Dried shelled lentils market in Peru

Earlier Report Observations

The Peruvian dried shelled lentil market volume grew from 50 thousand tons in 2018 to 84 thousand tons in 2020, driven by strong consumer demand influenced by the nutritional value and cultural consumption habits of lentils, which spurred higher imports. Government initiatives like the 'Menestrea Perú' program aimed to boost domestic production, but the market remained largely import-dependent.

After the 2020 peak, market volume contracted to 57.8 thousand tons in 2021 and 51.7 thousand tons in 2022. A recovery to 64 thousand tons occurred in 2023, coinciding with a reported 66.2% increase in legume imports during the first five months of that year, indicating renewed import-driven growth. The market continued to rely heavily on North American suppliers, particularly Canada.

By 2024, local companies such as Sanúa began innovating with lentil-based protein foods and snacks, diversifying the domestic product offering while the import structure remained concentrated among a few key firms.

Production dried shelled lentils in Peru

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Peru ranked 25th globally in the production of dried shelled lentils.

Top producers of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, Peru's production of dried shelled lentils declined. In 2020, the country produced 2 555 tons, marking an 11.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 872 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Peru in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dried shelled lentils from Peru

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 822-fold difference between the low of 0.1 tons in 2018 and the high of 97 tons in 2020. In 2020, Peru's exports reached 97 tons, representing a dramatic improvement of 19 192.4% compared to the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 21.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bolivia and Chile dominated Peru's exports in kind, accounting together for 98.6% of total flows, while other destinations made smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Peru's exported volumes of dried shelled lentils increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 113 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 6 263.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 45 570.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 670.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and Bolivia remained the key destinations for Peru's exports in value terms, jointly taking 96.6% of total flows, with other partners being much less significant individually.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to Peru

Imports in kind, t

Peru's import volume of dried shelled lentils increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 81 579 tons, constituting a dramatic uptick of 46.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 46.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.6%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 47 335 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 14.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Canada and the United States played the key roles in Peru's imports in kind of dried shelled lentils, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import levels fluctuated, with a 2-fold difference between the low of 29 259 thousand US dollars in 2019 and the high of 50 093 thousand US dollars in 2020. In 2020, Peru imported 50 093 thousand US dollars worth of dried shelled lentils, marking an intense advance of 71.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 42.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the dominance of Canada and the United States in Peru's imports in value terms was evident, with a combined share of 100.0% of total flows.

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

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