Amman: Jordan’s food industry is playing a crucial role in meeting the Kingdom’s local needs, covering approximately 62% of the domestic market, according to Mohammad Jitan, the representative of the food, supply, and livestock industries sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI). The industry boasts production capacities amounting to JD5 billion annually.
According to Jordan News Agency, over 66,000 workers, predominantly Jordanians, are employed daily across 2,600 establishments within the Kingdom. These establishments, with a registered capital of $950 million, manufacture a wide range of food commodities, contributing significantly to the local market and achieving exports valued at JD823 million last year.
The food industry accounts for 28% of Jordan’s manufacturing output and has been one of the fastest-growing industrial sectors over the past five years, bolstered by the support of His Majesty King Abdullah II to advance the Kingdom’s food security and self-sufficiency ambitions. Jitan emphasized the industry’s role as a strong pillar of Jordan’s food security, capable of addressing exceptional circumstances and fulfilling the country’s requirements for essential and strategic food commodities.
Jitan highlighted that the sector has achieved self-sufficiency in various goods, including dairy products, cheese, poultry meat, table eggs, soft drinks, water, canned legumes, and desserts. He noted that every Jordanian dinar invested in the food industries sector, which has an investment volume of JD2 billion, contributes JD2.55 directly or indirectly to the national economy due to its extensive connections with sub-economic sectors.
As JCI Vice President, Jitan also pointed out that Jordan’s food industry exports reach 115 global markets, with a significant portion destined for Arab and Gulf countries. The sector contributes 6% to the gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, Jitan identified untapped export opportunities worth approximately JD1.4 billion, with Middle Eastern countries representing the largest potential markets, accounting for 70% of the total export volume.