Lentils: oversupply dampens market sentiment
October 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Larger crops push down prices
The oversupply on the global lentil market – especially the market for green lentils – was also clearly noticeable in the third quarter of the year. This was due in no small part to significantly larger crops in major producing countries such as Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Experts at Chelmer Foods say that the increase in production is affecting the overall market dynamics and putting downward pressure on prices.
Canada is the world's largest supplier of green lentils, with production estimates for this year at 11.15 million mt. This would represent a 65% increase over 2024 and is attributable to good weather conditions, larger acreage and higher yields. Russia and Kazakhstan are also expected to harvest significantly more lentils than last year, and Turkey is reporting a 38% increase in production, according to Chelmer Foods. The oversupply is therefore likely to continue to grow and competitive pressure is increasing.
Hardly any long-term contracts
Market experts also report that demand leaves much to be desired, especially in important import markets such as India, the Middle East and North Africa. India's import duties are having a negative impact on imports, and low buying interest in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates is keeping trading activity low. Exporters are therefore struggling to conclude long-term contracts. For the time being, no rapid reduction in carry-over stocks is expected, which means that prices are receiving little support and are likely to remain low for the time being. Top-quality green lentils continue to fetch higher prices, but even high-quality goods are feeling the pressure on prices. Quality generally determines prices, and there is still some concern in Russia that the weather could lead to quality losses. Overall, market players are currently not very optimistic.
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