Lentil Market

Market Overview:

The global lentil market size reached 16.0 Million Tons in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 40.6 Million Tons by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% during 2024-2032. The increasing focus on personal health and wellness, growing demand for plant-based diets, emerging culinary trends, implementation of supportive government policies, and rising production of lentils owing to their sustainability are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Lentil refers to a type of legume that grows in pods and is known for its lens-shaped seeds. It includes brown, green, red, and black lentils, each with a distinctive flavor and texture. They are rich in dietary fiber, iron, protein, and vitamin B, making them a valuable part of a nutritious diet. Lentils are widely used in soups, salads, stews, dips, casseroles, vegetarian dishes, baby food, flour, and animal feeds. They assist in digestion, promoting heart health, maintaining blood sugar levels, assisting in weight loss, supporting immunity, providing sustained energy, and enhancing skin health.

The rising production of lentils owing to their sustainability, low water consumption, and ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen is boosting the market growth. Furthermore, the widespread product consumption due to its cost-effectiveness and high nutritional values is positively influencing the market growth. Additionally, the expanding product application across various culinary traditions across the globe is acting as another growth-inducing factor. Apart from this, the implementation of various government initiatives to support lentil cultivation through favorable policies, research initiatives, and financial subsidies is contributing to the market growth. Moreover, the increasing investment in efficient supply chain mechanisms, including modern storage, transportation, and retail practices that are enhancing product availability in urban and remote areas, is strengthening the market growth. Besides this, the recent advancements in agricultural technology, such as improved seed varieties and farming techniques, which aids in optimizing lentil yields and quality, are supporting the market growth.

Lentil Market Trends/Drivers:

The increasing focus on personal health and wellness

The increasing focus on personal health and wellness is prompting many consumers to seek foods that offer significant nutritional benefits. Lentils, rich in protein, dietary fiber, iron, and essential vitamins, stand out as a nutritional powerhouse. They are recognized for their role in aiding digestion, promoting heart health, and maintaining blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the escalating incidences of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are facilitating the incorporation of lentils into daily diets as a proactive step towards healthier living. Apart from this, the healthcare community, including nutritionists and dietitians, often recommends lentils as part of a balanced diet, which is further propelling the market growth. Moreover, the media coverage highlighting product health benefits, coupled with endorsements from fitness experts, is also contributing to the growing perception of lentils as a wholesome food choice.

The growing demand for plant-based diets

The shift towards plant-based diets, including vegetarianism and veganism, has become a prominent trend in recent years. People are choosing plant-based diets for various reasons, including ethical beliefs, environmental concerns, and health considerations. Lentils, being a rich source of plant-based protein, align perfectly with these dietary preferences. They provide essential amino acids that are often lacking in plant-based diets, thus becoming a staple for vegetarians and vegans. Moreover, the recent innovations in plant-based culinary are widening the appeal of lentils beyond traditional vegetarian circles. In line with this, various brands are utilizing lentils in innovative products, such as meat substitutes and dairy-free options. Furthermore, educational campaigns about the environmental and health advantages of plant-based eating are reinforcing the shift towards plant-based diets, thus making lentils an increasingly vital component in modern culinary practices.

The emerging culinary trends across the globe

The global culinary landscape is continuously evolving, with chefs and food enthusiasts seeking diverse and unique ingredients to experiment. Lentils, with their variety of types and flavors, offer a versatile base for culinary creativity. They are used in traditional dishes, such as soups and stews, as well as in gourmet preparations in fine dining. The adaptability of lentils to different cooking techniques and their compatibility with various spices and flavors are attracting chefs across different cuisines. Furthermore, the introduction of fusion cooking, which blends culinary traditions from different cultures, is facilitating lentil demand as a highly versatile ingredient. Additionally, the rising number of cooking shows, food blogs, and culinary workshops that widely utilize lentils, showcasing their potential in innovative recipes, is supporting the market growth. As culinary trends continue to shape the consumption pattern, lentils are emerging as an ingredient of choice for professional chefs and home cooks.

Lentil Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global lentil market report, along with forecasts at the global and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on end use.

Breakup by End Use:

• Home Use
• Snack Food Industry
• Flour Industry
• Others
   

Home use dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end use. This includes home use, snack food industry, flour industry, and others. According to the report, home use represented the largest market segment.

Home use is dominating the market as lentils are recognized as a versatile and nutritious food ingredient, suitable for a variety of recipes and diets. As consumers become highly health-conscious, the demand for wholesome home-cooked meals featuring lentils has risen. Furthermore, lentils' affordability makes them an attractive option for daily consumption within households. Unlike specialty ingredients, lentils are economically accessible to a broad range of consumers. Apart from this, the long shelf life of lentils allows families to buy them in bulk and store them without fear of spoilage, making them a pantry staple. Additionally, with the growth in global culinary awareness, home cooks are experimenting with various types of lentils in different cuisines, which is further fueling the market growth. Moreover, the influence of cultural traditions where lentils have been a part of regular diets sustains their prominence in home use.

Breakup by Region:

• Canada
• India
• Australia
• Turkey
• Nepal
• Others
   

Canada exhibits a clear dominance in the market, accounting for the largest lentil market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which includes Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, Nepal, and others. According to the report, Canada represented the largest market segment.

Canada is dominating the market due to its favorable climate and soil conditions, which provide an optimal environment for growing various types of lentils. Furthermore, Canadian farmers are embracing advanced agricultural techniques and technologies associated with seed breeding, planting, and harvesting, which is contributing to higher yields and quality of lentils. Additionally, the imposition of supportive policies by the Government of Canada to encourage lentil production through research initiatives, subsidies, and favorable trade initiatives is boosting the market growth. Moreover, the escalating investment in research and development (R&D) activities by the regional institutions and agriculture sector to develop superior lentil varieties is contributing to the market growth. Besides this, the growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices has prompted Canadian farmers to cultivate environmentally responsible agricultural products, such as lentils.

Competitive Landscape:

The leading lentil companies are investing in R&D to develop new varieties, improve cultivation techniques, and create innovative products to cater to evolving consumer needs. Furthermore, the rising focus on sustainability has prompted several market players to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices, reduce water usage, and minimize waste in their operations. Apart from this, top players in the market are establishing strong distribution networks and forming strategic partnerships to expand their reach into emerging markets, catering to regional preferences and dietary habits. Additionally, aggressive marketing and branding initiatives by many producers to promote the nutritional benefits of lentils and raise awareness about their products to attract health-conscious consumers are boosting the market growth. Moreover, leading companies are adopting advanced agricultural technologies to enhance the efficiency of their production, processing, and distribution operations.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the global lentil market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• AGT Foods and Ingredients Inc.
• BroadGrain Commodities Inc.
• Adani Wilmar Private Limited
• Cargill, Inc.
• Solen Food Industry and Trade Inc.
• Altunkaya Const. Naka. Food Trade. Inc.
• Gourmet Foods of Australia Private Limited
• Unigrain Pty Limited
• Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Co. Benson Quinn

Recent Developments:

• In May 2022, AGT Foods and Ingredients Inc. collaborated with Lucent BioSciences (“Lucent”), NuWave Research, IN10T, and Aberhart Ag Solutions to scale and distribute a new sustainable micronutrient fertilizer made from pea, lentil, and other plant-based hulls.
• In Feb 2022, Adani Wilmar Private Limited’s flagship Fortune Pulses launched nine different varieties of natural dal.
• In July 2021, Unigrain Pty Limited announced that it had established its first pulse fractionation plant at its Smeaton site.

Lentil Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the lentil market from 2018-2032.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global lentil market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the lentil industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.