Jordan Food Industries Cover Over 62% of Local Market Needs, Reports JCI

Amman: Jordan's food, catering, agricultural, and livestock sectors are meeting more than 62% of local market demands, as revealed by a report from the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI). According to Jordan News Agency, the report, which was prepared by the JCI's Studies and Policies Department, highlighted that 70% of sales from Jordanian industrial companies are directed towards the local market. This underscores the sector's capability in maintaining domestic food security. The Kingdom has reportedly achieved self-sufficiency in several food products, including dairy products, meat, poultry, beverages, eggs, cheese, canned goods, and legumes. The report detailed the diverse range of sub-sectors within the food industry, such as dairy products, animal products, meat, spices, grains, pastries, bakery products, and various beverages. Additionally, it encompasses cocoa, sugar, chocolate, oriental desserts, confectionery, processed fruits and vegetables, juices, vinegar, and mineral water. Currently, there ar e 2,600 establishments operating in the food, catering, agricultural, and livestock sectors across Jordan, with a total capital of JD674 million, employing around 67,000 workers. The sector's annual production volume is JD4.5 billion, contributing 28% to the total output of the manufacturing industries, with an added value of JD1.8 billion. The report emphasized that each dinar spent within the food industries sector directly and indirectly contributes JD2.6 to the national economy, highlighting the sector's role in enhancing economic value. Jordan's food sector exports to 109 countries, with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Qatar, the United States, and Kuwait being the top importers. Furthermore, the sector holds untapped export opportunities valued at approximately $310 million, especially in processed and preserved food products, dairy, eggs, and honey. As part of the Economic Modernization Vision, there is a goal to increase the sector's GDP contribution to 2.9% by 2033, up from 1.5% in 2021. The vision al so aims to expand the workforce to 72,000 and raise exports to JD4.3 billion by 2033.