Sales of pulses in the Latin America region are anticipated to grow from USD 7,010.2 million in 2025 to USD 12,793.0 million by 2035, with an annual growth rate of 6.2% during the said increase over the duration from 2025 to 2035.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Latin America Industry Size (2025E) | USD 7,010.2 million |
| Projected Latin America Value (2035F) | USD 12,793.0 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 6.2% |
Pulses are a major component of Latin America's food culture and agricultural economy, with key variations such as black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas being the most popular choices in the area. These pulses are mainly protein sources in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, respectively, as they are used in some of the local dishes; distinctive ones include feijoada from Brazil, frijoles refritos from Mexico, and lentejas guisadas from Colombia.
In the region, domestic production covers a considerable part of the requirements; however, imports of lentils and chickpeas are made from Canada and Turkey for the purpose of fulfilling the needs resulting from consumption. Black beans and chickpeas are the kinds of pulses that are mostly produced and exported by Brazil and Argentina, which are the origin countries.
These pulses are sent to different parts of the world, such as markets in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Mexico is comparatively a bigger player in the lentils and pea importation market, having North America as the primary source.Pulse trade is affected both by regional demand, which is changing due to more plant-based diets and vegetarian protein alternatives and the introduction of sustainable food sources.
On the contrary, despite their power in production, the pulse sector also encounters challenges primarily due to climate change, droughts, high international prices, to mention a few. The significant investments in the mechanization of farming practices, better seed varieties in the market, and new possible avenues for external sources are contributing to the process of the Latin American countries to achieve their ends in the global pulse trading market.
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The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the pulses market in Latin America has undergone slight ups and downs for the past two years, reflecting the changes in demand, production, and trade. The market recorded a CAGR of 4.1% in H1 2024 while it marginally decreased to 4.0% in H2 2024 due to some seasonal supply fluctuations and trade constraints in certain exporter nations.
Nonetheless, the market recorded a remarkable growth of 4.4% (2025 to 2035) due to the increase in consumer interest for pulses as sources for plant-based proteins, conjointly with the improvements of exporting conditions and favorable environmental aspects.
In H2 2025, the CAGR made a small adjustment to 4.1% (2025 to 2035), which could be attributed to factors such as price volatility, logistical challenges, and shifts in import-export policies across major Latin American markets.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1(2024 to 2034) | 4.1% |
| H2(2024 to 2034) | 4.0% |
| H1(2025 to 2035) | 4.4% |
| H2(2025 to 2035) | 4.1% |
H1 signifies period from January to June, H2 Signifies period from July to December
Rising Pulse Consumption Driven by Health and Sustainability Trends
Pulses have become a vital part of diets in Latin America due to the recognition of their nutritional value, low cost, and contribution to sustainable food systems. Countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are at the forefront with black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas being the main consumption pulse. Surveys conducted among consumers indicate that over 65% of households in Mexico eat beans at least four times a week, whereas black beans take up almost 70% of total bean consumption in Brazil alone.
Another contributor to this increment is the increased awareness of plant-based diets and the assurance of food security. Main consumers and urban populations are including pulses, in their intake of edibles through the addition of pulse-based snacks, protein-enriched flours, and ready-to-eat pulse meals. Secondly, they are generally cheaper than meat and dairy, which is the main reason for people in low-income households. Countries and health agencies in Latin America are essentially supporting the promotion of pulses as a food security scheme which has increased the demand for pulses.
Nonetheless, the food combination formed by instant noodles and fried chicken has a considerable effect due to convenience and the alteration of the diet. The demand for processed and pre-cooked pulses is on the upswing, with pre-soaked lentils and canned beans experiencing 12% annual growth rates in population centers. These results are clear evidence of people's choice of traditional cooking methods but in a different way as pulses are brought into the modern lifestyles throughout the region
Production and Trade: Balancing Domestic Supply and Import Needs
Latin America accounts for a significant portion of the global pulses trade industry, with Brazil and Argentina being the top producers. In Brazil, black beans are widely grown while the chickpeas exporter to Europe and Asia is Argentina. The region also plants considerable numbers of pinto beans, lentils, and peas with the main production areas being Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Nonetheless, even though the production is strong, Latin America still needs imports of the products to meet the market demand.
For instance, Mexico imports almost 75% of its lentils, the vast majority from Canada and the United States, to cover the lack of domestic production. Along the same lines, in Brazil, demand for chickpeas has been continuous thus, the importation from Turkey which increased by around 15% in previous years has been recorded. The trade agreements signed between the Latin American countries and the respective pulse-producing nations like Canada, India, and Turkey has ensured the constant reply of suppliers.
Nevertheless, production difficulties include climate changes, unusual rainfall, and fluctuating global prices which continue to disrupt supply networks. For instance, chickpea production in Argentina is said to have reduced by 10% in 2023 as a direct consequence of droughts which affected the local area and foreign sales. Apart from that, the breakthroughs in seeds, the technology of irrigation and the adoption of the farming practices are crucial to the achievements of higher yields and better quality in the pulses.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top four markets. These countries are set to exhibit high consumption, recording high CAGRs through 2035.
| Country | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 31% |
| Mexico | 24% |
| Other Countries | 45% |
in Pulses Brazil represents the most significant player in Latin America, holding 31% in terms of total consumption and production in pulses within the region. In the beans category, black beans stand out outpacing the rest of the beans with 70% of the beans consumed in the household year being from this legume in the Brazilian states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro.
A traditional dish that is prepared with black beans (feijoada) has been one of the reasons for high annual beans per capita consumption which stands at around 17 kg per year. On the other hand, the company also produces ranges of chickpeas and lentils with the exports going prominently to Europe and the Middle East.
Still, despite persistent growth, the company continues to deal with production challenges such as climate variations and changing dietary patterns. The trend towards convenience foods has driven the demand for pre-cooked, canned, and frozen pulse products which are all showing growth rates in double digits
A Foremost Consumer and Importer of Pulses Mexico with the pinto beans, black beans, and chickpeas being the three most important beans enabling is the main consumer of pulses in Latin America, reaching 24% of the market share. The census confirms that individuals regularly include beans in their meals, as over three households in Mexico out of every five reports the weekly occurrence of beans four times.
Traditional dishes like frijoles refritos, tamales, and soups play a significant role in preparing the muicso ifw. Nevertheless, Mexico, despite its large consumption of pulses, is heavily dependent on imports, especially lentils and chickpeas, because the local production is not enough.
Accordingly, over 75% of the lentils imported to Mexico are from Canada and the USA, indicating theese countries' reliance on global trade. Further more, organic and specialty pulses are growing which prove urban people prefer healthier diets. Analysis of the Latin America Pulses
% share of Individual Product Type and Form in 2025
| Main Segment | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| By Product Type-Chickpea | 38% |
| Remaining segments | 62% |
The Leading Pulse in Latin America Chickpeas account for the most important element in the Latin American market, gaining a market share of 38%. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina drive this strong demand, as chickpeas are a common ingredient in regional folk dishes like hummus, stews, and salads. Latin America is both a producer and importer of chickpeas.
Argentina and Mexico are the main producers with the former sending almost 80% of its chickpeas to markets such as India, the Middle East, and Europe. Mexico, on the other hand, consumes most of the locally produced chickpeas but also imports from Canada and India to meet the increasing demand. Interest in chickpeas has also been spurred by people's need of healthy and balanced diets.
The lifting of ban on vegan and vegetarian diets has contributed to the surge of chickpea-related items such as flour, ready-to-eat meals, and snacks. Also, chickpea flour is gaining popularity in the gluten-free industry, especially in the baked goods and protein-rich snacking markets. Due to the increase in production capacity, the export potential is strong, and the dietary habits are evolving, chickpeas are likely to continue to be the market leader in pulses in Latin America for the next decade.
| Main Segment | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Form Whole | 52% |
| Remaining segments | 47% |
Whole pulses show their presence in the Latin American pulses market with a significant share of 52% whole pulsess segment. The figure substantiates the trend of consumer preference for the typical, unprocessed food that is characteristic of most household diets in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Whole pulses remain prominent in homemade cooking due to their higher nutritional value, texture, and taste being more preferred compared to processed forms using flour or grits.
In Brazil and Mexico, where traditional meals such as feijoada (black bean stew) and frijoles de olla (stewed beans) heavily rely on whole pulses, these have become staples in daily consumption. In a recent survey, over 65% of Latin American households declared that they consume whole pulses at least four times a week.
The need for whole pulses is growing in foodservice and retail channels as well, because of the widespread understanding of food being a source of plant-based protein. Brazil and Argentina are the major producers and exporters of whole pulses, especially black beans, chickpeas, and lentils, with exports focusing on Europe, India, and the Middle East. At the same time, Mexico and Colombia are significant importers of whole lentils and chickpeas to satisfy local demand
| Manufacturer | Market Share(%) |
|---|---|
| AGT Food and Ingredients (Argentina) | 14% |
| Olam Agri (Brazil) | 12% |
| Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) (Mexico) | 10% |
| Seara Alimentos (Brazil) | 9% |
| Algodonera Avellaneda (Argentina) | 7% |
| Various Regional and Small-Scale Producers | 48% |
The Latin American pulses market is highly competitive, with a mix of multinational agribusinesses, regional producers, and small-scale farmers shaping the industry. Leading players such as AGT Food and Ingredients, Olam Agri, and ADM dominate the market, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, due to their strong processing capabilities, export networks, and supply chain control.
These companies focus on value-added pulse products, including flour, protein isolates, and ready-to-eat meals, catering to both domestic and international demand. Meanwhile, regional players like Algodonera Avellaneda and Seara Alimentos are strengthening their presence through localized production, direct farmer collaborations, and expanding distribution in supermarkets and foodservice channels.
Despite the dominance of large firms, nearly 48% of the market is fragmented, consisting of small and mid-sized farmers operating through cooperatives and government-backed programs. These farmers play a crucial role in domestic supply chains and regional trade, particularly in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
Competition is intensifying as companies invest in organic-certified pulses, plant-based food innovations, and advanced processing technologies such as AI-driven sorting and blockchain-based traceability systems. Moving forward, the market will continue to be driven by rising global demand for plant-based protein, increasing local consumption of chickpeas and lentils, and government incentives supporting pulse production.
Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, pinto beans, and pigeon peas are among the most consumed pulses in Latin America. Consumption varies by country, with black beans being a staple in Brazil and Mexico, while chickpeas and lentils are popular in Argentina and Peru.
Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are the leading producers of pulses in Latin America. Argentina and Brazil focus on chickpeas and lentils for both domestic consumption and exports, while Mexico is a major producer of pinto beans and black beans.
The market is growing due to increasing demand for plant-based protein, rising health consciousness, and government incentives promoting pulse farming. Additionally, export opportunities to Europe, the U.S., and Asia are boosting production.
The market is segmented by product type (chickpeas, lentils, peas, beans), form (whole, split, flour, grits, flakes), application (food, feed, industrial use), and distribution channels (retail, foodservice, B2B processing, exports).
Yes, Argentina and Brazil are major exporters of chickpeas and lentils, while Mexico exports significant volumes of black beans and pinto beans. Key export destinations include India, Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.
As per Pulses type, the ecosystem has been categorized into chickpea, lentils, yellow peas, and pigeon peas.
This segment is further categorized into whole, split, flour, grits, and flakes.
This segment is further categorized into business to business (food & beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry, nutraceutical industry, animal feed industry), household retail (store-based retail), hypermarkets or supermarkets, convenience stores, mass grocery retailers, wholesale stores, departmental stores, food & drink specialty stores, other retail forums (online (e-commerce)), food service (HoReCa), institutional (schools, universities, etc.), and others.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America.
Latin America Pulses Market
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