Riyadh: The market for sweets and chocolates is witnessing active growth, fueled 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.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), the Kingdom's chocolate imports exceeded 123 million kilograms in 2024, reflecting the growing demand for these products.
The authority stated that the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkiye are among the main countries from which the Kingdom imports chocolate, helping to provide a variety of options that meet consumer expectations.
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 SAR30 to SAR150 per kilogram, covering a variety of products such as colorful flavored 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 SAR300 per kilogram.