In this information service about chia trade, we publish information about the international trade in chia seeds and its sustainability. The information is from our own sources and from others.
Chia seeds are a highly nutritious food that was first cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico in pre-Colombian times. The seeds have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, including ALA, which are considered very healthy. In addition the seeds contain high levels of protein and fibre, but little carbs. They are considered a superfood.
The chia plant (Salvia hispanica L.) is native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala. The commercial re-introduction took place in Argentina in the 1990s. Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina are now the major producers, but France and Australia are also starting production.
Since the introduction of the crop to Europe in 2009, the market has grown at double-digit speed. The import volume was about 20000 tons in 2016. The EU novel food law has slowed down market development, but the import procedure will become easier as of 1 January 2018.
Paraguay’s exports of chia seeds reached 84.3 thousand tons in 2025, up from 69.8 thousand tons in 2024. This is a remarkable achievement, as the weather conditions in 2025 were harsh. Towards the end of the growing season, rain and frost had severely damaged the crop. When in July last year the crop started coming … Read more
Operators in the chia market last week came back from SIAL with an interesting take away: chia seeds are increasingly scarce. Especially certified organic chia seeds are not easy to obtain, as some produce is contaminated with residues such as fosetyl and paraquat. According to buyers and sellers, organic chia seeds are now offered at … Read more
My client CBI just published this study on COVID-19 in grains, pulses and oilseeds, which I wrote. The short report contains 12 steps for companies to follow in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It distinguishes between the immediate response and adapting to ‘the new normal’. I hope it comes in time and proves useful. Let … Read more
Chia seeds are a healthy ingredient used in desserts, smoothies, breakfast cereals, bread, snacks and many other products. The European Union approved chia seed as Novel Food in 2009, allowing the chia to be marketed in its territory. In only 10 years’ time, the market has experienced fast development. The major producing countries of chia … Read more
Volume of imports Imports of chia seeds into the European Union (EU) increased only 0.2% by volume in the period October 2017– September 2018 (Figure 1). Figure 1: Chia imports in tons per year, 2014/15 – 2017/18, year ending September Paraguay remains the biggest exporter to the European Union with 5417 tons, followed by Bolivia … Read more
Larger import volume Last year chia imports of the European Union increased by 37%. This is compared to the year before, each year starting in April and ending in March (Figure 1). The four main chia exporting countries, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Mexico, exported a total of 16905 tons to European Union countries. Paraguay has … Read more
As of 1 January 2018, the new Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods (the new Regulation) is applicable. It repeals and replaces Regulation (EC) No 258/97 and Regulation (EC) No 1852/2001 which were in force until 31 December 2017. According to the new rules, all products previously approved are now included in a ‘Union List’ … Read more
France is still a starting market for chia seeds, but it is the first European country to produce chia. This is one of the findings of the market analysis on production and imports of chia seeds in Europe which was recently published by Michel Peperkamp of ICI Business. Uganda is a new and fast growing … Read more
By Freek Jan Koekoek At a well-attended meeting parallel to SIAL Paris in October, the Bolivian chia sector presented its vision to develop ‘clean chia.’ It also provided a production forecast. Bolivia has become one of the leading producers, along with Argentina and Paraguay, of this superfood rich in omega 3, which is experiencing a … Read more
Chia imports into the European Union increased by an amazing 185% in the year ending February 2016, as compared to a year before. The four main chia exporting countries in Latin America, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Mexico, exported a total of 12701 MT chia to EU countries. The average chia import price has been … Read more