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Middle East and Africa Chickpea Market Outlook, 2030

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    Report

  • 75 Pages
  • July 2025
  • Region: Africa, Middle East
  • Bonafide Research
  • ID: 6131968
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Chickpeas have long held a vital role in the culinary traditions of countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Iran, and across the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, where they are key ingredients in staple foods such as hummus, falafel, and stews. Moreover, urbanization and the rising influence of Western health trends are stimulating interest in chickpeas for their high fiber, protein, and micronutrient content. In terms of market features, the MEA chickpea sector is characterized by a mix of domestic production and imports.

Countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Morocco are key producers in Africa, supplying both domestic markets and export destinations, while nations in the Middle East, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are major importers due to limited arable land and water resources. There is also a growing trend of using chickpeas in gluten-free, organic, and clean-label food products, responding to evolving consumer preferences. Regulatory frameworks in the region are evolving to support these trends. In African nations, governments are implementing quality standards and certifications to improve chickpea exports and ensure compliance with international safety and hygiene norms. In Middle Eastern countries, food safety authorities are tightening import regulations to safeguard against pests and contaminants, thereby improving market confidence and traceability. Moreover, regional cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and GCC food security initiatives is enhancing intra-regional trade and investment in chickpea value chains. Regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are streamlining chickpea trade across borders, encouraging investment in logistics, storage, and quality control systems. At the same time, countries such as Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa are introducing stricter food safety standards and certifications for export-grade legumes, which help boost international competitiveness and compliance with European and Asian import markets.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Chickpea Market Outlook, 2030,", the Middle East and Africa Chickpea market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.43 Billion by 2030. Chickpeas are staples in popular regional dishes such as hummus, falafel, and stews, particularly in countries like Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, and Iran, ensuring a steady baseline of demand across all socioeconomic segments. This demand is further amplified by the growing popularity of plant-based and high-protein diets, which has positioned chickpeas as a functional and affordable alternative protein source.

In response to supply chain disruptions and import dependency, especially observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, many MEA governments are investing in enhancing local chickpea cultivation. For instance, Ethiopia and Sudan, already among the largest chickpea producers in Africa, are scaling up their production capacities through government-backed programs and partnerships with global agricultural organizations. These initiatives involve training farmers, distributing improved seed varieties, and promoting sustainable farming practices, which have contributed to higher yields and reduced crop loss. Similarly, Morocco is focusing on chickpea as part of its broader agricultural diversification strategy under the “Green Morocco Plan.” These regional efforts not only reduce reliance on imports but also support rural employment and income generation. Across the MEA region, there has been a rise in small-to-medium food processing enterprises producing chickpea-based products such as flours, ready-to-cook mixes, snacks, and dairy alternatives. In the GCC countries, where water scarcity limits domestic agriculture, innovation has come through high-tech food manufacturing that incorporates imported chickpeas into modern food applications. For example, chickpea-based snacks and health bars are gaining shelf space in urban supermarkets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This innovation trend is supported by growing retail penetration and the rise of health-conscious consumerism in metropolitan areas.

Market Drivers

  • Strong Cultural and Dietary Dependence on Chickpeas:In the MEA region, chickpeas are deeply embedded in the traditional diet and cultural cuisine, acting as a staple ingredient in numerous regional dishes such as hummus, falafel, stews, and soups. Countries like Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, and Morocco rely heavily on chickpeas as a source of affordable protein, especially among low- and middle-income populations. The widespread acceptance and daily consumption of chickpeas make the region a stronghold for consistent demand. Additionally, population growth and urbanization are further accelerating consumption, especially as ready-to-cook and processed chickpea-based meals become more popular in metropolitan areas.
  • Expanding Regional Production and Strategic Trade Links:Several countries in the MEA region, particularly Ethiopia, Sudan, and Turkey, are increasing chickpea cultivation due to supportive agro-climatic conditions and rising export opportunities. Ethiopia, for example, is a major chickpea producer and exporter, with strong demand from India and the EU. Governments and international development programs are promoting pulses, including chickpeas, as sustainable crops that enrich the soil and require less water than cereals. Turkey, strategically located between Europe and Asia, also benefits from both domestic demand and its role as a key trading hub for chickpeas, driving production and trade flows within the region.

Market Challenges

  • Climate Vulnerabilities and Low Yields: Many chickpea-producing countries in MEA face significant climatic challenges, including drought, soil degradation, desertification, and unpredictable rainfall. Since much of the region's agriculture is rainfed, climate variability leads to unstable yields and makes chickpea cultivation risky, especially for smallholder farmers in arid zones like the Sahel or Horn of Africa. Pests and diseases, such as wilt and root rot, further reduce crop productivity in regions lacking access to modern inputs or resilient seed varieties. These vulnerabilities create fluctuations in supply, limiting the region’s ability to consistently meet both domestic and export demand.
  • Infrastructure Gaps and Limited Processing Capabilities: In many parts of the MEA region, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, there is inadequate agricultural infrastructure to support large-scale chickpea production, storage, and value addition. Poor road networks, limited cold storage, lack of modern processing units, and inefficient supply chains increase post-harvest losses and reduce farmers’ profitability. Furthermore, in some countries, access to finance, seeds, and training remains limited. This constrains the region’s potential to move up the value chain-from raw chickpea exports to processed chickpea products like flour, snacks, and packaged foods-thereby restricting market growth and income diversification.

Market Trends

  • Rising Demand for Packaged and Ready-to-Eat Chickpea Products: With the ongoing urbanization and growth of the middle class in cities across the Gulf, North Africa, and parts of East Africa, there is a rising demand for convenience foods and nutritious plant-based alternatives. This trend is reflected in the growing popularity of packaged hummus, canned chickpeas, chickpea snacks, and baked goods made with chickpea flour. Retailers and food manufacturers are responding by expanding product ranges that appeal to health-conscious, busy urban consumers. Multinational brands and regional startups alike are capitalizing on this opportunity, supported by the growth of supermarkets and e-commerce across the region.
  • Government and NGO Focus on Food Security Through Pulses: Chickpeas are increasingly recognized as a key crop for food security and nutritional improvement across MEA, particularly in low-income and drought-prone countries. Governments, along with organizations such as FAO, ICARDA, and USAID, are promoting chickpea cultivation to combat malnutrition and improve farmer resilience. There is also a growing emphasis on developing improved chickpea varieties and sustainable farming practices to boost productivity. These initiatives are turning chickpeas into a strategic crop not only for domestic consumption but also for regional trade, creating long-term growth potential in both production and consumption.
Desi chickpeas are growing in the MEA chickpea industry due to their adaptability to local culinary preferences, affordability, and strong demand from South Asian expatriate communities across the region.

Desi chickpeas are experiencing notable growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) chickpea industry largely because they align well with regional cooking styles, are cost-effective compared to kabuli chickpeas, and serve the dietary preferences of large South Asian expatriate populations residing in the Gulf countries. Characterized by their smaller size, rougher texture, and darker skin, desi chickpeas are typically split and used as "chana dal" or ground into flour (besan), both of which are staples in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan cuisines.

With the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, especially Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, hosting millions of South Asian workers and families, the demand for familiar and affordable pulse varieties like desi chickpeas remains consistently high. These communities often cook traditional meals at home, and desi chickpeas form an essential ingredient in curries, snacks, and flour-based recipes. In parallel, local Arab cuisine in parts of the MEA region especially in rural and low-income areas also utilizes desi chickpeas in stews and as a protein-rich staple due to their affordability and long shelf life. In many parts of Africa, particularly in East Africa and parts of North Africa, desi chickpeas are preferred for their robustness and suitability for local farming and climate conditions. Additionally, desi chickpeas are often priced lower than the larger, cream-colored kabuli variety, making them more accessible to price-sensitive consumers and appealing to public procurement programs or humanitarian food aid efforts across poorer MEA regions.

Whole dried chickpeas are leading in the MEA chickpea industry due to their long shelf life, versatility in traditional cooking, and cost-effectiveness for bulk consumption across households and institutional sectors.

Whole dried chickpeas have established themselves as the dominant form type in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) chickpea industry, primarily because they offer a combination of extended shelf stability, affordability, and wide applicability in regional cuisines. In many MEA countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Morocco, chickpeas are a dietary staple used in a variety of traditional dishes such as hummus, stews, soups, and tagines. The whole dried form is especially favored because it allows for flexible storage without refrigeration, making it ideal for both households and foodservice institutions in regions with inconsistent cold-chain infrastructure.

This form also provides consumers with the option to prepare chickpeas from scratch, preserving the nutritional value and enabling better texture control in cooking. Economically, whole dried chickpeas are a cost-effective solution for both end-users and distributors; they can be purchased in large quantities at lower prices compared to canned or processed alternatives, making them suitable for families, caterers, and aid organizations operating on tight budgets. In addition, their high protein and fiber content appeals to the growing health-conscious population in urban centers, while rural consumers value them for their satiating qualities and affordability. Institutional buyers such as schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and government food programs across Africa and the Middle East prefer whole dried chickpeas because they can be stored in bulk, prepared in large volumes, and served in various nutritious meals. Furthermore, traders and importers often prioritize this form due to its durability during long-distance transportation and minimal spoilage risk, which is especially critical in regions with challenging logistics.

The animal feed application type is growing in the MEA chickpea industry due to the rising demand for high-protein, locally available, and cost-effective feed ingredients to support expanding livestock and poultry sectors across the region.

The growth of the animal feed application in the MEA chickpea industry is being driven by the region’s increasing focus on livestock and poultry production to meet rising food security demands and reduce dependency on imported meat and dairy products. Chickpeas, particularly the lower-grade or split varieties not fit for human consumption, are increasingly being diverted into the feed industry due to their high protein content, essential amino acids, and digestibility, which make them a nutritious alternative to traditional feed ingredients like soybean meal or maize.

This trend is especially prominent in countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and parts of North and East Africa, where chickpeas are already grown locally and can be integrated into mixed feed formulations at relatively low cost. Moreover, with the steady growth of urban populations and middle-class consumers across MEA, the demand for animal-based proteins like chicken, eggs, and dairy is rising, pushing livestock farmers to seek more efficient and affordable feed options. Chickpeas, whether grown domestically or imported in bulk, provide a flexible feed solution that can help reduce reliance on volatile global feed markets and expensive imported inputs. In regions like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where the government is actively supporting domestic livestock production under food security strategies, chickpeas have found a growing niche in compound feed blends. Additionally, the growing awareness of the need for clean and non-GMO feed sources is leading feed manufacturers to turn to chickpeas as a natural, plant-based, and sustainable protein alternative. In arid and semi-arid regions of MEA, chickpeas are often used as a drought-resilient rotation crop, and the byproducts or lower-grade outputs from such cultivation are efficiently utilized for animal feed, minimizing waste and improving farm economics.

The B2C channel type is growing in the MEA chickpea industry due to the rising consumer demand for healthy, plant-based foods and the rapid expansion of modern retail and e-commerce platforms across urban areas.

The B2C (business-to-consumer) channel is witnessing significant growth in the MEA chickpea industry, largely fueled by shifting consumer lifestyles, increased health awareness, and the rapid modernization of retail infrastructure across the region. As urbanization accelerates in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, more consumers are purchasing food products directly through supermarkets, hypermarkets, and increasingly, online grocery platforms. Chickpeas, being a highly nutritious, affordable, and versatile plant-based protein source, are in growing demand among households that are looking to adopt healthier diets or explore alternative protein options.

The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity has also led many MEA consumers to opt for legumes such as chickpeas, which are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index. These changes in consumption patterns are directly benefiting the B2C segment, as consumers seek to purchase chickpeas in convenient retail formats such as packaged whole dried chickpeas, canned chickpeas, or chickpea flour (besan). Additionally, the increasing penetration of retail chains and organized grocery stores in both urban and semi-urban areas has created greater shelf space and visibility for chickpea-based products. Multinational and local food brands are investing heavily in branding, packaging, and product innovation, offering a wide range of chickpea formats to meet the demands of diverse consumer groups, including vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-intolerant individuals. At the same time, the growth of e-commerce platforms and mobile grocery apps in the Middle East and parts of Africa has further accelerated B2C sales by enabling consumers to order pulses and pantry staples conveniently from home, especially in the post-pandemic digital environment. In affluent markets such as the Gulf countries, premium chickpea products such as organic or ready-to-cook chickpeas are also gaining popularity, indicating a rise in consumer willingness to spend on quality and convenience.

Saudi Arabia is leading in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) chickpea industry due to its high domestic demand for chickpeas driven by cultural culinary traditions, growing population, and significant investment in food import and processing infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the dominant player in the MEA chickpea industry, primarily fueled by its substantial domestic consumption, strong purchasing power, and strategic investments in agri-food infrastructure. Chickpeas are a staple in many traditional Saudi dishes such as hummus, falafel, and various stews, making them a key part of the national diet. This strong culinary demand is further amplified by a rapidly growing population with increasing urbanization and changing dietary preferences that favor high-protein, plant-based foods. Since Saudi Arabia’s climate is not conducive to large-scale chickpea cultivation, the country relies heavily on imports to satisfy this demand, making it one of the region's largest chickpea importers.

To ensure a steady and secure food supply, the government and private sector have invested significantly in logistics, cold storage, and food processing facilities, which has enabled them to efficiently import, store, and distribute large volumes of chickpeas across the kingdom and to neighboring Gulf countries. Additionally, government-led initiatives under the Vision 2030 economic diversification plan include enhancing food security through long-term trade agreements and partnerships with exporting nations such as India, Australia, and Turkey, ensuring uninterrupted chickpea supply. The country’s strategic geographic location and modern port infrastructure, particularly in Jeddah and Dammam, also make it a regional hub for re-exporting pulses, including chickpeas, to other MEA countries. Furthermore, the rise of health consciousness among consumers and a growing vegetarian and vegan community in urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah have further increased chickpea consumption, not only in traditional dishes but also in modern snacks, salads, and flour-based products.

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
2. Market Dynamics
2.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
2.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
2.3. Market Trends
2.4. Supply chain Analysis
2.5. Policy & Regulatory Framework
2.6. Industry Experts Views
3. Research Methodology
3.1. Secondary Research
3.2. Primary Data Collection
3.3. Market Formation & Validation
3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
4. Market Structure
4.1. Market Considerate
4.2. Assumptions
4.3. Limitations
4.4. Abbreviations
4.5. Sources
4.6. Definitions
5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
6. Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size By Value
6.2. Market Share By Country
6.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Type
6.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Form
6.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Application
6.6. Market Size and Forecast, By Distribution Channel
6.7. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chickpeas Market Outlook
6.7.1. Market Size by Value
6.7.2. Market Size and Forecast By Type
6.7.3. Market Size and Forecast By Form
6.7.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
6.7.5. Market Size and Forecast By Distribution Channel
6.8. Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Outlook
6.8.1. Market Size by Value
6.8.2. Market Size and Forecast By Type
6.8.3. Market Size and Forecast By Form
6.8.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
6.8.5. Market Size and Forecast By Distribution Channel
6.9. South Africa Chickpeas Market Outlook
6.9.1. Market Size by Value
6.9.2. Market Size and Forecast By Type
6.9.3. Market Size and Forecast By Form
6.9.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
6.9.5. Market Size and Forecast By Distribution Channel
7. Competitive Landscape
7.1. Competitive Dashboard
7.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
7.3. Key Players Market Positioning Matrix
7.4. Porter's Five Forces
7.5. Company Profile
7.5.1. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
7.5.1.1. Company Snapshot
7.5.1.2. Company Overview
7.5.1.3. Financial Highlights
7.5.1.4. Geographic Insights
7.5.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
7.5.1.6. Product Portfolio
7.5.1.7. Key Executives
7.5.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
7.5.2. AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.
7.5.3. ETG Agro Products Pvt. Ltd.
7.5.4. Indika Agri International
7.5.5. Company 5
8. Strategic Recommendations
9. Annexure
9.1. FAQ`s
9.2. Notes
9.3. Related Reports
10. Disclaimer
List of Figures
Figure 1: Global Chickpeas Market Size (USD Billion) By Region, 2024 & 2030
Figure 2: Market attractiveness Index, By Region 2030
Figure 3: Market attractiveness Index, By Segment 2030
Figure 4: Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Share By Country (2024)
Figure 6: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chickpeas Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 7: Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 8: South Africa Chickpeas Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 9: Porter's Five Forces of Global Chickpeas Market
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Chickpeas Market Snapshot, By Segmentation (2024 & 2030) (in USD Billion)
Table 2: Influencing Factors for Chickpeas Market, 2024
Table 3: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2022
Table 4: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 5: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 6: Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast, By Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast, By Form (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast, By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: Middle East & Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast, By Distribution Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 10: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Form (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Distribution Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Form (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Distribution Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: South Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 19: South Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Form (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 20: South Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 21: South Africa Chickpeas Market Size and Forecast By Distribution Channel (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 22: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2024