Global Lentil Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Red lentils are commonly favored for their quick cooking time and versatility in various dishes, while green lentils are known for their earthy flavor and firm texture. Other varieties include black lentils, brown lentils, and specialty varieties, each catering to specific culinary preferences and regional cuisines.

In terms of applications, lentils find extensive use across a diverse range of food products. They are prominently utilized in infant food formulations due to their nutritional density and ease of digestion, providing essential nutrients for early childhood development. Lentils are also integral ingredients in bakery products, adding texture, flavor, and nutritional value to bread, cakes, and pastries. Moreover, they feature prominently in breakfast foods such as cereals and granolas, offering a hearty and nutritious start to the day. Additionally, lentils are increasingly being incorporated into beverages, including smoothies, juices, and plant-based milk alternatives, capitalizing on their protein and fiber content to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Regarding distribution channels, the lentil market encompasses various avenues through which products reach consumers. Trade associations play a vital role in facilitating international trade and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the lentil supply chain. Supermarkets and traditional grocery stores serve as primary retail outlets for packaged lentil products, offering convenience and accessibility to consumers worldwide. Furthermore, the proliferation of online stores and e-commerce platforms has expanded the reach of lentil producers, enabling direct-to-consumer sales and providing a platform for niche products and specialty varieties to reach discerning consumers. Each distribution channel offers unique advantages and opportunities for market penetration, reflecting the diverse landscape of the global lentil market.

Global Lentil Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Lentil Market has been segmented by Type, Application, Distribution Channels, and Geography.

Global Lentil Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Lentil Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Global Lentil Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The North American lentil market, with Canada at its forefront, is experiencing robust growth driven by surging production and consumption trends. Canada's significant contribution to lentil development across the continent stems from its increasing production and widespread export activities, solidifying its position as a key player in the global lentil market. The country's favorable agricultural conditions, coupled with advancements in farming techniques and infrastructure, have enabled it to meet rising domestic demand while also serving as a major supplier to international markets.

The burgeoning demand for lentils in North America can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the region's growing urban population, accompanied by changing lifestyles and dietary habits, has led to an increased preference for healthy and nutritious food options like lentils. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are actively seeking out plant-based protein sources, making lentils an attractive choice due to their high protein and fiber content. Moreover, rising household incomes have afforded consumers the ability to experiment with diverse cuisines and ingredients, further driving the demand for lentils in various culinary applications.

According to Agri Canada's projections for the 2021-2022 period, the area seeded to lentils in Canada is expected to remain consistent with the previous year, standing at 1.7 million hectares. Saskatchewan is anticipated to account for the majority of lentil cultivation, with Alberta and Manitoba contributing the remainder. Despite a notable increase in farmgate lentil prices during the latter half of the 2020-2021 crop year, production forecasts suggest a slight decline to 2.65 metric tons, primarily attributed to lower carry-in stocks and production levels. Consequently, supply is expected to decrease to 2.8 metric tons, resulting in reduced export volumes compared to the previous year, estimated at 2.4 metric tons. With carry-out stocks forecasted to remain tight at 0.1 metric ton, the average price of lentils is expected to rise from the previous year due to lower global supply and increased prices for top-grade varieties, coupled with the assumption of a moderate grade distribution.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Lentil Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Changing Dietary Preferences
• Rising Disposable Incomes

• Climate Change and Environmental Concerns- As temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the agricultural sector, including lentil production, faces numerous challenges. Shifts in precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events pose threats to lentil cultivation, impacting yields, quality, and overall supply stability. Furthermore, changes in temperature and humidity levels can create favorable conditions for pests and diseases, exacerbating production risks and necessitating increased pest management measures. Additionally, water scarcity, a prominent consequence of climate change, presents challenges for lentil farmers, particularly in regions reliant on irrigation for crop cultivation. Moreover, environmental concerns such as soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural practices further underscore the need for sustainable approaches to lentil production.
  
  In response to these challenges, stakeholders in the lentil industry are increasingly adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, including conservation tillage, crop rotation, and water-efficient irrigation methods, to enhance resilience and mitigate environmental impact. Moreover, research and development efforts aimed at developing climate-resilient lentil varieties and improving agronomic practices are underway to address the complex interplay between climate change and lentil production. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is also growing demand for sustainably sourced lentil products, driving market incentives for producers to adopt eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain. In this context, addressing climate change and environmental concerns is not only critical for ensuring the long-term viability of the global lentil market but also presents opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Restraints

• Trade Barriers and Tariffs
• Competition from Other Protein Sources

• Infrastructure and Logistics Challenges- Lentils are highly susceptible to changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events associated with climate change, such as droughts, heatwaves, floods, and storms. These climatic disruptions disrupt the growing conditions for lentils, leading to reduced crop yields, poor quality, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, fluctuations in temperature and rainfall can alter the timing of planting, flowering, and harvesting, affecting the overall productivity and profitability of lentil cultivation. Furthermore, environmental concerns related to soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss further exacerbate the challenges facing lentil growers. Intensive agricultural practices, including monoculture farming, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and deforestation, contribute to environmental degradation and habitat loss, threatening the long-term sustainability of lentil production.
  
  The reliance on irrigation for lentil cultivation exacerbates water stress in water-scarce regions, leading to competition for water resources and conflicts over water allocation. In response to these challenges, there is a growing need for sustainable agricultural practices, including crop diversification, conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated pest management, to mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on the Global Lentil Market. Additionally, investment in research and development, breeding programs, and technological innovations aimed at developing climate-resilient lentil varieties and improving agronomic practices can help enhance the resilience and sustainability of lentil production systems in the face of climate change and environmental challenges.

Opportunities

• Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Protein
• Health and Wellness Trends

• Food Security and Nutrition Programs- Lentils are highly nutritious legumes rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an important staple food in many regions, particularly in developing countries where malnutrition and food insecurity are prevalent. Lentils offer a cost-effective and sustainable source of plant-based protein, essential nutrients, and dietary fiber, making them an ideal component of food assistance programs, school feeding initiatives, and nutrition interventions aimed at combating hunger, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.
  
  Lentils can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and side dishes, providing essential nutrients and energy to vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Additionally, lentils are environmentally sustainable crops that require minimal water and resources to cultivate, making them resilient to climate change and suitable for cultivation in diverse agroecological environments. By promoting the production, consumption, and utilization of lentils through food security and nutrition programs, stakeholders can improve access to nutritious foods, enhance dietary diversity, and contribute to the achievement of global nutrition goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization's Global Nutrition Targets.

Key players in Global Lentil Market include:

• Viruthai Millets Farmers Producer Company Limited
• Sahaja Samrudha Organic Producer Company Limited
• Janadhanya Farmers Producer Company Limited
• Dharani FaM CooP Ltd
• Shimla Hills Offerings Pvt. Ltd.

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis