Rising global demand boosts pulses and pea protein markets
The global market for plant-based proteins is expanding quickly, influencing agriculture, trade, and food systems. Industry projections show the sector could reach nearly $43 billion by 2034, almost double its current value. Within this growth, pea protein stands out, projected to rise at about 20% each year and surpass $15 billion by 2034. This shift reflects a global move from livestock-based proteins to more sustainable and affordable plant sources.
“Plant-based demand is no longer a niche trend; it’s a structural transformation in how the world sources and consumes protein,” said Kurt Haarmann, President and CEO of Columbia Grain International (CGI), a leading U.S. originator and processor of grains, pulses, oilseeds, and specialty crops serving global food and feed markets. “As the market matures, quality, traceability, and logistics are replacing novelty as the competitive edge. That’s where our network and infrastructure provide real value.”
For farmers, processors, and exporters, this growing interest in pulses represents both opportunity and adjustment. Leaders in the sector note that plant-based demand is no longer limited to a small group of consumers. It is now a long-term change in how people around the world choose their protein sources. As markets evolve, buyers now look for quality, traceability, and strong transportation systems. These factors help processors connect reliable supplies of American pulses with companies that make plant-based foods.
U.S. crop forecasts also show a slow decline in total planted acres for major field crops over the next decade. Only soybeans are expected to increase slightly after the 2025–2026 crop year. This trend highlights the growing importance of pulse crops, which offer farmers more options for soil health, diversified markets, and stable demand.
Consumer buying patterns further support this shift. Reports from major food research groups show that plant-based food sales in the United States grew faster than the overall grocery sector in recent years. Global forecasts also suggest that plant-based foods could make up nearly 8% of all protein sales by 2030. These signals are encouraging more investment in pulse processing, storage, and transportation.
With established acreage, skilled growers, and strong transportation networks, the U.S. pulse industry is well-positioned to meet global needs. Companies focused on grains and pulses emphasize that reliable infrastructure will shape the next stage of growth. Through technology upgrades, new processing capacity, and long-standing farmer partnerships, the industry aims to support a more resilient and diverse protein supply chain for the future.
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