France Sesame Seeds Market Research Report, 2030

France is a key player in the European sesame seed market, driven by its rich culinary tradition, growing demand for plant-based products, and increasing consumer focus on health, sustainability, and ingredient origin. Sesame seeds are deeply integrated into the French food culture, especially in artisan bakery products, gourmet cuisine, and ethnic foods, making France a consistent importer of sesame across both bulk and value-added formats. In recent years, sesame has become more than just a bakery topping. It is now widely used in vegan sauces, organic spreads, ethnic condiments like tahini, and in snack categories where clean-label and plant-based claims are prioritized. French consumers are increasingly informed about superfoods and nutrition, viewing sesame seeds as a source of healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants. As part of a broader shift toward flexitarian diets and clean eating, sesame’s image in France has evolved from traditional to trendy, particularly in urban and health-aware demographics. Culinary openness in France has also bolstered sesame’s inclusion in Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cuisines, which are gaining popularity in both foodservice and retail formats. Tahini, sesame oil, and sesame-based spice blends like gomasio are now staples in natural food stores and high-end supermarkets. Additionally, sesame is used in gluten-free and allergen-friendly foods, a fast-growing category among French consumers with specific dietary needs. According to the research report "France Sesame Seed Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the France sesame seed market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 2.84 Billion by 2030. The French sesame seed market is shaped by a combination of strict regulatory oversight, evolving import patterns, and a strong network of organic and natural food players. Following the EU-wide alert on ethylene oxide contamination in 2020–2021, France heightened its scrutiny of sesame imports, requiring not only mandatory testing for pesticide residues but also full batch-level traceability and documentation. French customs authorities and the DGCCRF (Direction generale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la repression des fraudes) conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with food safety laws, particularly for sesame imported from India, Sudan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Many importers have shifted to sourcing from suppliers that offer certified organic or low-residue sesame, especially those who can provide consistent CoAs (Certificates of Analysis) and third-party lab reports. France also has a well-developed ecosystem of organic cooperatives, health food brands, and private-label processors, many of whom prefer sesame that meets not only EU Organic certification but also Bio Coherence or Nature & Progres standards. These additional labels are widely recognized among French consumers and add market value. Companies such as Markal, Huilerie Moog, Priméal, and La Vie Claire are key players involved in importing, processing, and distributing sesame-based products ranging from oils to bakery mixes. In the industrial sector, sesame is processed by companies supplying large retailers like Carrefour, Auchan, and Leclerc, which offer both branded and private-label options.

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White sesame seeds dominate due to their widespread use in bakery products, confectioneries, and as a garnish for salads and bread. These seeds are typically hulled, meaning the outer shell is removed to provide a smoother texture and milder flavor. Their pale color and subtle taste make them an ideal ingredient for French and European culinary applications, especially in artisanal and packaged baked goods. Given France’s strong bakery culture, white sesame seeds continue to be a staple ingredient in both industrial and home-based cooking, driving consistent demand within the country and across export markets. Black sesame seeds cater to a more specialized segment of the French sesame seed market. Known for their stronger, nuttier flavor and rich aroma, these seeds are often unhulled, which enhances their texture and nutritional value. They are also recognized for their higher antioxidant content, making them popular among health-conscious consumers and within the natural and organic food segment. The use of black sesame seeds is expanding beyond traditional Asian cuisine to include fusion recipes, gourmet dishes, and premium health products in France. Their integration into fine dining and wellness trends such as black sesame lattes, smoothies, and desserts reflects a growing appreciation for their functional health benefits and unique taste. The others category comprises brown, red, and region specific sesame seed varieties, which, though less mainstream, serve niche markets within France. These seeds are often valued for their distinctive flavor profiles, enhanced nutritional benefits, and cultural relevance in ethnic or regional dishes. For instance, red sesame seeds are sometimes used in specialty oils or traditional medicine, while brown varieties may be found in artisan snacks or gourmet spice blends. The food industry represents the largest and most prominent segment, with sesame seeds widely incorporated into various culinary applications. Their nutty flavor, crunchy texture, and rich nutritional profile particularly their healthy fats, protein, and minerals make them a popular ingredient in bakery products, including breads, crackers, and pastries. Additionally, sesame seeds are key components in confectionery items, health bars, and traditional products like tahini, a sesame paste commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Sesame seeds play a notable role in the pharmaceutical industry, where they are valued for their bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, lignans, and healthy oils. These properties contribute to the seeds’ application in traditional and herbal medicine, particularly for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular benefits. In France, where the natural health products market is growing steadily, sesame-derived supplements and herbal formulations are gaining popularity among consumers seeking holistic and plant-based health solutions. Their role in boosting immunity, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting metabolic functions supports their inclusion in wellness-focused pharmaceutical products. The cosmetic and personal care industry is another key application segment in the French sesame seed market. Sesame seed oil, extracted from the seeds, is prized for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-soothing properties. It is widely used in skincare creams, facial oils, body lotions, and hair care products. French cosmetic brands, known for their emphasis on natural ingredients and sustainability, increasingly incorporate sesame oil into their formulations, appealing to eco-conscious and health-aware consumers. The demand for clean beauty and wellness products continues to drive innovation in this space. The others category encompasses niche applications such as animal feed and industrial uses, where sesame meal and byproducts are used due to their protein content and nutritional benefits. Organic sesame seeds have experienced rapid growth in France, driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability, food safety, and ethical sourcing. The products are typically sold through specialty organic retailers like Biocoop, La Vie Claire, and Naturalia, where organic sesame is often marketed under EU Organic, Bio Cohérence, or even fair-trade certifications. French consumers, especially those under in urban areas, tend to prefer sesame that is not only pesticide-free but also socially responsible, favoring seeds sourced from cooperatives in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, or India with transparent supply chains. Major supermarket bakeries and private-label food brands rely on conventional sesame for cost-effective production of sesame-topped bread, snack bars, and processed foods. These seeds, often hulled and imported from Sudan, Nicaragua, or Myanmar, enter France through bulk shipments and are processed or repackaged by industrial-scale players. While facing stricter regulatory oversight especially after the 2020–2021 ethylene oxide contamination incident conventional sesame still dominates in terms of total volume. Interestingly, some French food brands adopt a dual-sourcing strategy, using organic sesame for premium or export lines while maintaining conventional sourcing for local and price-sensitive products. This reflects a nuanced market where price elasticity and brand positioning determine category preference. Furthermore, several brands now promote a clean conventional approach, using IP (identity preserved) tracking systems and limited-chemical farming to appeal to semi-premium buyers who cannot fully commit to organic.

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Nikita Jabrela

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Supermarkets and hypermarkets, such as Carrefour and Leclerc, serve as primary outlets for sesame-based products, offering a range of items from raw seeds to processed goods like tahini and sesame snacks. These retail giants cater to a broad consumer base, providing both conventional and organic options to meet diverse preferences. Specialty health stores, including Naturalia and Biocoop, focus on organic and ethically sourced sesame products. These stores appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality, sustainable ingredients. They often feature premium sesame products, such as cold-pressed sesame oil and specialty seed varieties, aligning with the growing trend towards natural and organic food choices in France. Online retail platforms have seen a surge in popularity, especially post-pandemic, as consumers increasingly turn to e-commerce for convenience and variety. Websites like Amazon France and specialized organic food retailers offer a wide selection of sesame products, including niche and imported varieties. Online platforms provide consumers with access to a broader range of products, often accompanied by detailed product information and customer reviews, facilitating informed purchasing decisions. B2B channels, including wholesalers and food manufacturers, play a crucial role in the sesame seed supply chain. Companies like Huilerie Moog and Markal source sesame seeds for processing into products like sesame oil and tahini, which are then distributed to retailers and foodservice providers. These B2B relationships are vital for maintaining a steady supply of sesame-based products across various sectors. Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Sesame Seeds Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Oil Type • Vegetable Oil • Essential Oils • Mineral Oils • Others (Exotic/Specialty Oils & Blended/Functional Oils) By Application • Skin Care • Hair Care • Body Care • Others By Distribution Channel • Online • Offline (retail stores, pharmacies) • Direct sales The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.