or players operating or considering entry into the pulse flours space, understanding segmentation is critical. According to the MRFR report, the global pulse flours market is broken down by form, application, channel and region.
By Form (Source Legume)
Forms include Bean, Chickpea, Lentil, Pea. The report notes the Chickpea segment held a majority share in 2022.
Each source has different nutritional and functional profiles: for instance, chickpea flour is high in protein/fibre; pea flour sees more usage in plant-based meat substitutes.
By Application
Applications covered: Bakery products, Savoury products, Meat products, Beverages. The bakery segment dominated in 2022 according to MRFR.
This makes sense: bakery and snacks represent high-volume, broad market opportunity; however meat-alt and beverages are faster emerging.
By Distribution Channel
Channels: Store-Based (supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty stores) and Non-Store Based (online, direct-to-consumer). The MRFR report highlights that store-based held majority share in 2022.
But non-store sales are growing rapidly as niche, premium and health-ingredient purchasers turn to online.
Strategic Take-aways
If you are targeting mass-market, high-volume play: focus on chickpea, bean, bakery applications, store-based channels.
If you are targeting premium / health / plant-based niche: focus on pea/lentil, meat-alt or beverage applications, online or specialty channels.
Understanding which segment has highest growth will help prioritise R&D, ingredient sourcing and marketing efforts.
Conclusion
Segmentation gives clarity to the market: where the growth pockets are, where margins may lie, and where investment should go. With large forecast growth (~11.3% CAGR) the category is expanding, but not all segments grow equally. Smart brands and suppliers will target the right segment for their capabilities and goals.
