The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the world a new outlook, especially on how consumers pick their food. Dry beans are one of the many agricultural products forecasted to increase, having a CAGR of 4.3% for the forecast year 2021-2026 due to their long shelf life. Consumers redirect their meal plans to a healthier lifestyle, improving their immune system. Dry beans are regarded as an alternative to protein and provide other nutrients, which led to the increase of product demand across the globe.
Fava Beans Market
The global production of fava bean is forecasted to decline by the end of 2021 at 5,332,875 tons, compared to 5,546,028 last year.
Australia
At 40% of total global export volume, Australia tops the biggest producer of fava beans after China sled down the list. Their export volume exceeds what is estimated. The high demand for exports allows the country to increase the prices of fava beans compared to Canadian farmers. Besides being the top exporter of fava beans in the market, Australia also tops its internal consumption.
China
China was once the biggest producer of fava beans in the market, but due to its concentration in boosting its other products, the country slides down the list. In 2020, China had exported 176 tons of protein concentrates and texture protein substitutes, including soybeans alone. Its total global export reached 600 tons.
Egypt
Oppositely, Egypt tops the biggest importer of fava beans worldwide, accounting for 70% of the total volume. The other importers that top the lists are Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Norway, Canada, Italy, Spain, and France. With only a few exporters, solid relationships of business owners and buyers with geographical proximity challenge the market’s sustainability. Egypt’s consumption of fava beans generally reaches 550-600 tons, with imports of 200 and 300 tons from Europe and Australia, respectively. The country further reserves more tons of fava beans for the feed industry, more so that beans are the only substitute for yellow peas.
Canada
The market competition of fava beans in Canada is tricky and challenging, leading to most produce used as feed and ending up in feed markets. This further causes a decrease in prices compared to its competitors. Although the product competition is tight, Canada guarantees a non-GMO product, which consumers prefer, and is now being tested in the fractionation market. This could lead to an increase in production for the country; unfortunately, due to the dry conditions all over the country, the production might not be at par with the forecasted volume.
Europe
UK production is a challenge this year due to the dry and cold weather. The country had produced around 650-700 tons this year, which is expected to increase compared to last years’ produce. The increase in demand is from the feed market, as producers are recommended to feed their milk-producing animals to beans instead of the usual soy-related products. France’s consumption of fava beans also accounts for animal utilization. Although France’s production is impressive with hectares increasing, the total volume does not meet the expected numbers due to the damages made by insects yearly. The volume for human consumption is limited, leading to a decrease in export volumes.
Black Matpe and Pigeon Peas Market
The production of black matpe and pigeon peas is decreasing globally, with the former’s global supply of 2.5M as opposed to its global consumption at 2.58M. The latter’s global supply volume is at 3.7M against its global consumption of 4.18M. Consumers more often opt for short-term crops like corn, carrots, oats, and other healthier alternatives; therefore, pigeon peas’ carry-over is reducing over time. Even black matpe’s carry-over is less and scarcity of the product may arise anytime soon.
Myanmar and India
Myanmar is the largest exporter and second-largest producer of black matpe beans. However, due to the political coup in the country, the production of matpe beans is decreasing. Furthermore, there has been wide crop damage attributed to the heavy rainfall in the previous year that led to lesser carryover stock. The beans market grows around September and December; hence, stock availability will only occur by January. Prices are forecasted to rise due to an increase in freight, claimed to be 5-6 times higher than the standard rate. Additionally, shipping lines are not releasing their container in countries with political unrest.
The import of black matpe beans in India has been disrupted by Myanmar’s political dispute, leading to a rise in prices for the past few months. India imports around 84% of black matpe beans from Myanmar, but the forecast import of 400,000 tons might not be achieved.
Middle East
The Middles East is a growing market for black matpe beans, especially that the consumption rate is increasing yearly. The beans are popular in any Middle Eastern cuisine, and new products like ready-to-cook batter are now available in supermarkets, which is an easier option for consumers to take.
Green Mung Beans Global Market
In 2020, the top exporter of green mung beans is Morocco, with an export value of USD220M, while the top importer that reached USD198M in value was the United States. This year, India tops the list of largest producers of mung beans. The demand for the product keeps increasing and is expected to grow at 4% yearly until 2026. The import process from India has also liberalized, causing a more relaxed process recently. However, due to the Covid-19 lockdown in the country, most stocks are with the farmers.
Argentina is also increasing its forecast from its average export of 60,000 tons to 70,000 tons by the end of this year. Its export countries include Vietnam, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, and other 40 countries. The country has applied for a Chinese certificate to be able to sell the produce in mainland China, which is now under process.
In Brazil, 35,000 tons of pulses were already exported, of which 62% were mung beans. The forecast is increasing as the country has huge domestic market demand. However, like any other country, the weather in Brazil is not favorable to the demands; hence, some farmers shift their crops to yellow peas. Due to the weather conditions, shipping procedures, and Covid-19 factors, the country’s production by the end of 2021 is expected at 47,000 MT, with its last harvest in December.
