Global Lentil Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition, Opportunity, and Forecast, By Region, By Company 2021-2031F 2021-2031F

Key Insights	Details
Forecast Period	2026 - 2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.8 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.5%
Fastest Growing Segment	Africa
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 8.46 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Lentil Market is expected to grow from USD 5.8 Billion in 2025 to USD 8.46 Billion by 2031 at a 6.5% CAGR. Lentils are nutrient-dense edible legumes, characterized by their distinct lens shape and cultivated for their seeds, serving as a staple food globally. The market for lentils is primarily driven by an expanding global population requiring sustainable food sources, the escalating consumer preference for plant-based protein alternatives, and a heightened awareness of their substantial nutritional advantages. According to Pulse Pod, a publication of the Global Pulse Confederation, in the 2025/26 marketing year, Australia and Canada are expected to supply approximately 81% of global red lentil imports, totaling 2.5 million metric tons annually across major markets.

Despite this robust demand, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the inherent vulnerability of lentil cultivation to climate variability, which can lead to unpredictable yields and supply fluctuations. This, coupled with evolving trade policies and tariffs in key importing nations, introduces price volatility and logistical complexities for global suppliers, potentially hindering consistent market growth.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Lentils and Market Growth
The increasing demand for plant-based protein sources stands as a primary driving factor for the global lentil market. As consumer awareness regarding health and environmental sustainability grows, there is a sustained shift towards plant-based diets and alternatives to animal-derived proteins. Lentils, being a nutrient-dense and versatile legume, are well-positioned to meet this escalating demand within the food industry. According to agriculture.canada.ca, in July 2025, Canada's plant-based pulse ingredients exports to global markets reached US$4.6 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.8% from 2019 to 2023. This indicates a robust and expanding market for pulse-derived ingredients, including lentils, as a key component in plant-based food innovation.

Economical, Nutritious Lentils with Growing Global Production
Another significant driver is the growing recognition of lentils as an economical and nutritious food option globally. Their affordability, coupled with high nutritional value, including protein and fiber, makes them a staple in diverse culinary traditions and a crucial food security component. This positions lentils favorably in markets where consumers prioritize both cost-effectiveness and health benefits. A substantial example of this market characteristic is observed in India, where the pulse market, encompassing lentils, saw retail sales of US$77.8 billion in 2023, accounting for 77.2% of the global pulse market share, as reported by agriculture.canada.ca in July 2025. Overall, the global lentil production is also experiencing growth; according to Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, in October 2025, global production was estimated to be up by close to 15% to 7.6 million tonnes from 6.7 million tonnes in the previous year.

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Key Market Challenges

Impact of Climate Variability on Lentil Market Stability
The inherent vulnerability of lentil cultivation to climate variability represents a significant challenge for the Global Lentil Market. This susceptibility directly impedes consistent market expansion by leading to unpredictable yields and subsequent supply fluctuations. Erratic weather patterns, including droughts, excessive rainfall, or extreme temperatures, can severely disrupt crop development and harvest volumes, making it difficult for producers to maintain stable output.

Climate-Driven Price Volatility and Logistics Challenges
This climate-induced instability introduces substantial price volatility across international lentil markets and creates logistical complexities for global suppliers. For instance, according to the International Grains Council, global lentil production is forecast to decline to 9.4 million tonnes in the 2026/27 marketing year from 10.6 million tonnes in 2025/26, reflecting a significant decrease driven by reduced planted area and lower yields. Such reductions in available supply can escalate procurement costs for importing nations and processors, potentially constraining demand in price-sensitive markets and hindering consistent market growth.

Key Market Trends

Lentil protein isolates and flours drive a shift to plant-based lentil ingredients
The emergence of lentil protein isolates and flours as key ingredients represents a significant trend reshaping the global lentil market, moving beyond traditional whole lentil consumption into specialized food applications. This trend is driven by food manufacturers seeking versatile, plant-based, and allergen-friendly protein sources for product development in categories such as meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and functional foods. The processing of lentils into these refined forms enables their integration into a wider array of food products, offering enhanced nutritional profiles and improved texture. According to an openPR.com report published in October 2026, the governments of Ethiopia and Bangladesh have pledged nearly USD 420 million cumulatively to pulse milling facilities up to 2028, indicating sustained investment in dry and split lentil types. This demonstrates a broader industrial commitment to advancing lentil processing capabilities, facilitating the production of these key ingredients.

Convenience and ready-to-eat lentil products broaden consumer adoption
Concurrently, the growth in convenience and ready-to-eat lentil foods is profoundly influencing consumer purchasing habits and market offerings. Modern lifestyles, characterized by time constraints and a demand for effortless meal solutions, are fueling the proliferation of pre-cooked, packaged, and easily prepared lentil products. These include microwaveable meals, ready-to-eat pouches, and lentil-based snacks, catering to consumers seeking nutritious yet convenient options. This shift is expanding lentils' presence in retail channels and contributing to their mainstream acceptance. According to Tastewise, in an October 2026 report on lentil price trends, lentil menu items grew 11% in the US between August 2025 and August 2026, highlighting increased culinary integration and consumer exposure to prepared lentil offerings.

Segmental Insights

Africa: Fastest-Growing Lentil Market Fueled by Population Growth and Nutrition Programs
The key segmental insight for the Global Lentil Market reveals that Africa is the fastest-growing region. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by significant population growth across the continent, which inherently increases overall food demand. Furthermore, government nutrition and food-security programs, including widespread school-feeding initiatives, are substantially boosting baseline pulse consumption by ensuring access to affordable and nutritious food sources. As urbanization accelerates, there is also a rising demand for convenient and protein-rich dietary options, a role lentils are well-suited to fulfill due to their affordability and nutritional value.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific Dominance in Lentil Demand and Trade
The Asia Pacific region consistently leads the global lentil market, primarily driven by deeply embedded consumption habits and a high population density. Countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan view lentils as a fundamental daily protein source, with traditional reliance on pulses forming a significant part of their dietary traditions, such as "dal" preparations. This sustained, high consumer demand is further bolstered by government procurement programs in nations like India, which stabilize import requirements and support farmer margins. Consequently, Asia Pacific maintains a dominant share in both lentil consumption and, often, production and imports, defining key trade dynamics with major exporters like Canada and Australia.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, Lentl, a food startup based in Lucerne, officially launched its inaugural product: a lentil power spread with sun-dried tomatoes. The company's objective was to reposition lentils as a versatile and modern staple food. This product provided significant nutritional benefits and was designed for convenient integration into daily diets. The startup had also successfully secured CHF 40,000 in funding earlier in July 2025, supporting its entry into the lentil-based food segment.
• In November 2024, a new lentil variety named ALB Terrier was introduced to the market for the 2025 growing season, originating from the Australian Lentil Breeding program. This new release features imi-tolerance, robust early vigor, and enhanced boron tolerance. Additionally, the ALB Terrier demonstrates high resistance to root lesion nematodes and improved disease ratings for Ascochyta blight and botrytis grey mould, offering significant advancements for growers in the global lentil market.
• In August 2024, the Louis Dreyfus Company established a new business unit with a focus on pulses merchandising. This strategic organizational change aimed to leverage the increasing global demand for plant-based protein sources. The new unit concentrates on key crops, including red lentils, yellow peas, and chickpeas. This initiative further utilized the company's existing production capacities to effectively supply major international markets, particularly across the Indian subcontinent, China, and the Middle East.
• In July 2024, AGT Food and Ingredients officially opened its new Extrusion Center of Excellence in Minot, North Dakota. This multi-million-dollar facility is dedicated to the production of gluten-free pasta and a variety of plant-based pulse ingredients, including those derived from lentils. The center was established to strengthen the connection between North American pulse origination, ingredient manufacturing, and downstream food-processing customers, enhancing the company's capabilities within the global lentil market.

Key Market Players

• AGT Food and Ingredients
• Simpson Seeds
• Bühler Group
• TOMRA
• Key Technology
• Canada Grain Commission
• Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
• ICARDA
• CHS Inc.
• International Food Information Council

By Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Lentil Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Lentil Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE