Organic Sesame Seed Market Size, Growth Report, 2033

Organic Sesame Seed Market Overview

The Organic Sesame Seed Market size was valued at USD 16944.99 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20986.77 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2025 to 2033.

Global production of sesame seeds reached approximately 6.74 million metric tons in 2023, with organic sesame accounting for about 10% of the total volume, equating to around 674,000 metric tons. Organic sesame cultivation spans over 188 countries worldwide, utilizing more than 96 million hectares of organic-certified farmland, which has expanded by 26.6% compared to previous years. Organic sesame seeds are classified into raw or whole seeds and processed seeds, with hulled sesame seeds dominating due to their widespread demand in bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat food sectors. In 2023, more than 40% of global organic sesame seed consumption was directed toward food industries, while approximately 20% was used in the cosmetics and personal care sectors. Countries such as India, China, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar are among the largest producers, contributing over 2.5 million metric tons of total sesame seed output, with a growing share shifting to certified organic production methods. Global trade volumes for organic sesame seeds have been steadily increasing. In 2023, organic sesame seed exports rose by 12%, reflecting rising international demand driven by health-conscious consumers, clean-label product preferences, and growing vegan and plant-based diet trends. North America leads in organic sesame consumption, holding approximately 42% market share, followed by Asia-Pacific with around 29%. The processed seed segment, particularly hulled sesame, represents over 60% of total application demand, catering to bakery, snack, confectionery, and ready-to-eat food industries.

Key Findings

Driver: Increasing global demand for organic, clean-label, and plant-based food products is driving substantial growth in organic sesame seed production and consumption.

Country/Region: North America leads with approximately 42% of global organic sesame seed consumption, followed by Asia-Pacific, which holds around 29% of the market share.

Segment: The processed seed segment, particularly hulled sesame seeds, dominates the market with over 60% share due to high demand in bakery, snack, and confectionery industries

Organic Sesame Seed Market Trends

The organic sesame seed market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years due to shifting consumer preferences toward healthy, plant-based, and organic foods. In 2023, organic sesame seed exports increased by 12% compared to the previous year, with global trade volumes reaching new heights. The demand for organic, non-GMO, and chemical-free ingredients has made organic sesame seeds a vital component in multiple industries, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care. One of the most significant trends is the rising use of organic sesame seeds in bakery and snack industries. More than 40% of global organic sesame seed consumption was utilized in bakery and baked snack products in 2023. The global bakery sector incorporated over 200,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds into bread, rolls, buns, crackers, and artisan baked goods. The increasing trend toward gluten-free and clean-label bakery products further supports the growing inclusion of organic sesame seeds in product formulations. Another notable trend is the rising popularity of sesame-based spreads and ready-to-eat products. In 2023, tahini and sesame paste products saw a 17% increase in global sales, with consumption surpassing 85,000 metric tons. Demand for ready-to-eat foods incorporating organic sesame, such as energy bars, hummus, and salad toppings, grew by 14% as consumers sought convenient, nutrient-dense meal options. The cosmetics and personal care segment has also contributed significantly to organic sesame seed market growth. Organic sesame oil, rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, saw a 20% rise in usage across natural skincare and haircare products in 2023. Global consumption of organic sesame oil for cosmetics surpassed 90,000 metric tons as brands incorporated it into lotions, creams, serums, and sunscreens targeting clean beauty consumers.

Technological advancements in organic farming practices have enabled higher yields and improved seed quality. In India, which remains one of the largest producers, organic sesame farming expanded across 310,000 hectares of certified organic farmland in 2023, yielding approximately 180,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds. Similarly, Ethiopia and Sudan increased organic sesame production by 15% and 12%, respectively, due to government-led export initiatives and improved organic certification compliance. The increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of organic sesame seeds, such as high protein content, dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats, continues to fuel demand. In 2023, over 48% of consumers in North America indicated health benefits as their primary reason for purchasing organic sesame products, while 33% cited sustainability and environmentally friendly farming as key purchase motivators. Retail and online sales channels continue to diversify market accessibility. Online organic food platforms reported a 22% increase in organic sesame product sales in 2023, reflecting changing purchasing behavior favoring e-commerce convenience. Global supermarket chains expanded their organic sesame product lines by 18%, offering a variety of packaged seeds, oil, tahini, and snack products. The global organic sesame seed market remains strongly positioned for continued growth as consumer demand for sustainable, nutrient-rich, and functional foods drives innovation across food, beverage, and personal care industries.

Organic Sesame Seed Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for organic, plant-based, and nutrient-dense food products

The increasing global shift toward healthier lifestyles, clean-label diets, and plant-based nutrition has significantly boosted demand for organic sesame seeds. In 2023, over 674,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds were produced globally, driven by rising health consciousness and the popularity of nutrient-dense foods. Organic sesame seeds contain approximately 20 grams of protein, 11 grams of dietary fiber, and over 970 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams, making them highly attractive to health-focused consumers. The growing vegan and vegetarian population, which reached nearly 15% of the global population in 2023, further fuels demand for nutrient-rich ingredients like organic sesame. In North America, 48% of consumers cited nutritional benefits as a key factor in their organic sesame purchases, while sustainability concerns motivated 33% of buyers. With increasing awareness of sesame’s role in heart health, bone health, and immune support, global food manufacturers continue to expand sesame inclusion across bakery, confectionery, snack, and ready-to-eat product categories.

RESTRAINT

Challenges in organic certification and limited organic farming infrastructure

While demand continues to grow, organic sesame production faces challenges in achieving and maintaining international organic certification standards. The process requires strict adherence to organic farming guidelines, including pesticide-free cultivation, crop rotation, and non-GMO practices. In 2023, more than 22% of organic sesame farming applicants in emerging regions faced certification delays due to audit backlogs and regulatory complexities. In Africa, where organic sesame farming is expanding, inadequate organic farming infrastructure and limited access to certified organic seeds restricted production scalability by 15% compared to conventional sesame farming. Additionally, organic certification costs can exceed $5,000 per farm annually, creating financial barriers for small-scale farmers in India, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. These certification challenges limit the supply chain’s ability to scale production quickly in response to increasing global demand.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion into non-food segments such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals

Beyond food and beverage applications, organic sesame seeds are experiencing rapid growth in non-food industries. In 2023, global consumption of organic sesame oil for cosmetics surpassed 90,000 metric tons, fueled by its rich antioxidant, vitamin E, and skin-nourishing properties. The personal care industry reported a 20% increase in product formulations incorporating organic sesame oil, including lotions, serums, sunscreens, and hair care products. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies are exploring sesame lignans such as sesamin and sesamol for their potential cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Over 75 clinical studies published between 2021 and 2023 investigated sesame compounds’ role in cardiovascular health and metabolic disorders, opening new market segments for organic sesame applications in functional supplements. As non-food applications expand, organic sesame producers gain access to high-margin industries with diverse growth opportunities beyond traditional food categories.

CHALLENGE

Volatility in global supply chain and climate-related disruptions

The organic sesame seed market remains vulnerable to supply chain instability and climate-induced risks. In 2023, extreme weather events in major producing regions caused yield reductions of up to 18% in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Drought conditions in India’s Rajasthan and Gujarat regions led to a 12% decline in organic sesame output compared to the previous year. Additionally, fluctuating freight costs increased transportation expenses by 22% for organic sesame exporters, particularly in developing regions dependent on international shipping routes. Port congestion in East Africa and Asia delayed exports by an average of 16 days in 2023, impacting supply chain reliability for global buyers. These climate and logistical challenges create price volatility and supply gaps, making long-term supply chain stability a major challenge for the organic sesame seed industry.

Organic Sesame Seed Market Segmentation

By Type

Raw or Whole Seed: Raw or whole organic sesame seeds accounted for approximately 40% of global organic sesame seed consumption in 2023. These seeds retain their outer shells and contain high levels of dietary fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats. In 2023, global production of raw organic sesame seeds exceeded 270,000 metric tons, with significant volumes originating from India, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Whole organic sesame seeds are highly popular in ethnic and health-focused cuisines, including salads, stir-fry dishes, sushi toppings, and traditional bakery products. In North America, retail demand for whole organic sesame seeds increased by 14% in 2023 as more consumers incorporated them into gluten-free recipes, energy bowls, and vegan diets.
Processed Seed: Processed organic sesame seeds dominate the global market, representing over 60% of total consumption. Processed forms primarily include hulled sesame seeds, where the outer shell is mechanically removed, enhancing taste, digestibility, and texture. In 2023, more than 400,000 metric tons of hulled organic sesame seeds were produced globally. The majority of processed organic sesame seeds are used in bakery, confectionery, tahini production, and snack industries. Processed seeds are also a primary input for producing organic sesame oil. Hulled seeds are especially prominent in industrial baking operations, where consistency in texture, whiteness, and flavor is crucial for large-scale production.

By Application

Ready-To-Eat Food Products: The ready-to-eat food segment accounted for about 30% of global organic sesame seed usage in 2023. Energy bars, protein snacks, trail mixes, and pre-packaged salad toppings extensively used organic sesame seeds as a protein-rich and nutrient-dense ingredient. In 2023, North American retail chains reported a 22% increase in sales of ready-to-eat products containing organic sesame seeds. Consumers increasingly sought out snackable and convenient products with clean-label ingredients, driving rapid growth in this segment.
Baked Snacks: Baked snacks such as sesame sticks, crackers, pita chips, and multigrain snack blends accounted for approximately 20% of organic sesame consumption in 2023. Global consumption of organic sesame-based baked snacks exceeded 130,000 metric tons during the year. Bakery manufacturers incorporated sesame seeds to enhance flavor, crunch, and nutritional value, particularly in gluten-free and high-protein formulations. Growth was especially strong in Europe and North America, where demand for healthier, minimally processed snack alternatives continues to rise.
Bakery Products: Bakery products remain the largest application category for organic sesame seeds, accounting for approximately 35% of global demand in 2023. Over 200,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds were used in bread rolls, hamburger buns, crackers, bagels, and artisan loaves. In 2023, European bakeries launched more than 320 new organic bakery products featuring sesame seeds, while North American bakeries reported a 16% increase in organic sesame seed usage across premium multigrain bread and sourdough lines.
Confectionery: The confectionery segment utilized approximately 15% of global organic sesame seeds in 2023, totaling nearly 100,000 metric tons. Sesame-based sweets such as halva, sesame brittle, candy bars, and traditional regional delicacies remained highly popular in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The growing trend of natural, low-sugar confectionery products featuring organic sesame as a key ingredient contributed to sustained demand in this segment.
Cosmetics: The cosmetics industry accounted for approximately 20% of organic sesame oil consumption in 2023, equaling over 90,000 metric tons. Organic sesame oil was widely adopted across skincare and personal care products due to its high vitamin E content, antioxidants, and moisturizing properties. In 2023, more than 12,000 new cosmetic products featuring organic sesame oil were launched globally, including facial serums, sunscreens, lotions, and hair care formulations.

Organic Sesame Seed Market Regional Outlook

North America

the organic sesame seed market holds a strong position, accounting for approximately 42% of global consumption in 2023. The United States led this growth, consuming over 280,000 metric tons of organic sesame products across bakery, snack, and health food sectors. Retail supermarket chains in the U.S. expanded their organic sesame product lines by 18%, offering a broad range of whole seeds, tahini, sesame-based spreads, and ready-to-eat snacks. Canada followed with increasing demand driven by rising vegan diets and clean-label bakery consumption. In 2023, online sales of organic sesame products in North America grew by 22%, reflecting consumers' increasing preference for e-commerce platforms to access organic food products.

Europe

organic sesame seed demand reached approximately 180,000 metric tons in 2023. The European Union’s stringent organic certification standards fostered significant growth in imports of certified organic sesame from India, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom collectively accounted for more than 60% of Europe’s organic sesame consumption. The bakery sector consumed over 75,000 metric tons of hulled organic sesame seeds, primarily in bread rolls, crackers, and pastries. The cosmetics industry also experienced robust growth, with organic sesame oil incorporated into over 12,000 new natural skincare products launched across European markets during 2023.

Asia-Pacific

organic sesame seed production and consumption continue to expand, with the region accounting for approximately 29% of global consumption in 2023. India, the largest producer in the region, harvested nearly 180,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds across more than 310,000 hectares of certified farmland. Japan and South Korea are among the leading importers of organic sesame in Asia-Pacific, incorporating hulled seeds into traditional snacks, sushi toppings, and health-focused meal kits. Regional demand for tahini-based products also surged, with an 18% year-over-year increase in consumption reported in 2023.

Middle East & Africa

organic sesame production continues to rise, supported by favorable climate conditions and government export incentives. Ethiopia and Sudan collectively produced over 220,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds in 2023, representing more than 33% of global organic sesame exports. Middle Eastern countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates demonstrated strong demand for tahini, sesame confectionery, and traditional baked goods, consuming over 45,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds in 2023. Export hubs in East Africa maintained growth despite occasional port congestion, which caused average shipping delays of 16 days.

List Of Organic Sesame Seed Companies

Shyam Industries
Selet Hulling PLC
Dipasa USA, Inc
ETICO
Accura Group
SunOpta
Samruddhi Organic Farm (India)

Shyam Industries: based in India, managed the export of more than 80,000 metric tons of organic sesame seeds in 2023, representing a significant portion of global organic sesame trade. The company’s certified organic sesame products are exported to over 35 countries, with extensive operations spanning raw whole seeds, hulled seeds, and processed sesame products such as tahini and sesame oil. Its vertically integrated supply chain, including direct partnerships with over 22,000 certified organic farmers across India, enables consistent product quality and traceability that align with stringent international organic standards.

Dipasa USA, Inc.: continues to dominate the North American organic sesame seed processing segment. In 2023, the company processed over 60,000 metric tons of organic sesame products for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Dipasa operates advanced processing plants capable of producing hulled seeds, tahini, and cold-pressed organic sesame oil for food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. Its North American operations are supported by long-term supply agreements with organic sesame growers in Mexico and Central America, securing stable raw material inputs to meet growing demand from bakery, snack, confectionery, and health food sectors.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The organic sesame seed market continues to attract significant investment across farming, processing, and export infrastructure as global demand for organic, plant-based, and clean-label ingredients accelerates. In 2023, global investments in organic sesame production and processing facilities exceeded $650 million, driven by expanding market opportunities in food, cosmetics, and nutraceutical applications. In India, government-led agricultural initiatives supported the expansion of organic sesame cultivation across 310,000 hectares of certified organic farmland in 2023. State-level subsidies and international development programs invested approximately $210 million in farmer training, organic input subsidies, and certification infrastructure. These programs enabled over 22,000 farmers to achieve internationally recognized organic certifications, significantly boosting India's capacity to supply premium organic sesame products to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In Africa, investment activity intensified in key producing countries like Ethiopia and Sudan. Ethiopia allocated over $85 million in 2023 to upgrade sesame processing facilities, install advanced cleaning and hulling equipment, and streamline export certification processes. Sudan also attracted foreign direct investment of approximately $60 million to develop organic sesame export hubs in Port Sudan and establish new rail connections to facilitate inland logistics, reducing average export lead times by 18%. North America has emerged as one of the most active investment regions for organic sesame seed processing and value-added product development. In 2023, U.S.-based processors invested over $150 million in facility expansions, adding advanced tahini production lines, cold-pressed organic oil extraction plants, and packaging capabilities to serve growing demand for organic snacks and ready-to-eat products. With organic food sales reaching record levels, supermarket chains in North America signed long-term supply contracts with domestic processors, creating further stability in the market. European investment in organic sesame imports and processing reached approximately $110 million in 2023. Large-scale bakery manufacturers in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom expanded their product portfolios by incorporating organic sesame into new product lines targeting health-conscious consumers. Cosmetics companies across Europe invested over $40 million in sourcing sustainable organic sesame oil for use in premium skincare products, resulting in the launch of more than 12,000 new cosmetic SKUs utilizing organic sesame oil.

New Product Development

The organic sesame seed market has experienced a surge of innovation in new product development across multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Manufacturers are rapidly expanding product portfolios by introducing new forms, formulations, and packaging formats to meet growing consumer demand for clean-label, nutrient-dense, and multifunctional products. In the food sector, organic sesame-based spreads, pastes, and ready-to-eat snacks experienced strong growth. In 2023, global production of organic tahini surpassed 85,000 metric tons, a 17% year-over-year increase. Food processors launched new tahini-based dressings, dips, and spreads targeting health-conscious consumers seeking plant-based protein alternatives. Organic sesame-based snack bars incorporating chia, flaxseed, and quinoa recorded a 22% increase in global sales, driven by rising demand for high-fiber, protein-rich, and gluten-free snack options. Ready-to-eat meal kits incorporating organic sesame toppings, including toasted seed blends and sesame-coated protein bites, expanded their distribution in North American and European retail chains by 18% during 2023. Bakery manufacturers invested heavily in new baked goods formulations, incorporating hulled organic sesame seeds into multigrain bread, rolls, crackers, and energy-rich baked snacks. In 2023, more than 320 new bakery SKUs featuring organic sesame were introduced globally, supporting growing demand for functional bakery products that deliver high protein, calcium, and magnesium content per serving. Several European bakery chains also launched organic sesame-enriched sourdough and artisan bread lines marketed as rich sources of antioxidants and heart-healthy fats. In the cosmetics and personal care segment, organic sesame oil experienced significant new product integration. Skincare brands developed over 12,000 new product formulations utilizing organic sesame oil’s antioxidant, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Products such as facial serums, body lotions, sunscreens, and anti-aging creams incorporated organic sesame oil as a primary ingredient due to its high vitamin E and omega-6 content. Haircare brands introduced organic sesame oil-based conditioners, serums, and scalp treatments designed to strengthen hair and improve shine. In 2023, global cosmetic-grade organic sesame oil consumption surpassed 90,000 metric tons.

Five Recent Developments

In early 2023, Shyam Industries expanded its organic sesame processing facility in Gujarat, India, increasing its annual capacity by an additional 25,000 metric tons. This expansion allowed the company to strengthen its export capabilities to North America and Europe, meeting growing global demand for hulled and processed organic sesame seeds.
In mid-2023, Dipasa USA, Inc introduced a fully automated tahini production line in its North American processing facility. The new line is capable of producing up to 40,000 metric tons of organic tahini annually. This investment responded to the 17% increase in tahini demand across North America, particularly in the health-conscious and plant-based foods segment.
In the second half of 2023, SunOpta invested in expanding its organic sesame oil extraction operations in Mexico, adding new cold-press extraction units capable of processing an additional 15,000 metric tons of organic sesame oil annually. This expansion addressed the growing demand for cosmetic-grade sesame oil, which reached over 90,000 metric tons in global consumption in 2023.
In early 2024, ETICO launched a new line of organic sesame-based energy bars targeting the European market. The launch involved innovative combinations of organic sesame with chia, hemp, and quinoa, achieving strong early sales growth with over 1.2 million units sold in the first quarter of 2024.
In the first quarter of 2024, Accura Group introduced blockchain-based traceability solutions for its organic sesame seed exports. The platform allows buyers to track organic certification records, farm-level sourcing, and logistics data in real time, enhancing transparency and compliance with stringent import standards across Europe and North America.

Report Coverage of Organic Sesame Seed Market

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global organic sesame seed market, covering production volumes, consumption patterns, product segmentation, key industry players, regional performance, market dynamics, technological advancements, and emerging opportunities. In 2023, global production of sesame seeds reached approximately 6.74 million metric tons, with organic sesame seeds accounting for around 674,000 metric tons, representing 10% of total global output. The report covers both type segmentation (raw or whole seeds and processed seeds) and application segmentation (ready-to-eat food products, baked snacks, bakery products, confectionery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals). Processed organic sesame seeds, particularly hulled seeds, dominate the market, accounting for over 60% of global consumption. Hulled sesame seeds are widely used in bakery products, snack foods, confectionery, and tahini production, with global production exceeding 400,000 metric tons in 2023. The report evaluates regional performance across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America leads the global market with a 42% share of consumption, followed by Asia-Pacific at approximately 29%, Europe at 20%, and Middle East & Africa contributing the remaining share. Major producing countries include India, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Myanmar, which together account for more than 60% of total organic sesame seed exports worldwide.

The competitive landscape highlights key industry players including Shyam Industries, Dipasa USA, Inc, SunOpta, Selet Hulling PLC, ETICO, Accura Group, and Samruddhi Organic Farm (India). Shyam Industries remains the largest exporter, managing more than 80,000 metric tons of organic sesame in 2023, while Dipasa USA, Inc processed over 60,000 metric tons of organic sesame products for the North American market. The report also explores market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. Drivers include rising consumer demand for organic, plant-based, and nutrient-dense foods, while certification costs and climate-related risks present ongoing challenges. Opportunities continue to emerge from non-food applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, with growing demand for organic sesame oil in skincare and dietary supplements. Investment analysis reveals robust global investment exceeding $650 million in 2023, supporting production expansion, processing capacity upgrades, traceability systems, and product innovation. Governments, private investors, and multinational food and cosmetic companies are actively funding the development of advanced organic sesame processing infrastructure and value-added product lines. Finally, the report details significant new product development across food, cosmetics, and health sectors, alongside five recent market developments between 2023 and 2024, reflecting ongoing technological advancements, product launches, and supply chain innovations that are shaping the future of the global organic sesame seed market.