Bühler’s rice processing technology supports customer growth in Saudi Arabia

Bühler’s rice processing technology supports customer growth in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - EQS Newswire - Saudi Arabia imports large volumes of unprocessed rice from India and Pakistan every year, with a projected market volume of about USD 3.8 billion in 2023. However, many current customers and new investors in Saudi have recognized the enormous market potential offered by processing the rice in Saudi itself and are seeking to enter the market. This, along with the government's food security concerns, offers a large area of opportunity for Bühler's storage solutions and technology.

With one of the highest consumptions of rice in the Middle East, 47 kilograms (kg) per capita annually, rice is a high priority in Saudi Arabia's government food security initiatives, particularly since India's ban on some rice exports last year. According to the country report from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, Saudi is one of the world's largest importers of rice at 1.35 million tonnes annually; of this, 76% is imported from India and 9% from Pakistan. Revenue is likely to amount to USD 3.83 billion in 2023 and the market is expected to grow annually by 3.51% (CAGR 2023-2028).

However, very little rice is processed locally in Saudi; it is imported fully processed and then repackaged