Dried shelled legumes market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French dried legume market volume rose from 1.5 million tons in 2018 to over 1.8 million tons by 2021, primarily due to policy interventions and shifting consumer habits. The 2018 EGALIM law reformed producer contracts and pricing, strengthening farmer positions, while the 2019 reinforcement of national nutrition guidelines recommended legume consumption twice a week, boosting demand. Although volumes dipped in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced weekly consumption patterns among French households. The 2021 launch of the national 'Plan Protéines' and the EGALIM 2 law provided further direct support for plant-based protein production, contributing to market expansion.

After a sharp contraction to 1.5 million tons in 2022, the market rebounded strongly to 1.9 million tons in 2023. This recovery was aided by product innovations, including the launch of convenient ready-to-eat legume snacks and canned varieties that broadened consumer appeal. Regulatory developments, such as the 2023 EU marketing standard requiring origin labeling, also reshaped the trading environment. In 2024, the entry of a new dedicated player, Lidea, focused on legume variety selection, signaled continued investment in the sector, supported by ongoing growth in organic and canned segments under the EGALIM framework.

Production dried shelled legumes in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, France ranked as the 17th largest producer of dried shelled legumes between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 1 842 K t of dried shelled legumes, representing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 7.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 663 K t. That year also saw the largest decline of 21.1%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 19.4%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 323.7 K t of dried shelled legumes, a 4.1% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 23.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 8.7%. The lowest export volume occurred in 2018 at 258.8 K t, which also marked the largest decline of 39.1%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase of 30.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands consistently served as the three largest markets for France's dried shelled legume exports, collectively accounting for 55.0% of total export volumes.

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, M $ US

France's dried shelled legume exports in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 159.8 M $ US, reflecting a modest 8.1% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 3.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 131.0 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 20.6%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a 12.8% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France's dried shelled legume exports in value terms were relatively dispersed across markets. Belgium (28.6% of export value), Norway (9.4%), and the Netherlands (9.3%) together accounted for just 47.3% of total export value, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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 legumes to France

Imports in kind, K t

France imported 139.7 K t of dried shelled legumes in 2020, showing a 1.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 8.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 139.7 K t, which also marked the largest decline of 24.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's dried shelled legume imports in volume terms were spread across multiple suppliers. Canada (19.1% of import volume), the United Kingdom (15.2%), and the United States (9.7%) together accounted for just 44.0% of total imports, with no single country standing out as clearly dominant.

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, M $ US

After two years of decline, France's dried shelled legume imports in value terms increased in 2020. Imports totaled 142.5 M $ US, marking a 19.9% rise compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 118.9 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada (16.3% of import value), the United States (14.1%), and China (8.1%) played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of dried shelled legumes to France. Their combined share reached only 38.5% of total import value.

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

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