Fermentation is often associated with tradition, not transformation. Yet new scientific work suggests this ancient process may become one of the most precise tools for reshaping how pulses perform — nutritionally, functionally and, ultimately, commercially. Is innovation in pulses shifting from trend-led storytelling to science-backed changes that can be measured, repeated and scaled?

Fiber is no longer just a nutritionist’s talking point: it has quickly become a commercial asset. As health agencies and research institutions elevate the role of dietary fiber in chronic-disease prevention, the nutrient is shaping product development, ingredient sourcing, and the way pulses are positioned in the marketplace. For traders and marketing specialists alike, fiber is emerging as a trait that can reshape buyer expectations — and expand the value story of pulses across food categories.

University of California-Davis scientist and co-founder of chickpea-focused biotech company NuCicer, Doug Cook, works on developing genetic and genomic resources that target real world problems. His advances in wild chickpea diversity, climate-resilient breeding, and improved nitrogen fixation can support micronutrient security, address hidden hunger — and reshape margins, risk management, and long-term value, positioning chickpea for an expansion across the globe.

The campaign “Bang in Some Beans,” launched today, is a clear signal that demand can be reframed, offering clues on how to shift consumer habits in high-income markets where pulses have long sat on the margins — and a model that could influence trade, processing, and long-term consumption well beyond their borders.

More than half of humanity lives in the region that now holds the power to reshape how — and what — the planet eats. The latest research positions Asia-Pacific not as a follower of global trends but as the hot spot defining what comes next for food systems transformation, linking public health, climate resilience, and cultural innovation like never before.

The ingredients sector is no longer a side note to the pulses trade. It’s becoming a cornerstone of the plant-based and clean-label movement. With demand accelerating across regions and applications, the opportunity is vast — but the future will reward those who can combine scale with credibility: security, quality, functionality, and certified transparency.

Event Director Audrey Ashworth speaks about SIAL’s global role in shaping food innovation, the rise of plant-based and pulse ingredients, and what to expect from the 2026 edition in Paris.

At Pulses 25, we honored the trailblazers shaping a stronger, dynamic future for the industry. This year’s awards spotlighted organizations and associations whose commitment to progress is transforming the way we grow, process, and consume pulses.

For the third year in a row, the apex body for the global pulses trade will award companies or organizations it feels has excelled in the areas of innovation and sustainability.

We sat down to chat with the team from COROOS, one of the Netherlands’ most important pulse producers and processors. We discuss their innovation in pulse pastes, collaboration with aquafaba aficionados Fabumin, and why neither side wins in a USA/EU trade war.

Learn more about how to nominate a company. Final Nomination Submittal Date: January 16, 2025.

Fabumin and Ebro Ingredients were the respective recipients of the GPC’s Sustainability Leadership and Innovation Awards, which were given for the second year at Pulses 24 in New Delhi on February 16.

From AI and blockchain to machine learning… Deepak Pareek is an authority on all things AgTech. Ahead of his speech at Pulses 24, he chats to Michelle Dennis on India’s digital revolution.

Cyril Gallien of European grain and seed specialist RAGT gives an overview of the French pulses market and explains how seed tech will change how we eat in the future.

We chat to Stephanie Robalino, founder of Superlupes, a company on a mission to make lupin beans the next it food in the healthy snacking world.

Learn more about how to nominate a company. Winners will be announced at Pulses 24. Final Nomination Submittal Date: January 3, 2024.

At the recent Pulses 23 convention held in Sydney, Australia, the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) announced the winners of its inaugural awards the Golden Chickpea Innovation Award and Green Pea Sustainability Leadership Award.

Sonalie Figueiras runs Green Queen, an online news site in the sustainable food space. She chats to Lara Gilmour about pulses’ branding issue and the untapped potential in India.

Bronwen Evans looks at the rise of young people choosing plant-based alternatives in Africa and speaks to Donovan Will at ProVeg South Africa about the accessibility of plant-based products.

Luke Wilkinson speaks to pioneering biotech start-up Plantae Bioscience about the tech triumvirate set to revolutionize yellow pea genetics and the challenges and opportunities of gene editing.

Sonia Sharma talks to Julianne Curran about her entry in the sector, the impact of climate change on pulse production and the future of the sector.

Sonia Sharma talks to Amelia Ekus about ISS Guckenheimer’s involvement in Beans is How, the importance of connecting farmers with consumers and the future of pulse consumption.

The SDG2 Advocacy Hub launched the Beans is How Coalition at COP27, an ambitious campaign aiming to double global bean consumption by 2028. Willow Shah-Neville speaks to members of the coalition about how they plan to achieve their goals.

Innovation was everywhere at SIAL 2022! Check out our pick of some of the coolest and most delicious new pulse-based products we discovered at the event.

To address growing food insecurity, improvement of farming systems is necessary. Madaline Dunn investigates the different models being explored and finds out why farmers must have a seat at the table.

Bronwen Evans speaks to Jasmine Byrnes, VP of women-owned Big Mountain Foods 2 Ltd and female members of the Canadian government about recent investment into the new Soy-Free Fava Bean Tofu.

Kirsten Provan spoke to Steven Webb of the Global Institute for Food Security about why the current challenges call for better innovation, communication and an increased focus on food security.

Food systems transformation is vital in a world faced with a growing population and food insecurity. Food tech innovation is a key component of feeding the future but it's just one piece of the puzzle.

The GPCYP is launching its inaugural Internship Program in September 2022, designed to educate young industry newcomers on pulses for a sustainable planet.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all at Pulses 22 in under 10 days and are excited to share with you the official convention program. Packed full of panels featuring some of the biggest industry players and plenty of opportunities to network and catch up, Pulses 22 marks a wonderful return to in-person events.

February 10, 2022 marked the 4th annual World Pulses Day and the UN FAO held a 2-hour webinar in which both key industry players from worldwide organizations and young influencers bringing about positive change at a global level were invited to speak.

GPC members reflect on Gordon’s legacy of leadership and wish him well as he moves on.

MSU’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research is leading a study to map out value chains for key legumes in West and Southern Africa.

Last week event organizers created a virtual space for leading experts to share the latest developments in this growing sector

The global pulse industry mourns the sudden passing of former GPC President and Hakan Agro founder and chairman Hakan Bahceci.

By Laurette Dubé, Bob Chapman, Jian Yun Nie & Shawn T. Brown

Claire Sand, Gordon Bacon, and Laurette Dubé

By Cindy Benjamin

By Laurette Dubé and Gordon Bacon

Kathy La Macchia, General Manager at the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council on the pulse snack revolution, ‘powerhouse’ lupins, and why Aussie institutions should make room for pulses.

Kathy La Macchia, General Manager at the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council speaks to Sonia Sharma about the Australian pulses market, objectives of the Council and innovation within the industry.

Sonia Sharma speaks to Farhan about his success breaking into new markets, the enduring trade relationship between India and Canada, and why Canada dominates in lentils.

In the lead up to his panelist role in Cancun, Alejandro Leloir chatted with Luke Wilkinson about the US pulse harvest and the strong commercial relationship between the US and Latin America.

Pulse Canada is a national association that represents the growers, processors, and exporters of peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans. Ahead of the upcoming Pulses 22 convention, Kirsten Provan spoke to Greg Cherewyk, President of Pulse Canada, about the 25 by 25 strategy, the current demand for Canadian grown pulses, and opportunities for growth in the industry.

Based in Switzerland, Bühler Group is a family-owned world leader in a huge variety of technologies that influence multiple aspects of everyday life. Within their vast food division, they’re concentrating on plant-based protein ingredients derived, in large part, from pulses. Kira Nash spoke with Alexandra Londoño of Bühler Group about the company’s partnerships, innovations, and excitement about a plant-based future.

Kira Nash spoke with Rebecca Bratter from the US Dry Bean Council about the Council’s recent challenges and triumphs and about the past, present, and future of the dry bean industry.

Kira Nash caught up with Mattia to discuss the situation of the pulse market in Italy.

This week, Madaline Dunn talked to Mark Schilling, inter-generational family farmer, partner, and fund manager at AG Schilling & Co to discuss Australian farming, keeping connected to the land and why balance is key.

Kira Nash spoke to Mike Anderson of Anderson Northwest in Washington state, USA, about company philosophy, the changing landscape of the North American market and the opportunities on the horizon in the post-Covid future.

This week, Madaline Dunn talked to Dr Maria Saarela, Research Director in Food Sciences at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), to learn more about Adelaide's new plant-based food incubator laboratory, the exciting research ahead and the challenges of working with pulses.

We chatted to Sudhakar Tomar about the India Middle East Agro Trade Industry & Investment Forum (IMEA-TIIF), of which he is President, and his outlook for the future of pulses.

With a hundred years of history and tradition behind it, the company looks beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to the future of Spain’s pulse industry.

The global head of Bühler’s pulses and local grains business segment talks about the innovation taking place around pulses and why it is vital to everyone’s future.

The company’s vice president for pea and new proteins talks pulses in the age of plant-based foods.

Over the next four years, Canada will invest $153 million in plant protein R&D.