Global Lentil Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Lentil Market Overview

The market growth is currently being driven by the increasing population in developing countries, which continue to rely on pulses for protein diets. Further, changing dietary habits in developed nations where people are opting for healthy, nutritious, and sustainable foods, are also helping the market progress. Apart from nutritional benefits, pulses also help to prevent and combat chronic health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which is expected to bolster the demand for lentils across the globe over the forecast period.

Going further, the low cost of lentils is further influencing consumers to consume them as a staple food in various countries such as Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka, among others, which is likely to boost the demand of lentil market. Moreover, the rising health consciousness among people and growing awareness about the availability of organically produced lentils has propelled the organised food retail sector to stock organic lentils in supermarkets and hypermarkets, retail stores, and online, among others, which, in turn, is influencing the market growth of lentils positively.

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Lentil Market Trends

Rising Demand for Plant-based Protein

The rise of the vegan and vegetarian population as well as increased health consciousness among people, especially in Europe and North America, has led to growing demand for plant-based protein such as lentils. As per an NSF survey in 2021, around 88% of food industry practitioners stated that the demand for plant-based products is expected to increase in the coming years. 74% of them stated that consumers are choosing plant-based products due to increased health consciousness, boosting the growth of the lentil market.

2021 research from NielsenIQ stated that around 2.7 million households in the UK had a vegan or vegetarian person in their household. This has created a lucrative market for plant-based products such as lentils in the country. Moreover, about 29% of people limit their meat intake, and 28% prefer plant-based proteins over animal sources as per the report on plant-based eating cities across the world. This pattern aligns with the broader shift towards healthier eating habits and environmental sustainability, as lentil production requires considerably less water and land compared to meat production.

Favourable Government Policies

Lentil is an important part of the Indian diet and benefits greatly from government initiatives focused on improving self-sufficiency in pulse production. The Indian government offers Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for pulses, including lentils, to encourage local farming and reduce reliance on imports, which can boost the lentil market value. Additionally, the government supports programs aimed at increasing pulse productivity through the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). This program provides funding to improve infrastructure and technology for farmers. Meanwhile, Canada, the leading producer and exporter of lentils worldwide, has also introduced supportive measures to promote lentil cultivation. These initiatives include research programs to improve crop yields and quality, subsidies for environmentally sustainable farming practices, and favourable trade agreements, among others.

The Australian government also supports lentil cultivation by offering agricultural research and development grants that focus on enhancing productivity and export potential. As a major exporter of lentils in India and other South Asian countries, there is an increased demand for research so the farmers can use the most advanced farming methods and crop varieties.

Industry News

March 2024

KP has expanded its range of Tyrrells Lentil Crisps with the introduction of a 24g single pack with a £1 RRP. These new products are in the flavours of Sour Cream & Onion and Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper.

August 2024

Louis Dreyfus Company announced that it aims to launch a new business unit for pulses as beans and lentils grow popular as plant-based protein sources.

Opportunities in Lentil Market

Lentils are a sustainable crop as they use much less water and fertilisers compared to other protein sources. Their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil also promotes better soil health, making them a favourable option for environmentally conscious farming practices. This has boosted the lentil demand in regions such as Canada, which is the largest exporter of lentils globally. For example, Lentil farming in Western Canada has a net-negative carbon footprint, meaning that the carbon stored in the soil is much more compared to the carbon emissions produced during cultivation. 

Furthermore, their effective water usage and compatibility with no-till farming methods enhance their environmental sustainability, boosting their popularity in sustainable agricultural systems. The South Asian region produces the majority of the world's lentils and offers a lucrative landscape for sustainable agriculture practices.

Lentil Market Restraints

Lentil prices are subject to fluctuations due to various external factors such as climate change, competition from alternative crops, and trade regulations. This volatility can pose challenges for producers who want to achieve stable profitability. The production of lentils is also vulnerable to adverse weather events, such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns and can impact the lentil demand forecast. Given that lentils are cultivated in semi-arid regions, these erratic climatic conditions can adversely affect yields, resulting in variations in market supply and pricing. For instance, due to drought conditions and unusually high temperatures, the cultivation of lentils was affected, resulting in yields that are 30-50% lower than the average in some areas of Europe.

Although lentils serve as a vital source of plant-based protein, they face competition from other protein sources such as chickpeas, and soybeans, as well as lab-grown proteins.

Market Dynamics

Lentils are a crucial part of several staple cuisines across the world.  For instance, Dal is a staple in Indian cuisine, made by boiling lentils and flavouring them with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and garlic. For vegetarians in India, lentils are one of the major sources of protein as dal is consumed on a daily basis alongside rice or bread, boosting the lentil market revenue. This dish is considered comfort food in many Indian households as it is rich in fibre, protein, and other essential nutrients.

Mujadara, a classic dish from the Levant region, is prepared from lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This dish carries significant cultural importance in the region and represents celebration. It is high in protein and carbohydrates, offering a rich nutritional profile to consumers and is commonly served as a main course during family gatherings and festive occasions.

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Lentil Industry Segmentation

Lentil Market Share

By Production by Variety Insights

Red lentils lead the lentil market share due to their quick cooking time and versatility in a range of dishes such as soups and purees. They are especially popular in areas like India, the Middle East, and North Africa, where they play a major role in traditional diets. Green lentils are also gaining popularity due to their use in salads and as side dishes, especially in Europe and North America.

By Demand by Mode of Transport insights

Sea transport holds the highest share of the market as it offers the most cost-effective way to transport large quantities of lentils over long distances, particularly for major exporting countries such as Canada, India, and Australia. Given the high volume of lentil exports, especially to regions such as South Asia and the Middle East, sea transport offers an economical solution and contributes to the growth of the lentil industry.

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Lentil Market Regional Analysis

North America Lentil Market Dynamics

The surging production and consumption of lentils in North America, majorly in Canada, is driving the market growth of lentils in North America. As per the lentil market dynamics and trends, Canada is holding a significant share in the market growth of lentils across North America owing to the increasing production and export of lentils across the world. The growing urban population, changing lifestyles, increasing household incomes, along with changing tastes and preferences among consumers. Additionally, India being the largest destination for Canada to export lentils in 2020 as well as the government of Canada supporting Canadian pulses by investing huge funds is expected to aid the market growth of lentils in the region over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific Lentil Market Trends

The market growth of lentils is expected to witness substantial growth in the Asia Pacific due to the surging consumption of high protein legumes in the regions as the food companies include lentils in various food products ranging from breakfast cereals to snacks. As per the lentil industry analysis, due to the surging contribution of countries like Australia, and India toward the production of lentils, the market growth of lentils is likely to witness robust growth over the coming years. Several bakery and snack food products use lentil flour for their production, which is augmenting the market growth of lentils.

Europe Lentil Market Growth

The lentil production in the region rose from 75,000 tons in 2017 to 116,000 tons in 2021. Spain and France were the primary producers and consumers of lentils within Europe, with approximately 80,000 hectares aimed at lentil cultivation in these countries. From 2017 to 2021, the average lentil imports to Europe were 230,000 tons, boosting the lentil market opportunities. 

Additionally, the Farm to Fork Strategy, part of the European Green Deal, aims to enhance pulse production by 2030 while reducing imports from outside the EU. Moreover, the demand for ready-to-eat food products among consumers due to hectic lifestyles has enhanced the demand for functional food products like lentil bread, which is further aiding the market demand for lentils.

Latin America Lentil Market Drivers

The market growth in the region is driven by rising demand for plant-based protein sources and an increasing health awareness. Countries such as Argentina and Brazil are both major producers and consumers of lentils and contribute to the lentil industry revenue. In 2023, Argentina became a prominent producer of lentils within the region, due to the local consumption and exports to markets in Europe and Asia. The nutritional benefits of lentils such as their high protein and fibre content are contributing to their growing appeal among consumers who are shifting towards healthier, plant-based products.

Middle East and Africa Lentil Market Analysis

The market in the region is witnessing steady growth due to growing consumer inclination towards plant-based diets and health-conscious eating habits. In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the lentil demand growth has increased, due to both local consumption and imports from key global suppliers such as Canada and Australia. Additionally, lentils are becoming more popular in Middle Eastern cuisine as they are used in a wide range of dishes such as soups to stews and have become a dietary staple due to their rich nutritional profile, particularly their high protein and fibre content.

Innovative Lentil Startups

Several startups are readily making efforts to enhance supply chain efficiency. They are expanding their distribution networks to satisfy the growing demand for lentils in emerging markets. They are also focused on the upgradation of transportation and storage facilities to improve product availability. Collaborations between food manufacturers and startups in the lentil market are also increasing nowadays. For instance, startups have partnered with other businesses to develop lentil-based convenience foods such as pasta due to the trend of healthy plant-based diets.

ReGrained (USA)

ReGrained, initially known for its use of upcycled grains from the brewing industry, has expanded its focus to include the development of snacks and food products that use lentils due to their substantial nutritional advantages. The company is committed to producing sustainable, health-oriented snacks while addressing food waste, with lentils playing a crucial role in their product innovation.

Bite Society (Australia)

This Australian startup, focused on plant-based snacks, is addressing the growing demand for lentil-based products by offering products which are catered to vegan and health-conscious consumers. The company has made lentils a key ingredient in their protein-rich, plant-based snacks. They also promote sustainable food practices, aiming to address both health and environmental challenges through the use of low-impact ingredients like lentils.

Competitive Landscape

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global lentil market, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions. Companies are readily developing innovative lentil-based products such as lentil protein isolates and snacks. These products cater to the growing consumer demand for gluten-free and plant-based alternatives in various food products such as snacks, flour, and protein supplements, among others.

Key Industry Players

AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.

AGT Foods is a leading supplier of pulses, staple foods, and various ingredients. The company processes a wide range of crops, including lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans. Headquartered in Canada, AGT Foods is well-regarded for its dedication to the global pulse market, with operations spanning North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Simpson Seeds Inc.

Simpson Seeds, a family-owned business located in Saskatchewan, Canada, has made a name for itself in the mark...

BroadGrain Commodities Inc.

The company, based in Canada, focuses on the international trade of grains, pulses, oilseeds, and their by-pro...

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Other major market players in the lentil market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Eaternal Health & Organic Foods, and Adani Wilmar Ltd, among others.

The comprehensive report looks into the macro and micro aspects of the market. The EMR report gives an in-depth insight into the market by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.

Recent Developments

December 2023

The Indian government announced that it is extending the import duty exemption on lentils by one more year, which is till March 31, 2025, which can contribute to the lentil market expansion.

October 2023

The National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF) announced the launch of mobile vans which offer commodities such as lentils, dal, and onions at affordable rates in Srinagar.

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Lentil Market Report Snapshots

Lentil Market Size

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Lentil Companies