- Author Rahman,A., Bhattarai, S.,Akbar,D., Thomson,M.
- Publish date 3 February 2020
- Type Report
- Documents
- Horticulture
Summary
This paper investigates the current and future trends of the international sesame market and explores the market opportunities for Australian sesame producers. It provides a baseline assessment of the global industry based on currently available information and identifies areas for further research to address gaps in market information. Sesame is an oilseed crop which mainly grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The uses of sesame are diverse, from direct consumption as food to an ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Projects
Spicing up Northern Australia with high-value condiment crops
The Spicing up northern Australia with high-value condiment crops project explored the potential for establishing a new high-value spice industry across northern Australia. Funded by CRCNA and delivered by CQUniversity Australia in partnership with AgriVentis Technologies Ltd, the project evaluated the agronomic performance, commercial viability and market opportunities for a range of spice and condiment crops suited to northern farming systems. Over three years, field trials were conducted across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, progressing promising crops through varietal evaluation, verification and commercial-scale production trials. The research identified black sesame, fennel and kalonji as the most suitable crops for northern Australian conditions, with black sesame demonstrating strong adaptability across multiple production regions and seasons. The project generated valuable production, market and supply chain knowledge, providing growers with evidence-based information on incorporating high-value spices into existing crop rotations. It also highlighted key barriers to commercial expansion, including mechanised production systems, pest and weed management, and post-harvest processing requirements. The findings laid the foundation for the follow-on Great Northern Spices program, supporting continued industry development, grower adoption and investment in new agricultural opportunities across northern Australia.