Turkey Sesame Seeds Market Research Report, 2030

Turkey’s sesame seed market stands as one of the most historically entrenched and culturally significant in the world, with sesame usage deeply embedded in the country’s culinary heritage. From the iconic simit (Turkish sesame-covered bread ring) sold in every corner of Istanbul to rich dishes like tahini helva and hummus, sesame seeds are both a traditional staple and a modern-day health food trend. Turkey not only consumes sesame seeds domestically but also plays a role as a regional trade hub, importing and reprocessing seeds for export, particularly in its thriving oil-pressing and confectionery industries. With sesame being a common ingredient in Turkish cuisine for centuries, the market has a unique blend of heritage consumption and evolving demand fueled by contemporary health trends. In recent years, Turkey’s sesame seed sector has been influenced by changing dietary preferences, increasing awareness about plant-based nutrition, and renewed interest in traditional foods with functional benefits. As global cuisines continue to influence local palates, sesame seeds are finding new life in Turkish households beyond traditional recipes, used in international dishes, vegan spreads, and superfood blends. Turkey’s strategic geographic position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East also enhances its role in the regional sesame seed trade. While local cultivation exists, domestic production often falls short of meeting consumption needs, prompting imports primarily from Africa and Asia. These imports fuel both internal demand and industrial use in sesame oil pressing, tahini production, and processed snack manufacturing. According to the research report "Turkey Sesame Seed Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Turkey sesame seed market is anticipated to grow at more than 4.23% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. One of the primary drivers is the deep-rooted culinary tradition that continues to sustain a consistent level of consumption. Products like tahini, simit, helva, and various sesame-based pastries are not only embedded in daily diets but are also tied to cultural events, religious holidays, and family traditions. This cultural continuity ensures that sesame remains a staple food item in both rural and urban areas. A significant factor behind sesame’s rising profile is its nutritional value. Packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium, sesame seeds are increasingly recognized as a superfood by health conscious Turkish consumers. As more individuals adopt plant-based, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets, sesame serves as a valuable source of plant-derived nutrients, particularly for those seeking to avoid dairy or meat. The functional food trend in Turkey, influenced by both local knowledge and global wellness movements, has pushed sesame beyond its traditional use, leading to its inclusion in protein bars, energy snacks, plant-based dairy alternatives, and even nutraceutical supplements. Another growth driver is Turkey’s expanding food processing and export sector, which leverages sesame as a key ingredient in value-added products. Local producers are capitalizing on global demand for sesame-based goods, particularly tahini, which is exported widely. Turkey has developed a reputation for producing high-quality tahini thanks to its traditional stone-grinding methods, which preserve the seed’s natural oil and nutritional profile.

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White sesame seeds dominate the Turkish market due to their long standing presence in traditional foods. White sesame seeds are primarily used in bakery products like simit, pide, and bread, as well as in snacks and sweets like helva. These seeds have a mild, neutral flavor that pairs well with various savory and sweet dishes, making them an essential component of everyday Turkish cuisine. They are often processed into sesame paste (tahini), which is a cornerstone in Turkish dishes such as hummus and salad dressings. Black sesame seeds, while less common than their white counterparts, are gaining traction in Turkey due to their distinctive flavor and health benefits. These seeds are recognized for their stronger, richer taste and are often used in both traditional and modern Turkish recipes. Black sesame seeds are commonly incorporated into salads, sweets, and tahini. They are also known for their high levels of antioxidants and calcium, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. As the demand for functional foods and superfoods rises in Turkey, black sesame seeds are increasingly being sought after for their perceived nutritional superiority. In addition, they are becoming more prevalent in cosmetic products and herbal remedies, where they are used for their reputed benefits to skin health and anti-aging. Turkey is also seeing an interest in other specialty sesame seeds such as red and brown sesame seeds, which offer unique flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. These varieties are gaining attention in niche markets, especially among consumers who are looking for more diverse and exotic culinary experiences. They are often sold in health food stores and are featured in products such as organic snacks and premium oils. In the food sector, sesame is used extensively in both traditional and modern recipes. It is a key ingredient in popular dishes such as tahini, helva, simit, and pide, contributing to the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Sesame oil, extracted from both white and black sesame seeds, has become increasingly popular in Turkish kitchens due to its distinctive flavor and nutritional value. It is used in a variety of salads, dressings, and cooking applications, thanks to its high smoke point and health benefits. Sesame seeds and their by-products are gaining traction in the pharmaceutical industry due to their medicinal properties. Sesame seeds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, making them an important ingredient in herbal medicines and nutraceuticals. Sesame oil is often used for skin ailments, digestive health, and as a natural remedy for joint pain and inflammation. Sesame oil’s high vitamin E content is beneficial for maintaining heart health and boosting the immune system, contributing to its use in dietary supplements. The cosmetic and personal care industry in Turkey has also embraced sesame oil for its benefits to skin and hair. Sesame oil is used in a range of products, including moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and hair care treatments. Known for its nourishing and hydrating properties, sesame oil is believed to promote healthy, glowing skin and protect against sun damage. Sesame seeds are also used in scrubs and body lotions, further expanding their application in the beauty sector. Sesame seeds have niche applications in animal feed and industrial products. While not a primary use, sesame meal leftover after oil extraction is used as a valuable protein-rich feed for livestock, especially in rural agricultural regions. Sesame by-products are sometimes used in biofuels and natural fibers, as Turkey continues to explore sustainable alternatives in various industries. Organic sesame seeds are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, making them increasingly popular among health-conscious and environmentally aware Turkish consumers. Organic products are seen as a safer, more sustainable choice, appealing to consumers who are willing to pay a premium for food that is both nutrient-dense and eco-friendly. The increasing availability of organic sesame seeds in specialty health stores and through online platforms has contributed to their rising popularity, as more consumers seek to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals in food production. As the organic food movement continues to gain momentum in Turkey, more farmers are adopting organic farming practices for sesame cultivation. This trend is being supported by both government initiatives and international certifications that encourage the growth of organic agriculture. Organic sesame farming is also benefiting from the demand for clean-label and non-GMO products, with consumers favoring transparency and sustainability in their food choices. Organic sesame is becoming increasingly available in supermarkets, health food shops, and e-commerce platforms, further enhancing its accessibility to the Turkish market. Conventional sesame seeds still account for the majority of the market share due to their lower cost and wider availability. These seeds are grown using traditional agricultural methods, with the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which makes them more affordable for both consumers and manufacturers. Conventional sesame seeds are commonly used in mass-market products, including tahini, snack bars, and bakery items. The affordability of conventional sesame seeds makes them a popular choice for the larger food processing industry, where cost-effectiveness is a priority.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the leading distribution channels for sesame seeds, offering a wide variety of sesame-based products to everyday consumers. These large retail outlets provide packaged sesame seeds, tahini, sesame oils, and snack items such as sesame bars and sesame crackers, catering to the broadest segment of the market. Supermarkets are especially prominent in urban areas, where consumers prioritize one-stop shopping for groceries and health-related products. The convenience of finding sesame products in these retail outlets ensures their steady presence in Turkish households. Convenience stores also play a vital role in the distribution of sesame seed-based products, particularly in densely populated urban centers. These smaller retail outlets stock a more limited selection of sesame products, primarily sesame-based snacks or smaller sesame oil bottles for consumers looking for quick and easy options. As snacking becomes more popular, sesame seed-based snacks are increasingly featured in convenience stores, catering to busy professionals, students, and other on-the-go consumers who prefer healthy and nutritious snack choices. The online retail channel has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing trend of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales. Turkish consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase specialty sesame seed products, including organic, premium, and niche varieties of sesame seeds and sesame-based items. E-commerce allows consumers to explore a broader selection of products, compare prices, and have sesame-based goods delivered directly to their homes. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail, specialty health food stores, wholesale distributors, and direct-to-consumer models are also gaining importance. These channels cater to niche consumer segments, such as those seeking organic or gluten-free sesame products, or those interested in premium sesame oils and health supplements. 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.