Europe Sesame Seeds Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2025 - 2032

Europe Sesame Seeds Market Size and Share Analysis

The Europe sesame seeds market is predicted to reach a value of US$ 521.8 Mn by 2025. It is anticipated to showcase a CAGR of 5.1% through 2032 to attain a size of US$ 719.3 Mn by 2032.

Growth in the industry is likely to be driven by increased interest in nutritious and shelf-stable foods and home baking. Organic sesame seeds are estimated to account for a share of 52.1% in 2025. Health benefits like antioxidants, vitamins, and plant-based proteins are significant drivers of growth. In 2023, about 65% of consumers in Europe purchased sesame seeds owing to their health benefits.

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Key Highlights of the Industry

• Growing use of sesame seeds in food processing and minimally processed forms like organic sesame align with current market trends for convenience and clean eating.
• Around 45% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced products, boosting the rise of sustainably produced sesame seeds in Europe.
• Innovations in packaging that extend shelf life while ensuring freshness of sesame seeds are estimated to further boost their demand in the premium segment.
• White sesame seeds are predicted to hold the largest share of 38.8% in 2025 owing to their versatile use in tahini, sesame oil, and various bakery applications.
• Companies are investing in certified organic sesame seeds to cater to the rising demand for health-conscious and eco-friendly products.
• Manufacturers are emphasizing sustainable farming practices and partnerships with smallholder farmers.
• In terms of category, the organic segment is estimated to witness a CAGR of 5.4% through 2032 as they are perceived to have high nutritional content.
• Greece is predicted to hold a share of 41.3% in 2025 owing to several unique food traditions in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.

Market Attributes	Key Insights
Europe Sesame Seeds Market Size (2025E)	US$ 521.8 Mn
Projected Market Value (2032F)	US$ 719.3 Mn
Europe Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2025 to 2032)	5.1%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	4.5%

Greece to Lead Amid Increasing Consumption of Tahini, Halva, and Pasteli

Greece is anticipated to hold a share of 41.3% in 2025 and witness a CAGR of 4.7% through 2032. This growth is attributed to its deep-rooted consumption of sesame-based products, like tahini, halva, and pasteli, which are staples in Greek cuisine. This high consumption, driven by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food traditions, results in Greece importing significant volumes of sesame. For instance,

• In 2023, Greece imported 36,000 tons of sesame seeds.

The country’s strong reliance on processed sesame products ensures consistent demand. Its stable demand and limited growth potential make it a key contributor to the Europe sesame seeds market. Greece’s diversified sourcing from countries like India, Ethiopia, Sudan, and others helps maintain a reliable sesame supply.

Rising Trend for Healthy Eating to Boost Demand for White Sesame Seeds

White sesame seeds are set to dominate the market with a share of 38.8% in 2025. This is attributed to their wide usage in staple products like tahini, sesame oil, and bakery items. Mild flavor and neutral appearance of white sesame make it highly versatile for processing and culinary applications, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Growing trend toward healthy eating has boosted demand for white sesame as a source of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and antioxidants. In contrast, black and brown sesame seeds, valued for their richer flavor profiles and higher nutritional content, remain niche products in the market. Their use is often limited to specialty and health-focused food products, which restricts their share?.

Surging Demand for Sustainably Sourced Products to Augment Sales of Organic Sesame

Organic sesame seeds are predicted to hold a share of 52.1% in 2025. Shift in consumer preference toward healthy and sustainable sourced products is increasing demand. For example,

• Germany is the most prominent importer of organic sesame seeds with the country’s imports ranging between 6,000 tons and 9,000 tons in 2023, surpassing other countries in Europe.

Countries like France and the Netherlands are witnessing growth in organic sesame adoption. As consumers in Europe increasingly prioritize organic and health-conscious products, the organic sesame segment is poised for expansion, providing significant opportunities to suppliers.

Booming Bakery Industry in Europe to Propel Demand in Food and Beverages

Food and beverages are anticipated to hold a share of 48% in 2025. Consumers are increasingly seeking superfoods. Sesame seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals, aligning with these preferences.

Europe’s bakery market, valued at over € 100 Bn, heavily incorporates sesame seeds in bread, rolls, and crackers. Rise of plant-based diets in Europe fueled demand for tahini and sesame oil in vegan and vegetarian products. The vegan population in Europe grew by 49% during the historical period, further augmenting growth.

Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

Europe sesame seeds market has been growing at a steady pace, owing to increased demand for nutritious and functional foods. Rising popularity of plant-based snacks and ethnic foods along with a preference for organic and sustainable products is likely to propel expansion.

The focus on quality and safety of import products is likely to augment growth throughout the forecast period.  Popularity of Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, along with increased consumption of products like tahini and sesame-based snacks fueled expansion.

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

The Europe sesame seeds market growth was steady at a CAGR of 4.5% during the historical period. Demand during this period was fueled by rising need for ethnic foods and healthier ingredients.

Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands emerged as the key consumers, with Greece leading due to its traditional use of sesame. The COVID-19 pandemic spiked interest in home cooking and baking. Stringent import regulations and rising production costs added pressure to suppliers. For example,

• In 2023, around 65% of purchases of sesame seeds were attributed to its nutritional properties as consumers were drawn to its health benefits.

In the forecast period, the market is predicted to continue rising at a moderate pace, owing to increasing demand for organic and sustainably sourced sesame. Companies in the Europe sesame seeds industry are focusing on quality control and certifications. Growth in the regional industry is estimated to be dependent on balancing quality, sustainability, and pricing to meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

Market Growth Drivers

Versatility in Traditional and Modern Applications to Spur Demand

Growing demand for ethnic foods continues to drive the sesame seeds industry in Europe. As consumers embrace flavors and dishes from Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Products like tahini, hummus, halva, and za’atar, which were once confined to niche ethnic food stores, are now widely available in mainstream supermarkets in Europe.

For instance, hummus, a staple Middle Eastern spread made with tahini, has become a household favorite, contributing to the demand for sesame seeds. Popularity of sushi, which uses sesame as a garnish and ingredient in many dishes, has further propelled sesame’s integration in European diets.

• Chains like Sushi Daily and shop-in-shop concepts like Eat Happy in Germany have played a pivotal role in popularizing sushi, indirectly boosting sesame consumption.

Europe sesame seeds remain a key ingredient in baked goods, cereals, and snacks, underscoring their versatility in various food applications. Although import volumes peaked at over 150,000 tons in 2021 before dipping to 126,000 tons in 2023, the long-term growth trajectory remains robust. European consumers’ rising appreciation for ethnic and fusion foods ensures that sesame seeds continue to play a central role in the region's food culture.

Increased Focus on Organic and Sustainable Products to Augment Demand

Growing demand for organic products in Europe is driving the sales in the regional sesame seed industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthy and sustainable options, leading to the popularity of organic Europe sesame seeds. Companies like Nungesser (Switzerland) and DO IT ORGANIC (Netherlands) are responding to this demand by offering certified organic sesame seeds that meet stringent EU regulations.

Supplier countries like Ethiopia have capitalized on their ability to produce high-quality organic sesame. Companies like Haitoglou Bros S.A. (Greece) and Pedon (Italy) are integrating organic sesame in value-added products like sesame paste and organic snack mixes. This shift underscores the importance of organic certification, traceability, and quality control for exporters.

Market Restraining Factors

Price Fluctuations and Compliance Challenges to Hamper Sales

Price volatility is a significant restraint in the Europe sesame seeds industry, with fluctuations of up to 30% annually. This instability is largely driven by supply and demand imbalances, as well as rising production and logistics costs. Stringent regulations, especially related to contamination issues like Salmonella and ethylene oxide, have added complexity to sourcing compliant sesame. For example,

• In 2023, the shortage of organic sesame led to a sharp increase in prices for certified organic varieties.
• Exporters like Haitoglou Bros S.A. in Greece face higher costs for processing, cleaning, and quality control, which impact their pricing strategies.
• Importers typically add a 15% to 25% margin to cover import costs and testing.

Both exporters and importers must hence balance quality, compliance, and competitive pricing in an unpredictable market, making it challenging to maintain stable profits. This volatility presents a challenge for long-term planning in the sesame supply chain.

Market Growth Opportunities

GAP and Quality Control to Create New Opportunities

One of the key opportunities in the Europe sesame seeds industry is the ability to turn food safety concerns into a competitive advantage. Importers in the region are increasingly focused on ensuring that sesame seeds meet stringent food safety standards. This focus is particularly attributed to the rising concerns about contamination issues like mold, Salmonella, and unauthorized residues like ethylene oxide. For example,

• India's past use of ethylene oxide has reduced trade with Europe owing to concerns over exceeding the EU's residue limits. This has created a market gap for suppliers who can ensure high-quality and compliant sesame seeds.

By adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including minimizing agrochemical use, utilizing microbiological sterilization, and performing pre-shipment testing, suppliers can position themselves as leaders in food safety. Companies like Sesame for Life in Zimbabwe, promotes sustainable farming by avoiding commercial fertilizers.

The industry is adopting practices that decrease contaminants and build consumer trust. This focus on sustainability and quality offers an opportunity for suppliers to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Companies to Capitalize on Greece’s High Demand for Sesame-based Products

Greece presents a significant opportunity in the Europe sesame seeds industry owing to its high and stable demand for sesame products. As the largest traditional consumer of sesame in the region, Greece's widespread use of sesame in products like tahini, halva, pasteli, and koulouri drives the country's imports. This established market provides exporters with a reliable target, especially for sesame processing. For example,

• Sesame seeds import of Greece reached nearly 36,000 tons in 2023.

With Greece sourcing sesame from diverse countries including India, Ethiopia, Sudan, and emerging suppliers, there is potential for businesses to tap into these extending supply channels. The country’s mature market ensures consistent demand, although exceptional growth might be limited.

Competitive Landscape for the Europe Sesame Seeds Market

The Europe sesame seeds industry is highly competitive, with prominent players vying for market share. Major multinational companies like Olam Nigeria Ltd. and ETG Holdings dominate the sector, with Olam being one of the largest exporters of sesame from Nigeria.

Companies in the market benefit from significant resources, extensive farmer training, and large-scale processing capabilities. Businesses like ARMCOM from Pakistan are focusing on high-quality standards and technological innovations, like CO2 treatment and color sorting, to reach premium markets.

Smaller but notable players like Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) from Uganda specialize in organic sesame sourcing and have built strong connections with clients in Europe through sustainable practices and high food safety standards. These companies highlight the increasing importance of quality, sustainability, and specialization, like organic certification, to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Leading Players in the Europe Sesame Seeds Market Include

• Dipasa Europe B.V. is a leading producer and distributor of sesame-based products and specialty seeds. The company is committed to maintaining the quality of its products while ensuring sustainability. The business caters to consumers across Europe with products like premium sesame oils, tahini, and innovative seed solutions.
• Haitoglou Bros S.A. is a Greece-based manufacturer renowned for producing premium sesame products like tahini and halva. The company combines traditional methods with modern technology while delivering high quality and nutritious products in global markets with an emphasis on Mediterranean flavors.

Europe Sesame Seeds Market Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2025 to 2032
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Billion for Value
Key Countries Covered	Germany U.K. France Italy Greece Netherlands Poland Rest of Europe
Key Market Segments Covered	Product Type Category Application Country
Key Companies Profiled in the Report	Olam Agri Holdings Pte Ltd Dipasa Europe B.V. Haitoglou Bros S.A. Unicorn Ingredients Limited JKT Foods Europe BV Tradin Organic Agriculture B.V. Wholefood Earth LTD.
Report Coverage	Market Forecast and Trends Company Share Analysis Competitive Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• White Sesame Seeds
• Black Sesame Seeds
• Brown Sesame Seeds
• Others

By Category

• Organic
• Conventional

By Application

• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals
• Personal Care

By Country

• Germany
• U.K.
• France
• Italy
• Greece
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Rest of Europe

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