RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in reducing food waste and loss, according to recent data released by the General Food Security Authority. The national food waste index fell to 15.8 percent in 2025, a notable decrease from 18.9 percent recorded in 2019. This improvement signals growing efficiency in the Kingdom’s food systems, from agricultural production through consumer habits.
The authority’s report also indicated a reduction in food loss, dropping to 12.1 percent in 2025 compared to 14.2 percent in 2019. These figures encompass the entire supply chain, including post-harvest handling, storage, transportation, and ultimately, consumption patterns within Saudi households. The data highlights a concerted effort to improve resource management and bolster national food security.
Progress in Reducing Food Waste in Saudi Arabia
The decline in both food waste and loss is attributed to a combination of policy initiatives and increased awareness campaigns. According to the report, the average Saudi resident generates approximately 155 kilograms of food loss and waste annually, broken down into 67.2 kilograms of loss and 87.8 kilograms of waste. This per capita figure underscores the scale of the challenge, but also the potential impact of ongoing improvements.
Factors Contributing to the Reduction
Several factors are believed to have contributed to these positive trends. Investments in modern storage facilities and transportation infrastructure have minimized post-harvest losses, particularly for perishable goods. Additionally, public education programs have focused on responsible consumption habits, encouraging households to plan meals, store food properly, and reduce plate waste.
Meanwhile, the Saudi government has been actively promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These include techniques to improve crop yields, reduce water usage, and minimize the use of pesticides, all of which contribute to a more resilient and efficient food system. These efforts align with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals for environmental sustainability.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Reducing food loss and food waste offers substantial economic and environmental benefits. Minimizing waste translates to increased efficiency in resource utilization, lowering costs for both producers and consumers. It also reduces the environmental impact associated with food production, including greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
However, the issue of food security extends beyond simply reducing waste. It also involves ensuring access to affordable and nutritious food for all citizens. The authority’s report suggests that these improvements in efficiency are contributing to more stable food markets and a more reliable food supply, particularly important in a region facing climate change challenges.
In contrast to global trends where food waste continues to rise in many nations, Saudi Arabia’s progress demonstrates a commitment to addressing this critical issue. The Kingdom’s proactive approach includes collaboration with international organizations and the adoption of best practices in food management.
The report indicates that the decline in these indicators reflects a genuine improvement in food management practices throughout the entire production and consumption cycle. This is a significant achievement, particularly given the rapid population growth and increasing demand for food in the region. The focus on optimizing the entire supply chain is proving effective.
The General Food Security Authority emphasized that continued corrective policies and enhanced food resource management efficiency are crucial to sustaining this momentum. Further investments in infrastructure, technology, and education will be necessary to achieve even greater reductions in food waste and loss.
Looking ahead, the authority plans to conduct a comprehensive review of existing policies and identify areas for further improvement by the end of 2026. This review will likely focus on strengthening collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The long-term success of these efforts will depend on continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation to changing circumstances.
