Dried shelled broad and horse beans market in France, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried shelled broad and horse beans in France experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After a sharp rise to 161.3 thousand tonnes in 2019, it contracted to 129.5 thousand tonnes in 2020 before rebounding strongly to 181.7 thousand tonnes in 2021. This growth was fueled by increasing consumer demand for plant-based protein alternatives, which elevated the value of beans for their protein and fiber content. However, in 2022, a poor harvest in France reduced availability, causing market volume to drop to 147.8 thousand tonnes. The market recovered in 2023 to 192.2 thousand tonnes, supported by improved seed quality and better yields due to sector initiatives.

The French market for these beans is characterized by local consumption patterns, with fresh beans favored in short supply chains and organic markets. For dried beans, human consumption is growing in processed forms like falafel, while animal feed remains a major use. The variety of beans available is limited by the official French catalog, which recognizes only two approved varieties, influencing production diversity.

Production dried shelled broad and horse beans in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, France ranked as the 6th largest producer of dried shelled broad and horse beans during the 2017-2020 period.

Top producers of dried shelled broad and horse beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled broad and horse beans, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 147.6 K t of dried shelled broad and horse beans, marking a significant decline of 16.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 25.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 142.5 K t. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 28.4%, while the largest increase was observed in 2019 at 24.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of dried shelled broad and horse beans in France was valued at 53 186 K $ US, representing a 17.3% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 52 614 K $ US, while the highest value occurred in 2019 at 64 312 K $ US. The largest annual increase was in 2019 at 22.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports dried shelled broad and horse beans from France

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans from France declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 43.5 K t, reflecting a moderate decrease of 6.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 57.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -24.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, Norway (60.6% of exports in kind), Italy (9.6%), and Belgium (8.9%) led the export structure, together accounting for 79.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export deliveries of dried shelled broad and horse beans from France declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 15 687 K $ US, corresponding to a limited decrease of 6.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 47.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -19.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the three largest markets—Norway, Italy, and Belgium—dominated exports in value terms, together accounting for 81.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried shelled broad and horse beans to France

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 14.7 K t and peaked in 2019 at 30.4 K t, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans into France amounted to 25.4 K t, representing a notable contraction of 16.5% compared to 2019. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 33.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 106.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, the United Kingdom remained the main market for imports in kind, with a share of 78.3% of total flows, while the remaining volume was distributed across numerous other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, France's imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 10 572 K $ US, corresponding to a gradual drop of 4.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 47.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 11 023 K $ US, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 30.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom (65.3% of imports in value terms), Italy (9.2%), and Spain (8.6%) were the key directions for imports, together accounting for 83.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020