Turkey Sesame Seed Market- Trend Analysis & Forecast

Turkey sesame seed demand reached ** thousand tonnes in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of **% from 2020 to 2030. The Turkey sesame seed market is witnessing dynamic growth, driven by increasing domestic demand, export opportunities, and advancements in agricultural practices. Positioned as a key player in the global sesame supply chain, Turkey offers high-quality seeds and a robust trading ecosystem, making it integral to the sesame seed industry. Turkey imported US$ 449.69 million valued sesame seeds in 2024, majorly from Chad, Brazil, and Sudan.

Market/ Product Overview

Turkey’s sesame seed market has evolved as a vital component of the country’s agribusiness, contributing significantly to its economy. Sesame seeds are highly valued for their nutritional benefits, diverse applications, and demand from industries such as food processing and cosmetics. In recent years, Turkey has focused on improving its sesame seed yield through modern agricultural techniques and government-backed initiatives. Despite some challenges, including fluctuating prices and climatic constraints, the market is expected to grow steadily through 2030, supported by increasing global consumption.

Turkey Significance in the Global Sesame Seed Supply

Turkey plays a pivotal role in the global sesame seed supply chain due to its strategic geographical position, connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This allows the country to serve as a major export hub for high-quality sesame seeds. Turkish sesame seeds are renowned for their superior oil content and flavor, making them highly sought after in global markets. Additionally, Turkey’s trade agreements and logistics infrastructure enhance its competitiveness.

Turkey Sesame Seed Supply & Demand Trend

Turkey’s sesame seed production has shown steady progress, with efforts to increase productivity and ensure sustainability. The major sesame-producing regions include Antalya, Mersin, and Şanlıurfa, known for their favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil. Advanced farming techniques, such as mechanization and improved irrigation systems, have contributed to higher yields. While smallholder farmers dominate the sector, cooperative farming models are emerging to improve efficiency. Production volumes have grown to meet rising domestic and international demand, positioning Turkey as a reliable supplier in the global market.

Domestic demand for sesame seeds in Turkey is driven by the food industry, where sesame is a key ingredient in traditional dishes like simit (Turkish bagel) and tahini. The health-conscious consumer trend has further fueled the demand for sesame-based products, such as oils and snacks. Additionally, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries utilize sesame seeds for their medicinal and moisturizing properties. Domestic consumption is projected to rise as awareness about the health benefits of sesame continues to grow.

Market Growth Factors

The growth of the Turkey sesame seed market is influenced by several factors. Rising health awareness has spurred demand for nutrient-rich sesame products, while the booming food processing industry has increased consumption of sesame as an essential ingredient. Turkey’s focus on improving agricultural productivity and infrastructure supports production growth. Expanding trade partnerships and Turkey’s reputation for premium-quality sesame seeds are further driving market expansion. Export demand, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, remains a critical growth catalyst.

Market Restraints & Challenges

The market faces challenges such as climate variability, which can significantly impact sesame yields. High production costs and competition from low-cost producers like India and Ethiopia add to market constraints. Limited access to advanced farming technologies for small-scale farmers and fluctuating international prices also pose challenges. Moreover, logistical inefficiencies in certain regions can hinder the seamless movement of sesame seeds to domestic and international markets.

Turkey Sesame Seed Industry: Supply Chain Constraints & Challenges

Turkey’s sesame seed value chain is impacted by bottlenecks such as fragmented farming practices, which lead to inconsistent quality and supply. The lack of sufficient storage and processing facilities exacerbates post-harvest losses. Transportation inefficiencies and outdated infrastructure in some regions add to logistical challenges. Additionally, farmers often face difficulties in accessing credit facilities, limiting their ability to invest in better seeds and equipment.

Turkey Influence on Global Sesame Seed Price

Turkey’s price-setting power in the sesame seed market is influenced by its strategic geographical position and reputation for quality. However, its market power is moderated by competition from major producers like India, Sudan, and Nigeria. Turkey leverages its superior seed quality and value-added products to maintain favorable pricing, but global market dynamics and fluctuating demand often impact price stability.

Turkey’s sesame seed prices have seen fluctuations influenced by production volumes, international demand, and global economic conditions. Import prices have historically been higher due to quality considerations, while export prices are driven by competitive factors. Wholesale prices often reflect seasonal variations, with higher prices during periods of low supply. Over the past decade, increasing global demand has generally supported an upward trend in sesame seed prices.

Turkey Sesame Seed End-use Industries

Sesame seeds are processed into a variety of products, including tahini, sesame oil, and roasted seeds, catering to diverse end-use industries. The food industry remains the largest consumer, utilizing sesame in bakery, confectionery, and culinary applications. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries use sesame oil for its moisturizing and therapeutic properties. Additionally, sesame finds application in animal feed and biofuel production. Turkey’s value-added product offerings enhance its market competitiveness.

The Turkey sesame seed Market is segmented based on various factors that influence its production, processing, and consumption. By type, sesame seeds are classified into white, black, and brown varieties, each having distinct applications and market demand. In terms of grade, the market is divided into edible-grade sesame seeds, which are used in food products, and crushing-grade sesame seeds, primarily used for oil extraction. The end-use segmentation includes direct consumption, where seeds are used as toppings or ingredients, and processing/crushing, which involves their transformation into oil, flour, or meal. The market also categorizes products derived from sesame seeds, such as sesame flour, sesame oil, and sesame meal, which serve different industries. Furthermore, based on sesame seed end-use, the primary consumers include the baking industry, confectionery industry, and other industrial users such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, along with household consumption. Lastly, from a sales perspective, the market is divided into domestic consumption, where sesame seeds are utilized within Turkey, and exports, which cater to international markets. This segmentation helps in understanding market trends, demand dynamics, and growth opportunities within Turkey’s sesame seed industry.

Turkey Sesame Seed Trade (Export & Import) Trend

Turkey’s sesame seed trade is characterized by robust export and import activities. The country imports raw sesame seeds from countries like Sudan and India to meet domestic processing needs, which are then exported as value-added products. Major export destinations include European nations, the Middle East, and North Africa. Turkey imported US$ 449.69 million valued sesame seeds in 2024, majorly from Chad, Brazil, and Sudan. Turkey’s trade policies and logistics capabilities have facilitated steady growth in sesame seed trade volumes, bolstered by its reputation for high-quality exports.

Turkey Sesame Seed Market Competitive Analysis

The Turkish sesame seed market is highly competitive, with numerous players across the value chain. These include farmers, processors, traders, and exporters. Companies compete on factors such as product quality, pricing, and service reliability. The market has seen increased consolidation, with larger firms adopting advanced technologies and expanding their global reach. Strong government support and collaboration between stakeholders have also contributed to a more competitive and resilient market environment.

List of Key Companies (Suppliers/ Processor/ Exporters),

■ Zeyada Gıda
■ İpem Gıda
■ Emek Gıda
■ RASAGRA GIDA DIŞ TİC. LTD. ŞTİ.
■ Mersin Gıda
■ OKYAY Gıda San. Tic. A.Ş.
■ Bunge Turkey
■ Golden Sesame
■ Tarege Trade House
■ Safir Cacao Sesame Company

Future Outlook

The Turkey sesame seed market is poised for steady growth, driven by rising global demand, government support, and advancements in farming practices. By addressing production challenges and enhancing trade capabilities, Turkey is expected to strengthen its position as a major player in the global sesame seed industry by 2030.