Sesame Seed Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Raw, Processed, Others), By Category (Organic, Conventional), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The sesame seed market is anticipated to show steady growth during the forecast period.

Sesame, among the earliest oil crops consumed by humans, holds widespread cultivation owing to its mild flavor and high nutritional value, making it a popular dietary choice. Sesame seeds, rich in protein and lipids, offer numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, cholesterol reduction, blood lipid regulation, liver and kidney protection, cardiovascular system support, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-tumor properties, contributing significantly to human well-being. The aqueous extract of sesame has demonstrated safety for animals. As a versatile food with medicinal properties, sesame finds applications in various aspects of daily life, including food, feed, and cosmetics. Sesame oil, primarily utilized in bakeries, encapsulates essential nutrients like protein, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, and zinc. Sesame seeds are available in diverse forms such as seeds, milk, oil, capsules, powder, and paste.

Market Drivers

• The rising popularity of sesame seeds is a health-conscious choice.

Globally, sesame seeds emerged as an excellent source of essential nutrients, prominently providing manganese and copper, along with notable amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, and dietary fiber. Traditionally consumed for centuries, sesame plays a vital role in various culinary practices. The surge in interest in healthy and vegan diets has contributed to an increased demand for sesame in recent years, a trend expected to persist. Currently, Greece and Germany stand out as the largest markets for sesame in Europe, with several other countries displaying varying consumption levels. However, as consumer awareness of health-conscious choices grows, the demand for sesame is anticipated to rise globally.

• Growing demand for ethnic food

The popularity of sesame-based food products, inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, has experienced rapid growth in Europe in recent years. Items such as sesame paste, sweets, and spices featuring sesame, once exclusive to ethnic food stores, are now widely available. Additionally, the influence of Asian cuisine, particularly the use of sesame in sushi, has found its way into European culinary trends. In the United States, a nation characterized by its diverse immigrant population, the culinary landscape is undergoing a notable transformation. The influx of various cuisines from around the world is diversifying the American food scene, leading to an increased demand for sesame seeds, especially in the context of ethnic foods.

Market Challenges

• Production challenges

The cultivation of sesame seeds presents inherent challenges due to its labour-intensive nature, impacting the ability to meet rising demand. The sesame plant, an erect annual reaching a height of 20 to 60 inches, faces variations based on the variety and growing conditions. Some strains display high branching, while others remain relatively unbranched. Thriving in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral pH, the plant has limited salt tolerance. While commercially produced sesame cultivars are generally non-shattering, some seed loss may still occur before or during harvesting. Successful mechanical harvesting is achieved with varieties featuring minimal branching and a height from the soil surface to the first seed pod of approximately 12 inches. These production challenges are intrinsically linked to sesame farming practices.

The sesame seed market by category is segmented into organic and conventional

The sesame seed market by category is segmented into organic and conventional. Organic which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Another is grown using conventional agricultural practices, which may include the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers which are more readily available and often cheaper than organic sesame seeds.

APAC is anticipated to hold a significant share of the sesame seed market.

APAC will hold a notable place in the sesame seeds market. In 2021, India emerged as a major player in sesame seed exports, contributing significantly with a total of $425M. On the other side, China took the lead among sesame seed importers, accounting for $1.26B in 2018. Notably, China plays a dual role in the market as both an importer and an exporter. The reason behind this is the necessity for China to import oil-grade sesame, even as it continues to export food-grade sesame. This unique dynamic underscores the strategic importance of China in the global sesame seed trade.

Market Developments

• May 2021- Equinom, a pioneering plant-based nutrition company specializing in the creation of superior quality ingredients for innovative plant-based foods through the development of non-GMO varieties of novel grains, has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Dipasa. Dipasa, a prominent player in the global sesame seed processing and export industry, is joining forces with Equinom to introduce an unprecedented variety of protein-rich sesame seeds along with a unique functional ingredient, marking a significant milestone in the realm of plant-based foods. This partnership unites two industry powerhouses with the shared goal of developing and bringing to market this high-protein sesame seed and its associated functional ingredient, poised to reshape the future landscape of plant-based food offering
• January 2023- Sesame has recently been included among the eight major food allergens designated by federal law, joining the ranks of milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. However, the implementation of new labelling laws has had unintended consequences. The stringent requirements have proven to be challenging for many manufacturers, particularly those in the baking industry. In response, some manufacturers are opting for a simpler and more cost-effective approach,  adding sesame to their products and appropriately labelling them. This workaround allows manufacturers to comply with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) labeling requirements by intentionally introducing sesame into products that were previously sesame-free. Consequently, this has led to an increase in the prevalence of sesame in various food items, as manufacturers navigate the regulatory landscape while adapting to the new labeling standards.

Company Products

• Olam Agri -  They have in-house product testing programs and the presence of an Aflatoxin testing factory in Africa. These rigorous protocols provide their customers with confidence in the integrity of their offerings. Their production encompasses natural sesame for oil crushing, sortex (pressed, steamed, and dried) sesame powder, and hulled sesame tailored for commercial baking and condiments. For hulled or edible-grade sesame utilized in kitchens and bakeries, they have established mechanized processing plants.
• Dipasa sesame seeds - Dipasa serves as a one-stop destination for both conventional and organic sesame needs. With a commitment to scale and reliability, Dipasa ensures a seamless supply chain for sesame enthusiasts worldwide. Their extensive range of conventional and organically grown sesame seeds guarantees maximum flavor without compromising nutritional value. Sesame seeds, available in various colors ranging from cream-white to charcoal-black, cater to diverse culinary preferences. Dipasa's offerings, including natural, black, hulled, and blended seeds, provide a myriad of delicious possibilities for culinary exploration.
• Accura Group (sesame seeds) - Accura Group, a provider of diverse agricultural products, proudly offers a range of high-quality commodities, including sesame seeds. Such as Amaranth, with its broad leaves and large flower heads yielding protein-rich seeds, is yet another offering from the Accura Group. This diverse range of agricultural products showcases Accura Group's commitment to delivering quality and varied commodities to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

Market Segmentation

• By Type
  • Raw
  • Processed
  • Others
• By Category
  • Organic
  • Conventional
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others