Saudi Arabia Launches Program to Boost Domestic Coffee Production

Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has unveiled its first sub-program aimed at developing the country’s coffee sector, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The initiative targets growth in production, manufacturing, and marketing of Saudi coffee, seeking to strengthen local supply and support the national economy.

The program aims to increase annual coffee production from 800 tonnes to 7,000 tonnes and raise self-sufficiency from 0.5 percent to 4.4 percent by the end of the year. Officials said the move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes food security and economic diversification.

Majed Al-Buraikan, spokesperson for Saudi Reef, said the coffee development program is designed to integrate Saudi coffee into the country’s agricultural crop structure as a strategic cash crop. “This initiative will expand the sector’s production base, reduce dependence on imports, and increase value through diversified processing and marketing,” he said.

The program also focuses on improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers. By supporting production areas and the broader value chain, it aims to create employment opportunities for young people and raise incomes for farming communities.

Saudi Reef currently supports eight agricultural segments, each contributing to food security, crop diversification, and the economic resilience of rural households. Coffee has been identified as a key growth area given its cultural significance and export potential.

The initiative reflects growing interest in specialty coffee markets and the government’s commitment to developing local industries that strengthen the agricultural economy. By enhancing domestic production, the program seeks to provide a stable supply for local consumption and open opportunities for Saudi coffee in international markets.

The collaboration with the UN’s FAO is expected to bring technical expertise, training, and international best practices to ensure the program meets its ambitious production and quality goals.

Officials emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize agriculture, increase productivity, and support sustainable practices in rural areas. Saudi Reef continues to work with farmers, producers, and rural communities to implement programs that strengthen local economies and improve food self-sufficiency.

The coffee development program is set to become a cornerstone of Saudi Reef’s efforts to diversify the agricultural sector, create jobs, and enhance the value chain from farm to market. By scaling up production and improving marketing, Saudi authorities hope to position Saudi coffee as both a domestic staple and an internationally recognized product.