Indian Sesame Seeds Hit Record Export Volume: Tahini Demand Drives Growth

India exported over 350,000 MT of sesame seeds in 2025, a new record driven by surging tahini and hummus consumption in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Hulled sesame 99.95% purity remains the dominant export grade, with Gujarat and Rajasthan accounting for 85% of production. We analyze the price dynamics between Indian, Ethiopian, and Sudanese sesame, the impact of El Nino on the 2026 crop outlook, and quality benchmarks that buyers should specify for food-grade applications including FFA, moisture, and microbiological limits.

India's Sesame Export Record: The Tahini Economy

India exported over 350,000 metric tonnes of sesame seeds in 2025 — a new all-time record driven by one dominant trend: the global tahini and hummus consumption boom. Middle Eastern diaspora populations in Europe and North America have mainstreamed tahini from a niche ingredient to a supermarket staple. Israeli, Turkish, and Lebanese food brands are scaling production, creating insatiable demand for hulled sesame 99.95% purity — the grade India produces best. Gujarat and Rajasthan together account for 85% of India's sesame output, and the Unjha market is the global price-setting hub.

350,000+ MT2025 Export Volume

99.95%Hulled Purity

~65%Gujarat Share

≤1.0%FFA Limit (food)

Sesame Grades: Which to Specify for Your Application

Hulled Sesame 99.95% is mandatory for tahini and direct food applications — specify moisture ≤5%, FFA ≤1.0%, oil content ≥48%, and peroxide value ≤5. Natural White Sesame (with hull) suits oil crushing and traditional baking — lower price, higher moisture allowance (≤6%). Black Sesame is a premium health-food and bakery ingredient — origin Gujarat, specify uniform jet-black colour, no admixture of white seeds. For sesame oil extraction, natural white is more economical. For tahini, only hulled 99.95% meets the FFA and colour profile required.

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New Crop vs Carry-over Stock

Always specify 'new crop' and the crop year in your Purchase Order. Carry-over sesame from the previous season shows elevated FFA and reduced oil quality. India's sesame harvest is in November–January (Gujarat/Rajasthan). Fresh-crop availability begins December — this is the optimal window for Q1 orders.

El Niño and the 2026 Crop Outlook

Meteorological modelling for kharif 2026 suggests a weakened southwest monsoon pattern over Saurashtra — the primary sesame growing region. Early estimates project 8–12% lower sesame sown area versus 2025, as farmers shift toward more drought-tolerant crops. For importers with Q2–Q3 2026 requirements, forward booking at current new-crop prices is advisable. Prices have already started reflecting this outlook, with Unjha spot up approximately 8% from the December 2025 post-harvest lows.

Oil Seeds from Radiance Overseas

Hulled Sesame 99.95%Natural White SesameBlack Sesame Seeds