According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global chickpeas market reached a volume of more than 14.08 million tons in 2024. Aided by rising consumer interest in plant-based diets, nutritional food alternatives, and sustainable agriculture, the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 1.30% between 2025 and 2034, reaching 16.02 million tons by 2034.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are among the most consumed legumes in the world, valued for their rich nutritional profile, including high protein and fiber content. As consumers shift toward healthier and more sustainable eating habits, chickpeas have emerged as a vital dietary component in various regional and global cuisines. Their increasing adoption across the food and beverage sector, especially in plant-based and functional food formulations, is a major factor contributing to market growth.
The shift toward veganism, gluten-free diets, and clean-label foods has further reinforced the position of chickpeas in the global marketplace. Their ability to serve as a meat substitute, flour base, or dairy alternative ingredient enables chickpeas to meet evolving dietary requirements. As health and sustainability continue to dominate consumer choices, chickpeas are expected to witness stable and rising demand globally.
Market Size
The global chickpeas market reached a volume of more than 14.08 million tons in 2024. With steady demand from both developed and emerging economies, the market is set to grow to 16.02 million tons by 2034, supported by a range of health, environmental, and culinary trends.
India remains the largest market both in terms of production and consumption, owing to its traditional reliance on pulses in everyday diets. However, the increasing consumption of chickpeas in Western countries, driven by new product innovations such as hummus, chickpea snacks, and chickpea flour-based products, has significantly broadened the global footprint of the market. This rising global appetite has driven demand across food processing, retail, and export sectors, contributing to sustained market expansion.
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Market Share
India dominates the global chickpeas market, accounting for the largest share of both global production and consumption. Desi chickpeas, the smaller, darker, and rough-coated variant, are primarily cultivated and consumed in India and neighboring regions. Kabuli chickpeas, which are larger and lighter in color, command significant market share in countries such as Turkey, Australia, and the United States, especially in Mediterranean and Western diets.
Australia ranks among the top exporters of chickpeas, with significant exports to South Asia and the Middle East. Other major producing countries include Turkey, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. These countries benefit from suitable agro-climatic conditions and growing government support for pulse cultivation.
Within the product type segment, Desi chickpeas hold the majority share due to their broad cultivation base and high domestic consumption in India and South Asia. Kabuli chickpeas, however, are experiencing faster growth rates due to their rising popularity in high-income countries and increasing demand for value-added chickpea products.
Market Trends
Rising popularity of plant-based proteins: One of the most significant trends shaping the chickpeas market is the increasing demand for plant-based protein sources. Chickpeas are widely recognized as a natural, non-allergenic, and complete protein, making them ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Innovation in chickpea-based products: There has been a surge in the development of chickpea-derived products such as pasta, snacks, milk, and desserts. These innovations have broadened the appeal of chickpeas beyond traditional dishes, supporting market diversification.
Growth of gluten-free and clean-label foods: Chickpeas, being naturally gluten-free, align well with the clean-label movement. Consumers are increasingly opting for products with simple, natural ingredients, and chickpeas fit this preference effectively.
Health and functional food demand: As consumers seek food products that offer more than just basic nutrition, chickpeas have gained recognition for their high fiber content, low glycemic index, and benefits in managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Sustainability and regenerative agriculture: Chickpeas are known for their nitrogen-fixing properties, which enrich soil fertility. Their cultivation supports sustainable farming practices, making them attractive to environmentally conscious producers and consumers.
Drivers of Growth
Nutritional benefits and rising health consciousness: Chickpeas are rich in essential nutrients including protein, fiber, iron, and folate. The rising awareness of health and wellness globally is a major driver of chickpea consumption, especially as consumers move toward functional and plant-based foods.
Expansion of vegan and vegetarian populations: The growing popularity of veganism and vegetarianism worldwide is leading to increased demand for plant-based protein sources. Chickpeas are at the forefront of this trend due to their versatility and health benefits.
Government support for pulse production: Various governments, particularly in India and Australia, are providing subsidies and incentives for pulse production, which includes chickpeas. This support helps stabilize production and ensures a steady supply for both domestic use and export.
Rising demand in processed and ready-to-eat foods: Chickpeas are increasingly being used in processed food formats including hummus, soups, falafel mixes, and frozen meals. These applications cater to the growing demand for convenience and health in one package.
Globalization of regional cuisines: The global popularity of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines, where chickpeas are a staple, has created new markets for chickpea products across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Market Key Players
The chickpeas market is highly fragmented, with a mix of large-scale exporters, local producers, and vertically integrated agribusinesses. Some of the key players operating in the global chickpeas market include:
- AGT Food and Ingredients
- BroadGrain Commodities, Inc.
- The Wimmera Grain Store
- Others
These players are involved in chickpea farming, processing, packaging, and distribution across global supply chains. Many focus on maintaining quality standards, ensuring traceability, and expanding into value-added chickpea products to remain competitive.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
Climate sensitivity and yield fluctuations: Chickpea cultivation is highly sensitive to weather conditions, particularly rainfall. Droughts or floods can severely impact yields, leading to price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
Storage and infrastructure constraints: In developing countries, limited storage infrastructure and poor post-harvest handling often result in significant losses. Inadequate warehousing and transport facilities further reduce efficiency in distribution.
Pest and disease vulnerability: Chickpea crops are prone to pests such as pod borers and diseases like Ascochyta blight. This creates dependency on crop protection inputs, which can affect profitability and sustainability.
Trade barriers and tariffs: International trade in chickpeas is often subject to tariff and non-tariff barriers, including quality regulations, export restrictions, and phytosanitary requirements, which can hinder global market expansion.
Opportunities:
Product innovation and diversification: The development of new chickpea-based products such as protein powders, dairy alternatives, and meat analogues presents vast opportunities for value addition and market penetration in health-conscious segments.
Market expansion in emerging economies: Untapped markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America offer growth potential due to rising disposable incomes and changing dietary patterns that favor affordable, protein-rich foods.
Private label and e-commerce growth: The proliferation of private-label health food brands and online grocery platforms provides an avenue for chickpea products to reach a wider, more health-focused customer base directly.
Research in agronomy and yield improvement: Advances in agricultural technology, including drought-resistant chickpea varieties and improved farming practices, can address productivity challenges and increase global supply reliability.
Market Forecast
The global chickpeas market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.30% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a volume of 16.02 million tons by 2034. The forecasted growth reflects stable demand driven by rising health awareness, adoption of plant-based diets, and expanding food processing applications.
The market is expected to benefit from innovations in product development, increased consumption of meat alternatives, and government policies favoring pulse cultivation. Additionally, the increasing integration of chickpeas into global cuisines and the rising consumer interest in environmentally sustainable food sources will further support market expansion.
While challenges such as climate risks and price volatility persist, the chickpeas market holds significant long-term potential. With continuous improvements in production, supply chain efficiency, and diversification of applications, chickpeas are poised to remain a staple in the global food ecosystem over the coming decade.