Pulses Market

Pulses Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global pulses market is expected to grow from USD 36.0 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 46.8 billion by 2035, recording an absolute increase of USD 10.8 billion over the forecast period. This translates into a total growth of 30.0%, with the market forecast to expand at a CAGR of 2.7% between 2025 and 2035.

The overall market size is expected to grow by nearly 1.3 times during the same period, supported by increasing global protein demand, growing adoption of plant-based nutrition solutions in food manufacturing, and rising sustainable agriculture awareness driving premium pulse procurement across various food processing applications.

Quick Stats for Pulses Market

Pulses Market Value (2025)	USD 36.0 billion
Pulses Market Forecast Value (2035)	USD 46.8 billion
Pulses Market CAGR	2.7%
Leading Segment by Type (2025)	Dry peas/beans (38.0%)
Leading Segment by Form (2025)	Whole pulses (64.0%)
Leading Segment by End Use (2025)	Food (78.0%)
Key Growth Regions	North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific
Top Companies by Market Share	AGT Foods, GPC, Olam

Pulses Market Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Market Value (2025)	USD 36.0 billion
Market Forecast Value (2035)	USD 46.8 billion
Forecast CAGR (2025-2035)	2.7%

Why is the Pulses Market Growing?

NUTRITION & SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS	FOOD MANUFACTURING REQUIREMENTS	REGULATORY & QUALITY STANDARDS
Global Protein Demand Growth	Sophisticated Processing Requirements	Food Safety Standards
Continuous expansion of protein consciousness across established and emerging markets driving demand for plant-based protein solutions.	Modern food manufacturing requires versatile pulses delivering precise nutritional profiles and enhanced processing functionality.	Regulatory requirements establishing quality benchmarks favoring high-quality pulse ingredient systems.
Plant-Based Nutrition Recognition	Sustainability Demands	Nutritional Labeling Standards
Growing emphasis on plant-based proteins and sustainable nutrition creating demand for pulse-based ingredient technologies.	Food manufacturers investing in eco-friendly ingredients offering consistent performance while supporting environmental compliance requirements.	Quality standards requiring superior protein content and accurate nutritional declarations in pulse applications.
Premium Sustainability Positioning	Quality and Traceability Standards	Organic Certification Requirements
Superior environmental impact and carbon footprint characteristics making pulses essential for eco-friendly food applications.	Certified suppliers with proven eco-friendly farming practices required for advanced plant-based ingredient applications.	Diverse regulatory requirements and organic standards driving need for scientifically-validated eco-friendly pulse solutions.

Pulses Market Segmentation

Category	Segments Covered
By Type	Lentils, Chickpeas, Dry peas/beans
By Form	Whole pulses, Processed flour/Protein isolates
By End Use	Food, Feed/Others
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

Pulses Market Analysis by Type

Segment	2025 to 2035 Outlook
Dry peas/beans	Leader in 2025 with 38.0% market share; likely to maintain leadership through 2035. Established global production systems, diverse variety options, and proven versatility across food and feed applications. Momentum: steady growth driven by plant-based protein demands and processing innovation. Watchouts: weather sensitivity, regional production concentration.
Lentils	Strong segment with 32.0% share due to superior protein content and cooking convenience characteristics. Benefits from health positioning and growing consumer awareness of nutritional benefits. Momentum: moderate growth through 2030, supported by health food expansion and protein diversification trends. Watchouts: supply volatility, regional cultivation limitations.
Chickpeas	Represents 30.0% market share, benefiting from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine popularity and hummus market expansion. Growing interest in versatile protein applications and snack food innovations. Momentum: rising rapidly via ethnic food trends and protein snack development. Innovation-dependent with processing technology advancement and application diversification.

Pulses Market Analysis by Form

Segment	2025 to 2035 Outlook
Whole pulses	Dominant segment with 64.0% market share, encompassing traditional whole pulse consumption and direct food applications requiring minimal processing. Established consumer preferences with cultural significance in many regions. Momentum: steady growth driven by traditional food consumption and whole food trends. Watchouts: processing convenience competition, preparation time considerations.
Processed flour/Protein isolates	Growing segment with 36.0% share driven by food industry demand for pulse-based ingredients and protein enhancement applications. Benefits from functional food development and plant-based protein trends. Momentum: strong growth through 2030, supported by food processing innovation and protein fortification demands. Watchouts: processing costs, functional property optimization challenges.

Pulses Market Analysis by End Use

Segment	2025 to 2035 Outlook
Food	Dominant segment with 78.0% market share, encompassing direct human consumption, food processing applications, and ingredient utilization across diverse food categories. Established consumption patterns with nutritional and cultural significance. Momentum: steady growth driven by protein demand and plant-based food expansion. Watchouts: taste preferences, cooking convenience requirements.
Feed/Others	Represents 22.0% market share, focused on animal feed applications and industrial uses requiring lower-grade pulse varieties. Cost-effective protein source for livestock nutrition and specialized industrial applications. Momentum: moderate growth via livestock industry expansion and alternative protein feed development. Innovation-dependent with feed formulation optimization and nutritional efficiency requirements.

DRIVERS

DRIVERS	RESTRAINTS	KEY TRENDS
Global Protein Demand Growth	Weather Dependency Challenges	Processing Technology Innovation
Continuing expansion of protein consciousness across established and emerging markets driving demand for plant-based protein solutions.	Weather patterns and climate variability affecting pulse production consistency and supply chain predictability for manufacturers.	Integration of advanced milling technologies, protein extraction systems, and functional enhancement enabling superior ingredient quality.
Sustainability Recognition	Cultural Preference Limitations	Plant-Based Food Integration
Increasing recognition of pulses' environmental benefits and eco-friendly agriculture importance driving demand across food applications.	Cultural dietary preferences and cooking tradition limitations affecting pulse adoption in certain regional markets and consumer segments.	Enhanced food product development, flavor optimization, and convenience preparation methods compared to traditional pulse consumption.
Premium Nutrition Positioning	Processing Cost Complexity	Functional Ingredient Development
Growing demand for ingredients that support both nutritional enhancement and environmental sustainability in food manufacturing applications.	Complex processing requirements for value-added pulse products affecting production costs and technological investment needs.	Development of pulse-based protein concentrates, functional flours, and specialized ingredients providing enhanced nutritional and functional benefits.

Analysis of Pulses Market by Key Countries

Country	CAGR (2025-2035)
USA	2.9%
Germany	2.3%
France	2.2%
Mexico	2.6%
UK	2.1%

USA Leads Global Market Growth with Agricultural Innovation Excellence

The USA is projected to exhibit strong growth with a market value of USD 12.5 billion by 2035, driven by expanding plant-based food industry infrastructure and comprehensive eco-friendly agriculture programs creating substantial opportunities for pulse suppliers across food manufacturing operations, agricultural production, and protein ingredient sectors. The country's established pulse farming regions and expanding plant-based protein capabilities are creating significant demand for both conventional and organic pulse varieties. Major agricultural companies and food manufacturers including pulse processors, plant-based food producers, and agricultural cooperatives are establishing comprehensive supply chains to support large-scale processing operations and meet growing demand for sustainable protein solutions.

• Plant-based food industry modernization programs are supporting widespread adoption of pulse ingredient systems across manufacturing operations, driving demand for high-quality protein ingredients
• Sustainable agriculture initiatives and protein diversification programs are creating substantial opportunities for pulse suppliers requiring proven sustainability credentials and nutritional performance solutions
• Food processing innovation and ingredient development programs are facilitating adoption of specialized pulse technologies throughout major agricultural and food manufacturing regions

Germany Demonstrates Strong Market Potential with Sustainable Food Innovation Growth

Germany is expanding to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2035, supported by extensive organic food industry modernization and comprehensive eco-friendly ingredient development creating steady demand for reliable pulse solutions across diverse food manufacturing categories and organic food segments. The country's advanced sustainable agriculture position and expanding plant-based food capabilities are driving demand for pulse solutions that provide consistent nutritional performance while supporting environmental compliance requirements. Agricultural producers and food manufacturers are investing in local pulse processing facilities to support growing manufacturing operations and eco-friendly ingredient demand.

• Eco-friendly agriculture operations expansion and organic food capability development are creating opportunities for pulse solutions across diverse food segments requiring reliable performance and environmental compliance
• Food technology modernization and plant-based ingredient advancement are driving investments in pulse supply chains supporting protein requirements throughout major food manufacturing regions
• Research and development programs for sustainable nutrition are enhancing demand for precision-processed pulse systems throughout German agricultural and food production areas

France Maintains Leadership with Culinary Innovation

France is projected to reach USD 5.9 billion by 2035, supported by the country's leadership in culinary innovation and advanced food systems requiring sophisticated pulse ingredients for traditional cuisine enhancement and modern food applications. French food manufacturers are implementing high-quality pulse ingredient systems that support culinary excellence, nutritional enhancement, and comprehensive quality standards. The market is characterized by focus on culinary tradition, eco-friendly practices, and compliance with stringent food quality and authenticity standards.

• Advanced culinary industry investments are prioritizing proven pulse technologies that demonstrate superior nutritional performance and culinary functionality while meeting French food quality and eco-friendly standards
• Food tradition leadership programs and culinary excellence initiatives are driving adoption of precision-processed pulse systems that support advanced culinary requirements and product differentiation
• Research and development programs for culinary innovation are facilitating adoption of specialized pulse technologies throughout major food production and culinary centers

Mexico Expands Market with Agricultural Development

Mexico is growing to reach USD 4.2 billion by 2035, driven by agricultural development programs and increasing food processing modernization creating constant opportunities for pulse suppliers serving both traditional food markets and emerging protein-focused manufacturers. The country's established pulse cultivation tradition and growing food processing capabilities are creating demand for pulse solutions that support diverse culinary needs while maintaining cultural food preferences. Agricultural producers and food distributors are developing market strategies to support accessibility and nutritional quality.

• Agricultural development programs and food processing modernization are facilitating adoption of pulse solutions capable of supporting diverse cultural requirements and accessible pricing standards
• Traditional food enhancement and nutrition improvement programs are enhancing demand for pulse varieties that support culinary authenticity and nutritional improvement
• Food industry development initiatives and agricultural adoption programs are creating opportunities for advanced pulse cultivation and processing capabilities across Mexican agricultural regions

UK Focuses on Eco-friendly Protein Solutions

The UK is projected to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 2.1%, driven by sustainable protein excellence and specialized nutrition capabilities supporting comprehensive food sustainability and plant-based food development. The country's established sustainable agriculture tradition and growing plant-based market segments are creating demand for high-quality pulse solutions that support nutritional performance and eco-friendly standards. Agricultural producers and food manufacturers are maintaining comprehensive development capabilities to support diverse eco-friendly food requirements.

• Sustainable protein programs and specialized nutrition systems are supporting demand for high-performance pulses that meet contemporary sustainability and nutritional standards
• Food innovation and plant-based development programs are creating opportunities for specialized pulse solutions that provide comprehensive protein support
• Agricultural innovation and sustainability enhancement programs are facilitating adoption of advanced pulse cultivation capabilities throughout major agricultural regions

Europe Market Split by Country

The pulses market in Europe is projected to grow from USD 11.2 billion in 2025 to USD 13.8 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 2.1% over the forecast period. Germany is expected to maintain its leadership position with a 28.6% market share in 2025, supported by its advanced sustainable agriculture sector and plant-based food capabilities including major pulse processing facilities and organic farming operations.

France follows with a 24.1% share in 2025, projected to reach 24.4% by 2035, driven by comprehensive culinary tradition programs and food innovation initiatives. The United Kingdom holds a 16.9% share in 2025, expected to maintain 16.7% by 2035 despite post-Brexit agricultural trade adjustments. Italy commands a 15.2% share, while Spain accounts for 11.6% in 2025. The Rest of Europe region is anticipated to gain momentum, expanding its collective share from 3.6% to 4.2% by 2035, attributed to increasing sustainable agriculture adoption in Nordic countries and emerging Eastern European agricultural markets implementing pulse cultivation programs.

Premium Quality Standards Define Japanese Market Dynamics

Japanese pulses operations reflect the country's exacting quality standards and sophisticated food requirements. Major food manufacturers and agricultural companies maintain rigorous ingredient qualification processes that often exceed international standards, requiring extensive quality testing, safety validation, and culinary compatibility assessment that can take 12-18 months to complete. This creates high barriers for new suppliers but ensures consistent quality that supports premium food positioning.

The Japanese market demonstrates unique application requirements, with significant demand for ultra-precise pulse specifications tailored to Japanese culinary traditions and food processing requirements. Companies require specific variety characteristics and quality parameters that may differ from Western applications, driving demand for specialized cultivation and processing capabilities.

Regulatory oversight through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries emphasizes comprehensive safety management and quality standards that surpass most international requirements. The agricultural product approval system requires detailed cultivation documentation and safety validation, creating advantages for suppliers with robust quality systems and comprehensive regulatory compliance.

Food ingredient management focuses on long-term quality relationships rather than purely transactional procurement patterns. Japanese companies typically maintain agricultural supplier relationships spanning decades, with product specifications emphasizing quality consistency over price considerations. This stability supports investment in specialized pulse cultivation and processing tailored to Japanese food requirements.

Market Dynamics Drive Innovation in South Korea

South Korean pulses operations reflect the country's advanced food industry and nutrition-oriented consumer model. Major food companies and agricultural processors drive sophisticated ingredient strategies, establishing direct relationships with global suppliers to secure consistent quality and innovation for their food operations targeting both domestic consumers and food export markets.

The Korean market demonstrates particular strength in applying pulse ingredients to traditional and modern food applications, with companies integrating nutritional enhancement and cultural food concepts into products designed for health-conscious consumers. This application focus creates demand for specific pulse specifications that often exceed standard nutritional requirements, requiring suppliers to adapt cultivation practices and processing features.

Regulatory frameworks emphasize food safety and agricultural innovation, with Korean standards often exceeding international benchmarks for quality and safety. This creates barriers for lower-quality suppliers but benefits established agricultural producers who can demonstrate advanced capabilities. The regulatory environment particularly favors suppliers with proven safety records and comprehensive quality documentation.

Agricultural efficiency remains critical given Korea's focus on food security and eco-friendly agriculture. Companies increasingly pursue long-term contracts with suppliers in North America and other pulse-producing regions to ensure reliable access to high-quality pulses while managing import requirements. Advanced storage investments support quality preservation during international shipping and seasonal supply management.

Competitive Landscape of Pulses Market

Profit pools are consolidating upstream in scaled agricultural operations and downstream in value-added processing solutions for food manufacturing, ingredient supply, and consumer markets. Value is migrating from basic commodity trading to specification-tight, sustainably-sourced pulses where traceability, nutritional consistency, and processing functionality command premiums. Several archetypes set the pace: global agricultural traders defending share through supply chain scale and geographic diversification; specialized pulse processors that focus on food ingredient applications; sustainable agriculture leaders with organic certification IP and environmental positioning; and plant-based protein innovators pulling value through functional ingredient development and nutritional enhancement.

Switching costs, supplier qualification, supply contracts, processing optimization, stabilize pricing for incumbents, while weather volatility (drought, flooding, climate patterns) and sustainability requirements reopen share for diversified agricultural networks. Consolidation and vertical integration continue; direct food manufacturer relationships dominate ingredient supply as retail channels remain brand-dependent. Market dynamics favor suppliers with comprehensive supply chain management, sustainability credentials, and established food industry relationships.

The competitive environment presents both opportunities and constraints. Advanced processing requirements create barriers for basic commodity traders but establish quality standards that favor specialized pulse companies over generic agricultural suppliers. Market consolidation accelerates as companies seek economies of scale to absorb weather risk and sustainability compliance expenses.

Stakeholder Type	Primary Advantage	Repeatable Plays
Global agricultural traders	Scale, geographic diversification, supply integration	Long-term supply contracts, weather risk management, logistics optimization
Specialized pulse processors	Processing focus, food industry expertise	Ingredient specifications, quality consistency, application development
Sustainable agriculture leaders	Organic certification IP and environmental positioning	Sustainability credentials, traceability systems, premium positioning
Plant-based protein innovators	Functional ingredient development and nutritional enhancement	Protein extraction, functional properties, nutritional optimization

Key Players in the Pulses Market

• AGT Foods
• GPC
• Olam
• Ebro Foods
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Viterra
• Buhler
• Bunge
• Louis Dreyfus
• ETG (Archer lines)

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units	USD 36.0 billion
Product	Lentils, Chickpeas, Dry peas/beans
Form	Whole pulses, Processed flour/Protein isolates
Regions Covered	North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa
Country Covered	United States, Germany, France, Mexico, UK, and other 40+ countries
Key Companies Profiled	AGT Foods, GPC, Olam, Ebro Foods, Archer Daniels Midland, Viterra, Buhler, Bunge, Louis Dreyfus, ETG
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by type/form/end use, regional demand (NA, EU, APAC), competitive landscape, sustainable agriculture adoption, plant-based protein development, and processing innovation technologies driving nutritional enhancement, sustainability optimization, and functional improvement

Pulses Market Segmentation

• By Type :

  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Dry peas/beans

• By Form :

  • Whole pulses
  • Processed flour/Protein isolates

• By End Use :

  • Food
  • Feed/Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa