Market Overview
The global chickpeas market share reached a volume of more than 14.26 million tons in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period. Between 2026 and 2035, the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 1.30%, reaching approximately 16.23 million tons by 2035. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple pulse crop widely consumed across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and increasingly in North America. Their high protein content, versatility, and role in plant-based diets continue to support long-term demand growth.
Key Growth Drivers
Rising Demand for Plant-Based and Protein-Rich Foods
One of the primary growth drivers of the chickpeas market is the increasing global shift toward plant-based diets. Consumers are actively seeking protein-rich, natural, and affordable food sources, positioning chickpeas as a preferred dietary option. The growing popularity of vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets is supporting consistent consumption across both developed and developing regions.
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Expanding Use in Processed and Value-Added Foods
Chickpeas are increasingly used as a key ingredient in processed food products such as hummus, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, gluten-free flours, and meat alternatives. Food manufacturers are leveraging chickpeas for clean-label formulations, further driving demand from the food processing industry. This value-added utilization is helping stabilize demand even during periods of price volatility.
Population Growth and Dietary Shifts in Emerging Markets
Rapid population growth in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa continues to support baseline consumption of chickpeas as a staple food. In these regions, chickpeas play a critical role in daily diets due to affordability, nutritional value, and long shelf life. Urbanization and rising incomes are also contributing to higher per capita consumption in emerging economies.
Market Challenges
Yield Variability and Climate Dependence
Chickpea production is highly dependent on climatic conditions, making the market vulnerable to weather variability, droughts, and changing rainfall patterns. Yield instability in key producing regions can disrupt supply chains and lead to short-term price fluctuations, posing challenges for traders and processors.
Price Sensitivity in Import-Dependent Regions
Many major consuming countries rely heavily on imports, making them sensitive to international price movements and trade policies. Any increase in export restrictions, freight costs, or currency volatility can impact affordability and consumption patterns, especially in price-sensitive markets.
Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific remains the dominant region in terms of both production and consumption, led by India, which accounts for a significant share of global chickpea output. The Middle East and Africa represent strong consumption markets driven by traditional diets and food security needs. North America and Europe are emerging as high-growth regions, supported by rising demand for plant-based foods, organic pulses, and health-focused diets.
Market Dynamics Analysis
SWOT Analysis
The strengths of the chickpeas market include high nutritional value, long storage life, and widespread dietary acceptance. Weaknesses include yield volatility and dependence on weather conditions. Opportunities lie in expanding processed food applications and growing plant-based food markets. Threats include climate change impacts and trade policy uncertainties.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Supplier power remains moderate due to the concentration of production in a few key countries. Buyer power is also moderate, driven by bulk procurement by food processors and importers. The threat of substitutes is relatively low, as chickpeas have unique culinary and nutritional properties. Competitive rivalry is moderate, with both large exporters and regional traders operating in the market.
Value Chain Analysis
The chickpeas value chain includes cultivation, aggregation, processing, trading, and distribution. Farmers form the base of the chain, followed by processors involved in cleaning, grading, splitting, and milling. Traders and exporters play a crucial role in linking producing countries with global consumption markets, while retailers and food manufacturers drive end-user demand.
Trade Data and Price Analysis
Global chickpea trade is driven by exports from major producing countries to deficit regions. Trade volumes fluctuate based on harvest outcomes, export policies, and freight rates. Prices are influenced by production cycles, stock levels, currency movements, and global demand trends. Over the long term, prices are expected to remain relatively stable, supported by steady consumption growth and gradual productivity improvements.
Key Indicators for Demand and Price
Key indicators for demand include population growth, dietary trends, processed food production, and plant-based protein consumption. Price indicators include acreage under cultivation, weather conditions in major producing regions, export availability, and global inventory levels.
Competitive Landscape
The global chickpeas market is moderately competitive, with the presence of large agribusiness firms and regional traders. Key players include AGT Food and Ingredients, BroadGrain Commodities, Inc., and The Wimmera Grain Store, along with other regional exporters and processors. These companies focus on supply chain efficiency, quality assurance, and long-term sourcing relationships to maintain market position.
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