The Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market size was estimated at USD 650 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.15 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.70% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market

Market Summary

The Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market represents a significant segment within the global food and beverage industry, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the region. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is a staple ingredient in numerous dishes, from hummus and halva to sauces and dressings. The market is characterized by steady demand driven by its cultural importance and the widespread consumption of traditional foods across countries like Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. This region is not only a major consumer but also a key producer and exporter of tahini and sesame seeds, with well-established supply chains and processing facilities. The market exhibits a blend of traditional production methods and modern manufacturing techniques, catering to both local tastes and international export standards. Consumer preference for authentic, high-quality tahini remains strong, supporting a competitive landscape of local artisans and larger commercial producers. The product is increasingly recognized for its nutritional benefits, being a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals, which aligns with growing global health and wellness trends. While the market is mature in its core regions, it continues to evolve with new product innovations and expanding applications beyond traditional uses.

Key Highlights

The Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market is distinguished by several key factors that underscore its vitality and potential for growth. The region's dominance in global sesame production provides a foundational advantage, ensuring a consistent and often high-quality raw material supply for tahini manufacturers. Established brands such as Al Wadi Al Akhdar, Haitoglou Bros, and Prince Tahini have built strong reputations for quality and authenticity, often exporting their products worldwide. The market benefits from the deep cultural integration of tahini, making it a household essential with consistent, non-discretionary demand. Product innovation is a notable highlight, with companies expanding into organic, fortified, and flavored tahini varieties to attract health-conscious consumers and new market segments. The industrial application of tahini is also growing, as it is used as an ingredient by food manufacturers in sectors like confectionery, bakery, and ready meals. Furthermore, the export potential of tahini from this region is significant, with products from Lebanon, Greece, and Israel being particularly sought after in international markets for their perceived authenticity and quality. The market's resilience is demonstrated by its ability to maintain stable demand even during economic fluctuations, given its status as a dietary staple.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growth of the Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market is propelled by several powerful drivers. The primary driver is the ingrained cultural and culinary habit of consuming tahini-based foods, which sustains a stable baseline demand. The global rise in popularity of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, such as hummus and falafel, internationally acts as a significant external driver, increasing export opportunities. The growing consumer focus on health and wellness is another major driver, as tahini is perceived as a natural, plant-based source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Opportunities for market expansion are abundant. There is significant potential in developing new product variants, including organic, low-fat, or infused tahini with flavors like garlic or chocolate, to cater to evolving consumer palates. Penetration into new geographical markets, particularly in North America and Europe where ethnic food demand is rising, presents a substantial growth avenue. The use of tahini as a versatile industrial ingredient in the food manufacturing sector offers another promising opportunity. However, the market also faces restraints. Price volatility of sesame seeds, the key raw material, can impact production costs and profit margins for manufacturers. Climate change poses a threat to sesame crop yields in the region, potentially disrupting supply. Furthermore, the market faces competition from alternative nut and seed butters, such as almond or peanut butter, in the global spreads market, which can challenge tahini's market share among health-conscious consumers outside its traditional base.

Concentration Insights

The competitive landscape of the Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market is moderately concentrated, featuring a mix of long-established family-owned businesses and larger modern food processing companies. A handful of key players hold significant market share and brand recognition, both domestically and internationally. Prominent companies include Al Wadi Al Akhdar from Lebanon, Haitoglou Bros from Greece, Prince Tahini from Israel, and Mounir Bissat from Syria. These players often have vertically integrated operations, controlling aspects from sourcing sesame seeds to processing, packaging, and distribution, which strengthens their market position. Alongside these major brands, there exists a vast number of small to medium-sized local producers and artisans who cater to specific regional tastes and prefer traditional stone-grinding methods. These smaller players compete on authenticity and hyper-local appeal. The market concentration is also evident in certain countries being export powerhouses; for instance, Greece and Lebanon are renowned for their high-quality tahini exports. The barriers to entry include establishing a reliable sesame seed supply chain, achieving consistent quality, and building brand trust, which consolidates the position of existing players. However, the market is not oligopolistic, as the presence of numerous local producers ensures active competition, particularly on price and quality within specific regional markets.

Type Insights

The Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market is primarily segmented by the type of sesame seed used and the processing method, which greatly influences flavor, color, and texture. The two main types are hulled and unhulled tahini. Hulled tahini, made from sesame seeds that have had their outer shell removed, is the most common and widely consumed variety. It is characterized by a lighter color, smoother texture, and a milder, less bitter flavor profile. This type is predominantly used in dips like hummus and in many commercial food applications where a consistent and neutral taste is desired. Unhulled tahini is produced from whole sesame seeds with the hull intact. It retains a darker, often beige or light brown color, a slightly grainier texture, and a more robust, bitter flavor. It is also considered more nutritious as the hull contains a higher concentration of calcium and fiber, appealing to health-focused consumers. Beyond these, the market is seeing growth in specialized types such as organic tahini, made from certified organic sesame seeds, and roasted tahini, where the seeds are roasted before grinding to impart a deeper, nuttier flavor. The choice between types often depends on regional culinary traditions and the specific application intended by the consumer or food manufacturer.

Application Insights

Tahini's application within the Middle East and Mediterranean market is diverse, spanning both traditional food preparation and modern industrial uses. The most significant application remains in direct food consumption, where it is a fundamental ingredient in iconic dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva. It is also commonly used as a condiment or a sauce base, mixed with lemon juice and garlic to create tarator, a popular dressing for falafel and sandwiches. In the retail sector, tahini is sold as a standalone product for household use, allowing consumers to prepare these traditional foods at home. Beyond these classic uses, the industrial application of tahini is a growing and vital segment. Food manufacturers utilize tahini as a key ingredient in the production of sweets and confectionery, particularly in halva and certain cookies and pastries. The bakery industry incorporates tahini into bread, pastries, and crackers for its distinctive flavor and nutritional content. Furthermore, the foodservice industry is a major consumer, with restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors using large quantities of tahini in their prepared meals and dips. The versatility of tahini is leading to its experimentation in fusion cuisines and premium food products, expanding its application beyond its traditional boundaries.

Regional Insights

The Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market demonstrates distinct characteristics across different countries and sub-regions. The Levant area, particularly Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria, is considered the heartland of tahini consumption and production. Lebanese tahini, especially from the Bekaa Valley, is highly prized for its quality and is a major export product. Israel has a mature and innovative market, with companies like Prince Tahini leading in brand development and export-oriented production. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey are powerhouse producers. Greece, with companies like Haitoglou Bros, is one of the world's largest exporters of tahini, known for its high-quality, hulled sesame seeds and advanced processing facilities. Turkey has a massive domestic market and a strong export presence, with its tahini often used extensively in its own cuisine, such as in breakfasts and desserts. North African nations like Egypt also represent a significant market, with high per capita consumption integrated into daily diets. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while having less local production, are major import markets driven by large expatriate communities from the Levant and a growing affinity for healthy and ethnic foods. Each region maintains subtle differences in taste preference, from the milder tahini preferred in some areas to the stronger, unhulled versions favored in others.

Company Insights

The competitive environment in the Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market is shaped by a roster of key companies that have established strong brand equity and operational scale. Al Wadi Al Akhdar, a Lebanese company, is a globally recognized brand known for its wide range of Middle Eastern food products, including high-quality tahini. Its strength lies in its brand heritage and extensive distribution network. Haitoglou Bros, a Greek family-owned business, is one of the largest sesame processors and tahini producers in the world. Their vertical integration, from sourcing to exporting, gives them a significant competitive advantage in terms of cost control and quality assurance. Prince Tahini, an Israeli company, has gained international acclaim for its premium products and innovative packaging, effectively marketing tahini to a global, health-conscious audience. Other notable players include Mounir Bissat from Syria, which has a strong presence in the Levant and export markets, and several prominent Turkish companies like O?uz Sesame and Ayan Food. These leading companies compete on factors such as product quality, consistency, brand reputation, and the ability to secure reliable supplies of high-grade sesame seeds. They invest in modern processing technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life while many also emphasize their traditional recipes and methods as a key marketing point to convey authenticity.

Recent Developments

The Middle East and Mediterranean tahini market has witnessed several noteworthy developments reflecting its evolution and response to global trends. A significant trend is the increased investment by major players in expanding production capacity and modernizing manufacturing facilities to meet rising export demand and improve efficiency. Companies are increasingly pursuing international food safety and quality certifications, such as ISO 22000 and Organic certifications, to enhance their credibility and access premium markets in Europe and North America. Product innovation remains a key area of activity, with several companies launching new lines of organic tahini, flavored tahini spreads, and single-serving packages tailored for convenience and on-the-go consumption. Sustainability has also moved to the forefront, with initiatives focused on ethical sourcing of sesame seeds, reducing water usage in processing, and developing eco-friendly packaging solutions to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, there is a noticeable development in marketing strategies, with brands leveraging digital platforms and social media to educate global consumers about tahini's uses and health benefits, moving beyond traditional ethnic marketing to position it as a modern superfood. These developments indicate a market that is dynamically adapting to new opportunities while striving to maintain its traditional roots.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market research report on the Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market provides a detailed and structured analysis through careful segmentation. The report is segmented by type to analyze the distinct markets for hulled tahini and unhulled tahini, examining the production, consumption patterns, and consumer preferences for each variant. Further segmentation by application offers insights into the various end-use sectors, including direct retail consumption for household use, industrial usage within food manufacturing for products like halva and baked goods, and consumption within the foodservice industry including restaurants and cafes. The report also includes a critical regional segmentation, providing an in-depth analysis of key countries and sub-regions such as the Levant (Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine), Turkey, Greece, Israel, and North Africa. This geographical breakdown assesses regional production capacities, consumption habits, import-export dynamics, and competitive landscapes. Additionally, the report features a dedicated company insights section, profiling major market players like Al Wadi Al Akhdar, Haitoglou Bros, and Prince Tahini, analyzing their market share, strategic initiatives, and product portfolios. This multi-faceted segmentation allows for a granular understanding of the market dynamics, trends, and opportunities across different dimensions.

FAQs

What is tahini made of?

Tahini is a paste or sauce made primarily from ground sesame seeds. The process typically involves soaking the seeds, which may then be hulled or left unhulled, followed by roasting and finally grinding into a smooth or coarse paste. Sometimes, a small amount of oil is added during grinding to achieve the desired consistency.

How do you use tahini?

Tahini is incredibly versatile. It is most famously used as the key ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush. It can be thinned with water and lemon juice to make a sauce for falafel, salads, and grilled meats. It is also used in desserts like halva, swirled into yogurt, added to salad dressings, smoothies, and even baked goods for a nutty flavor and creamy texture.

What does tahini taste like?

Tahini has a distinctive, rich, and nutty flavor with a slight bitterness that can vary in intensity. The taste profile depends on whether it is made from hulled or unhulled sesame seeds. Hulled tahini tends to be milder, creamier, and less bitter, while unhulled tahini has a stronger, more robust, and earthier flavor with a noticeable bitterness and a grainier texture.

Is tahini healthy?

Yes, tahini is widely considered a healthy food. It is a good source of plant-based protein, healthy fats including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and dietary fiber. It is also rich in important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Its nutrient profile supports heart health, bone strength, and provides sustained energy.

Is tahini gluten-free?

Pure, unadulterated tahini made from 100% sesame seeds is naturally gluten-free. It is a safe and popular ingredient in gluten-free diets. However, consumers with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should always check the product label to ensure that the tahini has not been processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products, to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Report - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market
• Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Report - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Report - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Middle East and Mediterranean Tahini Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

Report Customization

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