Jordan’s Food Industry Meets 62% of Local Market Needs: JCI

Amman: Vice President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) and food industry sector representative, Mohammad Walid Jitan, has announced that locally manufactured food products satisfy over 62% of Jordan's domestic market needs, establishing it as a fundamental component of the nation's food security framework. According to Jordan News Agency, Jitan emphasized that 70% of sales from companies in the food industry are directed towards meeting local consumer demands, ensuring a steady supply of safe food products. Jitan highlighted the sector's production capabilities, which help reduce dependency on imports and bolster market resilience during crises concerning food availability and pricing. He asserted that during challenging times, the sector has demonstrated its ability to maintain uninterrupted production, benefiting from adaptable local production chains capable of meeting demand and reinforcing strategic food reserves. He further commented on the pivotal role of the food processing industry in enha ncing national food security by forming an efficient local production base, which caters to a substantial portion of the population's needs. The annual production within the sector is reported to reach approximately JD4.5 billion, accounting for 28% of the total production in manufacturing industries. Jitan identified the sector as a key strategic player due to its role in converting agricultural and livestock products into value-added food items, thereby extending their shelf life and reducing food wastage. This transformation is crucial for achieving sustainable food supplies, improving food value chain efficiency, and strengthening the national food security system. The food industry stands as one of Jordan's largest industrial sectors, comprising 2,600 industrial entities, employing over 66,000 workers, and possessing a registered capital of approximately JD674 million. Jitan noted that every dinar invested in the food industry generates JD2.6 in direct and indirect economic activity, marking the highes t multiplier effect among various economic sectors. He also remarked on the notable growth in food industry exports, which have more than doubled from JD458 million in 2021 to nearly JD926 million in 2025, indicating the rising competitiveness of Jordanian food products on the global stage. The sector's exports have reached 114 countries, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 23% of total exports, followed by Iraq at 19%, the United Arab Emirates at 11%, the United States at 6%, and Qatar at 4%.