Ghada Ismail
Have you noticed more Saudi-made products on your shelves lately? From food and beverages to packaging and industrial goods, a quiet revolution is underway, and it’s proudly stamped ‘Made in Saudi’.
This national initiative is no longer just about branding; it’s about building a future where local manufacturing leads the way.
That momentum was on full display at the Saudi Food Manufacturing Expo 2025 in Riyadh, where hundreds of local and regional companies showcased innovations that signal a bold shift in Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape. It’s a transformation driven by vision, backed by policy, and powered by ambition.
More Than a Label: A Strategic Vision for Industry
Launched in 2021 by the Saudi Export Development Authority under the umbrella of Vision 2030, the ‘Made in Saudi’ program is more than a marketing label. It serves as a national badge of quality and a strategic lever for economic diversification.
In August 2021, the Saudi Export Development Authority said more than 900 Saudi companies with over 2,000 locally manufactured products had registered with the Kingdom’s “Made in Saudi” program, in an initiative that aims to boost the competitiveness of Saudi products at home and abroad.
This initiative is a cornerstone in the Kingdom’s broader efforts to reduce its reliance on imports and enhance the global competitiveness of its industrial base.
A Spotlight on Local Innovation at the Food Expo 2025
At the 2025 edition of the Saudi Food Manufacturing Expo, the largest and most specialized event of its kind in the Kingdom, the strength of Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector was unmistakable. The event hosted over 550 exhibitors from more than 70 countries and drew nearly 15,000 visitors, featuring everything from advanced food processing systems and sustainable packaging to smart factory solutions. But what stood out most was the strong presence of Saudi companies, many of them carrying the ‘Made in Saudi’ badge with confidence and pride.
From Catch-Up to Leadership: Saudi Firms Step Up
What once felt like a catch-up game is now a race Saudi Arabia is leading. Local firms unveiled cutting-edge product lines, introduced automation to their production processes, and struck new international distribution deals. Saudi snack manufacturers, dairy producers, and processed food brands are now competing not only within the Kingdom but also across regional and global markets.
Several participating companies also announced strategic export expansions, proof that Saudi-made products are not only meeting domestic demand but are also gaining traction abroad.
Fueling Growth: Government Backing and Logistics Reforms
The growth of the manufacturing sector hasn't happened by chance. It’s been supported by a suite of initiatives from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, including export financing, factory development incentives, and regulatory easing. The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) and Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) have also played key roles in funding growth.
On the logistics side, major national infrastructure projects like the Saudi Land Bridge and ongoing port expansions are streamlining transportation, reducing lead times, and strengthening the supply chain backbone for local producers.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Industrial Future
The Kingdom has set a clear target: to raise the industrial sector’s GDP contribution from around 12% to 20% by 2030. As of 2023, manufacturing alone accounted for 14.79% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP.
With ‘Made in Saudi’ gaining momentum and local manufacturing evolving into a pillar of the economy, these goals are becoming increasingly attainable. Beyond economic impact, the initiative also drives job creation, local innovation, and national pride.
Manufacturing Pride on Display
The Saudi Food Manufacturing Expo 2025 wasn’t just another trade show; it was a snapshot of how far Saudi industry has come and how much further it’s ready to go. Walking through the exhibition halls, it was hard to miss the confidence of local manufacturers and the quality of their output. That ‘Made in Saudi’ label? It’s no longer just a symbol of origin, it’s rather becoming a mark of trust, capability, and future potential.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in local production, infrastructure, and innovation, one thing is clear: the Kingdom isn’t just preparing to compete—it’s preparing to lead. And the next time you pick up a locally made product, you might just feel a little prouder knowing it’s part of something much bigger.