• How much sesame oil does Europe import?
  • In 2015, European imports of sesame oil reached 12,000 tonnes (€51 million). Since 2011, imports increased at an annual rate of 7.1% in volume, mainly due to the expanding use of sesame oil in Europe, both in Asian cuisines as well as in gourmet and health products.
  • What countries export sesame oil?
  • In 2015, Europe exported 6,000 tonnes (€33 million) of sesame oil. The Netherlands was the largest European exporter of sesame oil (1,600 tonnes). The Netherlands and Germany serve as important re-exporters to other European countries.
  • Why are sesame oil imports increasing?
  • Since 2011, imports increased at an annual rate of 7.1% in volume, mainly due to the expanding use of sesame oil in Europe, both in Asian cuisines as well as in gourmet and health products. In 2015, 50% of the imported sesame oil originated directly from developing countries.
  • Why is sesame oil so popular in Europe?
  • Sesame oil is increasingly used as a gourmet product in home and out-of-home consumption in Europe. The speciality oil segment is focused on high quality, sold at a higher price. Cold-pressed and high-quality toasted (one of the most-sold speciality oils in the United Kingdom) sesame oils are becoming especially popular.
  • Where does sesame oil come from?
  • In 2015, 50% of the imported sesame oil originated directly from developing countries. The main developing-country suppliers of sesame oil to Europe were Mexico (29% of total European imports), India (8.5%) and China (5.4%).
  • What is cold pressed sesame oil used for?
  • Cold-pressed sesame oil is also used as a health product. Refined sesame oil can be used in high-heat applications like frying. The food processing industry: in its refined form, sesame oil is used as an ingredient in food products such as baked goods and margarine.