Beans and Legumes Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Kidney Beans), By Application (Retail, Foodservice, Canned & Frozen Foods), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Beans and Legumes Market Overview

The Beans and Legumes Market size was valued at USD 14.37 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 19.43 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.84% from 2025 to 2033.

The global beans and legumes market plays a crucial role in food security and plant-based nutrition. In 2021, total global bean production was estimated at approximately 28.3 million metric tons, and this figure is expected to surpass 31.6 million tons by 2026. India remains the largest producer, accounting for over 8.85 million tons annually, followed by Brazil with 2.71 million tons, and the United States with around 940,000 tons. Globally, bean consumption stood at 19 million tons in 2021 and is projected to reach 20 million tons within five years. In the lentils category, production was recorded at 6.7 million tonnes in 2022, with Canada contributing the largest share of 2.2 million tonnes. Chickpeas are also a dominant segment, with India alone producing over 5.97 million tons. These pulses have gained considerable popularity in both traditional and modern cuisines. Demand is growing for both dry beans and processed forms, including frozen, canned, and packaged legumes. With strong growth in health-conscious consumers and plant-based diets, the beans and legumes market is experiencing significant expansion globally. Supply chains are well-established across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, positioning the segment for continued momentum.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising demand for plant-based, high-protein food options is driving consumption of beans and legumes across both developed and emerging economies.

Country/Region: India leads the market with over 8.85 million tons of beans produced and more than 5.6 million tons consumed annually.

Segment: Chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, and black beans are the most consumed categories, with lentil production exceeding 6.7 million tonnes worldwide.

Beans and Legumes Market Trends

The beans and legumes market is witnessing strong trends shaped by health, sustainability, and convenience. One of the most significant drivers is the increasing global consumption of protein-rich and fiber-dense foods. In 2021, global bean production reached approximately 28.3 million metric tons, and expectations are that this will rise to 31.6 million tons by 2026. Global lentil output hit 6.7 million tonnes in 2022, with Canada producing a significant 2.2 million tonnes. India continues to dominate consumption patterns, with over 5.6 million tons of beans consumed annually. Brazil follows closely with production near 2.71 million tons, and Mexico remains a leading exporter of black beans. Meanwhile, African nations like Tanzania have increased their bean production to over 1.6 million tons due to improved farming practices and higher regional demand.

In developed markets, such as the U.S. and Canada, the adoption of beans and legumes has expanded across both retail and foodservice. Legume-based products are now found in an array of plant-based offerings, from pasta to protein bars and meat alternatives. Convenience foods like canned and frozen beans have increased in market share, now accounting for more than 50% of processed legume products sold in grocery chains across North America and Western Europe. Export volumes are also climbing, with Canada shipping more than 420,000 tonnes of plant-based protein ingredients in 2023, largely made up of lentils, peas, and beans. This figure represents over 75% of the nation’s plant protein exports. In the U.S., black beans and pinto beans remain the most popular types, with over 650,000 acres dedicated to their cultivation. Supply chain advancements and sustainable farming methods are increasingly important. Major agribusinesses are integrating traceable sourcing, non-GMO certifications, and organic processing in response to consumer demand. Global companies operate in more than 60 countries, maintaining extensive logistics and procurement networks that ensure efficient delivery from farm to shelf. Innovation is transforming the beans and legumes segment into one of the fastest-growing plant-based food categories. With rising health awareness and global dietary shifts, beans and legumes continue to be central to nutrition and agriculture strategies worldwide.

Beans and Legumes Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for plant-based protein and health-oriented diets

The primary driver of growth in the beans and legumes market is the sharp rise in demand for plant-based proteins across global markets. As of 2023, over 30% of global consumers report reducing animal protein in favor of plant-based alternatives. Beans and legumes, rich in protein (averaging 15–25 grams per 100 grams), fiber (around 7–10 grams per 100 grams), iron, and folate, are increasingly incorporated into daily diets. Nations like Canada, Germany, and Australia have seen year-on-year increases in pulse consumption by more than 12%. In India, more than 60% of the population consumes legumes daily, with chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans being dietary staples. Health organizations globally promote beans and legumes as essential for cardiovascular health, diabetes control, and weight management. This rising awareness fuels demand across multiple distribution channels, especially in retail and plant-based food sectors.

RESTRAINT

Limited cold chain and processing infrastructure in emerging regions

Despite global demand, one of the major restraints on the beans and legumes market is the underdeveloped infrastructure for processing, packaging, and cold storage in key producing countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, post-harvest losses of beans exceed 20% annually due to inadequate drying, storage, and transport facilities. Similarly, in parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America, up to 18% of harvested legumes fail to reach export-grade standards due to pest exposure or moisture damage. Many regions also lack investment in advanced sorting, grading, and canning equipment, resulting in product inconsistency and limited access to value-added segments. The shelf life of fresh beans can be under 14 days without proper processing or refrigeration, creating limitations in longer-range distribution. This infrastructural gap affects global supply chains, especially as more buyers in North America and Europe require traceable, pre-cleaned, and packaged pulses for both retail and institutional consumption.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of ready-to-eat legume products and plant-based food innovations

A major market opportunity lies in the fast-growing segment of ready-to-eat, convenience-focused legume products. Globally, over 58% of consumers in urban markets now prefer foods that offer high nutritional value and minimal preparation time. This has led to rising demand for canned beans, vacuum-sealed lentils, instant legume soups, and plant-based snacks. The market for plant-based meals utilizing chickpeas, lentils, and black beans grew by over 15% year-over-year in major urban centers like New York, Toronto, London, and Sydney. Manufacturers are also developing chickpea-based pastas, lentil flour baking mixes, and legume protein shakes to cater to gluten-free and high-protein dietary niches. In the frozen segment, pre-cooked legume dishes have entered mainstream grocery channels in over 45 countries. Retailers are dedicating up to 12% of their frozen food aisle to legume-based meal kits and entrées. These developments offer opportunities for suppliers and brands to tap into premium pricing and urban convenience trends.

CHALLENGE

Price volatility due to climate disruptions and trade policy

Price fluctuation poses a key challenge in the beans and legumes market. Droughts, floods, and extreme weather events have increasingly impacted pulse production across major growing regions. In 2023, severe drought in Canada’s Saskatchewan region reduced lentil yields by 21%, while floods in India’s Maharashtra state destroyed over 17% of the seasonal chickpea crop. Such climate-induced supply shocks directly lead to price surges, with black bean prices in Latin America rising by up to 30% within weeks during planting delays. Additionally, tariff impositions and export restrictions in countries like India and Myanmar have disrupted trade flows. Importers in the Middle East and East Africa faced shipment delays exceeding 5 weeks in 2024 due to export bans and freight backlogs. These pricing uncertainties make it difficult for buyers and distributors to forecast demand or maintain long-term supply contracts. Volatility also pressures margins for food manufacturers relying on legume-based raw materials. Addressing this challenge will require stronger insurance models, diversified sourcing, and climate-resilient seed technologies.

Beans and Legumes Market Segmentation

The beans and legumes market is segmented by type and application, with each sub-category playing a distinct role in global demand and production trends.

By Type

• Black Beans: Black beans are a dietary staple across Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America. In Brazil alone, over 1.5 million metric tons of black beans are consumed annually. The U.S. cultivates approximately 120,000 acres of black beans each year, yielding close to 250,000 metric tons. These beans contain 8.9 grams of protein and 8.7 grams of fiber per 100 grams, making them highly desirable in health-conscious meal plans. Food manufacturers frequently use black beans in canned goods, soups, burritos, and meat-free patties, increasing their demand in plant-based product categories.
• Chickpeas: Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are predominantly produced in India, which yielded over 5.97 million tons in 2021. Globally, chickpea production exceeds 14 million metric tons, with significant outputs from Turkey, Australia, and Pakistan. High in plant-based protein (19 grams per 100 grams) and iron, chickpeas are widely used in hummus, snacks, pasta, and gluten-free flour. Chickpea flour-based products now account for over 10% of the legume-based packaged foods market in North America and Europe.
• Lentils: Lentils represent a leading pulse in international trade, with Canada exporting over 2.2 million tonnes in 2022. Global lentil production reached 6.7 million tonnes that same year, with India and Turkey being major consumers. Red, green, and brown lentil varieties are common in packaged soups, stews, and ready-to-eat meals. Containing 9 grams of protein and 7.9 grams of fiber per 100 grams, lentils are widely used in plant-based protein blends, contributing to their rising demand in vegan and vegetarian diets.
• Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are essential in Latin American, South Asian, and European cuisines. Mexico and India each produce over 800,000 metric tons of kidney beans annually. In the U.S., kidney beans cover approximately 40,000 acres of farmland with production surpassing 80,000 tons. Known for their dense nutrient content and rich flavor, kidney beans are key ingredients in chili, curries, and canned meal kits. Their versatility supports consistent growth in both domestic and international foodservice applications.

By Application

• Retail: The retail segment dominates bean and legume sales globally. In 2023, over 60% of total legume consumption occurred through supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery platforms. Packaged dry beans, canned legumes, and frozen legume blends are especially popular in the U.S., Canada, and the EU. In India, retail sales of chickpeas and lentils grew by more than 12% year-on-year due to increased household consumption. Ready-to-cook pulses have also seen demand spike across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Foodservice: Foodservice outlets such as restaurants, cafes, and institutional kitchens represent a growing end-use sector. In 2023, over 24% of beans and legumes were consumed through foodservice, particularly in urban settings. Black bean burgers, chickpea falafel, lentil soups, and bean salads are now menu staples in more than 80 countries. Legume-based meals have seen strong integration into vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian food programs across universities, hospitals, and corporate dining services.
• Canned & Frozen Foods: The canned and frozen legume category has expanded rapidly, accounting for more than 15% of total global consumption. In North America, canned beans make up over 70% of household bean purchases. In Europe, frozen chickpea and lentil entrees have grown by 18% in the past year alone. These products cater to time-sensitive consumers, with increased shelf stability and ease of preparation making them highly competitive in convenience food segments.

Beans and Legumes Market Regional Outlook

• North America

North America plays a dual role as both a major consumer and exporter of beans and legumes. The U.S. alone harvested more than 1.3 million metric tons of dry beans in 2023, primarily black, pinto, and kidney beans. Canada is a global leader in lentil and pea exports, shipping more than 2.5 million tonnes annually. Retail demand is high, with nearly 70% of households in the U.S. reporting weekly consumption of canned or dry legumes. Plant-based brands using legumes as primary ingredients have grown by over 30% in market share within five years.

• Europe

Europe continues to see a steady rise in legume consumption, particularly in Western countries where plant-based eating trends dominate. France, Germany, the U.K., and Italy are top consumers. The region imported over 1.2 million tonnes of legumes in 2023, with chickpeas and lentils being most popular. More than 40% of foodservice providers in Europe now offer at least one legume-based dish. European Union funding has also supported the organic cultivation of legumes on over 250,000 hectares of farmland.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the world’s largest producer and consumer region for beans and legumes. India leads in chickpeas and lentils, producing over 8.8 million tons annually. China has expanded soybean and mung bean cultivation, exceeding 1.9 million tons in recent harvests. Urban areas across Southeast Asia and East Asia have increased legume imports, with Thailand, South Korea, and Japan showing annual growth rates above 10% in retail pulse consumption. Food inflation has encouraged local sourcing and expanded domestic bean cultivation in multiple countries.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa show growing demand, especially for lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans. Egypt consumes over 700,000 tons of lentils annually, while Morocco and Algeria have ramped up imports to meet rising domestic demand. In Sub-Saharan Africa, countries like Ethiopia and Tanzania are boosting their bean exports, with combined outputs exceeding 2.5 million tons. However, poor logistics infrastructure and seasonal weather fluctuations still impact supply chains in the region. International NGOs and private sector firms are investing in pulse processing hubs to enhance value-added exports.

List Of Beans and Legumes Companies

• Archer Daniels Midland Company (USA)
• Olam International (Singapore)
• Bunge Limited (USA)
• Louis Dreyfus Company (Netherlands)
• CHS Inc. (USA)
• SunOpta (Canada)
• AGT Food and Ingredients (Canada)
• Ebro Foods (Spain)
• Grupo Bimbo (Mexico)
• Ardent Mills (USA)

Archer Daniels Midland Company (USA): is a global agri-processing powerhouse, operating over 270 plants and 420 crop procurement facilities worldwide. In 2023, ADM processed 34.9 million metric tons of oilseeds and 18.1 million metric tons of corn, making it one of the largest soybean processors globally.

Olam International (Singapore): is an agri-business firm spanning operations in 60 countries, with a sourcing network that includes approximately 4.8 million farmers, and serving over 20,900 customers globally.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment trends in the beans and legumes market reflect strong growth driven by rising global demand for plant-based protein, food security concerns, and climate-resilient agriculture. In 2023–2024, total investment into legumes value chain infrastructure surpassed USD 580 million, targeting areas including processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and crop development. North America attracted USD 140 million, supporting grain elevators, canning lines, and pea protein plants. Europe saw USD 180 million allocated for legume crop research and retail-ready packaging. Asia-Pacific recorded USD 170 million in investments, focused on cold-stored facility upgrades and hydroponic legume cultivation projects, while Middle East & Africa received USD 90 million to improve processing hubs and community-legume farms. One opportunity lies in enhancing processing capacity in exporting countries. Canada, the world’s largest lentil exporter at over 2.2 million tonnes in 2022, is investing in two new pulse grading and packaging plants expected to handle 550,000 tonnes annually. Meanwhile, Mexico is upgrading its black bean canning infrastructure with facilities that will process 150,000 tonnes per annum, responding to rising domestic demand and export potential. Investments in research are also catalytic. In India, breeding programs supported by USD 35 million aim to develop climate-resilient chickpea and pigeon pea varieties capable of withstanding heat and drought. These programs target yields between 1.8 and 2.5 tonnes per hectare, improving on current averages below 1.5 tonnes. Additionally, private investors are funding facilities in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce the 20% post-harvest losses observed in many local bean varieties.

In the retail segment, a growing number of plant-based brands are securing funding to launch legume-based snacks, pasta, and ready-to-eat meals. Approximately 150 new products debuted globally between 2023 and 2024, with backing from venture capital and strategic partnerships. Legume-based snack start-ups raised USD 240 million cumulatively, with projected product launches in over 30 countries. Foodservice operations also represent investment potential. Fast-casual restaurant chains featuring bean and legume dishes—such as chickpea bowls and lentil soup—expanded by 27% across Europe and North America in the past 24 months. Retailers have earmarked over USD 75 million to develop private-label canned bean lines, increasing shelf space by 45% in key markets. Finally, public-private partnerships are expanding in developing nations. In Ethiopia, a collaborative project involving local and international financiers has allocated USD 45 million to establish a legume processing plant capable of handling 120,000 tonnes annually, aiming to increase export volumes from 350,000 tonnes to 470,000 tonnes within two years. These investments collectively create opportunities across the beans and legumes value chain, from farm to retail, highlighting areas ripe for innovation, expansion, and increased market penetration.

New Product Development

Product innovation within the beans and legumes market has accelerated during 2023–2024, driven by consumer interest in health, convenience, and plant-based diets. Manufacturers have launched over 340 new bean- and legume-based products globally, including snacks, meal kits, pasta, and alternative protein powders. In the snack category, chickpea crisps constituted 32% of new launches, blending roasted chickpeas, lentils, and beans in shelf-ready packaging. Over 120 new snack SKUs rolled out in North America and Europe, positioning these products near high-protein chips with protein content ranging from 15 to 18 grams per 50-gram serving. Legume-based pasta innovations surged, with over 85 new formulations introduced in 2023–2024. These include chickpea, lentil, and black bean pastas that offer 16–20 grams of protein per 100 grams, compared to 5–8 grams in traditional wheat pasta. These products now occupy 8% of the gluten-free pasta category in the U.S. and 6% in European markets.

In canned and ready-to-eat meals, manufacturers released more than 90 new bean stews, soups, and salads, many featuring nutrient claims such as “16g plant protein per serving” or “5g fiber per cup.” These meals found shelf space in over 45 countries, including major urban centers in Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Protein powders crafted from lentil, chickpea, and mixed-legume sources also entered the market, with over 25 new SKUs launched in 2024. These powders offer 25 grams of plant protein per serving, appealing to athletes and dietary supplement consumers. Innovations extend to functional foods like fermented legume beverages and bean-based yogurts. Over 18 new formulations appeared in 2023–2024, featuring probiotic cultures and nutrient enrichments such as vitamin B12. These products target lactose-intolerant markets in North America and Europe. Packaging advancements have focused on sustainability. Over 60% of new canned legume products now utilize BPA-free liners, while 42% of ready-to-eat packs are made from compostable or recyclable materials. Shelf dating improved, extending product shelf life by 20–30%. Digital engagement also grew, with companies launching apps offering legume-based recipe libraries and cooking guides. Over 125,000 app downloads were recorded in six months following deployment in early 2024. These developments—spanning nutritional content, convenience, and sustainability—underscore how product innovation is reshaping the beans and legumes landscape. Companies actively compete through new offerings that meet evolving consumer demands and health-focused dietary trends.

Five Recent Developments

• Archer Daniels Midland expanded its global legume processing capacity by commissioning a 250,000-tonne-per-season pulse cleaning and packaging facility in India’s Maharashtra region in 2023.
• Olam International introduced a new chickpea breeding program in Australia and Canada with an annual research budget of USD 18 million, targeting yield improvements from 1.7 to 2.25 tonnes per hectare under drought conditions.
• Bunge Limited launched a new line of high-fiber canned lentils, each containing 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, and secured distribution across 12,000 retail outlets in Europe in early 2024.
• SunOpta opened a plant-based bean beverage production line in Canada capable of producing 18 million liters per year, slated to supply North American and Asian markets.
• AGT Food and Ingredients signed an agreement to supply 200,000 tonnes of yellow peas and chickpeas annually to Middle Eastern foodservice providers, with exports beginning mid-2024.

Report Coverage of Beans and Legumes Market

This report presents a thorough evaluation of the beans and legumes market, offering insights into production, consumption, distribution channels, innovation, investment, and regional dynamics across key trends and metrics. It begins with a global overview, quantifying bean output—28.3 million metric tons in 2021—with projections to exceed 31.6 million tons by 2026. It highlights dominant producers such as India (8.85 million tons) and Canada (2.2 million tonnes of lentils), outlining shifts in global planting and export volumes. The analysis delves into type-specific segments—black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans—assessing production volumes, acreages, protein and fiber content, and end-use positioning in retail, foodservice, and canned/frozen products. Black beans, generating over 1.5 million tons in Brazil, and chickpeas with more than 5.97 million tons produced in India, are explored in detail. Application sectors are deeply examined: retail sales account for over 60% of worldwide legumes distribution; foodservice absorbs 24% of global volume as restaurants integrate bean-based dishes; and canned/frozen legumes encompass more than 15% of consumption within convenience food categories. Regional analysis includes North America’s 1.3 million-ton bean harvest in 2023; Europe’s 1.2 million-ton legume import volume; Asia-Pacific’s production of over 8.8 million tons (India’s chickpeas and lentils); and the Middle East & Africa’s growing lentil and bean trade exceeding 3.5 million tons combined. It also addresses infrastructure challenges, especially 20% post-harvest loss in Sub-Saharan Africa and cold chain gaps in Southeast Asia. Investment analysis captures USD 580 million deployed across processing, farm productivity, and value-added product development, detailing projects like Canada’s 550,000-tonne processing plant and Mexico’s canning line. Product development is evaluated through more than 340 new SKU releases, including snack launches (32%), pasta innovations (85 SKUs), and plant-based beverages (SunOpta’s 18 million-liter facility). Recent developments are highlighted via five case studies involving ADM, Olam, Bunge, SunOpta, and AGT, underscoring capacity expansion (India, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Middle East). The report also outlines industry challenges such as price volatility caused by climate and policy, and the limited processing infrastructure in developing economies—analyzed through numerical data on yield losses and equipment access. Overall, this report offers stakeholders—including producers, processors, FMCG and foodservice buyers, investors, and policymakers—a data-rich foundation for strategic planning, prioritizing building processing capacity, product innovation, and solving logistics inefficiencies.

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