banks. This heightened awareness is pushing demand for waste management services, from collection to recycling.

Key Trends in the Saudi Arabia Food Waste Management Market

• Adoption of Waste-to-Energy Technologies

A major trend in Saudi Arabia’s food waste management market is the shift toward waste-to-energy solutions. With food waste making up nearly 50% of municipal solid waste, companies are investing in technologies like anaerobic digestion and incineration to convert waste into energy. For example, a partnership between SIRC and MVW Lechtenberg & Partner aims to process 3 million tonnes of waste annually into refuse-derived fuels, reducing landfill dependency. These projects align with the country’s goal to generate 3GW of waste-to-energy capacity. Such technologies not only address environmental concerns but also create economic value by producing energy and reducing disposal costs, making them attractive for municipalities and private firms looking to meet sustainability targets.

• Growth of Food Recovery and Donation Programs

Food recovery and donation programs are gaining traction as a trend to tackle food waste. With 33% of food wasted annually, initiatives like food banks and partnerships with non-profits are expanding. The Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) and the Ministry of Environment promote campaigns encouraging restaurants and households to donate surplus food. For example, apps like “Eta’am” connect businesses with charities to redistribute edible food, reducing waste and addressing food insecurity. These programs are supported by government incentives, such as tax benefits for donations, and are increasingly adopted by hospitality chains like Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. This trend reflects a cultural shift toward valuing food and aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals to halve food waste by 2030.

• Integration of Smart Waste Management Systems

Smart waste management systems are emerging as a game-changer in Saudi Arabia’s food waste sector. Technologies like IoT-enabled bins and AI-driven sorting systems are being adopted to optimize collection and processing. For instance, Winnow’s technology, used by hotels like Kempinski Al Othman, tracks food waste in real-time, helping kitchens cut waste by up to 50%. These systems provide data on waste patterns, enabling businesses to adjust inventory and reduce overproduction. With Saudi Arabia’s high smartphone penetration, apps and digital platforms are also streamlining waste collection for households and restaurants. This trend is driven by the need for efficiency in urban areas and supports the country’s push for tech-driven sustainability solutions.

IMARCs report provides a deep dive into the market analysis, outlining the current trends, underlying Saudi Arabia food waste management market demand, and growth trajectories.

Saudi Arabia Food Waste Management Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Waste Type Insights:

• Cereals
• Dairy Products
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Fish and Sea Food
• Processed Food
• Others

Process Insights:

• Primary Food Producers
• Food Manufacturers
• Food Distributors and Suppliers
• Food Service Providers
• Municipalities and Households

Source Insights:

• Cereals
• Dairy Products
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Fish and Sea Food
• Processed Food

Application Insights:

• Animal Feed
• Fertilizer
• Biofuel
• Power Generation

Regional Insights:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Future Outlook

The future of Saudi Arabia’s food waste management industry looks promising, driven by innovation, policy support, and societal shifts. With food waste costing the Kingdom $10.6 billion annually, investments in technologies like anaerobic digestion and smart waste systems will likely grow, especially as Vision 2030 prioritizes sustainability. The push for a circular economy will encourage more companies to adopt waste-to-energy and composting solutions, reducing the 33% food waste rate. Public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations will further shift consumer and business behaviors, boosting demand for recovery programs and tech-driven waste management. As urban populations rise, scalable solutions from firms like SIRC and Tadweer will be critical. The industry is poised for steady growth, aligning with global sustainability goals and creating economic opportunities.

Research Methodology:

The report employs a comprehensive research methodology, combining primary and secondary data sources to validate findings. It includes market assessments, surveys, expert opinions, and data triangulation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability.

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