Legumes Market Size & Outlook, 2026-2034

Legumes Market Overview

The global legumes market size is valued at USD 95.20 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 162.90 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. The market growth is supported by rising health awareness, increasing adoption of plant-based diets, food security initiatives, and the expanding use of legumes in processed foods, animal feed, and sustainable agriculture systems.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with a revenue share of 44.5% in 2025.
• North America is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.
• Based on Product Type, the Dry beans segment held the highest market share of 36.7% in 2025.
• By Form, the Processed legumes segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR growth of 7.6%.
• Based on Application, the Household consumption category dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue share of 52%.
• Based on Distribution Channel, the Online retail and e-commerce segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period.
• India dominates the market, valued at USD 16.94 billion in 2025 and reaching USD 17.93 billion in 2026.

India Legumes Market Size (USD Billion)

Source: Straits Research

Market Revenue Figures

• 2025 Market Size: USD 95.20 billion
• 2034 Projected Market Size: USD 162.90 billion
• CAGR (2026-2034): 6.2%
• Dominating Region: Asia Pacific
• Fastest-Growing Region: North America

The global legumes market covers edible pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, dry beans, peas, cowpeas, and pigeon peas, supplied in raw, processed, canned, frozen, and value-added formats. These products serve household consumption, foodservice, packaged food manufacturing, and livestock feed applications. The market expansion is driven by shifting dietary preferences toward plant-based proteins, innovation in packaged foods, improved cold-chain and retail distribution, and government support for sustainable crop systems.

Latest Market Trends

Expansion of Plant-Based and Protein-Focused Diets

The global shift toward plant-based and flexitarian diets has significantly increased demand for legumes as affordable and nutritious sources of protein. Consumers are reducing meat intake for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, positioning lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas as core dietary staples. Legumes provide high protein, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients while remaining versatile across cuisines. This trend is particularly pronounced among urban consumers and younger demographics, who prioritise wellness and sustainability. Support from nutrition organisations further reinforces consumption growth, influencing the market’s growth.

Growth of Value-Added and Convenience Legume Products

Urbanisation and busy lifestyles are driving demand for convenient legume-based products that reduce preparation time while maintaining nutritional value. Consumers are increasingly opting for canned, frozen, pre-cooked, and seasoned legumes, particularly in developed markets. Food brands are expanding their offerings to include ready-to-eat lentil meals, flavoured chickpea snacks, and blended legume products. Improvements in packaging technology have enhanced shelf life and product quality, supporting wider distribution through supermarkets and e-commerce channels. This shift from raw pulses to processed and convenience formats increases average selling prices, expands consumption occasions, and strengthens overall market growth.

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Market Drivers

Rising Health Awareness and Nutritional Demand

Growing awareness of diet-related health concerns, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, is driving increased legume consumption. Dietary guidelines and health professionals promote legumes for their high fibre content, low glycemic index, and cholesterol-free protein profile. As consumers seek clean-label and minimally processed foods, legumes naturally meet nutritional expectations. Their benefits for weight management, gut health, and cardiovascular wellness support demand across all age groups. Health-focused marketing and retail availability have further increased household consumption, ensuring a stable demand for the legume market.

Government Support for Food Security and Sustainability

Governments increasingly promote legumes as strategic crops due to their affordability, long shelf life, and role in improving soil health through nitrogen fixation. Policies supporting food security, sustainable agriculture, and crop diversification have strengthened the production and trade of legumes. Subsidies, procurement programs, and farmer incentives encourage pulse cultivation, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America regions. International organisations also advocate legume consumption to address malnutrition and reduce dependence on animal protein. These policy measures stabilise the supply, support farmer participation, and reinforce the importance of legumes within global food systems.

Market Restraint

Price Volatility and Supply-Side Limitations

Legume production is highly dependent on climatic conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, resulting in yield fluctuations and price volatility. Climate-related risks are especially significant in rain-fed regions, where limited irrigation increases uncertainty. Supply disruptions complicate long-term planning for processors and traders, while rising prices can reduce affordability in price-sensitive markets. Additionally, many small-scale farmers face low profit margins due to fragmented supply chains, limited storage, and weak market access. These challenges constrain predictable market expansion and highlight the need for improved infrastructure and supply-chain efficiency.

Market Opportunity

Ingredient Innovation and Emerging Market Growth

Strong opportunities exist in developing value-added legume ingredients, such as flours, protein isolates, concentrates, and starches, for use in bakery products, dairy alternatives, snacks, and sports nutrition. Advances in processing technologies are enhancing the taste, texture, and functionality of pulses, thereby expanding their appeal beyond traditional consumption. In parallel, rapid urbanisation and income growth in emerging markets are driving demand for branded, packaged, and ready-to-cook legume products. The expansion of modern retail and e-commerce channels further supports access and value realisation. These trends enable diversification, higher margins, and sustained long-term market growth.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2025, accounting for 44.5% market share. The region’s leadership is supported by large population bases, deep-rooted dietary reliance on pulses, and strong domestic production across major agricultural economies. Government food security programs, minimum price mechanisms, and public distribution systems further reinforce demand and supply stability. Rapid urbanisation and income growth are also increasing the consumption of packaged and branded pulses.

• India is the largest legume market in the Asia Pacific due to its population size, vegetarian dietary patterns, and cultural dependence on pulses as primary protein sources. Strong domestic production, government procurement, and extensive retail distribution ensure consistent supply and demand. Rising urban incomes and health awareness are driving demand for branded, packaged lentils and ready-to-cook products. Expansion of organised retail and e-commerce in major cities further supports value growth, positioning India as the core demand anchor for the region.

North America Legumes Market Insights

North America is emerging as the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2026-2034, driven by strong health awareness, widespread adoption of plant-based and flexitarian diets, and growing use of legumes in packaged foods and protein products. Consumers increasingly substitute animal protein with lentils, beans, and peas due to nutritional and sustainability considerations. The region also benefits from advanced food processing infrastructure and strong innovation in value-added legume ingredients. North America is the fastest-growing region, driven by the rising consumption of legume-based snacks, meat alternatives, and functional foods.

• The U.S. is the dominant country market in North America due to high consumer purchasing power, advanced retail systems, and strong food innovation. Food manufacturers increasingly incorporate pea and lentil proteins into packaged foods and plant-based alternatives. Retailers promote legumes through health-focused marketing, while e-commerce and subscription models improve accessibility.

Source: Straits Research

Europe Market Insights

The European market is supported by strong dietary diversification and sustainability-driven food policies. Rising awareness of environmental impact and nutrition has encouraged consumers to increase their intake of plant proteins, benefiting lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. Public health campaigns promoting balanced diets and reduced meat consumption reinforce this trend. The region also exhibits a growing demand for organic and traceable legumes, particularly through supermarkets and speciality food retailers. Europe is driven by steady household consumption and expanding use of legumes in processed and convenience foods.

• France plays a leading role in the European legumes market due to high consumer awareness of nutrition and sustainability. Traditional culinary usage of lentils and beans, combined with government support for plant-based diets, sustains domestic demand. French food manufacturers increasingly integrate legumes into ready meals and soups. Growing interest in locally sourced and organic pulses further supports market value growth.

Latin America Market Insights

Latin America maintained a steady share, supported by a strong cultural reliance on beans as dietary staples. Countries across the region consume legumes on a daily basis, ensuring consistent demand volume. Urbanisation and rising incomes are gradually shifting consumption toward branded and packaged pulses, increasing market value. Latin America is expected to grow driven by retail modernisation, expanding middle-class consumption, and rising foodservice demand in urban centres.

• Brazil is the largest legume market in Latin America due to its population size and cultural dependence on beans as a staple food. Domestic production supports price stability, while modern retail expansion encourages the adoption of packaged and branded pulses. Rising health awareness and urban lifestyles are driving demand for higher-quality and convenience formats.

Middle East and Africa Market Insights

The Middle East and Africa region relies heavily on legumes as an affordable protein source, particularly in African economies, where pulses play a crucial role in supporting food security. In the Middle East, population growth, urbanisation, and strong import flows sustain steady demand. Legumes are widely used in traditional diets and institutional food programs. Overall, Middle East and Africa is supported by rising urban consumption, expanding retail access, and government nutrition initiatives targeting protein affordability.

• Egypt is a leading market in the MEA region due to high population density and strong cultural consumption of lentils, fava beans, and chickpeas. Government food subsidy programs ensure wide accessibility, while urban retail expansion supports the sales of packaged pulses. Rising awareness of nutritional value and affordability continues to drive demand, making Egypt a key consumption hub within the regional market.

Product Type Insights

Dry beans dominated the market with a revenue share of 36.7% in 2025, supported by their wide availability, long shelf life, affordability, and cultural integration across diets. Beans are staple foods in North America, Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia, used in both traditional meals and modern packaged foods. Their versatility across household cooking, canned foods, and foodservice ensures stable demand. Dry beans are also widely traded internationally, strengthening their supply consistency.

Lentils represent the fastest-growing product segment, projected to register a CAGR of 7.1%, driven by rising health awareness, strong demand from plant-based diets, and faster cooking times compared to other legumes. Lentils are widely perceived as premium pulses due to their high protein, fibre, and micronutrient content. They are increasingly used in ready meals, soups, snacks, and protein blends. Urban consumers prefer lentils for their convenience and nutritional benefits. This combination of health positioning, culinary adaptability, and processing suitability supports accelerated growth.

By Product Type Market Share (%), 2025

Source: Straits Research

Form Insights

Whole and raw legumes remain the largest segment, accounting for around 48.2% of market share in 2025, as they are the most commonly consumed and traded form globally. Many households prefer raw legumes due to their cost efficiency, flexibility in cooking, and cultural familiarity. This segment is particularly dominant in developing regions, where home cooking remains prevalent, and cold-chain infrastructure is limited. Whole legumes are also easier to store and transport, making them suitable for government procurement and food aid programs.

Processed legumes, including canned, frozen, and pre-cooked formats, are the fastest-growing form, projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.6%. The growth is driven by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and demand for convenience foods. Processed legumes appeal to time-constrained consumers and are increasingly adopted in developed markets. Improvements in packaging and shelf-life technologies have enhanced product quality and acceptance.

Application Insights

Household consumption dominates the legumes market, with a market share of approximately 52% in 2025, reflecting the role of legumes as staple foods in daily diets. Households value legumes for their affordability, nutritional benefits, and adaptability across various cuisines. Consumption remains particularly strong in the Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, where pulses are central to traditional meals. This segment is expected to grow, supported by population growth and continued emphasis on home cooking in emerging economies.

Food processing and packaged foods is the fastest-growing application, forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.4%. Food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating legumes into ready meals, snacks, bakery items, and plant-based products to enhance protein content and nutritional value. The shift toward clean-label and plant-forward formulations has accelerated this trend. As food companies innovate with legume-based ingredients, this segment will continue to be a major growth engine.

Distribution Channel Insights

Traditional retail channels account for the largest share at around 45% in 2025, particularly in developing regions where open markets, cooperatives, and local grain sellers dominate food distribution. These channels offer loose and bulk legumes at lower prices, making them accessible to price-sensitive consumers. Their reach into rural and semi-urban areas further supports segment growth.

Online retail and e-commerce is the fastest-growing channel, expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.0%. The growth is driven by urban consumers seeking convenience, branded packaged pulses, and speciality legumes. Digital platforms also support subscription models and bulk delivery, improving accessibility. This channel is reshaping purchasing behaviour, especially among younger and middle-income households.

Competitive Landscape

The global legumes market is moderately fragmented, characterised by a mix of large agribusiness groups, regional commodity leaders, cooperative producers, and emerging value-added food brands. Established players dominate global trade volumes due to their scale, vertically integrated supply chains, and long-term relationships with growers and institutional buyers. Mid-tier processors and regional brands compete by offering packaged, branded, and locally sourced legumes, while newer entrants differentiate through organic certification, traceability, plant-based positioning, and direct-to-consumer distribution.

AGT Food and Ingredients: A Global Pulse Leader

AGT Food and Ingredients is a leading global player in the legumes market, recognised for its vertically integrated model that spans origination, processing, and international distribution. The company entered the market through large-scale pulse trading and has expanded into value-added processing, supplying lentils, peas, chickpeas, and specialty pulses to food manufacturers, retailers, and government buyers worldwide. AGT primarily serves industrial buyers and export markets, differentiating itself through its scale, logistics capabilities, and long-term supply contracts, rather than consumer branding.

Latest News:

• In March 2025, AGT Food and Ingredients announced capacity upgrades at multiple pulse processing facilities to support rising global demand for lentils and peas used in plant-based food manufacturing.

List of key players in Legumes Market

1. AGT Food and Ingredients
2. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
3. Bunge Limited
4. Louis Dreyfus Company
5. Cargill
6. Olam Group
7. Ingredion Incorporated
8. Tate & Lyle
9. Emsland Group
10. Roquette Frères
11. Bonduelle Group
12. Conagra Brands
13. Goya Foods
14. Patanjali Foods
15. ITC Limited
16. Tata Consumer Product
17. SunOpta
18. Barry Callebaut (pulse-based ingredients division)
19. The Scoular Company
20. Ardent Mills (pulse flour operations)
21. Viterra
22. Wilmar International
23. McCain Foods (legume-based frozen products)

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Strategic Initiatives

• October 2025 - Roquette finalised a 300 million Euros investment in a new pea protein facility in France to boost European supply and meet stricter EU environmental labelling norms.
• October 2025 - Bunge officially completed its business combination with Viterra, creating a dominant global value chain for pulses and oilseeds.
• March 2025 – Tata Consumer Products reported a 29% growth for the FY25 fiscal year in its "Tata Sampann" pulse and speciality food portfolio.
• January 2025 - Bonduelle Group introduced a complete design relaunch for its canned legumes, prominently featuring "100% natural" claims and QR codes for origin traceability.