Key Players
Competitive Landscape
Competition in chickpea protein includes pulse-protein manufacturers, taste and texture specialists, biosolution suppliers and formulation partners. Roquette supplies plant-protein formats, while dsm-firmenich combines textured protein with taste modulation. Novonesis uses enzymes and cultures for controlling flavor, texture and solubility. AAK and Kemin work on fat function and shelf-life, whereas FrieslandCampina Ingredients brings protein application experience. Therefore, buyers are expected to compare protein concentration, flavor, hydration, heat behavior, labeling, supply continuity and plant-trial support before selecting a supplier.
Competitive activities are moving towards integrated application systems. dsm-firmenich opened a global food innovation center in Delft in October 2025 for bringing formulation and sensory work at one place. Novonesis issued plant-based drink guidance in June 2026 as buyers were looking for higher protein with stable coffee performance, while Roquette presented a wider nutrition portfolio at SupplySide Global in October 2025. Such developments are expected to bring technical work closer to customer recipes, where off-notes, foam, viscosity and processing stability can be checked before production.
Company developments mapped to drivers, trends and opportunities (2026-2036)
| Development | Driver | Trend | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| In June 2026, Novonesis published plant-based drink guidance for higher protein and stable sensory performance. | Drink manufacturers require higher protein without weak foam or separation. | Application guidance is becoming specific for coffee and beverage use. | Chickpea proteins can be tested against defined foam and stability requirements. |
| In April 2026, dsm-firmenich launched Vertis TVPs with 55% and 65% protein and integrated ModulaSENSE. | Off-notes increase when plant-protein loading rises. | Taste modulation is moving inside the textured protein system. | Combined systems can reduce separate masking steps in structured foods. |
| In October 2025, dsm-firmenich opened its global food innovation center in Delft. | Customers require faster formulation and sensory testing. | Technical support is moving into shared application facilities. | Local trials can shorten the route from ingredient sample to plant test. |
| In October 2025, Roquette presented its expanded plant-protein and nutrition portfolio at SupplySide Global. | Nutrition brands require protein in convenient everyday formats. | Protein suppliers are linking ingredients with finished-format guidance. | Chickpea formats can enter blended nutrition and convenient food concepts. |
Source: Future Market Insights, Chickpea Protein Market Report, 2026-2036.
Roquette and dsm-firmenich cover direct plant-protein formats and formulation systems, whereas Novonesis focuses on biological modification. AAK and Kemin support fat behavior and product stability, while FrieslandCampina Ingredients brings protein application work from a wider nutrition platform. These differences are important as beverage, meat-alternative and nutrition manufacturers do not approve proteins on the same performance requirement.
Who leads the chickpea protein market?
Public evidence does not show one verified market-share leader in the defined chickpea protein market. Roquette has the clearest direct pulse-protein platform, while the other named companies participate through taste, biosolutions, fats, stability and nutrition applications.
Which companies provide pulse-protein ingredients?
Roquette and dsm-firmenich provide documented plant-protein formats for food applications. FrieslandCampina Ingredients supports wider protein and nutrition formulation; however, public evidence does not establish a dedicated chickpea-protein portfolio.
Which companies support chickpea protein functionality?
Novonesis and dsm-firmenich support flavor, texture, solubility and processing through enzymes, cultures, proteins and taste systems. Kemin and AAK support shelf life, oxidation control, moisture and fat behavior in finished products.
What should buyers evaluate before approving a supplier?
Buyers should test protein content, flavor, hydration, heat behavior and batch consistency in the intended recipe. Supplier approval should also cover labeling, continuous supply, plant-trial support and total formulation cost.
Representative Company Overview
| Company | Positioning | Verified market-relevant capability |
|---|---|---|
| Roquette | Direct plant-protein supplier | NUTRALYS pulse proteins and February 2026 clean-tasting pea isolate launch. |
| dsm-firmenich | Taste, texture, and nutrition platform | July 2025 ModulaSENSE launch for masking plant-protein bitterness and astringency. |
| Novonesis | Enzyme and culture biosolutions supplier | May 2025 Vertera system for high-protein plant-based yogurt texture and flavor. |
| Kemin Industries | Shelf-life and functional formulation specialist | April 2025 functional-protein brine patent covering plant-based applications. |
| AAK | Specialty fats and formulation supplier | Plant-based fat systems supporting texture and sensory design. |
| FrieslandCampina Ingredients | Broad protein and nutrition supplier | Protein ingredients and application support for food and nutrition customers. |
Research Methodology
The company overview includes suppliers having documented products, technical systems or application support relevant to pulse proteins and formulated foods. Evidence is taken from official company materials, government publications, product information, filings and dated announcements. Companies are included based on direct market relevance, while capability ratings consider portfolio breadth, recent activity, application depth and geographic reach. Adjacent activities are included only where they change flavor, texture, stability, processing or nutrition in plant-protein foods. Forecast values and segment shares remain proprietary Future Market Insights estimates and do not represent company revenue shares.
