The GPC’s Ask The Experts Northern Europe panel featured Moderator/Analyst Randy Duckworth of the GPC and Panelists Alex Cherki of CIACAM and Cor Hage of AGT Foods Europe.
Alex Cherki gave an analysis of the French market, mentioning first of all that the French government is encouraging French pulses production as part of an incentive to increase the plant protein industry. He touched on lentils, noting that green lentils are the most popular type and that the 2021 crop was poor due to weather conditions and a reduced planting area. He noted that bean production is very small but has been increasing year on year for the past decade and that chickpeas have also seen a considerable increase in market share since 2010. He mentioned fava beans, noting that production has dropped in the past decade due to decreases in quality and finally mentioned that France has a small but good-quality production of yellow and green peas, which are for splitting. Cherki also noted that the consumption of organic pulses in France is growing 10% year on year, particularly red split lentils.
Cor Hage went on to discuss the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, indicating that pulse production has dropped in the past years due to pricing and the production is basically limited to Dutch brown beans. They therefore rely on imports from both within and outside the EU. He noted that most field peas imported into Holland are used for feed and imports have been increasing, as have chickpea imports. He reiterated that faba bean production has been affected by the reduction of pesticide use, limiting their use for human consumption. He mentioned that Germany is a much bigger consumer of lentils and chickpeas than Belgium and Holland, most likely due to the higher population. Regarding beans, he indicated that dark red kidney beans imports have been growing over the years, while navies have been decreasing.
Hage emphasised that the EU is a single market and consumption can be diffused despite there being 28 countries for import. Likewise, the retail industry is not only on a national level but operating on an EU wide market. He also mentioned the EU Green deal and its focus on more local, sustainable and organic crops, which will create both challenges and opportunities. In terms of market trends, he pointed out the protein transition from animal to plant as well as the increased demand for Kabuli chickpeas to produce hummus. Giving an outlook for 2030, he predicted a steady annual increase in production and consumption (mainly in chickpeas, lentils and faba beans), a potential decline in imports due to the focus on promoting more domestic production and a shift away from dairy and meat consumption towards more plant protein sources.
During the Q&A section, Cherki pointed out that the new crop in France is facing two problems: lack of pea and lentil seeds due to low production numbers this year and price competition from corn, soy and sunflowers. Cor commented that regarding import demand in the second half of 2021/22, retailers are hesitant to make purchases as they have to make a decision about how to make up for the increased prices. Hage also commented on the new EU glyphosate regulations, asserting that it will eventually be banned in Europe, although the process will be gradual. Cherki also mentioned CIACAM’s new venture Vegedry and the role pulse flours will play in the future of the industry with Hage adding that pulse flours are becoming increasingly popular across the European market.
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.
