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Agricultural Commodity Guide · 9 min read

Ethiopian Sesame Export Guide: Varieties, Grades, Oil Content & How to Buy

Ethiopia is one of the world's top sesame exporters, producing high-quality white and mixed sesame seeds prized for their high oil content and clean flavor. This guide covers everything importers, food manufacturers, and oil processors need to know about sourcing Ethiopian sesame.

Ethiopian Sesame Varieties

Ethiopia produces two main sesame varieties, each with distinct characteristics and market applications:

Humera Sesame (White)

Tigray and Amhara regions, northwestern Ethiopia

  • Creamy white color
  • Oil content: 50–55%
  • Low moisture (5–7%)
  • Clean, mild flavor
  • Premium grade — highest demand

Uses: Tahini production, bakery topping, confectionery, oil extraction

Wollega Sesame (Mixed)

Oromia region, western Ethiopia

  • Mixed color (white, brown, black)
  • Oil content: 48–52%
  • Slightly higher impurity tolerance
  • Stronger flavor
  • Commercial grade

Uses: Oil extraction, animal feed, industrial uses, blending

Quality Specifications

ParameterHumera (Premium)Wollega (Commercial)
Oil content50–55%48–52%
MoistureMax 5%Max 7%
PurityMin 99.5%Min 98%
Foreign matterMax 0.5%Max 2%
FFA (Free Fatty Acid)Max 2%Max 3%
ColorCreamy whiteMixed (white/brown/black)

Packaging Options

25 kg PP bags

Standard for most markets. Polypropylene woven bags, inner liner available.

50 kg jute bags

Traditional packaging. Preferred by some Middle Eastern and Asian buyers.

Bulk (FCL)

Full container load in bulk. Lowest cost option for large-volume oil processors.

Export Documentation

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin (Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce)
Phytosanitary Certificate (Ethiopian Plant Health Regulatory Directorate)
Quality Certificate (Ethiopian Grain Trade Enterprise or private lab)
Fumigation Certificate (if required by destination country)
Organic Certificate (if applicable)

Ordering Information

Minimum Order

1 x 20ft container (~20–22 MT)

Harvest Season

October–December (main crop)

Departure Port

Djibouti Port

Incoterms

FOB Djibouti or CIF destination

Related Guides

Source Ethiopian Sesame Seeds

Horn Gate Trading exports Humera and Wollega sesame. Minimum 1 container. Request a quotation with specifications.

Request a Quotation