The chickpea market size was valued at USD 12.20 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow from USD 12.92 billion in 2026 to USD 17.24 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This report is Segmented by Geography (North America, Europe, and More). The Report Includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast, List of Key Players, and More. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons).
Africa is the fastest-growing region in the market, with a projected CAGR of 6.91% through 2031. Growth is driven by biofortification initiatives in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Malawi, alongside the recovery of tourism and food service sectors. Ethiopia has used digital extension platforms to improve yields and meet export-quality standards, in compliance with European Union import protocols. Donor-funded biofortification projects have introduced high-iron chickpea varieties, enhancing domestic nutrition and positioning the region for premium export opportunities.
The North American chickpea market is supported by the growth of plant-based product launches and the increasing adoption of ethnic cuisines. Chickpea production is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in Montana and North Dakota, where chickpeas are incorporated into wheat rotations due to their agronomic benefits. North America and Europe dominate premium segments focused on high-protein flours and isolates, catering to flexitarian product lines. Recent industry consolidation, such as Above Food’s acquisition of The Redwood Group’s specialty crop division, highlights efforts to secure a consistent supply in these mature yet innovation-driven markets. Chickpea production for 2024 totaled 54.2 million metric tons, an increase compared to the 37.0 million metric tons produced in the previous year. The planted area was at 393,370 acres, increases by 271,790 acres from 2023.
Global Chickpea Market Trends and Insights
Expanding Vegan and Flexitarian Populations
The global shift toward plant-based diets is a significant factor driving the demand for chickpeas. As consumers reduce meat consumption for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, chickpeas are increasingly utilized as a protein-rich alternative in daily diets. They are commonly used in products such as hummus, falafel, plant-based snacks, dairy alternatives, and ready-to-eat meals. In North America and Europe, the rise of flexitarian consumers has boosted retail sales of hummus and chickpea-based pasta, increasing demand for Kabuli chickpeas from exporters like India and Mexico. Additionally, urban consumers in India and China have adopted roasted chickpea snacks as an affordable protein source, contributing to increased demand in metropolitan areas. In 2025, a collaborative study conducted by YouGov and Veganuary estimated that around 25.8 million people worldwide attempted veganism. These dietary shifts are driving volume growth while reducing dependence on price-sensitive traditional markets.Surge in Pulse-Based Protein Isolates for Functional Foods
Chickpeas are increasingly being processed into protein isolates and flours, which are utilized in sports nutrition, meat alternatives, and gluten-free products. Food manufacturers prefer chickpea protein for its neutral taste, clean-label attributes, and allergen-friendly profile compared to soy. In the United States and Europe, plant-based meat brands are incorporating chickpea protein into products such as burgers and protein snacks, boosting the demand for processing-grade chickpeas. Chickpea flour, with protein content and neutral flavor, is a favored gluten-free ingredient. Tortilla formulations containing 30% chickpea flour offer higher levels of iron and potassium while maintaining flexibility, thereby expanding options for healthier snack wraps. As processing efficiency improves, ingredient costs are projected to decline, further supporting demand growth.Yield Volatility from El Niño-Linked Drought Cycles
Chickpea production is highly influenced by rainfall patterns. El Niño events frequently result in droughts in major producing regions, including Australia, parts of Africa, and South America, which lead to reduced yields and supply shortages. During drought years in Australia, chickpea production experiences significant declines, causing global price increases and constrained supply in export markets. Farmers in semi-arid regions often shift acreage to more drought-resistant pulses or cereals during predicted El Niño years, further exacerbating supply constraints. While breeding programs are advancing the development of drought-escape varieties, widespread adoption is still several seasons away. Adaptation measures include the development of drought-tolerant varieties and the use of supplemental irrigation systems. Research suggests that early sowing and short-duration cultivars can help mitigate some yield losses.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Growth of Gluten-Free Bakery and Snack Categories
- Government Biofortification Programs for Climate-Smart Legumes
- Post-Harvest Mycotoxin Contamination Risks
Segment Analysis
Complete Report Scope:
- By Geography
- North America
- United States
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Canada
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Mexico
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- United States
- Europe
- Germany
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- United Kingdom
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- France
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Germany
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- India
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistic and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Australia
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- China
- South America
- Brazil
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Argentina
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Brazil
- Middle East
- Saudi Arabia
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- United Arab Emirates
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Turkey
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Saudi Arabia
- Africa
- South Africa
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Egypt
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- Ethiopia
- Production Analysis (Area Harvested, Yield, and Production Volume)
- Consumption Analysis (Consumption Value and Volume)
- Import Market Analysis (Import Value, Volume, and Key Supplying Markets)
- Export Market Analysis (Export Value, Volume, and Key Destination Markets)
- Wholesale Price Trend Analysis and Forecast
- Regulatory Framework
- List of Key Players
- Logistics and Infrastructure
- Seasonality Analysis
- South Africa
- North America
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific is the largest region, holding 35.5% of the chickpea market share in 2025. The chickpea market is influenced by established culinary traditions and the increasing use of packaged foods. The market size, linked to regional processing clusters, is projected to grow as multinational snack brands source from dedicated hubs. Regional dynamics highlight varying consumption patterns and production capabilities, which are reshaping global trade flows.Africa is the fastest-growing region in the market, with a projected CAGR of 6.91% through 2031. Growth is driven by biofortification initiatives in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Malawi, alongside the recovery of tourism and food service sectors. Ethiopia has used digital extension platforms to improve yields and meet export-quality standards, in compliance with European Union import protocols. Donor-funded biofortification projects have introduced high-iron chickpea varieties, enhancing domestic nutrition and positioning the region for premium export opportunities.
The North American chickpea market is supported by the growth of plant-based product launches and the increasing adoption of ethnic cuisines. Chickpea production is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in Montana and North Dakota, where chickpeas are incorporated into wheat rotations due to their agronomic benefits. North America and Europe dominate premium segments focused on high-protein flours and isolates, catering to flexitarian product lines. Recent industry consolidation, such as Above Food’s acquisition of The Redwood Group’s specialty crop division, highlights efforts to secure a consistent supply in these mature yet innovation-driven markets. Chickpea production for 2024 totaled 54.2 million metric tons, an increase compared to the 37.0 million metric tons produced in the previous year. The planted area was at 393,370 acres, increases by 271,790 acres from 2023.
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Market Overview
- Market Drivers
- Market Restraints
- Opportunities
- Challenges
- Value Chain Analysis
- Technologies and usage of AI in the Industry
- Input Market Analysis
- Distribution Channel Analysis
- Market Sentiment Analysis
- PESTLE Analysis
- Overview of the Competition
- Recent Developments
- Market Concentration Analysis
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
4 Market Landscape
5 Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value and Volume)
6 End Use Applications and Industries
7 Competitive Landscape
