KSA stevia market size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Stevia Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Stevia Market is valued at USD 15 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for natural sweeteners as consumers become more health-conscious and seek alternatives to sugar. The rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the region has further accelerated the shift towards low-calorie sweeteners like stevia. The market’s expansion is supported by government initiatives promoting sugar reduction and the adoption of natural ingredients in food and beverage manufacturing, as well as the growing popularity of clean-label products among Saudi consumers .
• Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their large populations and significant consumer bases. These urban centers are also home to numerous food and beverage manufacturers, which are increasingly incorporating stevia into their products to cater to the growing health-conscious demographic. The rapidly expanding food and beverage industry in these cities continues to integrate stevia into product lines, benefiting from cost-effective production and raw material availability .
• In 2023, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) implemented the “Regulation of Food Additives, 2023” issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. This regulation mandates stringent testing, safety evaluation, and labeling requirements for stevia-based products, ensuring compliance with international standards and enhancing consumer trust in natural sweeteners. The regulation covers permissible additive levels, product registration, and ongoing monitoring of stevia-containing products in the Saudi market .

Saudi Arabia Stevia Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types of stevia products, including powdered stevia, liquid stevia, stevia blends, whole leaf stevia, and tablet stevia. Among these, powdered stevia remains the most popular due to its versatility and ease of use in baking, cooking, and packaged foods. Liquid stevia is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the beverage industry, driven by its solubility and convenience for manufacturers reformulating drinks to meet sugar-reduction targets. The demand for stevia blends is increasing as manufacturers seek to combine stevia with other sweeteners to optimize taste and functionality in processed foods .

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes the food industry, beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, tabletop sweeteners, and others. The food industry is the largest consumer of stevia, utilizing it in a wide range of products from baked goods to sauces, reflecting the strong demand for natural sugar alternatives in packaged and processed foods. The beverage industry follows closely, with many companies reformulating their drinks to include stevia in response to sugar taxation policies and consumer health campaigns. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries are increasingly adopting stevia for its health benefits, particularly in products aimed at diabetic and weight-conscious consumers .

Saudi Arabia Stevia Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Stevia Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as PureCircle (a part of Ingredion Incorporated), Cargill, Incorporated, Tate & Lyle PLC, GLG Life Tech Corporation, Sunwin Stevia International, Inc., Sweet Green Fields (a part of Tate & Lyle), Ingredion Incorporated, Merisant Company (Whole Earth Brands), Stevia Corp, Biolotus Technology, Evolva Holding SA, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo Inc., Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., Zydus Wellness Ltd. contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Stevia Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Health Consciousness:The Saudi population is increasingly prioritizing health, with 65% of adults actively seeking healthier food options. This trend is supported by the Saudi Ministry of Health's initiatives promoting balanced diets. The rise in lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes, has led to a surge in demand for natural sweeteners like stevia, which is perceived as a healthier alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners, driving market growth significantly.
• Government Support for Natural Sweeteners:The Saudi government has implemented policies to encourage the use of natural sweeteners, including stevia, as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. This includes financial incentives for local farmers to cultivate stevia, with a reported increase of 30% in stevia cultivation areas in the future. Such support is crucial in fostering a sustainable market environment and enhancing local production capabilities.
• Rising Demand for Low-Calorie Products:The demand for low-calorie products in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach 1.8 million tons in the future, driven by changing consumer preferences. This shift is evident in the food and beverage sector, where companies are increasingly reformulating products to include stevia as a natural sweetener. The growing awareness of obesity and related health issues is propelling this trend, creating a favorable market landscape for stevia.

Market Challenges

• Limited Consumer Awareness:Despite the benefits of stevia, consumer awareness remains low, with only 35% of the population familiar with its advantages. This lack of knowledge hampers market penetration and growth. Educational campaigns are essential to inform consumers about stevia's health benefits and applications in various food products, which could significantly enhance market acceptance and demand.
• High Production Costs:The production costs for stevia remain high, primarily due to the need for specialized agricultural practices and processing techniques. Current estimates indicate that production costs are approximately 25% higher than those for traditional sweeteners. This financial barrier limits the competitiveness of stevia in the market, making it challenging for producers to offer competitive pricing against established sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Saudi Arabia Stevia Market Future Outlook

The future of the Saudi Arabia stevia market appears promising, driven by increasing health awareness and government initiatives supporting natural sweeteners. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier options, the demand for stevia is expected to rise. Innovations in product formulations and the expansion of e-commerce platforms will further enhance market accessibility. Additionally, collaborations between stevia producers and food manufacturers are likely to create new product lines, catering to the evolving tastes of health-conscious consumers.

Market Opportunities

• Growing Organic Food Market:The organic food market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $1.2 billion in the future, presenting a significant opportunity for stevia producers. As consumers increasingly seek organic certifications, integrating stevia into organic products can enhance market appeal and drive sales, aligning with the growing trend towards healthier, sustainable food choices.
• Innovations in Stevia Products:There is a notable opportunity for innovation in stevia-based products, including ready-to-drink beverages and baked goods. With the global trend towards functional foods, developing new stevia formulations that cater to specific dietary needs can attract a broader consumer base, potentially increasing market share and profitability for producers.