Market Forecast By Product Type (Desi Chickpeas, Kabuli Chickpeas), By Form (Dried Chickpeas, Fresh/Green Chickpeas, Frozen Chickpeas, Preserved/Canned Chickpeas, Chickpea Flour), By Application (Chickpeas for Direct Consumption, Chickpeas for Salads, Chickpea Snacks, Chickpeas for Hummus and Tahini, Chickpeas for Sweets and Desserts, Chickpeas for Other Applications) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC176887 | Publication Date: Jan 2022 | Updated Date: Aug 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 70 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 5 | |
Report Name | South Africa Chickpeas Market |
Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 7.2% |
Growing Sector | Food and Beverage |
The South Africa Chickpeas Market Report thoroughly covers the market by Product Type, by Form, and by Application. The South Africa Chickpeas Market Outlook report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing South Africa Chickpeas Market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers. This would help stakeholders devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The South Africa Chickpeas Market is witnessing significant growth which is driven by the increasing demand for nutritious and plant-based foods across the country. This market leans on chickpeas, a crop bursting with protein and dietary fiber, which are essentials for a balanced diet. With advancements in agricultural technology and better farming methods, the demand for all forms of chickpeas – fresh/green, dried, frozen, and preserved - has surged. This growth is further fuelled by the rising trend of health-conscious eating, and growing applications of chickpeas in various recipes, from salads to snacks, desserts, and the popular dip hummus. The market trends reveal a promising future, with industry players continuing to innovate and diversify the uses of chickpeas to meet the evolving needs of South Africa's health-focused consumers.
According to 6Wresearch, The South Africa Chickpeas Market size is projected to rise at a CAGR of 7.2% during 2025-2031. The increasing demand for healthy and protein-rich food options across various sectors is driving the South Africa chickpeas market. They are key components in several dietary plans, ensuring a balanced and healthy intake. Furthermore, the use of chickpeas in the commercial sector, especially by hotels, restaurants, and cafes contributes significantly to the market. Their use in domestic kitchens, catering services, and fast-food chains is also witnessing a boost.
These factors collectively accelerate market growth, indicating high potential for providers in this essential food sector. However, there are also some challenges faced by the South Africa Chickpeas industry, such as the dependence on seasonal crop yields, which can fluctuate due to weather conditions and disease. Additionally, competition from global markets and the rising costs of farming can pose challenges for domestic producers. These factors collectively create an uncertain market environment, necessitating strategic planning for steady growth. Furthermore, the lack of robust infrastructure for storage and transportation exacerbates post-harvest losses, further straining the profitability of chickpea farming.
The South African chickpeas market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, with key players driving innovation and growth. Companies such as AGT Foods Africa, Global Pulse Confederation, and Tradecorp International have been at the forefront, leveraging advanced agricultural practices and sustainable farming techniques to meet increasing demand. These industry leaders are not only enhancing production efficiency but also expanding export opportunities, positioning South Africa as a significant player in the global pulse market. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and market expansion continues to shape the future of chickpeas in the region, offering promising prospects for both local and international markets.
In recent years, South Africa has seen a significant surge in government initiatives aimed at bolstering the chickpeas market, reflecting a strategic move to diversify the agricultural sector and enhance food security. These initiatives include substantial funding for research and development, aimed at improving chickpea yields and resilience to climate change. Furthermore, the government has launched educational programs to equip farmers with advanced techniques and sustainable farming practices. By facilitating access to high-quality seeds and modern farming equipment, these initiatives are not only empowering local farmers but also positioning South Africa as a burgeoning player in the global chickpeas market. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the government's proactive stance is set to transform the agricultural landscape, fostering economic growth, and ensuring a stable supply of this nutrient-rich legume for future generations.
The South Africa chickpeas industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Key drivers include advancements in agricultural technology, an increasing demand for health-focused food options, and the rising popularity of chickpeas in various meal applications. The market is witnessing a shift towards varieties such as Desi and Kabuli chickpeas because of their unique taste and nutritional benefits. With the government's push towards sustainable farming and healthy eating, the industry is expected to see a surge in investment. Furthermore, the rising awareness about the nutritional benefits of chickpeas among South Africans is fuelling the demand for chickpeas, promising a robust future for the market. This growth presents a lucrative opportunity for stakeholders and investors looking to tap into the South African market.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, the Kabuli Chickpeas segment is the dominant segment in the industry due to its larger size, lighter colour, and higher demand for it in international markets for products such as hummus. However, the segment that will grow in the coming years is the desi chickpeas segment which is due to the rising popularity of plant-based diets and increasing awareness about the nutritional benefits of desi chickpeas.
Based on Form, the dried chickpeas segment is the dominant segment in the industry due to their long shelf life and versatility in cooking. However, the segment that will grow in the coming years is the preserved/canned chickpeas segment which is due to the rising popularity of fresh and frozen foods, as well as increased demand for packaged and convenience foods.
In terms of application, the Chickpeas for Direct Consumption segment is the dominant segment and will continue to grow in the coming years due to the increasing awareness for health and nutrition among the South African population which makes chickpeas increasingly popular as a direct food source.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 South Africa Chickpeas Market Overview |
3.1 South Africa Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 South Africa Chickpeas Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 South Africa Chickpeas Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Form, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
4 South Africa Chickpeas Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.2.1 Increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of chickpeas |
4.2.2 Growing demand for plant-based protein sources |
4.2.3 Expansion of the food processing industry in South Africa |
4.3 Market Restraints |
4.3.1 Fluctuating prices of chickpeas due to global market trends |
4.3.2 Weather-related challenges affecting chickpeas cultivation |
4.3.3 Competition from other protein sources in the market |
5 South Africa Chickpeas Market Trends |
6 South Africa Chickpeas Market, By Types |
6.1 South Africa Chickpeas Market, By Product Type |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Desi Chickpeas, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Kabuli Chickpeas, 2021-2031F |
6.2 South Africa Chickpeas Market, By Form |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Dried Chickpeas, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Fresh/Green Chickpeas, 2021-2031F |
6.2.4 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Frozen Chickpeas, 2021-2031F |
6.2.5 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Preserved/Canned Chickpeas, 2021-2031F |
6.2.6 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpea Flour, 2021-2031F |
6.3 South Africa Chickpeas Market, By Application |
6.3.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.3.2 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpeas for Direct Consumption, 2021-2031F |
6.3.3 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpeas for Salads, 2021-2031F |
6.3.4 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpea Snacks, 2021-2031F |
6.3.5 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpeas for Hummus and Tahini, 2021-2031F |
6.3.6 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpeas for Sweets and Desserts, 2021-2031F |
6.3.7 South Africa Chickpeas Market Revenues & Volume, By Chickpeas for Other Applications, 2021-2031F |
7 South Africa Chickpeas Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |