Europe Chickpea Market Outlook, 2030

European consumers are increasingly shifting towards vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian lifestyles, driving up the consumption of chickpeas in various forms such as whole pulses, hummus, flour, snacks, and meat alternatives. Despite being a relatively small producer of chickpeas compared to global leaders, Europe has seen increasing domestic production in countries like Spain, Italy, France, and Bulgaria. However, demand continues to outpace supply, leading to strong import reliance on countries such as Turkey, Mexico, and Australia. The market is characterized by a growing preference for organic, non-GMO, and clean-label chickpea products, with organic chickpeas particularly gaining traction in Western Europe.

The rise of chickpea flour and protein isolates in food manufacturing is being driven by demand for high-protein, allergen-free, and sustainable plant-based options. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are leading the market for chickpea-based ingredients due to advanced food innovation ecosystems and strong consumer awareness. Regulations in the EU ensure strict standards for food safety, pesticide residues, organic certification, and nutrition labelling under policies such as Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Additionally, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) promotes legume cultivation for environmental benefits such as soil enrichment and reduced nitrogen dependency, aligning with the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy. These policies not only support chickpea farming but also provide financial incentives for sustainable agriculture. The market is further supported by R&D programs and funding for innovation in food processing and climate-resilient chickpea varieties. Innovations in precision agriculture, seed breeding, and regenerative farming are helping to improve yields and adapt to Europe's changing climatic conditions.

According to the research report "Europe Chickpea Market Outlook, 2030,", the Europe Chickpea market is anticipated to grow at more than 3.39% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. European consumers, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and the UK, are adopting vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets at an unprecedented rate and chickpeas are recognized as a rich source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and complex carbohydrates. Consumers are becoming more cautious about food origin, ingredients, and certifications, which is boosting the demand for organic chickpeas.

In response, countries like France and Spain have been expanding their organic chickpea cultivation, with France alone accounting for more than 7,000 metric tons of organic chickpea production annually. Additionally, the rise in the popularity of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, where chickpeas are a staple ingredient, has also played a crucial role in increasing demand, particularly among younger, urban populations. Companies are incorporating chickpeas to a greater variety of food items to cater to unique consumer needs. For instance, PepsiCo's Walkers brand declared a new line of chickpea-based products under its well-known Wotsits and Monster Munch brands in the UK on July 1, 2024. These products are categorized as not having a lot of fat, salt, or sugar (non-HFSS). The delicious new range of chickpea snacks is less than 100 calories, 25% lower in salt than the average extruded product, and provides a source of fibre. Chickpeas are beneficial in crop rotation systems as they help fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and supporting soil health, which aligns with Europe’s broader goals under the Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy. Technological advances in chickpea farming such as improved irrigation methods, pest-resistant varieties, and precision farming techniques are enabling higher yields and more resilient crops in regions like Southern and Eastern Europe.

Market Drivers

• Growing Adoption of Plant-Based and Mediterranean Diets: A major driver in the European chickpea market is the rising preference for plant-based and Mediterranean-style diets. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier food options that support wellness, weight management, and environmental sustainability. Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, making them ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians. Moreover, dishes like hummus, falafel, and chickpea stews are gaining widespread popularity across Western and Northern Europe. This consumer shift is influencing food companies, restaurants, and retailers to expand their chickpea-based offerings, fueling demand across the region.
• Government Support for Sustainable Agriculture and Pulses: European Union agricultural policies are increasingly focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, with legumes like chickpeas playing a critical role. The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) offers subsidies and incentives for pulse cultivation due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Several governments are encouraging diversification of crops to reduce dependency on cereals and promote soil health. This support has led to increased chickpea production in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, boosting regional supply and reducing import reliance.

Market Challenges

• Limited Domestic Production and Climate Constraints: Despite rising demand, Europe faces challenges in scaling up chickpea production due to climatic limitations in many regions. Chickpeas thrive in warm, dry climates, which restricts large-scale farming to southern countries like Spain, Italy, and parts of France and Greece. Northern and Eastern Europe, with cooler and wetter conditions, are not ideal for chickpea cultivation. This leads to supply gaps and a high dependency on imports from countries such as Turkey, India, and Canada. Such reliance can result in cost fluctuations and supply chain vulnerabilities, especially during global disruptions.
• Regulatory Complexity and Import Dependence: The European chickpea market is also challenged by complex food regulations, particularly for imported legumes. Strict quality, traceability, and pesticide residue standards enforced by EU food safety authorities can complicate imports. Additionally, any geopolitical instability or trade restrictions involving major exporters can hinder smooth chickpea supply. For example, import bans or tighter customs checks may delay shipments or increase costs for processors and distributors. These challenges make it difficult to maintain consistent pricing and availability across European markets.

Market Trends

• Innovation in Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Food Products: Food manufacturers in Europe are capitalizing on the functional properties of chickpeas to create innovative and health-conscious products. Chickpeas are now used in a wide range of applications beyond traditional dishes, including gluten-free pasta, chickpea flour-based baked goods, dairy-free yogurts, and vegan meat substitutes. These innovations cater to the growing segment of consumers with gluten intolerance, dietary restrictions, or ethical food preferences. The clean-label and allergen-free appeal of chickpeas is further enhancing their market potential, especially in health-forward countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.
• Shift Toward Organic and Locally-Sourced Chickpeas:The demand for organic and locally-grown food is rising rapidly in Europe, driven by concerns over food safety, traceability, and sustainability. Consumers are showing a strong preference for chickpeas grown without synthetic inputs and sourced from within the EU. This trend is encouraging farmers to switch to organic cultivation and is promoting initiatives that support shorter, more transparent supply chains. Countries like France and Germany are investing in local pulse farming programs and organic cooperatives, reflecting a growing consumer and institutional push toward food sovereignty and environmental responsibility.

Desi chickpeas are rapidly growing in the European chickpea industry due to increasing demand from ethnic food markets and health-conscious consumers seeking high-fiber, low-glycemic, and nutrient-dense legumes.

The rapid growth of Desi chickpeas in the European chickpea industry is being driven by a confluence of demographic, health, and culinary trends reshaping consumer preferences. Unlike the lighter and larger Kabuli variety traditionally consumed in Europe, Desi chickpeas characterized by their smaller, darker, and rough-textured seeds have gained traction largely due to the growing influence of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, which rely heavily on Desi varieties for their distinct taste, texture, and nutritional profile.

As Europe’s multicultural population expands, particularly with an increase in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African communities, so does the demand for authentic ethnic foods that prominently feature Desi chickpeas in traditional dishes like chana masala, falafel, and various stews. Simultaneously, there has been a sharp rise in health awareness among European consumers, with many turning to legumes for their well-documented benefits. Desi chickpeas are especially rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, and complex carbohydrates, making them highly effective for blood sugar regulation and digestive health. Their low glycemic index appeals to diabetic and weight-conscious populations, while their higher antioxidant and mineral content compared to Kabuli chickpeas enhances their appeal among wellness-focused consumers. Food manufacturers and retailers are also capitalizing on this shift by incorporating Desi chickpea flour (besan) and whole chickpeas into innovative health snacks, gluten-free baking products, and plant-based protein offerings. Moreover, Desi chickpeas' suitability for crop rotation and ability to withstand drought conditions make them a viable option in the face of Europe's increasing climate challenges. The ongoing movement toward sustainable and plant-forward diets, supported by EU policy shifts and environmental concerns, further reinforces their market expansion.

Canned chickpeas are moderately growing in the European chickpea industry due to rising consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat, and time-saving food options in urban lifestyles.

The moderate growth of canned chickpeas in the European chickpea industry can be attributed to evolving consumer preferences for convenience, health, and sustainability, particularly among urban and working populations. As more people in Europe lead fast-paced lifestyles with limited time for meal preparation, the appeal of canned chickpeas has steadily increased. Unlike dried chickpeas, which require soaking and cooking, canned versions offer an instant, ready-to-use format that aligns well with the need for quick meal solutions. This convenience is especially valued by young professionals, students, and small households across urban centers who seek nutritious meals without the time-consuming processes of traditional cooking.

Additionally, canned chickpeas retain most of their nutritional value and serve as a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals, supporting the broader trend toward healthier and more sustainable eating habits. The growing awareness of plant-based diets and flexitarianism has led many consumers to look for meat alternatives, and canned chickpeas offer a versatile and affordable solution for salads, stews, curries, and snacks. Retailers have responded by expanding their canned legume offerings with organic, low-sodium, and eco-friendly packaging options, thereby addressing consumer concerns about health and environmental impact. However, the growth remains moderate rather than rapid due to certain limitations, such as taste and texture preferences many traditional European consumers still favor cooking dried legumes for authenticity or prefer Kabuli chickpeas in whole form.

The Food & Beverage application type is leading in the Europe chickpea industry due to the increasing incorporation of chickpeas in mainstream diets as a healthy, sustainable, and versatile plant-based ingredient.

In Europe, the Food & Beverage application type dominates the chickpea industry because chickpeas are being widely adopted across multiple food segments from traditional meals to modern health foods driven by rising consumer demand for nutritious, plant-based, and eco-friendly alternatives. As European consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, chickpeas have gained popularity for their high protein, fiber, and micronutrient content, as well as their low fat and cholesterol-free profile. This nutritional richness makes them a preferred ingredient in various health-driven food trends, including veganism, vegetarianism, gluten-free, and Mediterranean diets.

Chickpeas are now prominently featured in a variety of food and beverage applications such as ready-to-eat salads, soups, hummus, snacks, pastas, protein bars, meat substitutes, and even plant-based milk and flour-based products. Food manufacturers and brands across Europe are increasingly experimenting with chickpeas due to their neutral flavor, texture adaptability, and binding properties, making them ideal for creating innovative recipes that cater to diverse dietary needs and taste preferences. The boom in plant-based and functional foods has especially accelerated the use of chickpeas in energy-boosting snacks, chickpea pasta, and baked goods targeted at health-conscious and flexitarian consumers. Furthermore, traditional chickpea-based recipes such as falafel, farinata, and hummus are gaining pan-European popularity beyond their ethnic origins, signaling a cultural shift in mainstream food consumption

The B2B channel type is leading in the Europe chickpea industry due to high-volume demand from food manufacturers, processors, and HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) sectors for chickpea-based ingredients and products.

In Europe, the B2B (Business-to-Business) channel dominates the chickpea industry because it serves as the primary supply route for large-scale buyers such as food manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, and the HoReCa sector, which together drive the majority of chickpea demand across the continent. These businesses rely heavily on chickpeas as a core ingredient in a variety of value-added products including hummus, falafel, chickpea pasta, canned legumes, plant-based snacks, soups, and gluten-free baked goods. The surge in consumer interest in plant-based diets, protein-rich meals, and sustainable food sources has led manufacturers to increase the incorporation of chickpeas into their product lines.

B2B channels also benefit from structured procurement systems, contractual bulk orders, and global sourcing capabilities, allowing suppliers to meet specific quality standards, organic certifications, and traceability requirements demanded by European businesses. Moreover, Europe's strong emphasis on food quality, safety, and traceability has led many companies to prefer stable and traceable B2B supply networks over fragmented retail options. Chickpea exporters and agricultural cooperatives, particularly from major producers like Turkey, India, and Spain, primarily operate through B2B frameworks to ensure timely delivery and competitive pricing in the European market. Furthermore, the rise of private label chickpea products in supermarkets and health food chains also depends on B2B transactions between manufacturers and retailers. As sustainability and food innovation continue to shape the European food landscape, B2B channels play a critical role in enabling R&D partnerships, custom processing, and product development involving chickpeas.

Italy is leading in the Europe chickpea industry due to its deep-rooted culinary tradition, favorable Mediterranean climate, and strong domestic demand for plant-based protein sources.

Italy's leadership in the European chickpea industry can be primarily attributed to its rich culinary heritage that extensively incorporates chickpeas, alongside a suitable agro-climatic environment and increasing demand for sustainable, protein-rich plant-based foods. Chickpeas have long been a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine, found in traditional dishes such as "pasta e ceci" and "ceci alla ligure." This cultural embedding has ensured consistent domestic consumption, creating a stable market base. Moreover, Italy’s Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters offers optimal conditions for chickpea cultivation, particularly in southern regions like Puglia, Sicily, and Basilicata.

These areas have historically produced legumes and have now scaled up chickpea farming with improved agronomic techniques and rotation strategies to maintain soil fertility. Another key driver is the rising health consciousness among European consumers, especially in Italy, where the Mediterranean diet is celebrated globally. Chickpeas, being high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, are increasingly favored as a healthier alternative to animal proteins, aligning perfectly with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles gaining popularity across the region. This has led to an uptick in domestic processing and packaging units, further boosting the value chain. Italy also plays a significant role in exporting chickpeas within Europe, aided by its robust food processing industry that caters to both raw and value-added chickpea products like hummus, chickpea pasta, and gluten-free snacks. Additionally, the Italian government and EU bodies have supported legume farming through agri-subsidies and rural development programs under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), enhancing chickpea production and supply chain efficiency.