Pumpkinseed kernels

Prices continue the trend to slowly increase with a temporary short term demand spike for Chinese New Year in mid February and spot demand from domestic and neighbouring markets. There are rumours of a change in the Governments cotton subsidy regime for this season which with the stronger prices might encourage farmers to plant more pumpkin.

The supply is still challenged by multiple pesticide issues, particularly in GWS and organic grades, so beware cheap prices.

Linseed

Canada has had a good crop and is lowering prices but still remains uncompetitive against the huge Kazakhstan crop. China continues to source from this origin and Russia and is an easier less demanding buyer better paying client. So, EU prices remain relatively firm and stable. The higher prices have encouraged Indian farmers to plant more for their summer harvest, in particular organic material.

Sesame seed

Global demand & supply patterns shift. The primary impact is a decline in plantings in India, as they rely more on imported for hulling grade seed and domestic demand for natural. Brazil and China are firmly established in supply agreements to the loss of Pakistan. There is a surplus here looking for a home, with no domestic demand we would expect them to significantly reduce their plantings in 2026.  So, the natural market remains weak, but hulled supply is tighter as players disappear from the market.

Strong African production also gets soaked up by China demand for natural seed.

In Central America harvests continue to decline in quantity whilst quality is maintained.

Hulled Millet

The steady increase in pricing continues as availability of raw material declines. We don’t see the trend changing from Ukraine and there is no viable competitive alternative for now. Optimistically we would expect plantings to be higher due to the pricing strategy so it is possible the trend will change for new crop.

Sunflower

The market is being depressed by aggressive pricing coming from Russia and Kazakhstan which are filling all demand from China and Middle East for kernels and oil. This is undercutting the base market price for kernels making Bulgaria look expensive as they are left with just EU & USA markets to supply. The situation is worsened by Ukrainian material of lower quality finding its way across the border with under declared value.

So quality material is available but at premium pricing compared to the above.

Poppy

Not a lot of news from Northern hemisphere regions but a good, even large crop expected in Australia which should help keep prices stable, particularly for the lower qualities.  We will not see this impact prices until Q3/2026 at the earliest, but even then, we do not expect a significant reduction.

Quinoa

Demand is supporting the market levels currently. The shape of the Peruvian new crop will become apparent during this month, and the extent of frost damage will show the potential direction for pricing.

The smaller crops; organic, black are in scarce supply with prices rising and rising. This is unlikely to change in the short term.

Chia

A good crop expected in India who have a focus on growing their market share. Southern India material is flowing now but reports indicate the colour is poor, more brown than black which will not be popular with buyers. We fully expect the trend of buyers shifting to the more competitive and similar quality material from India away from Paraguay to continue and potential speed up through 2026.