South America Peas Market Analysis
The South America Peas Market size is estimated at USD 319.5 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 372.20 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.10% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The South American pea market exhibits strong growth and serves as a major contributor to global pea production, encompassing green peas, yellow peas, and split peas across the region. Argentina leads the production, accounting for over 34.8% of South America's dry pea cultivation. According to FAO Statistics, the country produced 59,813 metric tons in 2023, benefiting from favorable winter growing conditions that allow farmers to optimize crop rotation cycles and yield potential.
The region's exports have gained momentum, particularly in Brazil, where dry peas exports grew by 20.6% between 2021 and 2023, according to ITC Trade Map. This increase corresponds with rising global demand, particularly in the plant-based protein market where peas are essential ingredients in meat alternatives and protein supplements. Argentina, Peru, and Colombia have strengthened the value chain by becoming important processing centers, where modern extraction and processing technologies add value to raw pea products.
Research institutions and government organizations are supporting Argentina's farmers by providing improved varieties and practices to enhance pea production. IICAR-CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), with support from the Argentinian Ministry of Science, aims to implement Speed Breeding techniques in the pulse industry, including peas. This initiative could reduce crop development time by half and introduce innovative varieties by 2025.
The market faces challenges from competition with other legumes and weather-related production issues. However, infrastructure investments are playing a significant role in overcoming these hurdles. According to Peru's Business and Investment Guide in Agriculture and Agribusiness, the country’s USD 3.6 billion port development project in 2024 has significantly reduced transit time between Asia and Peru by 33%. This improvement is projected to boost pea exports by enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of trade logistics.
South America Peas Market Trends
Increased Demand for Plant Based Products
The increasing global demand for plant-based proteins drives the growth of the South American peas market. As consumers become more aware of health and environmental concerns, they are transitioning to plant-based diets, resulting in higher demand for protein-rich crops like peas. South America, with its diverse agro-climatic conditions and fertile lands, has become an important supplier in meeting this global demand.
Argentina plays a pivotal role in meeting the rising global demand for pea protein, leading the South American region in pea production and exports. According to ITC Trade, Argentina's average annual pea exports reached 65,338 metric tons between 2021 and 2023, reflecting the country's ability to produce substantial volumes supported by favorable international market conditions. These exports contribute significantly to the global supply of raw materials for pea protein production.
Meanwhile, other South American countries such as Peru and Colombia have also expanded their pea production, particularly green peas, to cater to growing demand from Europe, North America, and Asia at the forefront of the plant-based protein revolution. For instance, green pea production in Peru grew by 2.5% between 2021 and 2023, according to FAO Statistics, highlighting the region's proactive response to market needs
The plant-based protein trend has attracted investments in value-added pea derivatives, including pea protein isolates, starch, and fibers. South American companies are incorporating pea protein in food innovation to serve vegan and health-conscious consumers. For instance, Ingredion Incorporated, a global ingredient solutions provider for food, beverage, and industrial applications, introduced VITESSENCE Pea 200 D in South America in 2024 to address challenges in the nutritional beverage market.
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Argentina Dominates the Market
Argentina leads peas production, representing 34.8% of South American dry peas production in 2023. The country achieved an average annual production of 183.5 thousand metric tons between 2021 and 2023 according to FAO Statistics. This production success stems from its extensive agricultural regions, particularly the Pampas, where well-draining soils and favorable climate patterns support consistent winter crop production.
Argentina's winter pea cultivation cycle provides a distinct advantage in the regional market. While many South American countries face seasonal constraints, Argentine farmers integrate peas into their winter crop rotation systems, enabling two annual productive cycles. This counter-seasonal production allows Argentina to maintain a consistent supply to international markets, especially when other major global producers are in their off-season.
Pea consumption in Argentina continues to rise due to increased awareness of nutritional benefits and wider incorporation into food products. Despite its significant production capacity, Argentina has increased its reliance on imports to meet domestic demand. According to ITC Trade Map data, Argentina's dry pea imports grew by 90% between 2021 and 2023, reaching USD 3.4 million, with Canada and Germany serving as primary suppliers.
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South America Peas Market News
- October 2024: Ingredion Incorporated introduced VITESSENCE Pea 200 D, a pea protein isolate for food, beverage, and industrial applications in South America. The protein isolate offers enhanced dispersibility in applications requiring higher solubility to achieve smooth and creamy textures.
- March 2022: A researcher and agronomist from Argentina’s CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cristales y Tecnicas), aims to introduce speed breeding technologies to the pulse industry, which includes peas, with the aim of producing more productive crops, that is supported by Argentina’s Ministry of Science.
South America Peas Industry Segmentation
Pea crop is a grain legume that produces high protein feed for animals, as well as human nutrition. South American peas market is segmented by Geography (Argentina, Peru, and Colombia). A detailed Analysis of the Production (Volume), Consumption (Value and Volume), Imports (Value and Volume), and Exports (Value and Volume), along with Pricing and Value Chain Analysis, has been provided in the report. The report offers market size in terms of value (USD) and volume (Metric Tons) for all the above-mentioned segments.
| Country | Argentina | Production Analysis | |
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| Peru | Production Analysis | ||
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| Colombia | Production Analysis | ||
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South America Peas Market Research FAQs
How big is the South America Peas Market?
The South America Peas Market size is expected to reach USD 319.5 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.10% to reach USD 372.20 million by 2030.
What is the current South America Peas Market size?
In 2025, the South America Peas Market size is expected to reach USD 319.5 million.
What years does this South America Peas Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South America Peas Market size was estimated at USD 309.60 million. The report covers the South America Peas Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South America Peas Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South America Peas Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South America Peas market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South America Peas analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
