#Japan #Tokyo #Kadoya Oil #Olam Agri #IFAD

Kadoya Oil's Initiative to Boost Sustainability in Sesame Farming

Kadoya Oil Co., Ltd., known for its pure sesame oil, has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability in the sesame supply chain in Africa. At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held from August 20 to 22, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama, Kadoya Oil signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Olam Agri, and MC Agri Alliance. This partnership aims to support small-scale farmers in Nigeria, enhancing their productivity and income through improved practices and environmental sustainability.

Background of the LOI

Japan relies heavily on imports for sesame seeds, with Nigeria being the leading exporter. However, due to climate changes and infrastructure challenges, the production of sesame in Nigeria is often unstable, exacerbating existing social issues such as poverty. Despite these challenges, the demand for sesame oil is on the rise, especially in major markets like the United States, highlighting Nigeria's importance to Kadoya Oil as a key partner in ensuring a stable supply of sesame oil.

The LOI aims at creating a sustainable supply chain, recognizing that the stability and motivation of farmers are crucial. By ensuring conditions for farmers to cultivate high-quality sesame safely, Kadoya Oil ultimately safeguards the quality and reliable supply of sesame oil on Japanese dining tables. Over the next 167 years, Kadoya Oil seeks to collaborate with IFAD, Olam Agri, and MC Agri Alliance to support smallholder farmers in Nigeria to enhance their productivity and quality in sesame cultivation, fostering their livelihoods and contributing to sustainable local community development.

About Kadoya Oil Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1858 on Shodoshima Island, Kadoya Oil has spent 167 years dedicated exclusively to sesame oil production. Their signature “pure sesame oil” is known worldwide for its aromatic and rich flavor. Since 2007, their overseas sesame oil sales have exploded from 1.7 billion yen to an expected 8.6 billion yen by 2024. They currently hold the number one market share in the Japanese and U.S. sesame oil markets. In April of this year, Kadoya established a new research and development division focused on exploring food uses for defatted sesame by-products.

Kadoya believes in maximizing the value of sesame to contribute significantly to society. Their vision includes engaging stakeholders—farmers, consumers, shareholders, communities, and employees—in a fan-based management approach that enhances corporate value collaboratively.

Partner Organizations

IFAD

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution established in 1977 as a UN agency aimed at reducing rural poverty and enhancing food security through financing rural development initiatives. Learn more about IFAD

Olam Agri

Olam Agri is a global agribusiness leader dedicated to creating a sustainable food and agricultural future. With projected handling volumes of 45.1 million tons in 2024 and revenues approaching 3.5 trillion yen, Olam Agri prioritizes building networks with smallholder farmers and contributing to local communities’ sustainable development and food security. They play a crucial role in enhancing Nigeria's agricultural growth and food supply system. Discover Olam Agri

MC Agri Alliance

MC Agri Alliance is a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Olam International, specializing in the import and sale of commodities like coffee, cocoa, and sesame. Explore MC Agri Alliance

Conclusion

Through this collaborative effort, Kadoya Oil aims to create a resilient and sustainable sesame supply chain that not only benefits farmers in Nigeria but also secures the future of sesame oil availability for consumers worldwide. As the company celebrates its long history, it also looks forward to continued success in promoting quality, sustainability, and well-being for all stakeholders involved in the sesame industry.