Doing Business In Saudi Arabia - Bna

SNACK FOODS (EXCLUDING NUTS)
Overview
The latest official figures indicated that more than 60 percent of the Saudi population
is in their teens, representing a major consumer of snack foods. Local snack food
production has drastically increased in the past few years, accounting for about 50
percent of local consumption in 2007. There is a general decline in the importation of
corn and wheat-based snacks. Candies and chocolates are also being locally
manufactured on a large scale. Exporters may also look into supplying raw materials
for the fast growing snack industry. Snack food imports from the U.S. accounted for 8
percent of total imports in 2007. Products that cater to Saudi consumers’ preferences,
which tend to favor sweeter items, generally find better market reception.
Year/Description 2005 2006 2007
Total Consumption 405 420 462
Total Local Production 195 205 231
Total Exports 5 5 5
Total Imports 205 210 226
Imports from the U.S. 23 16 17
Value: In millions of U.S. dollars
Source: Trade estimates and U.S. Customs official data
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5/13/2008