Saudi Arabia imported 123m kilograms of chocolate in 2024
Saudi Arabia saw more than 123 million kilograms of chocolate imports last year, according to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
The sweet deals reflect the growing demand for sweets and chocolates as the market is witnessing active growth, fuelled by increasing consumer demand for diverse options to satisfy various tastes, along with high demand for chocolates driven by a wide variety of local and imported products and special promotional offers for Eid Al-Fitr that boost sales and attract more buyers.
The authority stated that the UAE, UK, Jordan, Egypt, and Türkiye are among the main countries from which the Kingdom imports chocolate, helping to provide a variety of options that meet consumer expectations.
Saudi chocolate imports
Shops are eager to offer a wide range of sweets and chocolates, whether imported or locally manufactured.
Consumers tend to buy in large quantities, as chocolates are considered an essential part of Eid celebrations. Shop owners make sure to offer the latest designs and varieties that cater to diverse tastes.
Factors affecting prices include the type, country of origin, packaging quality, and the type of serving plates used.
The prices of local sweets range from SR30 ($8) to SR150 ($40) per kilogram, covering a variety of products such as colourful flavoured candies, toffee, biscuits, and chocolates in various forms.
ZATCA attributed the stability of prices to abundant production and relatively low manufacturing costs.
However, imported sweets, especially those from European and Eastern countries, are more expensive. The price of pure or dark chocolate with special fillings can reach up to SR300 ($80) per kilogram in Saudi Arabia.
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