Legumes Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Beans {Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Mung Beans, and Others}, Peas {Fresh, Frozen, and Canned), Chickpeas, Lentils, and Others), By Nature (Conventional and Organic), By Processing Type (Whole/Unprocessed, Frozen, and Canned), By Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Animal Feed, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global legumes market size was valued at USD 14,344.89 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 15,072.18 million in 2025 to USD 21,574.25 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.26% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the legumes market with a market share of 40.82% in 2024.

Legumes are seeds/fruits of the pea family, which are widely utilized in both animal and human diets. Predominantly, they are cultivated in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where they are recognized as a pivotal source of plant-based protein. These components offer a high amount of protein, essential minerals and vitamins, and fiber. A few of the common legumes include beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, and others. In the food sector, it is used in the preparation of a vast range of soups, stews, snacks, and healthy beverages. Moreover, these ingredients are used in the dietary supplements sector to fulfill the consumer’s demand for healthy items. Along with this, it is applicable in beauty care products to introduce natural-ingredient-enriched cosmetics. With respect to consumption, Asia Pacific and North America are leading consumers of beans, peas, and chickpeas in the global market.

The growing demand for plant based protein and the surging health-conscious population propel the market’s growth. Some of the well-known market players include Harvest Food Group, Archer-Daniels Midland Company, and AGT Foods.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Popularity of Vegan Diets Enhances Market Growth

The surging demand for a vegan diet is a key driver bolstering the industry’s growth. In recent years, vegan products have gained high popularity owing to environmental, health, and ethical reasons. A vegan diet majorly includes all plant-centric sources of protein and excludes animal-based products. This dependency on plant based food fuels the demand for legumes. This ingredient can be widely incorporated into numerous dishes, from salads to curries and stews, which makes it a versatile component. Moreover, reliance on natural ingredients helps in preventing the risk of diabetes, cardiac ailments, and various types of cancers. Besides this, legumes are highly rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, and other micronutrients, further strengthening their consumption. By witnessing such benefits, the vegan food products manufacturers are aiming to introduce new vegan snacks that can cater to the evolving consumer demands.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Risk of Pests/Disease Outbreaks and Anti-Nutritional Factors Inhibit Market’s Potential

One of the pivotal restraints in the global market is the risk of pest outbreaks. Legumes are highly vulnerable to several pests, including root rots, rusts, and mildews, which can substantially minimize yields. Moreover, numerous viral and fungal diseases, such as sclerotinia diseases and bean leaf roll virus disease, hamper the productivity and quality of legumes. As a result, such outbreaks can create disruptions in the supply chain and trade activities, hindering the global legumes market share.

Another factor impacting global consumption is its anti-nutritional factors. Few legumes contain compounds such as trypsin inhibitors, tannins, and phytates, which can minimize digestibility and nutrient bioavailability. These components can cause gastrointestinal issues and inflammation, further affecting the industry’s potential.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Utilization of Advanced Technologies Unlocks Growth Opportunities

The adoption of advanced technologies unlocks numerous growth possibilities in the global market. One of the major techniques utilized in legume production is ultrasound, which enhances the functional properties of legume starch and protein. Pulse-electric field is another popular technique used in legume protein extraction, providing advantages such as higher protein quality and improved yield. Moreover, genetic engineering is used in this field, which allows modifications to legume genomes, further enhancing the traits of yields. Along with this, the tribo-electrostatic technique, when utilized, eases the separation of legume components, ultimately boosting processing efficiency. Additionally, the marker-assisted selection technique is used, which is known to accelerate the legume breeding process by choosing and identifying desirable traits.

LEGUMES MARKET TRENDS

Rising Inclination Toward Plant-based Protein is a Prominent Trend

The global market is witnessing a growing and recognizable trend toward plant-centric protein consumption. In today’s era, most consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional animal-based protein to maintain their health. The surging awareness of the health benefits of plant-based products and the increasing availability of vegan items are key factors contributing to the market growth. Predominantly, the majority of individuals consume plant-sourced protein as it aids in weight management and minimizes the risk of heart ailments. Moreover, this type of protein is being considered as a sustainable option and caters to various consumer preferences. Also, the growing ethical concerns further necessitate the global population to turn toward natural and safe proteins.

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Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Beans Lead the Market Owing to Their Culinary Flexibility

On the basis of type, the market is distributed into beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, and others. The beans category leads in the global market. Compared to other types, beans are considered the richest in fiber and support gut health, blood sugar levels, and LDL cholesterol. Moreover, the strong combination of fiber and protein aids in promoting satiety and regulating calorie intake. Additionally, specific beans such as red kidney beans and black beans offer flavonoids and polyphenols, which boost the immune system and cardiovascular functions.

The peas segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.55% over the forecast period.

By Nature

Conventional Segment Led the Market Owing to Its Affordability

Based on nature, the market is segmented into conventional and organic. The conventional segment led the global industry in 2024 as conventionally grown products have an extended shelf life and are economical in nature. Moreover, traditional farming utilizes chemical pesticides and fertilizers to strengthen crop yield and minimize crop losses owing to diseases and pest attacks. Additionally, the wide availability of conventional items over organic items bolsters the global legumes market growth.

The organic sector is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.20% over the forecast period.

By Processing Type

Whole/Unprocessed Dominated the Market Due to their Nutritive Value

Depending on processing type, the global market is distributed into whole/unprocessed, frozen, and canned. The whole/unprocessed segment leads in the global market and held the largest share in 2024. Compared to other processing methods, unprocessed legumes are highly cherished by global consumers owing to their high nutritional value. Moreover, such products are free from chemical preservatives and bisphenol-A (can linings), which is a key concern in canned items. Moreover, they have an extended shelf life and are cost-effective than canned or frozen end products.  

The frozen segment is expected to flourish at a high CAGR of 5.81% during the study period.

By Application

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Food & Beverages Lead the Market Because of Its High Consumption

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into food & beverages, dietary supplements, personal care & cosmetics, animal feed, and others. The food & beverages category dominated the global market. Legumes are utilized in food processing and the food service industry worldwide to introduce a range of cuisines. Nowadays, more than half of the global population is seeking healthy food options that can be prepared using legumes. Chickpeas, kidney beans, and mung beans are a few of the common items that offer a high amount of fiber and essential nutrients. Also, the incorporation of such ingredients can minimize the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol.

The personal care & cosmetics sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.14% during the forecast period.

Legumes Market Regional Outlook

On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. 

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific dominated the global market and holds the largest market share in 2024. In this region, the majority of Asians are gravitating toward plant-based protein, which helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In comparison to other regions, India and Taiwan are highly inclined toward vegetarian food, which fuels the intake of legumes. Moreover, the rising trend of healthy snacking and increasing product innovation further drives the regional growth. Moreover, in comparison to other regions, Asia Pacific has a high aging population that requires large amounts of protein to reduce the risk of contracting health ailments. Moreover, the improved awareness of organic products and surging Government initiatives to support legume-based protein consumption are significant growth factors fueling the region’s growth.

Europe and North America are expected to observe considerable growth in the future. During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to record the second highest growth rate. This growth is promoted by growing inclination toward clean label ingredients and the enhanced sports nutrition sector. After North America, Europe ranked third in the global industry in 2024. The augmented trend of veganism and improved demand for dietary supplements further fuel the potential of the market.

Over the forecast period, South America and the Middle East & Africa are predicted to witness a moderate growth. The increasing health conscious consumers and e-commerce expansion in the regions can strengthen the consumption of legumes.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Major Industry Player

Prominent Players are Focusing on New Product Innovation to Improve their Market Presence

Key players in the market include Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, AGT Foods, Harvest Food Group, and others. All the enterprises in the global market are aiming at product innovation by using chickpeas, lentils, and navy beans. Such new launches in the market aid in gaining improved profit and strengthening their brand image.

List of Key Legumes Companies Profiled

• AGT Foods (Canada)
• Harvest Food Group (U.S.)
• Archer-Daniels Midland Company (U.S.)
• Grainwell Puffed Grains (U.S)
• Olam Group (Singapore)
• La Criolla (U.S.)
• Galdisa (U.S.)
• Morgan Foods Inc. (U.S.)
• Anseme SpA (Italy)
• Inland Empire Foods (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• May 2025: Heyday Canning Co., a food startup in the U.S., introduced a seasoned bean range, “Perfectly Seasoned Beans,” which are canned in vegetable broth. The bean varieties include pinto beans, chickpeas, cannellini beans, and others.
• July 2024: Masala Mama, a U.S.-based cooking sauce producer, launched a range of ready-to-eat legumes in four flavors, such as Rah Rah red beans and Cha Cha chickpeas. This product offers 9 to 15 grams of fiber and can be purchased via Earth Fare and The Fresh Market channels.
• September 2023: Symrise AG, a German chemicals firm, unveiled aquafaba and chickpea ingredients, which enhance the juiciness and texture of a range of products such as healthy snacks, dips, and falafels.
• February 2023: Yofiit, a Canadian company, revealed chickpea-based high protein milk in vanilla cinnamon and original flavor. This milk offers 10 grams of protein and is composed of regenerative ingredients.
• August 2021: Dagrofa, a Danish retail enterprise, released a line of organic chickpeas produced in Denmark. These chickpeas are grown in partnership with a product wholesaler, Grøn Fokus, a Denmark-based enterprise that supports eco-friendly agriculture.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed global legumes market analysis of size and growth rate for all possible market segments. Various key insights presented in the market research report are an overview of related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments such as mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and global market trends.

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Report Scope & Segmentation