Flour or powder of dried legumes market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for flour and powder of dried legumes in the SADC region experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 33 914 t in 2018, consumption declined to 31 168 t in 2019 and stabilized around 30 852 t in 2020. A recovery followed, with market size reaching 34 757 t in 2022, before contracting again to 33 007 t in 2023.

In 2023, the Competition Commission initiated a market inquiry into essential food products, including flour and legumes, to address price volatility and unjustified increases. Concurrently, consumer trends showed growing demand for plant-based and legume-based protein alternatives, driving product innovation such as gluten-free flours. By 2024, regulatory updates introduced new grading and labeling requirements for leguminous seeds, while economic pressures reinforced home cooking and preference for budget-friendly protein sources like dried legumes.

The market also saw continued influence from major food companies and expansion of digital sales platforms. Global supply chain disruptions and commodity price fluctuations added cost pressures, even as new product segments like plant-based ready meals emerged to meet shifting consumer preferences towards convenient, plant-forward options.

Production flour or powder of dried legumes in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2017-2020

SADC's production of flour or powder from dried legumes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 30,177 tonnes, marking a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 33,413 tonnes, which represented a 1.8% increase from 2017. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with an 8.2% decrease.

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

Exports flour or powder of dried legumes from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 36 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 101 tonnes, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.8 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of flour or powder from dried legumes from SADC amounted to 99 tonnes, a significant 174.2% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 64.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Special Categories accounted for the main share of SADC's exports in kind of flour or powder from dried legumes, representing 1.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Exports reached their peak in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC's exports of flour or powder from dried legumes amounted to 137,000 US dollars, down by 71.4% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 9.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Special Categories, the United Kingdom, and Oman—collectively absorbed 16.5% of SADC's total exports in value terms for flour or powder from dried legumes.

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

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

Imports flour or powder of dried legumes to SADC

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, SADC's imports of flour or powder from dried legumes increased. In 2020, the region imported 774 tonnes, which is 48.0% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 523 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 31.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (69.9% of imports in kind), Ethiopia (3.4%), and the United Arab Emirates (3.2%) were the leading sources in SADC's import structure for flour or powder from dried legumes, together accounting for 76.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

SADC's imports of flour or powder from dried legumes in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 965,000 US dollars, a 34.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 682,000 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 31.8% drop.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, the import structure in value terms was dominated by India, which accounted for 71.5% of total flows, alongside numerous minor partners.

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

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