Canada Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030

Canada plays a significant role in the global chickpeas market, ranking among the top five exporters worldwide, with over 90% of its chickpea production destined for international markets. The country’s chickpea cultivation is concentrated in Saskatchewan, which contributes more than 90% of national acreage, followed by limited cultivation in Alberta. Chickpeas are integrated into Canada's dryland crop rotation systems along with wheat, lentils, and durum to enhance soil health and reduce disease cycles. Kabuli chickpeas dominate Canadian production due to their large size, high protein content, and strong global demand, particularly from countries such as Pakistan, Algeria, Turkey, the United States, and various European Union nations. Desi chickpeas are grown only in trace volumes due to limited local consumption and lower market value. Pulse Canada, the industry association representing Canadian pulse growers and traders, actively promotes chickpeas as part of the national pulse strategy, targeting growth through value-added processing, food innovation, and clean-label exports. Chickpeas are central to Canada’s ongoing plant-protein innovation initiatives, supported by federal frameworks such as Growing Forward 2, and currently under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) 2023–2028. These programs fund research, breeding, sustainability practices, and export readiness. Institutions like the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) play a vital role in breeding resilient Kabuli varieties including CDC Leader, CDC Frontier, and CDC Orion. The chickpea value chain adheres to multiple quality and safety certifications, including CFIA inspection protocols, CanadaGAP for food safety, BRCGS for global trade, and Organic Canada for organic SKUs. The domestic demand for chickpeas remains modest and mostly ethnic-driven, especially among South Asian and Mediterranean communities. Canada’s chickpea industry benefits from excellent infrastructure for bulk exports through the Pacific ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, ensuring competitive access to global buyers and processors.

According to the research report, ""Italy Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Italy Chickpeas market is anticipated to add to more than USD 40 Million by 2025–30. Canada’s chickpea market is export-oriented and driven by large-scale production in Saskatchewan, where over 90% of chickpea acreage is concentrated, followed by smaller areas in Alberta. In 2024, seeded acreage reached between 185,000 and 195,000 acres, according to Statistics Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The country produced nearly 165,000 to 180,000 metric tons in 2023, depending on weather fluctuations. Kabuli chickpeas account for the entire commercial output, with Desi chickpeas not commonly grown. Canada exports more than 90% of its chickpea production annually, generating around CAD 200–250 million in export revenue. The U.S., Pakistan, Algeria, Turkey, and European Union nations are the primary destinations. Exported chickpeas are mostly large-seeded Kabuli types, often 8mm or 9mm and above in size, which attract a premium in global markets. Local companies including AGT Food and Ingredients, Simpson Seeds, and Prairie Pulse Inc. handle procurement, cleaning, grading, and logistics. The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) regulates grading standards for Kabuli chickpeas, which are assessed based on size, color, splits, and foreign material. Average 2024 FOB prices for Kabuli chickpeas range from CAD 750 to CAD 950 per metric ton, with fluctuations linked to global supply, domestic yield, and Middle Eastern buying activity. Recent years have brought challenges, including drought conditions between 2021 and 2023 that reduced yields and led to production variability. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers supports research, seed variety trials, and agronomic extension to improve performance under dryland conditions.

Kabuli chickpeas dominate Canada's chickpea cultivation, driven by strong global demand, high protein content, and premium pricing in export markets. Popular Canadian-developed varieties include CDC Leader, CDC Frontier, and CDC Orion, which are bred for drought tolerance, seed size, and disease resistance. These varieties are preferred for their uniform size (mostly 8mm and above), pale cream color, and low split percentage, which meets international grading standards set by the Canadian Grain Commission. Kabuli chickpeas are widely exported to Algeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and the U.S., where 8mm+ and 9mm+ sizes fetch higher prices. Export contracts typically specify size grade, moisture, and protein levels, which Canadian suppliers meet consistently through post-harvest grading and cleaning operations. Desi chickpeas are rarely grown in Canada due to minimal domestic demand and lack of competitive pricing compared to Kabuli. Desi types, typically smaller, angular, and darker in color, are mainly consumed in South Asian communities but are mostly imported into Canada rather than produced domestically. Canadian farmers prefer Kabuli chickpeas because of better market access, government support under programs like SCAP 2023–2028, and the Pulse Canada strategy that promotes chickpeas as a key part of the national plant-protein economy. Pulse Canada and research institutes in Saskatchewan are investing in developing climate-resilient Kabuli strains to counter recent drought patterns, which affected yields in 2021 and 2022. Canada’s Kabuli chickpeas face export competition from countries like Turkey, Mexico, and the U.S., but remain in demand due to their size consistency, traceability, and safety certifications such as CFIA, Organic Canada, and BRCGS. The breeding programs under the Crop Development Centre (CDC) and public-private research partnerships continue to improve seed genetics for disease resistance and yield.

Most chickpeas exported from Canada are in whole dried form, bulk-packed in containers for global buyers. Kabuli chickpeas undergo cleaning, grading, and sorting at processing units before export, especially those located in Saskatchewan. Flour production from chickpeas remains minimal in Canada due to limited domestic processing infrastructure and low local demand. However, a few companies like Prairie Fava and AGT Food and Ingredients are exploring chickpea flour and protein blends for plant-based product lines. Chickpea flour, rich in protein and gluten-free, is slowly gaining interest in niche bakery and snack segments but remains far behind lentil and pea flour production. Split chickpeas (chana dal) are not common in Canadian production; these are imported from India to cater to ethnic markets, especially in Ontario and British Columbia. Canned chickpeas are also mostly imported into Canada, though some brands source Canadian-grown Kabuli for canning via U.S.-based processors. Common canned brands sold in Canadian supermarkets include Unico, Goya, and S&W. A few Canadian pulse fractionation units are testing chickpea applications in flours, protein isolates, and food bars as part of the plant-protein innovation ecosystem. These trials are supported by government funding programs and research at institutions like the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. Whole chickpeas are shipped via rail to the Port of Vancouver or Prince Rupert for export, depending on the buyer's destination. Export markets often demand 8–9mm size chickpeas with low damage and split percentage, requiring strict quality control before shipment. Despite infrastructure for large-scale cleaning and sorting, value-added processing is limited. New interest from gluten-free product manufacturers and meat alternative firms could grow flour and processed formats in the future.

Chickpeas in Canada are mainly used in the food and beverage industry, especially in ethnic cuisine, ready-to-eat meals, soups, hummus, and salad toppings. Ethnic populations across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta drive the demand, especially South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean communities. Foodservice chains such as pita outlets, Lebanese grills, and salad bars use Kabuli chickpeas for wraps and bowls. Chickpeas are also gaining traction in the plant-based protein segment, where Canadian companies are investing in chickpea-based protein bars, energy bites, flour-based snacks, and dairy alternatives. Products using chickpea flour are emerging in niche Canadian bakery and pasta segments, often led by health-focused brands. Imports like Banza pasta and domestic formulations cater to gluten-free diets and protein-conscious consumers. On the feed side, chickpea use is limited but emerging. Chickpea screenings (broken, undersized, and cracked pulses) and hulls are used in ruminant diets, particularly for cattle in feedlots in the Prairie provinces. Feed trials from the University of Saskatchewan confirm chickpeas’ nutritional value as a protein source for cattle, poultry, and even sheep under certain research models. Despite not being a mainstream feed pulse, chickpeas serve as a supplementary protein input for low-cost livestock operations. Hulls and meal residues from pulse processing units are occasionally repurposed for feed. R&D efforts are ongoing at Merit Functional Foods and other local groups to develop chickpea isolates and concentrates, aiming to make chickpeas more viable in protein-focused food manufacturing. Hospital food contracts and public school meal programs in Saskatchewan and Alberta have included chickpeas in certain meals, particularly in multicultural dishes and healthy eating plans.

In Canada, chickpeas are distributed through both B2B and B2C channels, with a heavy focus on international exports. The B2B segment dominates due to Canada’s role as a major chickpea supplier. Exporters like Viterra, AGT Food and Ingredients, Simpson Seeds, and Prairie Pulse Inc. procure directly from farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta, handling large-scale shipments for buyers in South Asia, the EU, Turkey, Algeria, and the U.S. These exporters work closely with grower associations and local grain elevators to source graded Kabuli chickpeas (8mm+), bulk-pack them, and ship via Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports. The B2C side is smaller but active in urban and ethnic markets. Retail brands like Suraj (under Loblaws), Dunya Foods, Royal Brand, and Aaha Foods offer dry Kabuli chickpeas in supermarkets across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. These products often cater to immigrant households and health-conscious consumers. Organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade chickpeas are available through Costco, Organic Garage, and Amazon Canada. Canned chickpeas, typically from brands like Goya, S&W, and Unico, are sold in all major grocery outlets. These canned products are mostly imported but remain a preferred choice for urban consumers seeking convenience. Chickpea flour, though niche, is found in South Asian grocery chains, health food stores, and specialty retailers. Brands like Swad and Deep Foods dominate flour offerings. Chana dal and split chickpeas are not widely produced domestically; ethnic stores import them from India and distribute them in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Online sales are rising rapidly through platforms like Walmart.ca, Well.ca, and Instacart, where consumers buy dry chickpeas, flour, and canned variants. Meal kit services and health food subscription boxes have also begun including chickpea-based products in protein-rich or vegan bundles. Show more