Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030

Saudi Arabia stands as one of the leading importers of chickpeas in the Middle East, entirely reliant on foreign supply due to its arid climate, poor soil conditions, and absence of freshwater irrigation, which make domestic chickpea cultivation unviable. Chickpeas are widely consumed across the Kingdom, featuring prominently in traditional, Middle Eastern, Levantine, and South Asian cuisines that dominate local food culture. The preferred type is Kabuli chickpeas, recognized for their large size and creamy texture, which are commonly used in dishes such as hummus, samboosa fillings, stews, and salads, especially among Saudi and Arab households. Desi chickpeas, known for their smaller, darker appearance, are primarily consumed by the Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi population residing in the Kingdom, often used in chana masala, curries, and snacks. Chickpeas are imported through key ports like Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Dhiba Port on the Red Sea, where they are processed and distributed to major wholesale markets in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Large food trading firms handle bulk imports, and chickpeas are sold in 25kg–50kg sacks for wholesale buyers and food manufacturers. Urban families and working professionals increasingly prefer canned and processed chickpeas due to their convenience and time-saving properties. Retailers and local processors package chickpeas in smaller units for direct sale in supermarkets and ethnic stores. Food manufacturers use them in frozen meals, ready-to-cook kits, and traditional packaged dishes. Regulatory compliance for imports is monitored by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), with mandatory certifications like Halal, SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization), and ISO 22000 ensuring safety, traceability, and hygiene standards. Chickpeas are a year-round staple, but demand intensifies during Ramadan and Hajj seasons when lentil- and legume-rich dishes become dietary essentials.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Chickpeas market is anticipated to add to more than USD 80 Million by 2025–30. Saudi Arabia does not cultivate chickpeas due to climate constraints, so the market entirely depends on imports, mostly from India, Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Turkey. In 2023, Saudi Arabia imported over 85,000 metric tons of chickpeas, as reported by ITC Trade Map. The Kingdom sources Kabuli chickpeas in bulk from Mexico and Australia, while Desi chickpeas largely arrive from India and Ethiopia. Import volumes fluctuate depending on price volatility in origin markets, port clearance delays, and seasonal demand during religious months. Prices of chickpeas vary significantly by type, grade, and origin. For example, Australian Kabuli chickpeas (42/44 size) ranged from SAR 3.5–4.2 per kg CIF Jeddah in early 2024, while Indian Desi chickpeas averaged SAR 2.9–3.4 per kg. The supply chain begins at Saudi ports, where bulk containers are offloaded and inspected by customs and SFDA. Imports then move through licensed food traders who distribute to retailers, processors, and hospitality buyers. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam serve as the primary distribution hubs due to their high population densities and industrial presence. In cities, distributors supply both B2B clients (like foodservice chains and food manufacturers) and B2C outlets (like hypermarkets and ethnic stores). Cold storage and warehousing facilities are concentrated near port cities, and trucks transport chickpeas across regions. Bulk buyers often sign fixed contracts for predictable pricing, but spot purchases rise during Ramadan and Umrah. Packaging companies buy loose chickpeas to rebrand and sell under local labels. Product traceability and labeling requirements are enforced at every distribution stage, and all chickpeas must be barcode-registered with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for retail sale.

Kabuli chickpeas dominate the Saudi Arabian market due to their size, lighter color, and better suitability for hummus, a staple in regional diets. Kabuli varieties are mainly imported from Mexico, Australia, Turkey, and Canada. These are typically 8–10 mm in size, and larger grades like 42/44 or 58/60 are preferred by foodservice outlets, especially for premium products. In 2023, Kabuli chickpeas accounted for over 70% of total chickpea imports, with major volumes arriving through Jeddah and Dammam ports. Mexican Kabuli chickpeas are preferred for their firmness and creamy taste, while Australian Kabuli varieties are favored for size uniformity and lower moisture content. Desi chickpeas, on the other hand, cater to specific demand pockets such as Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi communities across Riyadh, Dammam, and Mecca. Desi chickpeas arrive largely from India and Ethiopia and are smaller and darker in color with a rougher coat. They are used in traditional South Asian dishes like chana masala or ground into besan flour. In 2024, Indian Desi chickpeas (bold and medium size) sold at lower CIF rates compared to Kabuli, which made them more attractive for mass consumption. Bulk importers differentiate based on grade, with split Desi varieties commanding lower prices. Institutional buyers, like Indian restaurants and mid-range caterers, procure Desi chickpeas for volume cooking. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) mandates strict labeling and type classification, especially for imported pulses. Desi and Kabuli chickpeas must be clearly labeled with origin, moisture content, and classification details before being cleared for distribution. While Kabuli chickpeas are promoted under health-conscious snack packs and canned hummus brands, Desi chickpeas are rarely retail-branded and move mostly through wholesale channels.

Whole dried chickpeas form the core of chickpea consumption in Saudi Arabia, especially within the Kabuli variety. These are sold in bulk through wholesale dry food markets in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Major importers supply 25kg and 50kg sacks to retail outlets, HORECA chains, and food processors. Whole chickpeas are used in hummus, falafel, and traditional stews. Retail packaging for whole chickpeas is dominated by local brands like Al Alali and imported brands from Turkey and Australia. Flour or besan form, made mostly from Desi chickpeas, caters to a niche market, especially the South Asian expat population. Indian and Pakistani brands like Ashirwad, Deep, and Shan are visible in Indian grocery stores across the Eastern Province and central Riyadh. This form is used in batters, fritters, and bakery items. Besan demand spikes during Ramadan and festive seasons. Canned chickpeas have seen strong growth in urban regions where convenience and ready-to-eat demand are increasing. Saudi Food Industries, Goody, Americana, and California Garden dominate the canned chickpea shelf. Canned chickpeas are commonly used in hummus spreads and salads, especially by quick-service restaurants and meal-kit services. A large portion of these canned chickpeas is imported pre-processed from countries like Italy, Spain, and the UAE. The split chickpea or chana dal format is still a minor segment, used almost exclusively by South Asian households. This form is sold mainly through ethnic grocers or online Indian food retailers. Imported chana dal from India or the UK is usually sold in small 1kg and 2kg pouches.

The food and beverage sector accounts for the dominant share of chickpea consumption in Saudi Arabia. Chickpeas are a primary ingredient in staple foods such as hummus, falafel, and various Levantine and Mediterranean dishes commonly found across Saudi homes and restaurants. Major food processing companies like Goody, Al Watania, and Americana use chickpeas in ready-to-eat meals, frozen appetizers, and canned goods. HORECA demand is high from shawarma outlets, Lebanese cuisine restaurants, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs), where chickpeas are used in mashed, boiled, or canned forms. Bakery segments and flour-based snacks have a limited yet steady demand for chickpea flour, primarily for gluten-free products and ethnic snacks consumed by expat communities. Beyond traditional cuisine, chickpeas are now used in premium snacking products such as roasted chickpeas, which are distributed by both local startups and imported organic brands in hypermarkets like Panda, Danube, and Carrefour. The animal feed application remains negligible in Saudi Arabia, as chickpeas are not commonly used in domestic livestock feed blends. However, there is a trace level of feed-grade chickpea imports processed into mash by a few small poultry operations in rural regions, especially during global soybean or corn supply disruptions. Other applications, which include use in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and ready-to-blend powdered foods, are niche and mostly reliant on imports. Some health and nutrition companies experiment with chickpea protein powders and energy bars, but volumes are very low. Chickpeas in the other applications are typically processed abroad and reimported. In summary, over 85% of chickpeas are consumed directly in food and beverage applications. Canned chickpeas, frozen falafel patties, and hummus dips are the fastest-moving SKUs.

Chickpeas in Saudi Arabia are distributed through both B2B and B2C channels, with the B2B segment holding the larger market share due to strong demand from food processors, hotel chains, restaurants, and institutional buyers. In the B2B space, large volumes of chickpeas are sourced by food manufacturers, ready-meal producers, and catering companies. Canned and bulk chickpeas are procured through direct imports, distributor networks, and foodservice wholesalers like Al Mona, Gulf West Company, and Nadec Foods. These companies serve mid- to large-scale businesses in the HORECA sector, especially those offering traditional Saudi, Levantine, and Mediterranean cuisines. Government food procurement agencies and bulk supply tenders for school canteens, army bases, and worker camps also rely on bulk B2B chickpea contracts. On the B2C side, chickpeas are widely available in hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores under multiple private labels and international brands. Major retail outlets such as Panda, LuLu Hypermarket, Tamimi, Carrefour, and Danube stock canned chickpeas, dried whole chickpeas, and chickpea flour. Local brands like Al Alali and Goody offer canned chickpeas and snack options, while imported organic chickpeas are sold in health food sections. Online grocery platforms like Nana, Carrefour Online, and HungerStation are increasingly becoming prominent B2C sales channels for dried and canned chickpeas, particularly among health-conscious and urban consumers. Specialty stores also cater to the expat population, stocking Desi chickpeas and flour used in Indian and Pakistani dishes. E-commerce promotions and bulk purchase offers on B2C sites are common during Ramadan and festive seasons. Distribution through informal or wet markets is minimal, as most urban Saudi consumers prefer branded and packaged goods. Show more