Food consumption share GCC 2027, by category

Cereal products were forecast to make up the overwhelming share of food consumption in the Gulf Cooperation Council by 2027. At the same time, meat was estimated to constitute the lowest consumption share, at just seven percent. Fruits, vegetables, and milk were expected to comprise a roughly similar share of food consumption in the GCC.

Food consumption in the GCC

 Food consumption in the GCC has continued to rise over the past few years due to the increasing population and foreign immigration. All countries in the council are expected to experience food consumption growth by 2027. Saudi Arabia, which has the largest population in the council, accounted for more than half of the food consumption in the GCC in 2019. The volume of meat consumption in the council has remained relatively unchanged, but growth has been seen in other areas, namely cereals. 

Food self-sufficiency

 Due to economic and geopolitical concerns, countries in the GCC have set out food self-sufficiency targets. Although food production in the GCC has consistently increased over the years, and the net volume of food imports to the GCC recorded a slight drop, the region remains heavily dependent on imports. Countries in the council have invested in food production, especially in areas such as meat and dairy. Additionally, cereal products are expected to continue accounting for the leading share of food imports among member countries.