Global Pulse Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Pulse Market Analysis

The global pulse market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by an increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with pulse consumption, including high protein content, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients. This trend is particularly prominent in the Asia-Pacific region, where countries such as India are major producers of pulses. Governments are actively promoting pulse cultivation through various initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and providing financial assistance to farmers, thereby ensuring a steady supply of these nutritious crops. Recent developments in the market include the launch of innovative products, such as ready-to-eat pulses and plant-based protein alternatives, which cater to the rising consumer demand for convenient and healthy food options. Companies such as B&G Foods, ADM, and Cargill are expanding their portfolios to include pulse-based products, while advancements in processing technologies are improving the quality and shelf life of pulse items. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of plant-based diets and sustainability trends are further fueling the demand for pulses globally, making them a vital component of future food systems. As consumers continue to prioritize health and sustainability, the pulse market is poised for continued expansion and innovation.

Pulse Market Size

The global pulse market size was valued at USD 11.20 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 17.86 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 6.00% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, pricing analysis, brand share analysis, consumer survey, demography analysis, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Pulse Market Trends

“Growing Demand for Plant-Based Protein Alternatives”

One prominent trend in the global pulse market is the growing demand for plant-based protein alternatives, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious and sustainable food options. Pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, are rich in protein and dietary fiber, making them ideal substitutes for meat in various dishes. For instance, companies such as InnovoPro have introduced chickpea protein concentrates, which are used in products such as plant-based burgers and meatballs, appealing to the rising number of vegetarians and flexitarians. This shift towards plant-based diets is influenced by health considerations and by increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, as pulse cultivation has a lower carbon footprint compared to animal agriculture. Furthermore, brands such as B&G Foods and The Kraft Heinz Company are incorporating pulses into their offerings to meet consumer preferences, signaling a significant transformation in food production and consumption patterns that positions pulses as a key player in the future of food.

Report Scope and Pulse Market Segmentation         

Pulse Market Definition

Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants, typically characterized by their dry, hard exterior and high nutritional value. They include a variety of beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, which are known for being rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Pulses are often cultivated for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility and sustainability. They can be consumed whole, split, or processed into various forms, such as flour or protein concentrates, making them versatile ingredients in a wide range of culinary applications. Additionally, pulses are gluten-free, making them a popular choice for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Pulse Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Health Awareness

Health awareness is a significant driver of the pulse market, as consumers become increasingly informed about the nutritional benefits of including pulses in their diets. Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, are high in protein and dietary fiber and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet. For instance, research by National Institute of Health U.S. has shown that incorporating pulses into meals can aid in weight management and improve digestive health due to their high fiber content. As a result, many health-conscious individuals and families are actively seeking to replace meat and other protein sources with plant-based options, leading to a surge in the demand for pulse products. This trend is reflected in the growing market for ready-to-eat pulse snacks and meal kits, where companies such as B&G Foods and The Kraft Heinz Company are introducing innovative products that highlight the health benefits of pulses, further driving market growth.

• Growing Demand for Culinary Versatilities

Culinary versatility is a key driver of the pulse market, as these nutritious legumes can be incorporated into a wide array of dishes and cuisines, catering to diverse consumer preferences and dietary requirements. Pulses can be enjoyed in their whole form, such as in hearty soups and stews, or transformed into flour and used in baked goods, providing a gluten-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions. For instance, chickpea flour is gaining popularity in various culinary applications, from traditional Indian dishes such as besan cheela to modern recipes such as gluten-free pancakes and baked goods. Furthermore, pulse-based protein isolates are increasingly being used in meat analogues, enhancing the appeal of plant-based diets for flexitarians and vegans. This adaptability of pulses in different cooking styles and forms broadens their consumer base and encourages food manufacturers to innovate and create new pulse-based products, thus driving market growth. As a result, the inclusion of pulses in contemporary culinary trends helps meet the rising demand for healthy, flavorful, and convenient food options.

Opportunities

• Increasing Product Innovations

Product innovation represents a significant market opportunity in the pulse sector, as the introduction of new pulse-based products aligns with the growing consumer demand for convenience and healthier eating habits. As busy lifestyles increasingly dictate dietary choices, ready-to-eat food and snack options made from pulses have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking quick yet nutritious alternatives. For instance, brands such as Merchant Gourmet have launched ready-to-eat, drain-free bean pouches that cater to this demand, allowing consumers to easily incorporate pulses into their meals without extensive preparation. Additionally, companies are creating pulse-enriched snacks, such as lentil chips and chickpea-based crackers, which offer a nutritious twist on traditional snack foods. This focus on innovation attracts a broader audience, including those seeking plant-based and gluten-free options, and encourages existing food brands to expand their product lines with pulse-based ingredients. Consequently, the continuous development of pulse products presents a robust market opportunity, responding to contemporary dietary trends while promoting the health benefits of these versatile legumes.

• Increasing Government Initiatives

Government initiatives play a crucial role in promoting pulse cultivation, presenting a significant market opportunity by enhancing food security and supporting farmers, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Africa. Many governments recognize the nutritional benefits of pulses and their potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, leading to the implementation of various programs aimed at increasing production and consumption. For instance, in India, the government has launched the National Food Security Mission, which includes a specific focus on pulses, providing subsidies for farmers to adopt modern farming practices and improve yields. Additionally, educational programs aimed at training farmers on sustainable agricultural techniques have been established, empowering them to cultivate pulses more effectively. These initiatives bolster local economies by increasing farmers' incomes and create a more reliable supply chain for pulses, meeting the growing consumer demand for these nutritious foods. As governments continue to invest in pulse cultivation, the resulting increase in production offers food manufacturers and retailers a substantial opportunity to expand their pulse-based product offerings, further driving market growth.

Restraints/Challenges

• Infrastructure and Supply Chain Issues

The pulse market grapples with significant infrastructure and supply chain challenges that can impede the efficient distribution of products, particularly in developing regions. Inadequate transportation networks, poor road conditions, and limited access to reliable logistics services can delay the movement of pulses from farms to markets, leading to increased costs and reduced availability. For instance, in regions where rural areas lack proper roads, farmers may struggle to transport their harvests to urban centers, resulting in lower market prices and potential financial losses. Additionally, insufficient storage facilities can exacerbate these issues, as pulses are susceptible to spoilage and waste if not stored properly. This is particularly critical in tropical climates, where high humidity can lead to mold and degradation. Such losses affect farmers’ incomes and contribute to food insecurity and limit the overall supply of pulses in the market. Addressing these infrastructure and supply chain challenges is essential to ensure the sustainable growth of the pulse market and to improve access for consumers.

• Competition From Various Alternative Protein Sources

The pulse market encounters significant competition from various alternative protein sources, including meat, dairy, and an array of plant-based proteins. As consumers become more health-conscious and look for convenient and diverse protein options, pulses are compelled to differentiate themselves by promoting their nutritional benefits and by enhancing their taste and preparation methods. For instance, the rise of plant-based meat alternatives, such as those produced by brands such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, has captured the attention of consumers seeking convenient and flavorful protein sources that mimic traditional meat. These products often offer the texture and taste of meat while appealing to vegan and vegetarian diets, creating a challenge for pulses to maintain their market share. To compete effectively, pulse producers must innovate in product development, focusing on ready-to-eat meals and incorporating pulses into popular food formats while highlighting their unique health benefits and versatility in cooking. This competitive landscape underscores the need for strategic marketing and product differentiation to attract and retain consumers in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Pulse Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product type and end users. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product Type

• Chickpeas
• Kaspa Peas
• Lentils
• Pigeon Peas
• Fava Beans
• Black Gram
• Mung Beans
• Others

End Users

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

Pulse Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, product type, and end users as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America.

Asia-Pacific is at the forefront of the pulse market, driven by growing awareness of the health benefits associated with pulse consumption. India stands out as the largest producer of pulses, supported by various initiatives from the Indian government aimed at promoting modern agricultural practices. These initiatives focus on enhancing farmers' knowledge of innovative crop production technologies while also providing financial support to improve their yields. This combination of awareness and government support is vital for boosting the pulse industry in the region.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.  

Pulse Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Pulse Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• B&G Foods, Inc. (U.S.)
• La Milanaise (Canada)
• Adani Group (India)
• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
• The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.)
• ADM (U.S.)
• NHC Foods Ltd (U.K.)
• Ingredion (U.S.)
• AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (Canada)
• Broadgrain (Canada)
• The Scoular Company (U.S.)
• Blue Ribbon (U.S.)
• SunOpta (Canada)
• Batory Foods (U.S.)
• USA Pulses (U.S.)

Latest Developments in Pulse Market

• In October 2024, Merchant Gourmet, a leading brand in pulses and grains, announced the launch of a new range of ready-to-eat, drain-free bean pouches, set to be available at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Ocado. The company highlighted that this new offering comes in response to the growing consumer demand for pulses and beans, with the prepared beans and peas category in the UK valued at nearly USD 1.09 billion, showing double-digit growth in prepared beans at 11% and a remarkable 23% growth in chickpeas
• In February 2024, DS Group, a prominent multi-business corporation and leading FMCG conglomerate, released a new television commercial for Pass Pass Pulse, the nation’s favorite hard-boiled candy. The commercial reiterates the brand's foundational message, "Pran Jaaye Par Pulse Na Jaaye," featuring actors Saurabh Shukla and Abhishek Banerjee, who embody the essence of this message
• In March 2023, Adani Walmir, an FMCG company, announced that its Fortune Pulses brand has introduced nine varieties of natural pulses into its product line. This move aims to strengthen its market presence in the Northern and Eastern regions of India
• In November 2022, Uralchem Innovation, a subsidiary of Uralchem based in Russia, launched a pilot plant dedicated to the production of pea isolate. This isolate, derived from yellow peas, serves as a refined natural vegetable protein with a wide range of applications in the food industry
• In October 2021, InnovoPro, an Israeli foodtech company specializing in chickpea protein concentrate, introduced a texturized vegetable protein (TVP) made from chickpeas. This product is designed to help food manufacturers enhance their meat analogue offerings, including burgers, nuggets, and meatballs

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