Pulses Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Dry Pulses, Canned Pulses, Organic Pulses, Processed Pulses), By Application (Food & Beverage, Retail, Foodservice, Export, Animal Feed), and Regional Forecast to 2034

PULSES MARKET OVERVIEW

The global pulses market size was USD 98.62 billion in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 143.83 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.83% during the forecast period.

Pulses, a variety of which include lentils, chickpeas, peas, and beans are edible seeds of leguminous plants that have high levels of both protein and fiber. They are eaten either dried, canned, organic or processed and all cuisines of the world rely on them. Pulses form the vital component of vegetarians, meat replacers, and vegetable nutrient formulas. Also, there is the utilization of pulses in livestock feeding, catering, and exportation. As demand rises in sustainable and high-protein food compounds, pulses are gaining prominence in food security and diversification nutrition plans, particularly in tastes of developed and developing nations.

Increasing plant-based diets popularity, the growing nutritional awareness, and the concerns of food security make the pulses market size expand. Governments and international bodies are encouraging the consumption of pulses due to their environmental advantages, its use of little amounts of water and its process of nitrogen fixation. In addition, evolved consumer lifestyle, urbanization, and hike in demand of ready to eat items are a few more reasons that enhanced the usage of pulses processed and canned pulses. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 also prompted shoppers to excessively purchase shelf-stable products such as pulses. The diversification of exportation and application of pulses in animal food and food service sectors are also some of the reasons why the market continues to grow worldwide.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING PULSES MARKETCOVID-19 IMPACT

Surge in Pantry Stocking Boosted Demand for Non-Perishable Pulses

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The pulses market experienced the first supply chain shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that disturbed the process of harvesting, transport, and trade. Nevertheless, there was a sudden rush on consumer demand because pulses are non perishable and hence full stocks had to be made during the lockdowns. Pulses became an indispensable pantry staple due to their long shelf life, affordability and rich nutrition level. Retailers were recording a high level of sales particularly in canned and processed pulses. The demand is driven post-pandemic by the healthy-plant-based food eating trend and food security concerns. The market has more or less stabilised and recovered with renewed emphasis on local sourcing and value addition pulse products.

LATEST TREND

Expansion of Plant-Based Foods Driving Demand for Protein-Rich Pulses

The plant-based foods trend is one of the most notable trends as it is driving the growth of protein-rich nutrition sources, such as pulses. Producers are adding pulses to dairy substitutes, plant-based meat products and finely wrought snacks. As the vegan trend appears to be spreading, pulse flours and extracts are entering mainstream food innovation. Pulse processing has also been enhanced through technological processes that have led to increasing the flavour and digestibility. In addition, clean label trend is promoting consumer uptake of natural foods such as pulses in packaged foods. With a growing demand among consumers of sustainable and health-focused choices, pulses are a perfect solution to be featured in the food of tomorrow.

PULSES MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Dry Pulses, Canned Pulses, Organic Pulses, Processed Pulses

• Dry Pulses: Dry pulses are native goods in various territories; these are employed in home cooking, traditional foods, and mass trades because of its long life and the rate of protein.
• Canned Pulses: Canned pulses are time-saving and convenient which is a positive factor as far as city-based consumers are concerned. They have become common in the foodservice and ready-to-eat food industries.
• Organic Pulses: The organic pulses are grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides, which attract health conscious and environmental friendly customers. This line is expanding as more consumers demand clean-label and organic foods.
• Processed Pulses: Processed pulses are pre cooked, sprouted or milled and are highly embraced in health food, bakery and snacks industry due to their versatility and nutritive qualities.

BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Food & Beverage, Retail, Foodservice, Export, Animal Feed

• Food & Beverage: Food & Beverage: This sector incorporates pulses in a number of products, such as plant-based meat, soups and snacks, given their nutritional profile and product flexibility in formulation.

• Retail: The home consumers will appreciate packaged and branded pulses at the retail level, and dry and canned pulses will be significant components in the sales volume of retail outlets and the internet.
• Foodservice: As restaurants and catering firms continue to expand into vegan, vegetarian, and health-oriented products, the number of bulk-purchased pulses being processed is increased.
• Export: Like other major producers India, Canada, and Australia, pulses are one of the main export products, meeting the demand in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern regions where the main trends are import-dependence. Animal Feed: Pulses are protein sources in animal and chicken food, which makes up the increasing demand in the animal nutrition sector as countries attempt to minimize soybean reliance.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

DRIVING FACTORS

Government Initiatives Promote Pulse Consumption for Food Security

Global and national agencies such as FAO encourage the consumption of pulses as means of enhancing nutrition and food security. Pulses are also declared as sustainable crops that help in soil health and a product that requires minimal quantity of water and that makes it suited to climate resilient agriculture. Asian and African governments are aiding farmers by providing subsidies and policy systems so as to increase pulse production. Camps that create awareness about the healthiness of the pulses have resulted in the inclusion of pulses in diet guidelines. Such efforts are establishing enabling environment in home production, exchange and development of pulses.

Plant-Based Diet Trend Increases Consumer Demand Globally

Due to the trend observed globally of people moving towards vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian diets, plant-based proteins are experiencing increased demand, and pulses are at the centre of food innovation. Consumers are interested in high-fiber, natural and low-fat additions and pulses fit all these needs. As more people raise concerns regarding the footprint that animal farming leaves on the environment pulses are adopted as a sustainable source of protein. The companies are investing in pulse snacks and drinks and meal replace. With the increase in clean label and allergen-free product development, pulses provide a versatile means of developing solutions to gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free solutions which has accelerated the pulses market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Post-Harvest Losses and Limited Infrastructure Hamper Growth

The pulses market has obstacles in regards to post harvest handling and storage which can be experienced mostly in the developing world. Shortage of contemporary drying, milling and packaging facilities and facilities regularly lead to decline in quality and losses. The availability of export-quality pulses is restricted due to poor warehousing and transport inefficiencies and inconsistent supply. These disparities affect the stability of prices, and they limit access of smallholder farmers to formal markets. Technological solutions are available but generally not adopted because they are expensive and only train minimal staff. It is important to write about these systemic bottlenecks that limit the potential of the pulses market.

OPPORTUNITY

Value-Added Pulse Products Expand Market Reach and Profit Margins

The creation of new revenue streams is happening as value-added products such as pulse flour, snacks, plant-based protein powders, and ready-to-eat meals are developed. They are products that are targeted at health-aware consumers on urban markets who promote a pulse as an alternate product consumption. Advances in processing technologies are making it possible to extract proteins and fibers out of pulses, which will help food manufacturers diversify the usage. There is also a chance of sprouted and fermented pulse markets where start-ups and private-label brands are also targeting niche markets. With this trend as consumers increasingly embrace convenience and wellness, the value-added category poses very high growth opportunities to both manufacturer and retailer.

CHALLENGE

Climate Change Risks Threaten Pulse Production Stability

Pulses are very susceptible to severe weather patterns like drought, floods and unseasonable rain which are on the increase because of climate change. This is the kind of uncertainty that influences the sowing cycle, yields, and the overall production especially in areas that rely heavily on seasonal rain such as South Asia and Africa. Farmers also do not have access to pulse varieties, traditional farming methods that are used under drought conditions. Such unpredictability is a threat to food security and to market pricing. Governments and non-government organizations should invest in research, climate-resistant seed varieties, and farmer education to overcome the difficulty.

PULSES MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

Pulse consumption has been increasing steadily in North America with the United States pulses market being one of the most potent sources of health trends that fuel the consumption of plant-based food. This has seen the U.S. grow their own pulse, particularly through agricultural research and subsidies, lentils and chickpeas, in particular. The success of vegan and flexitarian diets has increased the retail and food service consumption. Canada is a big exporter of pulses in the Asian and Middle Eastern region. The food firms are even getting creative with flours of pulses, snacks, and milk substitutes. Increased interest in diversification of proteins and also in sustainable farming is contributing to boosting the North American pulses market.

• EUROPE

The pulses market share in Europe is increasing as the demand of organic and plant-based food products is also on the rise. The region has an emphasis on sustainable and healthy eating which will increase the consumption of lentils, beans, and chickpeas. The countries such as France, U.K., and Germany are now actively popularizing the use of plant-based diets and therefore retailers are coming up with numerous pulse-based products. Pulse farming is subsidized through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union. Foodtech startups are adding pulses to meat alternatives and protein bars. There is Asian and Canadian imports that fulfill the consumer demands and the domestic industries are slowly growing to fulfill the domestic supply chain.

• ASIA

Asia is still the highest pulse producer and consumer in the world and India tops the list in both. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar are the countries that have pulses being a fundamental component of their ancient diets. The driver is the increasing population, food security and growing segments of the middle classes. The expansion of retail and foodservice industries and urbanization are promoting packaged and value added pulse products. Smallholder farmers are supported by the government procurement schemes and agricultural subsidies. Amidst climate hazard and storage inefficiencies, innovations in pulse processing, pulse fortification and smart farming technologies are transpiring in the pulses market in Asia.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

The pulses market is significantly influenced by key industry players that play a pivotal role in driving market dynamics and shaping consumer preferences. These key players possess extensive retail networks and online platforms, providing consumers with easy access to a wide variety of wardrobe options. Their strong global presence and brand recognition have contributed to increased consumer trust and loyalty, driving product adoption. Moreover, these industry giants continually invest in research and development, introducing innovative designs, materials, and smart features in cloth wardrobes, catering to evolving consumer needs and preferences. The collective efforts of these major players significantly impact the competitive landscape and future trajectory of the market.

Major market competitors of pulses concentrate on the growth of their international sources of supply as well as the creation of value-added products and the investment in long-term agrarian development. Firms such as Adani Wilmar, Cargill are establishing vertical integration to dominate procurement, processing and delivery. To take advantage of pulse export and imports, Archer Daniels Midland and Gavilon are utilizing the state-of-the-art logistics and commodity trade formats. Broadgrain and Louis Dreyfus are consolidating farmer relationships and quality criteria. La Milanaise and Ardent Mills are serving in high organic markets. To stay competitive, these companies are further inventing their packaging, product development and the supply chain in terms of transparency.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Adani Wilmar Group (India)
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.)
• Broadgrain Commodities Inc. (Canada)
• Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. (Netherlands)
• Ardent Mills, LLC (U.S.)
• Arbel A.S. (Turkey)
• La Milanaise (France)
• Cargill (U.S.)
• Gavilon (U.S.)
• ADM Milling (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

In November 2022, Cargill also stated that it will be upgrading its pulse processing capacity in Canada by adding a plant focused on dry pea protein and fiber processing. The purpose of this investment was to serve the growing demands of the plant-based proteins across the globe. The facility contributes to the overall sustainability agendas of Cargill and helps it to expand its ability to supply food manufactures in North America and worldwide. The new plant will further give Canada a better position as a global player in pulse supply chain. The innovation is likely to aid the production of dairy alternatives, meat-replacement products, and fortified snacks.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This report provides comprehensive information about the pulse market in the world, historical trend, its future forecast, and also about the existing investments in the market. It analyzes important market segments by categories and their uses, and takes a look at the performance and their market share. Factors discussed in the report that affect demand at macroeconomic and industry level include government policies, health trends and trade dynamics. It contains basic SWOT analysis and points out significant misgivings, opportunities, and advances in pulse manufacturing and transformation. The report is a strategic tool that would help the stakeholders find their way through the dynamic business environment in the pulses sector globally by the year 2034.