In the field together

Our visit gave us valuable insights into the growing conditions and processing of the seeds. Together with our partners, we made clear agreements to safeguard quality and secure the upcoming harvest. The seeds are sourced directly from local farmers and cleaned by our suppliers, a crucial step to remove residues and improve purity.

A pure product

By staying close to the source, we know what we’re working with and can build long-term relationships with partners who share our values. This is exactly how we safeguard quality in every step: from field to final product.

And the story doesn’t stop there. In the end of July 2025, the seeds from Egypt arrived at our production facility in Zaandam. Pressing has now started. With the recent upgrades to our production line, including a smarter setup and doubled pressing capacity, we’re able to process more product in less time, without compromising on quality. These improvements make our process more polished and efficient.

From the source

This journey is a great example of how everything comes together at Sigma Oil Seeds. We stay close to the source, invest in long-term partnerships and continually improve our processes. That’s how we ensure high-quality oils.

Exactly what you’d expect from the new generation of oil producers.

Het bericht The story behind our black cumin seed verscheen eerst op .

Burkinature is a processor and exporter of organic sesame seeds. At their facility in Ouagadougou, seeds are collected from the fields and cleaned to a purity of more than 99%. Residues such as small stones and leaves are removed during this process.

Burkina Faso may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of organic sesame, but the Sapouy region (green circle on the map) is well-known for its agriculture, and it’s where our sesame seeds are grown. From the start of the planting season, field managers assist farmers with sowing seeds and sharing knowledge about how to treat the fields and tools for harvesting. Our partnership with Burkinature allows us to contribute to this story by bringing knowledge, tools, and resources back into the local communities.

Visiting the fields

Earlier this year, Timo and Stefan traveled to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. During this visit, we spoke with cooperatives representing local farmers and families to better understand the current challenges in sesame farming. Key issues include the need for financial support, better insect control tools, and improved local storage facilities. We take these insights seriously and are incorporating them into our long-term planning. Together with Burkinature, we’re committed to finding the right solutions for a sustainable future.

A shared vision

Burkinature is a family-run business and a market leader in organic sesame seeds. They work with farmers across the country and have built a strong network over the years. After harvest, the seeds are stored locally and then transported to the processing facility in Ouagadougou, where the seeds are cleaned and packed for export. This approach ensures full traceability.

Through this collaboration, we aim to make a positive impact—locally and within the wider sector. Resources, knowledge, and revenue return to the communities that make this product possible.

Exactly what you’d expect from the new generation of oil producers.

Het bericht A fully traceable sesame oil from Burkina Faso verscheen eerst op .

The photo above shows the moment freshly picked avocados arrived at the facility. Each container is labelled with a QR-code. This allows full traceability, including the avocado variety, harvest date, and farm details.

A GEOGRAPHICAL INSIGHT
The farms are located in the Mt. Kenya region, which offers ideal conditions for growing avocados. The combination of temperature, humidity, and altitude supports healthy crops and consistent quality.

Harvesting takes place twice a year: the main season is in May, followed by a smaller harvest in October. Farmers collect the avocados in bags and bring them to local collection points, often near their homes. There, avocados are washed and checked for quality. Approved fruits are placed in trays for oil production. Rejected ones are still useful for local use or for crude oil extraction.

THE SKIN AS DEFENDER
The skin of the avocado has a protective effect because of it thickness, therefore the core of the fruit is protect for rotting, plant diseases and contamination. For virgin oil only the best part of the avocado, the flesh, is used for production.

THE NEXT STEP

Once the avocados are pressed, the oil is stored in large tanks. It is essential to give the oil a break for three or four days to make it naturally filter itself. After resting, the oil is mechanically filtered and winterized. This last step is crucial to maintain a clear oil at a lower temperature. For example, during the winter in Europe or at a controlled temperature in the supermarket.

On average, each avocado tree produces between 3 and 5 tons of fruit per season.

After filtering, the oil is stored again — now ready for packing. We typically use carton totes or steel drums. These packaging options ensure optimal product quality while also being efficient for transport.

We are a producer and importer of plant-based specialty oils.
– We source directly from origin.
– We manage strict quality assurance.
– We offer dedicated solutions.

It is our aim to make it as simple as possible for our customers. Feel free to contact us for any information about our Avocado Oil.

Het bericht Supplier visit Avocado Oil verscheen eerst op .