KSA Grocery Delivery Market Outlook to 2030

KSA Grocery Delivery Market Overview

• The KSA Grocery Delivery market is valued at USD 1.3 billion, driven by growth in e-commerce and rising internet penetration. Consumers busy lifestyles, combined with an increased preference for online grocery shopping, have fueled this demand. Major grocery retailers and new delivery platforms are capitalizing on the need for quick, convenient access to essential goods.
• Riyadh and Jeddah dominate the market due to their dense populations and higher income levels, making these cities lucrative for grocery delivery platforms. Moreover, these cities are at the forefront of technological adoption, with a strong internet infrastructure and a consumer base ready to embrace digital solutions.
• As part of the Vision 2030 plan, the Saudi government is promoting the growth of the e-commerce sector by creating a favorable regulatory framework and investing in digital infrastructure. In 2024, the government support the development of e-commerce platforms, which has a direct impact on the grocery delivery market by improving digital payment systems, mobile application performance, and online customer engagement.

KSA Grocery Delivery Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The market is segmented by product type into fresh produce, packaged foods, beverages, household essentials, and frozen foods. Packaged foods have seen a dominant market share in this segment due to the convenience they offer to busy households. With ready-to-eat and long shelf-life products, consumers are opting for packaged foods that reduce cooking time and meal preparation. The urban workforce, with hectic schedules, contributes to the increasing demand for packaged food items, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

By Delivery Model: The market is further segmented by delivery model into on-demand delivery and scheduled delivery. On-demand delivery has a larger market share within this segment due to the increasing consumer demand for immediate access to groceries. The modern consumer seeks flexibility and quick service, with many platforms offering same-day or even within-the-hour delivery services. This is particularly relevant in urban centers like Jeddah and Riyadh, where customers are willing to pay a premium for faster delivery options, leading to the growth of this segment.

KSA Grocery Delivery Market Competitive Landscape

The market is dominated by a mix of local and international players, each investing heavily in technology, logistics, and customer experience to capture market share. The market is characterized by consolidation, with large players acquiring smaller startups to enhance delivery speed and geographic reach. Key players are also enhancing their platform capabilities by integrating AI-based recommendation systems and offering a seamless user experience across both mobile and web platforms.

KSA Grocery Delivery Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Smartphone Penetration: As of 2024, Saudi Arabia has over 49 million mobile connections, driven by high smartphone adoption rates. This penetration is a growth driver for the grocery delivery market, as most users place orders via mobile apps. The Kingdoms robust internet infrastructure and high-speed mobile data availability have facilitated faster and more efficient online transactions. With almost 99% of the population owning smartphones, the potential customer base for grocery delivery platforms is enormous, contributing to the market's growth.
• Government Focus on E-Commerce: Saudi Arabia has invested over $24.8 billion in digital infrastructure in recent years, with 5G coverage now reaching 77% of the country. High-speed mobile internet, at 215 Mbps, is driving the growth of online retail, including grocery delivery services. This robust digital transformation aligns with Vision 2030 and boosts e-commerce by enabling better connectivity and faster transactions across the Kingdom.
• Expanding Logistics Network: Saudi Arabia's logistics infrastructure is undergoing improvements, including the expansion of the road network and the establishment of more distribution centers. In 2024, the government invested in logistics projects, which are essential for ensuring timely grocery deliveries across the Kingdom. These projects focus on enhancing both urban and rural logistics capabilities, which will improve last-mile delivery efficiency and ensure groceries are delivered fresh and on time, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Market Challenges

• Limited Cold Chain Infrastructure: Cold chain logistics remain a critical challenge for grocery delivery companies in Saudi Arabia. As of 2024, only 35% of delivery fleets are equipped with refrigerated vehicles, making it difficult to deliver perishable goods such as fresh produce and dairy products. The lack of sufficient cold chain infrastructure leads to food spoilage and limits the type of products that can be efficiently delivered, particularly in extreme summer temperatures, which can reach up to 50C in some regions.
• Rising Fuel Costs: The fluctuating global oil prices directly affect the cost of running delivery fleets in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, the average cost of fuel for delivery vehicles increased, impacting the profitability of grocery delivery businesses. These rising fuel costs force companies to either absorb the additional expenses, which affects their profit margins, or pass on the costs to consumers through delivery fees, potentially reducing demand.

KSA Grocery Delivery Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the KSA Grocery Delivery industry is expected to witness robust growth, driven by increasing demand for digital services and continued urbanization. Advances in technology, such as AI and drone deliveries, are set to revolutionize the market further, making grocery delivery faster and more efficient. As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and time savings, the market will continue its upward trajectory, with new entrants and existing players vying for a share of the growing demand.

Future Market Opportunities

• Widespread Adoption of Autonomous Delivery Vehicles: Over the next five years, Saudi Arabia is expected to see a large-scale adoption of autonomous delivery vehicles for grocery deliveries. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy outlines plans to pilot self-driving delivery vehicles by 2025, with full deployment anticipated by 2028. These vehicles will reduce operational costs and delivery times, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Growth in Grocery Delivery in Rural Areas: In the coming years, grocery delivery services will expand significantly into rural areas. By 2028, it is estimated that delivery platforms will cover 90% of rural regions, driven by improvements in logistics infrastructure and government-led initiatives to connect rural areas with better road networks. This expansion will provide access to fresh produce and other essential goods, increasing the market reach of grocery delivery companies.