Dried shelled legumes market in Northern Europe, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled legumes in Northern Europe showed consistent growth from 2018 to 2022, expanding in volume from 2 743 thousand tons to 4 349 thousand tons. The most significant increase occurred in 2022, when market volume rose by 16% following a stabilization in 2021. In value terms, growth was even more pronounced, from $1 173 million to $2 274 million over the same period, reflecting higher prices or a shift toward more premium products.

In 2023, market volume contracted to 3 992 thousand tons, although in certain countries such as Denmark, sales of dried legumes surged by 31% in value, driven by rising demand for organic and health-conscious food options. At the same time, the expansion of producers, like the Danish company Pure Dansk, which doubled its sales in the first half of 2024, points to increasing consolidation and investment in the sector. New dehydration technologies and official consumption guidelines, such as those in Finland recommending 50–100 grams per day for adults, are also influencing market trends.

By 2024, focus on sustainability and local production intensified, with Icelandic investment company SKEL actively influencing retail distribution through potential mergers. These structural changes, alongside global trade fluctuations, contribute to the market's evolution.

Production dried shelled legumes in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

Northern Europe's production of dried shelled legumes has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 017 thousand tons, marking a significant 10.5% rise from 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production actually fell by 21.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.6%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 3 144 thousand tons. That year also saw the steepest drop, with a 38.2% decrease. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest growth, with production jumping by 15.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern Europe's production of dried shelled legumes has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 558 million US dollars, showing a strong 10.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value decreased by 7.8%, averaging a 2.7% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, at 1 097 million US dollars, which also saw the biggest drop of 35.1%. On the upside, 2019 had the largest increase, with a 28.1% rise in value.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports dried shelled legumes from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Europe exported 864.9 thousand tons of dried shelled legumes, reflecting a strong 15.0% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 9.2%, averaging a 3.0% annual growth rate. The lowest export volume was in 2019, at 751.8 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.7%. The peak was in 2018, with 947.8 thousand tons exported, marking the biggest increase of 19.6% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, Norway, and France remained the top buyers of dried shelled legumes from Northern Europe. Egypt accounted for 32.4% of exports in volume, Norway for 14.1%, and France for 8.0%. Together, these three countries made up 54.5% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, dried shelled legumes exports from Northern Europe totaled 335.4 million US dollars, representing a strong 15.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 27.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 12.1% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 25.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt, Norway, and Germany were the leading destinations for dried shelled legumes exports from Northern Europe in value terms. Egypt held a 30.2% share, Norway 12.7%, and Germany 7.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 50.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Europe imported 592.2 thousand tons of dried shelled legumes, a 19.6% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 39.8%, averaging an 11.8% annual increase. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 9.5% drop, while the biggest rise was in 2018, with a 29.1% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Europe sourced dried shelled legumes from numerous countries. Even the top suppliers—Canada, France, and Russia—together represented only 36.8% of total imports in volume, indicating a diversified import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Europe's imports of dried shelled legumes reached 431.8 million US dollars, up by 16.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a 9.0% decrease.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of dried shelled legumes to Northern Europe in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Canada accounted for 23.9% of imports, France for 8.7%, and Russia for 5.0%. Together, these three countries made up just 37.6% of total import flows, highlighting the spread of sourcing.

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

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