Asia-Pacific Chickpea Market Outlook, 2030

The Asia-Pacific chickpea market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by rising health awareness, traditional dietary patterns, and expanding applications in food processing. The growing popularity of plant-based diets and protein-rich food alternatives is pushing the demand further, particularly among urban populations and health-conscious consumers. Several innovations are transforming the chickpea value chain in APAC, including precision agriculture, water-efficient farming techniques, and sustainable soil practices like crop rotation and organic fertilization.

On the processing side, manufacturers are introducing value-added chickpea products such as roasted snacks, protein isolates, fortified flours, and dairy alternatives to meet evolving consumer needs. For instance, as per ITC Trade Map, Australia exported dried chickpeas valued at USD 395 million in 2022 which increased and reached USD 452 million in 2023. The nation's arid climate is ideal for chickpea farming, and Australian farmers are increasingly integrating chickpeas into their crop rotation practices. Governments in the region are also promoting sustainable agricultural practices through incentives, certifications, and food safety regulations. For example, India emphasizes non-GMO chickpea production and supports integrated pest management to reduce chemical use. Regulatory frameworks across APAC focus on food safety, residue testing, export quality standards, and adherence to international protocols such as Codex Alimentarius. Countries like Australia and India have implemented stringent testing and grading systems for chickpea exports, ensuring global competitiveness. Additionally, regional trade agreements and government subsidies are improving access to global markets and enhancing farmer incomes.

According to the research report, "Asia Pacific Chickpea Market Outlook, 2030,", the Asia Pacific Chickpea market is anticipated to add to more than USD 1.25 Billion by 2025-30. With increasing urbanization and growing awareness of healthy and vegetarian diets in Asia, consumers are shifting towards high-protein, low-fat foods, where chickpeas play a vital role due to their high nutritional value, including protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This health-centric dietary shift is accelerating demand for chickpea-based products like hummus, roasted chickpeas, chickpea pasta, and plant-based protein blends.

For instance, chickpea flour is increasingly used in gluten-free baking mixes, snack items, and vegan meat alternatives. In Southeast Asia and parts of East Asia, chickpeas are being explored for use in clean-label, allergen-free packaged foods, which aligns with the growing consumer preference for sustainable and natural ingredients. Furthermore, the rising popularity of Indian cuisine across the globe is catalyzing the demand for chickpeas in international markets. In addition, major market participants in the country are introducing new product lines as to attract a larger consumer base. For instance, on May 1, 2023, Alt Health was created in India under the Bengaluru-based firm Bhookha Haathi Hospitality Limited in India to the transform lives of individuals with its caffeine-free coffee alternatives. Governments across Asia-Pacific are supporting chickpea cultivation through subsidies, training programs, and research initiatives. India’s National Food Security Mission and various agricultural extension programs provide seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization tools to smallholder farmers, encouraging higher chickpea output. Additionally, international development bodies are partnering with regional governments to promote sustainable legume farming, thereby addressing soil fertility and climate resilience concerns.

Market Drivers

• High Dietary Dependence and Cultural Integration of Chickpeas: One of the strongest drivers of the Asia Pacific chickpea market is the region’s long-standing cultural and dietary reliance on chickpeas, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Chickpeas are a staple ingredient in traditional diets, used in both whole form and as flour (besan), in dishes ranging from curries and snacks to sweets. India, in particular, is both the largest producer and consumer of chickpeas, where they are vital to vegetarian diets due to their high protein and fiber content. This deeply rooted consumption pattern ensures consistent domestic demand and makes chickpeas an indispensable part of food security and nutrition strategies across much of South Asia.
• Government Support and Expanding Agricultural Initiatives: Governments in the Asia Pacific region, especially in India and Australia, are actively promoting the production of pulses, including chickpeas, through subsidies, research programs, and farmer support schemes. India’s National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Australia’s investment in pulse breeding programs are driving improvements in chickpea yields, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. These initiatives not only stabilize domestic supply but also position Australia as a major exporter to Asian countries. With increasing awareness of sustainable farming practices and crop rotation benefits, more farmers are adopting chickpeas in their cultivation cycles, further boosting regional production capacity.

Market Challenges

• Price Volatility and Market Fragmentation: The Asia Pacific chickpea market, particularly in South Asia, often experiences significant price volatility due to fluctuations in production, inconsistent rainfall, and market fragmentation. Seasonal dependency and the dominance of smallholder farmers lead to supply uncertainties and uneven distribution. Additionally, local markets are often influenced by fluctuating minimum support prices (MSPs), import-export policies, and stockpiling by traders. Such market dynamics can hurt both consumers and producers, especially during periods of low harvest or excessive imports, making long-term planning and investment difficult for stakeholders across the value chain.
• Climate-Related Agricultural Risks: Chickpea farming in the Asia Pacific region is highly susceptible to changing weather patterns, including delayed monsoons, droughts, unseasonal rains, and rising temperatures. These conditions can significantly reduce yields, impact flowering and seed development, and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases like wilt and pod borer. In regions such as India and Bangladesh, where a large portion of chickpea farming is rainfed, the lack of irrigation infrastructure further exacerbates climate-related challenges. Although resilient crop varieties are being introduced, small-scale farmers often lack access to advanced technologies and resources to adapt effectively.

Market Trends

• Rising Demand for Processed and Packaged Chickpea Products: Urbanization, changing lifestyles, and the rise of the middle class in countries like India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam are fueling demand for convenient, ready-to-eat chickpea products. Consumers are increasingly buying packaged chickpeas, roasted snacks, hummus spreads, chickpea noodles, and flour-based products due to their health benefits and ease of preparation. This shift is pushing food manufacturers to develop innovative chickpea-based offerings, contributing to the diversification of the market. The growth of modern retail formats and e-commerce platforms is also making these products more accessible, especially among young urban consumers.
• Organic and Health-Focused Consumption Trends: Health and wellness awareness is gaining strong momentum across the Asia Pacific region, driving interest in high-protein, fiber-rich, and gluten-free foods like chickpeas. Alongside this, there is a growing demand for organic and chemical-free chickpeas, particularly among urban populations in India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. As consumers seek natural, sustainable food options, companies are responding with organic certifications, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent sourcing practices. This health-conscious trend is also aligning with global movements, enabling Asia Pacific chickpea producers and brands to tap into international markets.

Kabuli chickpeas are leading in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry due to rising consumer preference for their larger size, visual appeal, and suitability for premium food applications and exports.

Kabuli chickpeas have emerged as the leading type in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry primarily because of their superior visual quality, global appeal, and expanding use in high-value food applications, especially in urban and export-oriented markets. Characterized by their larger size, lighter color, and smoother coat compared to desi chickpeas, Kabuli variants are increasingly preferred by health-conscious and modern consumers across the Asia Pacific, particularly in countries like India, Australia, and Myanmar. These chickpeas are widely used in popular dishes such as hummus, salads, soups, and Mediterranean-style cuisines that are rapidly gaining popularity in urban centers due to globalization and evolving dietary habits.

Their aesthetic and textural qualities make them more attractive to food processors, restaurants, and packaged food brands aiming for a premium product segment. Furthermore, Kabuli chickpeas are in high demand in international markets such as Europe, the Middle East, and North America, making them a valuable export commodity for Asia Pacific countries. Nations like Australia have increasingly focused on cultivating Kabuli chickpeas for export, leveraging their favorable agro-climatic conditions and strict quality control systems. In India, although desi chickpeas remain dominant in sheer volume, the area under Kabuli chickpea cultivation has been expanding steadily due to better market prices and export potential. Government and private sector initiatives to promote high-yielding Kabuli varieties, along with improvements in irrigation, seed technology, and farming practices, have further contributed to their rising production and popularity.

Whole dried chickpeas are leading in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry due to their long shelf life, versatility in traditional cuisines, and high demand in both domestic and export markets.

Whole dried chickpeas dominate the Asia Pacific chickpea industry largely because of their practicality, cultural integration in traditional cooking, and their suitability for both bulk storage and export trade. In many Asia Pacific countries, especially India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, whole dried chickpeas are a dietary staple deeply rooted in regional cuisines. They are used in a wide variety of dishes such as curries, stews, rice preparations, snacks, and festive meals, making them an essential household ingredient. Their ability to be stored for long periods without spoilage, particularly in regions with hot climates, makes them highly favored by consumers, retailers, and wholesalers alike.

From a production standpoint, whole dried chickpeas require minimal processing, reducing post-harvest infrastructure requirements and keeping prices affordable for large sections of the population. This simplicity aligns well with traditional agricultural practices across much of rural Asia Pacific, where smallholder farmers play a significant role in the pulse supply chain. Moreover, as chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients, the whole dried form supports food security and nutritional needs in developing economies of the region. The export potential of whole dried chickpeas also fuels their growth. Countries like Australia and India export significant volumes of dried chickpeas, both desi and Kabuli varieties, to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Western markets where demand for shelf-stable, protein-rich pulses continues to grow. Importers often prefer the whole dried format for its ease of transportation, rehydration potential, and wide culinary usage. Additionally, the rise in vegetarian and vegan lifestyles across Asia Pacific has intensified interest in whole plant-based protein sources like chickpeas.

The Animal Feed application type is moderately growing in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry due to increasing demand for high-protein, plant-based feed alternatives amid rising livestock and poultry production.

Chickpeas, though traditionally consumed in human diets, are increasingly being explored as an alternative feed component due to their rich protein content, digestibility, and nutritional profile, which includes essential amino acids, fiber, and minerals. In countries like India, Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia, the rising population and economic development are fueling higher consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products, thereby increasing the demand for quality animal feed. Chickpea meal, a byproduct of flour production or split processing, is being repurposed for feed, particularly in regions where soymeal is either expensive or import-dependent.

This makes chickpeas a locally accessible and cost-effective feed option, especially for small to mid-sized livestock farmers seeking protein-rich alternatives. Additionally, concerns over sustainability and the environmental impact of traditional animal feed sources are pushing feed manufacturers to diversify their protein inputs. Chickpeas, with their nitrogen-fixing ability and low environmental footprint, align with this trend toward eco-friendly agriculture. However, despite these advantages, chickpeas are still not widely adopted in feed formulations due to their relatively higher cost compared to conventional feed ingredients like corn and soybean meal, as well as the presence of certain anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and protease inhibitors that may limit their inclusion rates in large-scale commercial feed. This cost-performance trade-off is a primary reason the growth remains moderate rather than rapid. Moreover, integrated farming models, where chickpeas are cultivated alongside livestock, are gaining traction in parts of South Asia, promoting circular use of agricultural inputs and reducing waste.

The B2C channel type is the fastest growing in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry due to rising urbanization, health-conscious consumer behavior, and the rapid expansion of modern retail and e-commerce platforms.

The B2C (business-to-consumer) channel is experiencing the fastest growth in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry, primarily fueled by the region's accelerating urbanization, growing middle-class population, and a noticeable shift in consumer behavior toward health-conscious eating and convenience-driven purchasing. With urban dwellers increasingly adopting busy lifestyles, there is a rising demand for ready-to-cook and packaged food products, including chickpeas in various convenient forms such as canned, roasted, boiled, and vacuum-packed variants.

Consumers are now more aware of the health benefits of chickpeas rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients and are incorporating them into daily diets as plant-based protein alternatives, particularly as veganism and vegetarianism grow across urban centers. In tandem, the surge in organized retail outlets such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and health food stores has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of branded chickpea products with attractive packaging, clear labeling, and value-added features like organic or gluten-free tags. Additionally, the e-commerce boom across countries like India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam is significantly boosting B2C sales of chickpea products. Online platforms offer a wide assortment, competitive pricing, and doorstep delivery, all of which appeal to digitally savvy consumers. Many brands now directly engage with customers through online marketplaces, mobile apps, and social media to build trust, educate on product usage, and encourage trial. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently shifted many consumer preferences toward retail and online shopping for essential groceries, pulses, and health foods, accelerating B2C penetration in the chickpea market. This growing demand is also being met by small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and direct-to-consumer brands innovating in packaging, recipes, and health-focused positioning.

India is leading in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry due to its dominant production capacity, deep-rooted consumption culture, and strong export orientation.

India's leadership in the Asia Pacific chickpea industry is primarily attributed to its unparalleled production scale, traditional dietary demand, and well-established agricultural ecosystem tailored for legume cultivation. India is not only the largest producer of chickpeas in the region but also in the world, with chickpeas especially the desi variety being a staple in Indian diets. The country's extensive cultivation areas, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, benefit from climatic and soil conditions ideally suited for chickpea farming.

This agricultural dominance is further supported by the Indian government through price support mechanisms such as Minimum Support Prices (MSP), input subsidies, and pulse development programs. The cultural significance of chickpeas in Indian cuisine, used in various forms such as whole pulses, flour (besan), and snacks, ensures consistently high domestic demand across rural and urban areas. This entrenched consumption pattern maintains market stability even during fluctuations in international trade. Moreover, India has established itself as a major exporter of chickpeas, supplying countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even Western markets, thanks to its competitive pricing and diverse product formats, including processed and packaged goods. The growing demand for plant-based proteins globally has further opened up avenues for Indian chickpea exporters, especially in health-conscious and vegetarian/vegan consumer segments. India’s agro-processing industry is also expanding, with increasing investments in milling, packaging, and value-added chickpea-based products, strengthening its supply chain and increasing its global appeal.