Halawa and Tahini Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Pure halawa, pure tahini, flavored halawa, flavored tahini), By Application (Food & beverages, snacks, Mediterranean cuisine), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Halawa and Tahini Market Overview

The Halawa and Tahini Market size was valued at USD 1.45 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.01 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.17% from 2025 to 2033.

The global halawa and tahini market has shown consistent expansion due to rising consumer demand for sesame-based products. In 2024, over 1.7 million metric tons of sesame seeds were allocated to tahini and halawa production globally. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, accounts for 62% of this total usage, while halawa (a sweet confection typically made with tahini and sugar) makes up 38%. The Middle East and North Africa region consumes approximately 520,000 metric tons of tahini annually, with Egypt and Lebanon being two of the highest-consuming countries. In contrast, the European market consumed 215,000 metric tons of halawa and tahini products in 2024, reflecting growing multicultural adoption of Middle Eastern cuisine. Industrial tahini production facilities average 4,800 liters per batch, with top manufacturers operating 7 to 12 large-scale mixers per facility. Globally, there are over 1,200 registered tahini manufacturers, including small-scale and artisanal operations. Halawa production is led by just over 800 commercial producers, with leading brands delivering approximately 22,000 tons of product per year. With increasing demand for plant-based nutrition and sugar alternatives, the halawa and tahini market has gained significant traction among health-conscious and vegan consumers.

Key Findings

Driver: The dominant market driver is growing global demand for plant-based, protein-rich foods—tahini contains approximately 17 grams of protein per 100 grams, fueling increased health-sector interest.

Country/Region: Egypt leads globally in tahini consumption, accounting for more than 24% of global intake, while Lebanon leads in per capita halawa consumption at 8.2 kilograms annually.

Segment: Pure tahini remains the most consumed segment, comprising 41% of total market volume, followed by flavored halawa at 27%.

Halawa and Tahini Market Trends

The halawa and tahini market is being shaped by several emerging trends, including the shift toward organic production, the rise of flavored and fortified variants, the expansion of global ethnic food markets, and increasing demand for clean-label ingredients. In 2024, over 36% of tahini products sold globally were labeled organic or non-GMO certified, a significant increase from 22% in 2021. This trend has pushed manufacturers to source organic sesame seeds from certified farms, particularly in Ethiopia, India, and Sudan, which collectively produced 680,000 metric tons of sesame seeds in 2023 alone. Flavored and value-added products are gaining market share. In 2024, flavored tahini accounted for 18% of global sales, with varieties such as garlic tahini, chocolate tahini, and turmeric tahini experiencing notable growth. Similarly, flavored halawa products—such as pistachio, chocolate swirl, and vanilla—made up 27% of halawa volume sold in retail stores, up from 19% in 2022. Innovations like halawa bars and tahini-based spreads have emerged in 12 new product lines from top manufacturers in the past year.

The ethnic and Mediterranean cuisine trend continues to penetrate Western markets. In 2024, North American demand for tahini increased by 11.4% in volume compared to 2023, with tahini used in over 22 million meal servings across foodservice channels. This includes hummus, dressings, sauces, and bakery fillings. In Europe, tahini is now used as a standard ingredient in over 16% of vegetarian ready meals. Furthermore, halawa has found shelf space in over 18,500 supermarket locations in the European Union, up from 14,200 in 2020. Clean-label and allergen-free preferences have pushed companies to reformulate their tahini and halawa products. By 2024, over 72% of tahini products marketed in Western Europe featured clean-label claims, with zero added preservatives, stabilizers, or emulsifiers. Gluten-free halawa options now represent 12% of total stock-keeping units (SKUs) in global e-commerce channels. Another trend shaping the halawa and tahini market is the growth in single-serve packaging. In 2024, single-serve tahini sachets and halawa snack bars accounted for 15% of total packaged sales, with 120 million units sold globally. This trend aligns with growing on-the-go snacking behavior among millennials and health-conscious consumers. Lastly, sustainability and eco-conscious packaging are becoming important purchase drivers. Over 28% of tahini manufacturers have transitioned to recyclable PET or biodegradable packaging in 2024, up from 9% in 2021. Halawa products are also increasingly sold in reusable glass jars or paper-based trays. This change was driven by both government regulation and consumer preference, especially in Western markets, where over 62% of shoppers indicated a willingness to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.

Halawa and Tahini Market Dynamics

DRIVER

"Rising demand for plant-based nutrition"

The primary driver fueling the halawa and tahini market is the increasing consumer preference for plant-based, nutrient-dense food products. Tahini, made entirely from sesame seeds, contains approximately 17 grams of protein, 57 grams of healthy fats, and 9 grams of fiber per 100 grams. This makes it a preferred choice for vegetarians and vegans. In 2024, nearly 48% of new tahini consumers cited “plant-based diet” as their reason for purchasing. Additionally, tahini and halawa are rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, providing 426 mg of calcium and 6.4 mg of iron per 100 grams, which supports demand from health-focused demographics. In Germany alone, demand for vegan halawa grew by 19% year-over-year, while the U.S. reported sales of over 62 million units of tahini in 2024. Health-centric product positioning has become essential for brands competing in urban and wellness-oriented markets.

RESTRAINT

"Shelf life and storage limitations"

One of the most significant restraints in the halawa and tahini market is the relatively short shelf life of these products, especially those with no preservatives. Traditional tahini has a shelf life of approximately 12 months under ambient storage, but flavored and organic versions without additives may degrade in 6 to 8 months. Halawa, particularly those containing nuts or chocolate, is susceptible to oxidation and sugar crystallization after 9 to 10 months. In 2023, over 4,500 tons of halawa were discarded in retail supply chains across Europe due to expiration or spoilage issues. Cold-chain storage for exports adds 12–15% to logistical costs, creating barriers for small-scale producers and exporters. This shelf-life issue impacts emerging market penetration and distribution strategies.

OPPORTUNITY

"Product diversification and functional innovations"

The halawa and tahini market presents significant opportunities through innovation in product formats and nutritional enhancements. Functional tahini products fortified with omega-3, probiotics, and added protein emerged in 16 new SKUs in 2024. Companies are increasingly targeting niche audiences like athletes, children, and diabetic consumers. Halawa with no added sugar, enriched with date paste or stevia, saw a 23% rise in supermarket shelf presence across the UAE, UK, and Canada. Protein-enriched tahini spreads now make up 11% of online tahini purchases globally. Ready-to-eat dessert cups combining halawa and nuts or tahini and fruit puree are growing in convenience markets, with 7.2 million units sold across North America and Europe in 2024. These developments provide strong prospects for market expansion beyond traditional Middle Eastern communities.

CHALLENGE

"Fluctuating sesame seed prices and supply constraints"

The biggest challenge for halawa and tahini producers is the volatility in sesame seed prices and supply chain interruptions. In 2024, average global sesame seed prices increased by 14.7% due to reduced harvests in Sudan and India, which collectively account for over 48% of global sesame exports. Drought conditions in Africa impacted 220,000 hectares of sesame farmland. These fluctuations led to a 9% cost increase in tahini production and over 7% in halawa production globally. Moreover, many small manufacturers rely on a single sourcing region, making them vulnerable to geopolitical risks. In 2024, shipping delays from East Africa to European ports increased average lead times by 17 days, impacting seasonal demand cycles. Companies must now diversify sourcing and invest in supply chain resilience to manage raw material challenges.

Halawa and Tahini Market Segmentation

The halawa and tahini market is segmented by both type and application, each playing a unique role in shaping global consumption patterns.

By Type

• Pure Halawa: Pure halawa, made primarily from sesame paste and sugar, continues to hold a dominant position in traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean households. In 2024, over 410,000 metric tons of pure halawa were produced globally. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon collectively contributed more than 65% of this production. Pure halawa accounts for approximately 58% of total halawa consumption across the Levant and North Africa. Its shelf life ranges from 9 to 12 months, making it a staple in long-term pantry stocking. Due to cultural and religious importance, halal-certified pure halawa now makes up 82% of this category's output.
• Pure Tahini: Pure tahini, consisting of 100% ground sesame seeds, is consumed heavily in both household and foodservice formats. In 2023–2024, nearly 520,000 metric tons of pure tahini were sold globally. Turkey remains the leading producer, accounting for 29% of global output, followed by Israel and Syria. Pure tahini is a preferred base ingredient for hummus, baba ghanoush, and tahini sauces. Over 42% of tahini in Europe is now labeled organic, reflecting growing consumer preferences for clean-label, additive-free products.
• Flavored Halawa: Flavored halawa has grown into a mainstream consumer category, especially in Western markets. Chocolate halawa is the most prominent sub-segment, representing 47% of flavored halawa sales. In 2024, over 18.5 million units of chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, and coffee-flavored halawa were sold across North America and Europe. Convenience-oriented packaging such as snack bars and mini-bites contributed to a 32% increase in flavored halawa retail sales compared to 2023.
• Flavored Tahini: Flavored tahini includes variants such as honey-infused, garlic, lemon-herb, spicy chili, and cocoa blends. These products are gaining popularity in gourmet and health-conscious markets. Flavored tahini accounted for 26% of all tahini sold in specialty food channels in 2024. In the U.S., honey-tahini spreads saw a year-over-year increase of 22% in grocery outlets, while spicy variants became popular in the U.K. and Korea. More than 140 new flavored tahini SKUs were launched worldwide during the last 18 months.

By Application

• Food & Beverages: Tahini and halawa have deep roots in the food and beverage sector. Tahini is used as a core ingredient in over 22,000 foodservice establishments globally, including restaurants and cafes. In 2024, it was incorporated into 31% of hummus products, 27% of salad dressings, and 12% of dessert sauces. Halawa, on the other hand, was featured in breakfast spreads and sweet pastries in more than 18,000 retail bakery chains worldwide. The integration of tahini into smoothies and protein shakes also led to 17% growth in beverage usage.
• Snacks: Snackification of halawa and tahini is one of the fastest-growing trends. More than 33 million units of halawa-based energy bars, tahini cookies, and portable squeeze packs were sold in 2024. Mini halawa cubes, each weighing between 25g to 50g, became extremely popular in school and office lunchboxes across Europe and the Middle East. In Asia-Pacific, sesame-snack sticks dipped in tahini were introduced in over 9,000 convenience stores, resulting in a 24% spike in impulse purchases.
• Mediterranean Cuisine: Halawa and tahini remain iconic ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine, used in both traditional and fusion dishes. Over 87% of households in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan use tahini weekly for home-cooked meals. Halawa is a preferred dessert in 70% of Mediterranean restaurant menus across Turkey and Greece. In 2024, Mediterranean restaurants outside the region—especially in the U.S. and Germany—saw a 39% increase in orders for dishes containing tahini or halawa. This trend is fueling demand for bulk formats and foodservice packaging.

Halawa and Tahini Market Regional Outlook

• North America

the halawa and tahini market has shown strong growth driven by the rise in Mediterranean cuisine and plant-based dietary preferences. The United States alone accounted for the consumption of over 85,000 metric tons of tahini in 2024, with demand expanding in urban centers like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Retailers in Canada reported a 31% increase in shelf space allocated to halawa products, especially among ethnic and gourmet sections. More than 7,600 stores now stock flavored tahini jars, indicating robust retail penetration. The region’s increasing immigrant population and interest in global cuisine have accelerated the popularity of halawa and tahini, particularly among health-conscious consumers.

• Europe

the market is driven by high demand from countries with large Middle Eastern and North African communities, such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 2024, Europe imported over 230,000 metric tons of tahini and halawa, with Germany contributing 62,000 metric tons alone. European food processors have integrated tahini into over 2,500 product SKUs ranging from dips to sauces and even baked goods. Halawa, especially pistachio-flavored varieties, is now featured in 14% of new dessert products in Greece and Turkey. The EU’s focus on clean-label ingredients has also favored tahini due to its short ingredient list.

• Asia-Pacific

region has become a critical emerging market, particularly in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Japan imported 12,300 metric tons of tahini in 2024, a 22% increase from the previous year. South Korea’s interest in global snacks has resulted in the launch of over 180 halawa-based items in convenience stores nationwide. In Australia, tahini is used in smoothies and spreads, and sales rose by 19% year-over-year. Australia’s two largest supermarket chains now offer over 60 different halawa and tahini products, covering organic, flavored, and premium categories.

• Middle East and Africa

the market continues to lead in both production and consumption. Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Israel collectively produced over 420,000 metric tons of tahini and halawa in 2024. Lebanon exported 68,000 metric tons of halawa to Gulf countries, while Saudi Arabia consumed 41,000 metric tons domestically. The region holds cultural significance for both products, with 95% of households in Jordan and Palestine consuming tahini regularly. In Africa, the market is growing in North African nations such as Morocco and Tunisia, where local production of halawa now exceeds 38,000 metric tons annually.

List Of Halawa and Tahini Companies

• Al Wadi Al Akhdar (Lebanon)
• Mighty Sesame Co. (USA/Israel)
• Prince Tahina Ltd. (Israel)
• Haitoglou Family Foods (Greece)
• Halwani Bros (Saudi Arabia)
• Carwari International Pty Ltd (Australia)
• Dipasa USA Inc. (USA)
• Al-Kanater (Lebanon)
• Bsat (Lebanon)
• Al-Nakhil Co. (Lebanon)

Halwani Bros (Saudi Arabia): Halwani Bros is one of the largest producers in the region, with an annual production volume exceeding 92,000 metric tons of tahini and halawa in 2024. The company operates advanced production facilities in Jeddah and Cairo, distributing to over 38 countries. It holds over 19% of the total market share in the Middle East. Halwani Bros expanded its flavored halawa range in 2024, launching 12 new SKUs with nuts, chocolate, and honey infusions.

Haitoglou Family Foods (Greece): Haitoglou is a key player in Europe and is regarded as the largest sesame processor in the continent, with an annual grinding capacity of over 280,000 metric tons of sesame seeds. In 2024, the company shipped 38,000 metric tons of tahini products across Europe and North America. It offers both pure and flavored tahini options and has a presence in over 40 countries. Haitoglou’s brands are especially dominant in Germany and France, where they occupy 22% of shelf space in Mediterranean food categories.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The halawa and tahini market is experiencing a notable increase in investor interest due to the rising demand for ethnic and health-oriented foods. In 2024, more than $160 million was invested in tahini and halawa manufacturing facilities across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. New manufacturing plants were established in Texas, USA, with a production capacity exceeding 18,000 metric tons annually, and in Marseille, France, with a goal to produce 12,000 metric tons of tahini per year for EU distribution. Private equity groups and food conglomerates are increasingly looking at sesame-based product manufacturers as lucrative acquisition targets. In the past 12 months, over 9 merger and acquisition (M&A) deals have been reported in the tahini and halawa space, with average deal values ranging from $6 million to $25 million. Investors are particularly drawn to producers with organic certifications, international distribution networks, and diversified product lines that include flavored and functional tahini spreads. Furthermore, the market is seeing strong capital inflows into packaging and automation. In 2024, approximately $48 million was allocated globally toward modernizing tahini production lines with smart filling machines and nitrogen-sealed packaging solutions. These upgrades improved production throughput by 17% and extended product shelf life by an average of 3 months, directly impacting exports to high-regulation countries like Germany and Japan. Digital marketing and e-commerce logistics are also attracting investment. More than 280 tahini and halawa brands worldwide now sell directly through digital platforms, and logistics upgrades, including cold-chain partnerships, received over $19 million in funding in the past year. Investment in halal and kosher certification has become critical in expanding the market to faith-based consumer groups, with over 2,000 SKUs globally now carrying one or both certifications. Looking ahead, the market presents compelling opportunities in the foodservice and hospitality segments. In 2024, over 12,000 hotel chains across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe incorporated tahini-based dressings and halawa desserts into their standard menus. This presents a growth avenue for bulk supply partnerships and co-branded offerings, making foodservice a top target for strategic investment.

New Product Development

Innovation in halawa and tahini products has accelerated significantly between 2023 and 2024, with more than 390 new products launched globally. A key area of innovation is the expansion of flavored tahini spreads, which now include variants such as chocolate, vanilla, chili, beetroot, and even turmeric-infused tahini. Chocolate tahini products alone accounted for 27% of new SKUs launched in the U.S. grocery sector in 2024. Companies have begun incorporating functional nutrition into tahini, introducing products with added plant protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotic fibers. For example, tahini fortified with pea protein reached 21,000 units sold per month in select U.K. retail chains in 2024. Similarly, probiotic tahini launched in Canada showed 12% higher repurchase rates than traditional versions. This growing demand for functional spreads has pushed R&D budgets among leading producers up by an average of 19% year-over-year. In the halawa segment, mini-portioned snack packs have become a breakthrough format. Sold in 30g–50g individual servings, these packs cater to on-the-go consumption and school lunch markets. North America saw over 13.8 million units of mini halawa snacks sold in 2024 alone. Companies are also experimenting with sugar-free halawa, using natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, now making up 8% of the premium halawa segment. Cross-category innovation is another growing trend. Manufacturers are now integrating tahini into ready-to-drink beverages, such as smoothies and protein shakes. In Japan, a leading beverage company launched a sesame-tahini smoothie that sold over 2 million bottles within the first six months of its release in 2024. Bakery and dessert innovations have also surged, with tahini brownies, halawa-filled croissants, and sesame-based energy balls featured in over 6,500 bakeries and cafes worldwide. Packaging innovation remains a focus. Squeeze bottles for tahini and resealable pouches for halawa were introduced across 16 countries, contributing to a 34% increase in retail shelf visibility. QR-code-enabled packaging that provides recipes and health facts is gaining popularity among digitally engaged consumers, now appearing on 12% of new product labels in Europe and North America. These developments underscore how the halawa and tahini market is actively responding to consumer demand for health, convenience, and variety—creating momentum for sustained growth through continual product innovation.

Five Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Halwani Bros launched a new production facility in Cairo with an annual capacity of 38,000 metric tons, aimed at meeting increasing demand from Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This expansion is expected to reduce delivery lead times by 25% across the region.
• In July 2023, Haitoglou Family Foods introduced a premium organic tahini line in Germany and France. Within six months, the line captured 17% of the organic tahini market in these countries, with over 5,000 retail outlets stocking the new SKUs.
• In February 2024, Dipasa USA Inc. invested $8 million in automation upgrades, allowing for a 28% increase in tahini production capacity and significantly reducing human handling in the packaging process.
• In September 2023, Al Wadi Al Akhdar launched a dual-pack product combining flavored halawa and tahini spread, targeting convenience store channels in Lebanon and Jordan. Initial pilot runs exceeded 250,000 units sold in under three months.
• In January 2024, Mighty Sesame Co. rolled out a new line of squeezable tahini bottles across 14 international markets, achieving over $10 million equivalent in volume sales within the first quarter and capturing 21% of tahini product shelf share in the U.S.

Report Coverage of Halawa and Tahini Market

The comprehensive report on the halawa and tahini market covers a wide spectrum of industry aspects, including production volume, consumer behavior, raw material sourcing, distribution channels, innovation trends, and competitive landscape. The analysis encompasses data from over 38 countries, focusing on both traditional consumption hubs and emerging markets across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The report segments the market by product type, including pure halawa, flavored halawa, pure tahini, and flavored tahini. It tracks over 480 product SKUs across major retail and wholesale formats. Consumer preferences are evaluated using real-world consumption data, such as average household tahini intake, which was recorded at 4.8 kg/year in the Middle East and 2.1 kg/year in Europe. In terms of application, the report analyzes the performance of halawa and tahini across food & beverages, snacks, and Mediterranean cuisine. Notably, the use of tahini in non-traditional formats—like beverages and spreads—grew by 36% in 2024. Likewise, the report quantifies adoption in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, with over 12,000 international eateries adding tahini-based dishes to menus over the past year. Regional analysis includes breakdowns of production and import/export volumes, including specific figures like 420,000 metric tons of production in the Middle East and 230,000 metric tons of imports across Europe. Each regional section offers numeric insights into local preferences, price trends, and distribution models, helping businesses tailor strategies by geography. The report further profiles 10 leading companies, providing insight into their production capacities, expansion strategies, and market shares. It identifies Halwani Bros and Haitoglou Family Foods as the two most dominant players, together accounting for over 38% of global production volume. Also included is a detailed examination of investment patterns, product development pipelines, and the regulatory environment. This data-driven coverage ensures stakeholders have the tools to forecast market shifts, assess competitive positioning, and identify growth opportunities within the halawa and tahini market.