Chickpeas Market Outlook 2025–2034: A Staple Crop Powering Sustainable Nutrition and Global Trade

anna743453
Nov 12, 2025
5 min read

Chickpeas—also known as garbanzo beans—are one of the oldest and most versatile crops in the world, serving as both a dietary staple and an agricultural powerhouse. From hummus and curries to gluten-free flour and plant-based protein, chickpeas have cemented their place in modern diets and global trade alike.

According to recent data, the global chickpeas market reached a volume of more than 14.08 million tons in 2024. Over the forecast period between 2025 and 2034, the market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.30%, attaining approximately 16.02 million tons by 2034. This steady growth reflects rising demand for plant-based proteins, sustainable agriculture practices, and value-added chickpea products worldwide.

Understanding the Global Chickpeas Market

Chickpeas are part of the legume family and are cultivated in over 50 countries. The two main varieties — Desi (smaller, darker seeds common in South Asia) and Kabuli (larger, lighter seeds popular in the Mediterranean and Americas) — dominate global production and trade.

Beyond being a food staple, chickpeas play a vital ecological role by improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making them a cornerstone of sustainable farming systems. Their nutritional profile — high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals — continues to drive their popularity among consumers seeking healthier and plant-based alternatives.

Regional Analysis

1. Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region leads the global chickpeas market, both as a producer and consumer. India alone accounts for a significant share of production and consumption, followed by Australia and Pakistan. India’s strong domestic demand, coupled with its role as a major exporter to the Middle East and Europe, makes it the focal point of the global chickpeas industry.

Australia has also become a major exporter of high-quality Kabuli chickpeas, benefiting from modern farming practices and favorable climatic conditions. Rising incomes, growing health awareness, and traditional culinary preferences in this region continue to drive demand.

2. Middle East and Africa

Chickpeas are integral to Middle Eastern cuisine, forming the base for dishes like hummus and falafel. This cultural preference ensures consistent demand across countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Egypt. Africa’s chickpea consumption is also rising, supported by urbanization and growing imports from India and Australia.

3. Europe

In Europe, demand for chickpeas has surged with the vegan and plant-based food movement. Consumers are embracing chickpea-based products — from hummus spreads to snacks and pasta — as healthy and protein-rich options. The European Union’s focus on sustainable agriculture and reduced meat consumption further supports market growth.

4. North America

The United States and Canada have emerged as important players, both in production and consumption. Expanding cultivation areas in the U.S. Great Plains and Canada’s Saskatchewan region reflect growing domestic and export opportunities. North America’s health-conscious population and booming plant-based food sector make it one of the fastest-growing markets for chickpeas.

5. Latin America

Countries like Mexico and Argentina are increasingly investing in chickpea cultivation to meet global export demand. Favorable agricultural conditions and trade partnerships are positioning Latin America as a rising exporter to Europe and the Middle East.

Market Dynamics

A. Key Drivers

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Proteins: As consumers shift toward vegetarian and vegan diets, chickpeas have become a natural protein source.
Health and Nutrition Awareness: Chickpeas are rich in fiber, iron, and folate, making them a staple in balanced diets.
Sustainable Agriculture: Chickpea cultivation supports soil health and reduces fertilizer dependence.
Expansion of Processed Food Applications: The use of chickpeas in snacks, flours, protein powders, and ready-to-eat meals is increasing rapidly.

B. Restraints

Price Volatility: Weather fluctuations and crop yields cause inconsistent prices.
Supply Chain Challenges: Export restrictions and transportation costs affect global trade flows.
Competition: Lentils and peas compete closely with chickpeas in both consumer and industrial segments.

C. Opportunities

Growth in Value-Added Products: Chickpea-based flours, snacks, milk, and meat substitutes are gaining traction.
Technological Innovation: Precision agriculture and genetic improvements are enhancing yields and quality.
Organic Chickpea Farming: Rising consumer preference for clean-label and chemical-free products.

D. Challenges

Post-Harvest Losses: Inadequate storage and processing infrastructure in developing countries.
Trade Regulations: Tariffs and phytosanitary standards affecting exports.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths	Weaknesses
High nutritional value and versatility	Seasonal dependence on rainfall
Strong demand across food and industrial uses	Lack of advanced processing facilities in some regions

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion of plant-based food sector	Price volatility and climate risks
Growing export potential in emerging markets	Competition from other pulses

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Threat of New Entrants: Moderate – farming requires suitable land and export access.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate – crop yield and quality determine leverage.
Bargaining Power of Buyers: High – buyers can switch among various pulses and regions.
Threat of Substitutes: High – lentils, soybeans, and peas offer similar nutrition.
Industry Rivalry: Intense – competition among top exporters such as India, Australia, and Canada.

Key Indicators for Demand

Rising global consumption of plant-based foods.
Expansion of vegan and gluten-free product lines.
Increasing urban population and convenience food consumption.
Government incentives for legume production and export.

Key Indicators for Price

Seasonal production cycles and weather conditions.
Shifts in international trade policies.
Export costs, tariffs, and freight prices.
Global demand from food processing industries.

Value Chain Analysis

Production: Cultivation of Desi and Kabuli chickpeas using traditional and mechanized farming.
Processing: Cleaning, sorting, milling, and packaging.
Distribution: Exporters, wholesalers, retailers, and food manufacturers.
End-Use Industries: Food processing, retail, and hospitality.
By-products: Chickpea husks for animal feed and organic compost.

Trade Data and Price Analysis

Global chickpea trade is dominated by India, Australia, Russia, and Canada as exporters. Major importers include Pakistan, Turkey, UAE, and several EU nations. Trade volume fluctuations are closely linked to weather conditions and government export policies.

In terms of pricing, chickpea values remain sensitive to crop yields, demand from the processed food industry, and logistics costs. While 2024 saw relatively stable prices due to balanced supply-demand conditions, minor volatility is expected through 2034 as production adapts to climate and trade shifts.

Competitive Landscape

Key players shaping the global chickpeas market include AGT Food and Ingredients, Olam International, ETG, Arbel Group, Nidera, and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).Their strategies focus on:

Expanding export networks and processing facilities.
Investing in sustainable and organic chickpea farming.
Developing innovative chickpea-based ingredients for the food industry.

Emerging players in Latin America and Africa are also entering the market with competitive pricing and quality-driven production.

Key Trends and Developments

Surging Demand for Chickpea-Based Protein: Used in meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and sports nutrition.
Technological Innovations: Improved irrigation and pest-resistant seed varieties.
Sustainability Initiatives: Promoting chickpeas as part of climate-resilient agriculture.
Globalization of Traditional Foods: Rising popularity of hummus and falafel in Western markets.

Future Outlook (2025–2034)

The chickpeas market’s steady expansion — from 14.08 million tons in 2024 to 16.02 million tons by 2034 — will be shaped by evolving consumer preferences and sustainability goals. With growing awareness of health, environment, and food security, chickpeas are expected to play an even more vital role in global diets and trade systems.

Investment in modern farming, value-added processing, and international partnerships will strengthen the market’s resilience. As a result, chickpeas are not only poised to remain a staple crop but also a key driver of the plant-based protein revolution.