Columbia Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030

Colombia's chickpeas market is emerging, driven mostly by imports rather than local production. The country has very limited chickpea farming, concentrated in small plots within regions like Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Nariño, where climate conditions are suitable but chickpeas compete with more established legumes such as common beans and lentils. Urban centers including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have seen a rising demand for chickpeas due to growing awareness of Mediterranean diets, vegan lifestyles, and plant-based protein alternatives. This shift in dietary preferences has boosted the market for imported chickpeas, predominantly the Kabuli type, which is favored for its mild flavor and larger size. Colombian consumers mainly access chickpeas through retail channels, health-focused product lines, and processed food items that promote chickpeas as a nutritious ingredient. Government food safety certifications like INVIMA and ICA regulate chickpea imports and packaged goods, ensuring compliance with quality standards. Colombia lacks any large-scale commercial chickpea cultivation or export infrastructure, relying almost entirely on imports to satisfy domestic consumption. Import sources are varied, with Mexico, Canada, Turkey, Argentina, and the United States being principal suppliers. Chickpea supply chain in Colombia is thus import-dependent, with small-scale repackaging by local food processors under private labels to meet growing retail demand. The market shows increasing interest in value-added chickpea products, although these are still in early development stages. The import-driven nature of the market creates opportunities and challenges in supply chain management, pricing stability, and quality assurance.

According to the research report ""Colombia Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Colombia Chickpeas market was valued at more than USD 30 Million in 2025. In 2023, Colombia imported over 2,200 metric tons of chickpeas, reflecting a steady rise from previous years, according to data from Trademap and DIAN. The country depends heavily on imports to meet its domestic chickpea demand, as local production remains minimal. Key suppliers include Mexico, Canada, Turkey, Argentina, and the United States, with Mexico leading in volume due to geographic proximity and established trade ties. Most imported chickpeas are Kabuli types, preferred for their size, color, and culinary versatility, and are mainly available in whole dried and canned forms. Retail prices for imported canned chickpeas typically range between COP 5,000 and 8,000 per 400-gram can, making them accessible in supermarkets and convenience stores. Packaged dried chickpeas, often sold under brands like La Constancia, Doria, and Orgánico Andino, are available in health food stores and supermarket chains such as Éxito and Carulla. Local food processors play a vital role by repackaging imported chickpeas under private labels, which are distributed to supermarket chains and specialty stores. Colombia lacks significant chickpea export operations and remains a net importer, with imports fulfilling nearly 100% of market needs. Domestic companies such as Productos Naturales de la Sabana and Fruticol participate mainly in repackaging and small-scale processing rather than large-scale production.

Colombia’s chickpea market is overwhelmingly dominated by Kabuli chickpeas, reflecting consumer preferences for larger, lighter-colored pulses that offer a milder taste and softer texture after cooking. Kabuli chickpeas typically range from 8 to 9 millimeters in diameter and are favored in a variety of culinary applications such as salads, canned goods, soups, and ready-to-eat snack products. These characteristics make them well suited to Colombia’s growing demand for Mediterranean-style dishes, vegan and gluten-free diets, and health-oriented meal options. In contrast, Desi chickpeas have minimal presence in Colombia due to the country’s lack of traditional culinary uses for this smaller, darker, and more textured variety. Desi chickpeas are generally imported only in small quantities, serving niche ethnic markets including Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern communities concentrated in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. These imported Desi pulses are found mainly in specialized grocery stores catering to these groups and are used in traditional dishes such as chana masala and dals, but their overall market share remains very small. Colombian agronomists and market analysts have noted that there are no large-scale cultivation or research programs for Desi chickpeas domestically, as local farming has focused primarily on other legumes better adapted to the national climate and consumption patterns. Furthermore, processors and importers emphasize the importance of quality control for Kabuli chickpeas, especially those sourced from Mexico, Canada, and the United States, which dominate the import market. These Kabuli imports are sorted and graded based on size uniformity, moisture levels, and appearance to meet both retail and foodservice industry standards. Packaging often highlights origin certifications such as non-GMO, organic, or halal to appeal to diverse consumer segments.

Whole dried chickpeas are the most commonly available form, widely stocked in major supermarket chains such as Éxito, Jumbo, and Carulla, as well as in health food stores and specialty grocery outlets. These whole dried pulses are typically imported in bulk, mainly from Mexico, Canada, and Turkey, and repackaged locally under brands like La Constancia and Orgánico Andino. The dried chickpeas appeal to consumers who prefer traditional cooking methods and value longer shelf life at lower prices. Meanwhile, canned chickpeas are gaining popularity in urban areas, offering convenience to busy consumers and fitting well with Colombia’s expanding ready-to-eat and plant-based food markets. Brands such as Goya, as well as imported labels from the United States and Mexico, dominate this segment. Canned chickpeas are frequently used in salads, soups, and snack preparations, and are available across supermarkets and convenience stores. Chickpea flour, or harina de garbanzo, is a niche but growing product segment, primarily found in organic stores and gluten-free sections catering to consumers with dietary restrictions or lifestyle preferences such as veganism. The flour is utilized in specialty baking, vegan cooking, and artisanal products like pancakes and fritters. However, chickpea flour production within Colombia is minimal, with most supply relying on imports or local repackaging of imported flour. Split chickpeas, or chana dal, are rare in the Colombian market and mainly limited to ethnic Indian and Pakistani grocery stores serving immigrant communities. These stores import small quantities of split chickpeas to meet traditional cooking needs but they have not penetrated mainstream consumer markets. Additionally, online retail platforms like Mercado Libre, Linio, and Amazon Colombia have increased accessibility to multiple chickpea forms, including whole dried, canned, and flour, expanding consumer choice and driving gradual market growth.

Chickpeas in Colombia are primarily used in the food and beverage sector, reflecting growing consumer interest in plant-based diets, health foods, and ethnic cuisines. The majority of chickpeas imported and sold in Colombia are destined for culinary uses such as ready-to-eat meals, hummus, soups, grain blends, and salads. Food manufacturers and restaurant chains incorporate chickpeas in vegan and vegetarian menu options, responding to the rising demand among health-conscious urban consumers in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Packaged hummus brands such as Delizze and VeggieMe have gained popularity, and international hummus products are increasingly found in supermarket shelves, catering to consumers looking for convenient protein-rich snacks. Chickpeas are also marketed as a functional ingredient rich in dietary fiber, plant protein, and essential nutrients, aligning well with trends toward gluten-free and diabetic-friendly foods. In addition to direct food use, chickpea flour is employed by artisanal bakers and home cooks in gluten-free baking and vegan recipe development. Chickpea by-products such as husks and straw have minor roles in rural areas for livestock roughage, but this is not a significant commercial feed segment. Other uses of chickpeas in Colombia include their incorporation in niche wellness products and health food recipes promoted on social media and by nutrition influencers.

The B2B segment is largely driven by bulk imports, mainly from Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and Turkey, handled by specialized food importers and wholesalers. These players supply chickpeas to food processors who repackage the pulses into retail packs or use them as ingredients in ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and frozen foods. Foodservice companies and restaurants focusing on vegan, vegetarian, and Mediterranean cuisines also rely on bulk chickpea supplies for their menu preparations. The majority of B2B transactions are routed through major import hubs such as the port of Cartagena and Bogotá’s logistics centers, ensuring efficient distribution to processing units and wholesale markets. In contrast, the B2C distribution is expanding rapidly, driven by urban middle- and upper-class consumers influenced by global health trends and international cuisines. Supermarket chains like Éxito, Jumbo, and Carulla stock a range of chickpea products including whole dried chickpeas, canned chickpeas, and chickpea flour. Organic and health food stores in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have begun stocking premium and specialty chickpea products to meet demand from gluten-free and vegan customers. E-commerce platforms such as Mercado Libre, Linio, and Amazon Colombia play an increasingly important role in chickpea sales, offering convenience and wider variety with doorstep delivery. Pack sizes for consumer sales typically range from 400g cans to 1kg resealable bags, with some larger family packs available in select stores. Marketing strategies focus on clean-label, gluten-free, and protein-rich benefits to attract health-conscious buyers. Show more