10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sunflower Seed Oil
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sunflower Seed Oil
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sunflower Seed
Oil-According to
FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, there are 10 World’s
Biggest Sunflower Seed Oil Producers in 2023. Commonly, sunflower oil is a
vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus),
and it still becomes one of the most widely used vegetable oils globally.
Functionally, these sunflower seed oils can be used as cooking oil, and it is
beneficial for health as medicine. Functionally, this vegetable oil contains
unsaturated fats which are good for heart organs. In addition, nutritionally,
there are also the content of vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and other aliphatic
hazards that make sunflower oil can be recognized as healthy oil.
Taxonomically, in biological aspects, the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus) can be classified into Division: Tracheophyta;
Subdivision: Spermatophytina; Class: Magnoliopsida;
Superorder: Asteranae; Order: Asterales; Family: Asteraceae;
Genus: Helianthus L.; Species: Helianthus annuus L.
Because of Helianthus
annuus is included in Asteraceae family, this plant has close relationships
with other plant/crops including Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Calendula,
Dendranthema, Argyranthemum, Dahlia, Tagetes, Zinnia, and many others.
The World’s Statistical Production of Sunflower Seed Oil From 1961 to 2023
|
Years |
World’s Production of Sunflower Oil |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
1961 |
1,945,815 |
|
1962 |
2,291,844 |
|
1963 |
2,409,079 |
|
1964 |
2,363,016 |
|
1965 |
3,023,874 |
|
1966 |
3,033,554 |
|
1967 |
3,508,915 |
|
1968 |
3,675,778 |
|
1969 |
3,653,749 |
|
1970 |
3,651,785 |
|
1971 |
3,599,859 |
|
1972 |
3,627,890 |
|
1973 |
3,578,018 |
|
1974 |
4,383,273 |
|
1975 |
4,170,545 |
|
1976 |
3,437,385 |
|
1977 |
3,687,838 |
|
1978 |
4,561,076 |
|
1979 |
4,890,160 |
|
1980 |
5,147,463 |
|
1981 |
5,052,813 |
|
1982 |
5,191,721 |
|
1983 |
6,146,270 |
|
1984 |
6,034,251 |
|
1985 |
6,578,931 |
|
1986 |
6,898,492 |
|
1987 |
6,751,953 |
|
1988 |
7,354,922 |
|
1989 |
7,692,868 |
|
1990 |
8,096,230 |
|
1991 |
8,175,128 |
|
1992 |
8,263,821 |
|
1993 |
7,766,940 |
|
1994 |
7,542,162 |
|
1995 |
8,780,804 |
|
1996 |
9,300,421 |
|
1997 |
9,169,931 |
|
1998 |
8,865,555 |
|
1999 |
9,540,018 |
|
2000 |
9,762,605 |
|
2001 |
8,248,943 |
|
2002 |
7,871,378 |
|
2003 |
9,272,979 |
|
2004 |
9,867,642 |
|
2005 |
10,723,821 |
|
2006 |
11,548,827 |
|
2007 |
11,131,956 |
|
2008 |
10,965,785 |
|
2009 |
13,022,674 |
|
2010 |
12,514,999 |
|
2011 |
13,111,429 |
|
2012 |
14,824,690 |
|
2013 |
14,057,161 |
|
2014 |
16,043,261 |
|
2015 |
15,185,780 |
|
2016 |
16,011,122 |
|
2017 |
18,068,979 |
|
2018 |
18,301,736 |
|
2019 |
19,924,369 |
|
2020 |
20,448,260 |
|
2021 |
18,380,335 |
|
2022 |
20,168,677 |
|
2023 |
22,655,348 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Statistically, according to the FAO
Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in the world, the production of
sunflower seed oil from time to time showed an increasing trend. In 1961, the
world’s production of Sunflower seed oil was just 1.94 million tons. After more
than 60 years, exactly in 2023, the world’s production of sunflower seed oil becomes 22.65 million tons.
The Statistical Production of Sunflower Seed Oil Based on Continent in 2023
|
Continental Region |
Production of Sunflower Oil in 2023 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
785,984 |
|
Americas |
2,112,262 |
|
Asia |
2,130,399 |
|
Europe |
17,611,403 |
|
Oceania |
15,300 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Based on the continent region, there
are some regions of cultivation or production of sunflower seed oil. Europe
continent / region still become the largest area of production of sunflower seed oil with production of around 17.6
million tons or around 70% of world’s production in 2024. Meanwhile, in minor
areas of production, Asia and America regions can produce 2.13 million and 2.11
million tons, respectively. Based on the Country’s area, there are 10 world’s biggest sunflower seed oil producers in 2023.
These data were obtained from FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in
2026. Here is the rank of biggest country’s producers of sunflower seed oil.
The Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023
|
Rank |
Country Producers |
Production of Sunflower Oil in 2023 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
Russian Federation |
7,038,700 |
|
2 |
Ukraine |
6,044,500 |
|
3 |
Argentina |
1,709,511 |
|
4 |
Türkiye |
900,600 |
|
5 |
Hungary |
765,400 |
|
6 |
Bulgaria |
683,000 |
|
7 |
France |
619,600 |
|
8 |
Romania |
567,500 |
|
9 |
Kazakhstan |
537,125 |
|
10 |
Spain |
481,200 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Brief Description of World’s Biggest Sunflower Seed Oil Country Producers
1. Russian Federation
Russia becomes the world’s largest
country producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. Statistically, according to the
FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of sunflower seed
oil from Russia reached 7,038,700 tons. Geographically, there are some specific
regions of sunflower production in Russia. These regions include Krasnodar territory,
Rostov, Belgorod, Saratov, Voronezh. Some companies also become leaders in
Sunflower Oil in Russia. Efko Group, Aston, Rusagro, Solnechnye Produkty are
some of the major sunflower oil companies in Russia.
2. Ukraine
Ukraine still becomes the 2nd world’s
largest country producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023 and becomes one of the
largest exporters of sunflower oil. According to FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower Seed Oil from Ukraine reached
6,044,500 tons. Based on the production area in Ukraine, there are some
specific areas of sunflower production. Geographically, in this country, the
main production area of sunflower seed
is located in Kirovograd, Kharkov, and Dnepropetrovsk
regions. In the Sunflower Oil industry in Ukraine, some companies become the market leader in the Ukraine's Sunflower Oil
including Kernel, MHP (Myronivsky Hliboproduct), and Astarta-Kyiv.
3. Argentina
Argentina still becomes the 3rd biggest
country producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. According to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower Seed oil from
Argentina reached 1,709,511 tons. Buenos Aires, La Pampa, San Luis, Cordoba, Santa Fe are some
regions in Argentina that have
become the main area
of sunflower cultivation. Of all these regions above, Buenos Aires still became
the major area of production of Sunflower in
Argentina.
4. Türkiye
Turkey is the 4th bigger
country producers of sunflower seed oil. Statistically, the production of
Turkey is around 900,600 tons. Geographically, most sunflower cultivation is in
Trakya/Thrace Region. Meanwhile, the minor cultivation area of Sunflower is
located in the South Marmara and Black Sea Regions. In terms of
industrial sunflower oil in the Turkish
market, some companies still dominated the sunflower oil in Türkiye, including
Savola Gıda (Yudum), Aves (Safya), Abalıoğlu Yağ, and Trakya Birlik. Related to
the refinery factory, the refinery facilities of
sunflower oil are located mostly around
Tekirdağ, Istanbul, and Mersin.
5. Hungary
Hungary is the 5th biggest
country producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. According to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower seed oil reached
765,400 tons. Geographically, North Great Plane, South Great Plane, Northern Hungary, and Middle
Transdanubia region are some of the primary areas of sunflower seed in Hungary.
In terms of the industry of sunflower oils, there are some popular companies in
sunflower oil in Hungary including Bunge Zrt, NT Élelmiszertermelő Kft, and
Vandamme Group.
6. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the 6th biggest
country producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. According to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower seed oil from
Bulgaria reached 683,000 tons. Geographically, the manufacturing area of
Sunflower seed located in Polski Trambesh. In Bulgaria's
sunflower oil industry, there are some major
Processing Companies of sunflower oil including Oliva AD, Papas Olio, Biser
Oliva, Bonoil.
7. France
France is the 7th biggest country producer of
Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower seed from France reached 619,600 tons.
Geographically, The South-West (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and the Centre-Val de Loire
are some of the main growing areas of sunflower in France. In fact, more than
60-70% of France's sunflower oil production
contains High Oleic (rich in Omega-9 monounsaturated fats) and This gives a
premium status of Sunflower oil from France. Furthermore, in France, there are
some major companies in manufacturing sunflower oil including Saipol (Avril
Group), Lesieur (Avril Group), Cargill France, Provence Huiles.
8. Romania
Romania is the 8th biggest
country producer in 2023. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower Seed Oil reached 567,500 tons. Geographically, in
Romania, there are some regions of sunflower seeds production. These areas are
Brăila, Constanța, and Tulcea. In Romania, there are some major companies in
manufacturing sunflower oil including Prutul S.A., Expur S.A., Bunge Romania,
Argus S.A. In terms of Agronomical aspects, the planting time of sunflower
plants in Romania occurs around March – April and harvesting time usually happens in the
late August – September.
9. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the 9th world’s
biggest Producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. Statistically, the production
of sunflower seed oil from Kazakhstan reached 537,125 tons. In terms of
agronomical aspects, the planting time of sunflower plants in this country
occurs around May and harvesting time happens in the months of September to
October. Geographically, there are some regions of Sunflower Seed in
Kazakhstan. These areas include East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Qostanay, North
Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan, Aqmola, and Almaty. In Kazakhstan, in terms of
sunflower industries, there are some major companies in manufacturing sunflower
oil, and these companies include JSC "May", Qazaq Astyq Group,
Maslo-Del, Sey-Nar.
10. Spain
Spain is the 10th largest
country producer of Sunflower Seed Oil in 2023. According to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Sunflower Seed Oil from Spain
reached 481,200 tons. Geographically, there are some regions of Sunflower seed
production in Spain. These regions include the Guadalquivir valley in southern
Spain, the Cuenca area located in Spain's central plateau, and the
Castilla-León area, northern Spain. In Spain, in terms of sunflower industries,
there are some major companies in manufacturing sunflower oil, and these
companies include LIPSA, Sovena España, Borges, Aceites del Sur (Acesur).
The Table Rank of 10 World’s Largest Country Producers of Sunflowers Oil in 2023
The Histogram Rank of 10 World’s Largest Country Producers of Sunflowers Oil in 2023
Bibliography of 10 World’s Biggest Sunflower Seed Oil Producers
FAOSTAT. 2026. Production quantities of Sunflower-seed oil,
crude by country. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on January 28th,
2026.
FAOSTAT. 2026. Production share of Sunflower-seed oil, crude by
region. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on January 28th,
2026.