Sesame oil and fractions market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for sesame oil in Southern Europe remained stable at around 9 800 t per year, with the value fluctuating from 99,3 million $ in 2018 to 81,1 million $ in 2020. In 2020, Italian authorities identified regulatory issues concerning polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in roasted sesame oil and, from October, multiple alerts and product recalls due to ethylene oxide contamination in sesame seeds affected over 220 food items including sesame oils. These incidents led to stricter regulatory controls and product withdrawals but did not prevent a slight increase in market volume.

Despite continued ethylene oxide-related recalls in 2021, the market volume jumped to 11 998 t, while the value rose to 92,9 million $. The following year, volume fell to 9 770 t, yet the value held steady at 92,9 million $, partly explained by a global surge in demand for virgin and organic sesame oil, which command higher prices. In 2023, high oilseed production in India, reaching nearly 40 million metric tons, boosted global supply and supported a volume recovery to 11 507 t. At the same time, accelerated growth in the refined sesame oil segment and rising consumer preference for cold‑pressed and organic oils drove the market value up sharply to 130,7 million $.

Into 2024, the market continues to be shaped by consumer trends toward natural, organic and health‑beneficial products. European allergen‑labeling regulations (EU Regulation 1169/2011) apply to sesame oil, affecting presentation and marketing. Prices face upward pressure from international demand and export activity, while production and commercialization of organic and virgin cold‑pressed sesame oil emphasize quality, sustainability and traceability.

Production sesame oil and fractions in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame oil and fractions, 2017-2020

In Southern Europe, sesame oil and fractions production reached 9,161 tons in 2020, marking a modest 0.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of sesame oil and fractions produced in Southern Europe stood at 60,315 thousand US dollars in 2020, showing a moderate 7.4% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 16.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The peak value was observed in 2018 at 62,561 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.3% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 20.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports sesame oil and fractions from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of sesame oil and fractions from Southern Europe continued to grow for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 476 tons, reflecting a 21.7% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 12.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 370 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 12.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Southern Europe's sesame oil and fractions exports in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 17.2% of exports, Denmark for 9.1%, and Poland for 8.0%, with these three countries together representing just 34.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe's sesame oil and fractions exports in value terms reached 3,136 thousand US dollars, a significant 29.7% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 25.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,419 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Netherlands were key buyers of sesame oil and fractions from Southern Europe in value terms, accounting for 16.0%, 10.3%, and 8.1% of exports, respectively. However, their combined share totaled only 34.4% of total export value, with the remaining 65.6% spread across numerous other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports sesame oil and fractions to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Imports of sesame oil and fractions into Southern Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1,171 tons, showing a measured 4.0% year-on-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 35.5%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the import landscape for sesame oil and fractions in kind was broad, with the Netherlands, India, and France being the top partners. The Netherlands accounted for 19.8% of imports, India for 15.3%, and France for 14.7%, together making up 49.8% of total flows, while the remaining 50.2% came from many other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of sesame oil and fractions imports into Southern Europe rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 6,131 thousand US dollars, remaining stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 25.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the primary partners for sesame oil and fractions imports in value terms to Southern Europe. The Netherlands contributed 24.5% of imports, Germany 15.7%, and France 13.4%, collectively representing 53.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020