South Africa Sesame Seeds Market Overview, 2030

The sesame seed market in South Africa is steadily gaining momentum, driven by increasing awareness of health benefits, rising demand for natural food ingredients, and a growing interest in plant-based diets. While sesame has historically been a lesser-known crop in South Africa, its nutritional profile which is rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants has led to growing consumer appreciation. South Africa’s culinary diversity, influenced by African, Asian, and European cuisines, creates opportunities for sesame’s use in a wide array of dishes, including traditional flatbreads, chutneys, snack foods, and gourmet creations. Local chefs and food entrepreneurs are experimenting with sesame based items such as sesame crusted meats, tahini dips, and fusion sauces, reflecting a shift toward health-conscious innovation. Domestically, sesame cultivation is still limited, with much of the supply imported from countries such as Ethiopia, India, and Sudan. However, the favorable climatic conditions in certain parts of the country, especially in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, are attracting interest in sesame farming as part of agricultural diversification efforts. South Africa's government initiatives like CASP and MAFISA offer valuable support to the agricultural sector, there is an opportunity to further enhance sesame production through targeted research and development efforts. As South Africa’s urban middle class continues to expand, so too does the demand for convenient, nutritious food ingredients, which positions sesame seeds favorably across various sectors. Increased attention to heart health and plant-based nutrition has boosted interest in sesame oil and tahini. The country’s growing food processing industry particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape is leveraging sesame in sauces, snacks, and value-added health foods.

According to the research report, ""South Africa Sesame Seed Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa sesame seed market is anticipated to add to more than USD 20 Million by 2025–30.The country's young, urban population is increasingly turning toward functional foods that offer tangible health benefits. Sesame seeds, rich in unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals, are perceived as a superfood and are being incorporated into everything from smoothies and salads to artisanal bread and snack bars. Social media influencers and health bloggers have played a pivotal role in educating consumers about sesame's benefits, encouraging trial and adoption, especially among millennials and Gen Z consumers. The growth of health food stores, vegan cafes, and natural food markets in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban has created a supportive retail ecosystem for sesame-based products. These outlets often showcase sesame oil, tahini, and seed mixes alongside other organic or gluten-free offerings. The push for clean-label products has prompted manufacturers to reformulate recipes using sesame seeds as a natural thickener, flavor enhancer, or nutritional booster. The strategic trade relationships also play a key role in sesame availability. The country imports significant quantities of sesame from India, Nigeria, and Mozambique, which are then distributed through wholesalers or processed locally.

White sesame seeds dominate the landscape, valued for their light color, mild flavor, and versatility in both sweet and savory applications. These seeds are commonly hulled and used in products such as tahini, bread toppings, granola, and sesame-encrusted snacks. White sesame is especially popular among bakeries and snack food manufacturers due to its appearance, taste, and consistent texture. Imported hulled white sesame is frequently used in commercial tahini production and packaged goods. Black sesame seeds are carving a niche in South Africa’s gourmet and health-conscious sectors. Their bold flavor and higher oil and antioxidant content make them ideal for premium food applications. Health food stores and organic brands increasingly feature black sesame in cereal blends, dessert toppings, and smoothies. The aesthetic appeal of black sesame also makes it a favorite in fusion dishes, Asian cuisine, and modern desserts. Other varieties including brown and red sesame seeds, are less common but are gradually gaining traction among chefs, health enthusiasts, and boutique food producers. These seeds are primarily used for their unique flavors and nutritional profiles and often appear in artisanal baked goods, functional snacks, and ethnic recipes. Their introduction into the market is largely through specialty stores and health-focused food chains.

In the food industry, sesame is widely used in bakery products, sauces, snack bars, cereals, and dips such as tahini. Traditional and contemporary dishes alike benefit from the nutty flavor and nutritional density of sesame. Local restaurants and food manufacturers increasingly use sesame to cater to health-conscious consumers, especially in vegan and gluten-free product lines. The pharmaceutical industry leverages sesame oil for its medicinal qualities. It is included in herbal tonics, massage oils, and natural supplement formulations aimed at improving heart health, digestion, and immunity. Alternative health practitioners value sesame for its high content of lignans, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame based oils and extracts are also found in over the counter wellness products available in health stores and pharmacies. The cosmetic and personal care sector in South Africa is seeing rising demand for sesame oil in natural skin and hair care solutions. The oil’s emollient properties make it an ideal base for moisturizers, body oils, and hair conditioners. Clean beauty brands, spas, and wellness centers favor sesame oil for its ability to nourish and rejuvenate skin without synthetic additives. Consumers looking for cruelty free and organic beauty products often gravitate towards sesame-infused options. In other uses, sesame is included in animal feed (as sesame cake) and has niche applications in bio-lubricants and eco-conscious product formulations.

Organic sesame seeds, cultivated without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are increasingly gaining traction in South Africa’s health conscious consumer segments. As awareness around food safety, wellness, and environmental sustainability grows, more urban professionals, health-focused families, and environmentally aware individuals are actively seeking organic options in their daily diets. Organic sesame seeds are valued not only for their perceived purity but also for their superior nutritional profile, which includes high levels of fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. These seeds are commonly used in homemade tahini, artisanal baking, vegan recipes, and wellness smoothies, aligning well with the rising trend of plant-based and clean eating diets. Due to limited local organic sesame production, most of these seeds are imported, often from certified suppliers in countries like India or Ethiopia. They are typically available through premium supermarkets, health food stores, organic grocery chains, and specialized online retailers. Though organic sesame seeds come at a higher price point, consumers are often willing to pay a premium for assured quality, traceability, and environmental friendliness. Conventional sesame seeds continue to dominate the South African market. Their widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, and consistent supply make them a staple in commercial food production. Used extensively in mass-market bakery products, snack foods, cereals, and sauces, conventional sesame meets the needs of budget-conscious consumers and foodservice providers alike. Restaurants, catering businesses, and large-scale food manufacturers often prefer conventional sesame for its affordability and versatility, especially in large-volume applications.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets such as Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Woolworths remain the primary points of sale, offering a variety of sesame products including seeds, oils, and tahini. These retailers stock both imported and locally processed options, serving mainstream consumers with convenient packaging and pricing. Convenience stores supply smaller sesame-based items like snack bars and mini oil bottles, catering to busy professionals and students. Their role in sesame distribution is growing, especially in urban areas with fast-paced lifestyles. Online platforms have rapidly emerged as a vital distribution channel. E-commerce sites like Takealot and Faithful to Nature provide access to specialty and organic sesame products, often unavailable in physical stores. Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping for the convenience of home delivery and access to niche, premium offerings. Specialty stores, including health shops and ethnic groceries, play a key role in distributing high-end sesame products. These stores often stock black and organic sesame seeds, cold-pressed oils, and Ayurvedic sesame supplements. Meanwhile, wholesale distributors and importers cater to foodservice businesses and manufacturers by supplying bulk sesame and derivative products.

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

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. Show more