Chickpea Market Regional Analysis

Why is Asia Pacific Dominates Chickpea in 2024?

The Asia-Pacific region leads the global chickpea market, driven by substantial production and consumption in countries like India and Australia. India, accounting for over 70% of global production, benefits from favorable climatic conditions, a large vegetarian population, and cultural dietary preferences. Australia complements this with significant exports, particularly of the Kabuli variety, leveraging its arid climate and advanced agricultural practices. The region's proximity to the Middle East, a major chickpea-consuming area, further enhances its export potential.

Japan Chickpea

Japan’s chickpea market is growing steadily, driven by a significant shift towards plant-based diets and the rising popularity of plant-based proteins. The Japanese government and local food industries are increasingly encouraging healthier food choices, such as those incorporating chickpeas, to address growing health concerns related to lifestyle diseases. While Japan is not a major producer of chickpeas, the country has seen an increase in chickpea imports, primarily for use in various processed products, including soups, snacks, and plant-based meat alternatives.

In recent years, Japan’s demand for plant-based products, including chickpeas, has been boosted by the rise of veganism and vegetarianism, which was already gaining momentum due to environmental and health reasons.

South Korea Chickpea

South Korea’s chickpea market is rapidly expanding, driven by growing consumer awareness regarding the health benefits of plant-based foods. As part of a broader movement toward healthier eating habits, South Korea has seen a surge in the popularity of chickpeas, particularly as consumers seek protein alternatives to meat. South Korean food brands and startups have introduced innovative chickpea-based products, ranging from snacks to protein powders, in response to increasing demand for plant-based protein sources.

Chickpeas are increasingly being used in South Korean dishes, particularly in the form of hummus and chickpea-based spreads, aligning with the growing global trend of incorporating more plant-based foods into diets. Major food companies in South Korea, such as CJ CheilJedang and Lotte Foods, are focusing on introducing chickpea-based products to meet consumer preferences.

Why North America is the fastest-growing region for Chickpea?

North America is witnessing rapid growth in the chickpea market, driven by increasing consumer awareness of plant-based diets and the nutritional benefits of chickpeas. The United States and Canada are the dominant players, with the U.S. leading in production, especially in states like California and Montana. Factors such as health consciousness, dietary shifts towards veganism, and the popularity of chickpea-based products like hummus and snacks are propelling market expansion. Additionally, innovations in chickpea-derived products are attracting a broader consumer base.

U.S. Chickpea

The United States has seen a significant uptick in chickpea consumption, fueled by the growing popularity of plant-based diets. Chickpeas are valued for their high protein and fiber content, making them a staple in health-conscious diets. States like California and Montana are leading producers, benefiting from favorable agricultural conditions . The market has also witnessed innovations, such as the development of chickpea isolates by companies like ChickP, catering to the demand for plant-based protein alternatives. Furthermore, the acquisition of snack brands like Beanitos by The Good Bean indicates a trend towards diversification in chickpea-based products.

Canada Chickpea

Canada's chickpea market is expanding, supported by increasing domestic consumption and export opportunities. The country's prairie provinces, particularly Saskatchewan, offer ideal conditions for chickpea cultivation. Canadian chickpeas are primarily exported to countries in South Asia and the Middle East, meeting the demand for high-quality pulses. Domestically, the rise in vegetarian and vegan diets has led to greater incorporation of chickpeas into various food products. Government support for pulse crop research and sustainable farming practices further bolsters the industry's growth prospects.

How is Europe Maintaining its Dominance in Chickpea Industry?

Europe’s chickpea market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increased consumer demand for plant-based products and the shift towards healthier, sustainable diets. Countries such as Spain, France, and Germany play an important role in chickpea cultivation and consumption. Meanwhile, other European countries, including the UK, are contributing to the growing trend of incorporating chickpeas into various food products, including snacks, meals, and protein substitutes. The growing popularity of veganism, vegetarianism, and flexitarian diets across Europe is further fueling this growth. Additionally, Europe’s increasing focus on reducing meat consumption to address environmental concerns is boosting demand for plant-based protein alternatives like chickpeas.

Germany Chickpea

Germany has seen a surge in plant-based food consumption, with nearly 10 million people following vegetarian or vegan diets as of 2022 . This shift has boosted demand for chickpea-based products like hummus and falafel. The country's large Turkish population also contributes to the popularity of chickpea dishes. Germany is a leading market for organic-certified food products, and chickpeas are often sold under organic labels, aligning with consumer preferences for health and sustainability.

France Chickpea

In France, chickpea consumption is on the rise, with 48% of the population consuming legumes at least once a week. The southern regions, such as Occitanie and Provence, have a tradition of chickpea cultivation, with the crop covering over 23,500 hectares in 2020. France also plays a significant role in the European chickpea market, exporting more than it imports, and is the second-largest market in Europe for organic-certified food products.

United Kingdom Chickpea

The UK has witnessed significant growth in chickpea consumption, largely driven by the rise in plant-based diets and the increasing awareness of the nutritional benefits of legumes. The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, combined with the demand for high-protein, low-fat food options, has positioned chickpeas as a key component in the UK market. Chickpeas are being incorporated into a wide range of products, from traditional dishes like hummus and falafel to newer innovations such as chickpea-based pasta, snacks, and plant-based meat alternatives.

The UK's food industry has responded to these dietary trends, with several brands focusing on chickpea-based products. For example, The Mighty Company and BOL Foods have introduced ready-to-eat chickpea meals and snacks that cater to the growing demand for healthy, convenient plant-based foods.