Introduction – United States’s Lentils Market by the Numbers
The United States has been steadily climbing the global ladder in lentil production and exports, making it a significant player in the pulse trade. In 2023, U.S. lentil exports were valued at $271 million, ranking 4th globally. Fast forward to 2025, the U.S. is expected to produce 425,000 metric tons, thanks to a record-breaking 1.1 million acres of lentils planted, primarily in Montana.
Montana alone planted 830,000 acres, a sharp increase from 2024, highlighting the region’s dominance in the sector. With global lentil consumption on the rise, and export destinations like Canada, India, and Mexico demanding more, the U.S. is well-positioned to be a consistent supplier.
Taking a data-driven approach to supplier selection is more important than ever. Using platforms like Freshdi allows buyers to verify verified suppliers, analyze RFQ trends, and make informed decisions based on supplier performance.
United States Lentil Production and Export Insights
Lentil Production Growth (2023–2025)
In 2023, the U.S. produced around 5.7 million pounds of lentils. That number is dwarfed by 2025’s estimated 425,000 metric tons — over 937 million pounds — demonstrating an exponential increase in output, driven by expanded cultivation and improved yield efficiencies.
Top Lentil-Producing States in 2023:
– Montana: 4.1 million pounds
– North Dakota: 1.1 million pounds
– Washington: 396,000 pounds
– Idaho: 185,000 pounds
Montana leads the pack, and in 2025, it’s responsible for over 75% of national planting.
Export Performance: Volumes and Value
In 2024, U.S. lentil exports grew by 12%, reaching 297,000 metric tons in volume. Export value remained strong at $271 million in 2023, with the main buyers being:
– Canada – $98 million
– Colombia – $27.7 million
– Spain – $27.1 million
– Mexico – $21.3 million
– Peru – $17 million
These destinations reflect both proximity and trade partnerships that the U.S. lentil industry has nurtured over the years.
Global Market Position
While Canada dominates North America’s lentil export market with an 87% share, the U.S. holds a solid 13%, making it the second-largest exporter in the region and a vital contributor to global supply chains.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
U.S. Lentil Acreage Trends
The 2025 lentil planting area in the U.S. hit a record 1.1 million acres, a jump of 18% from 2024. This expansion is largely driven by:
– Profitability compared to dry peas
– Higher global demand
– Export incentives and trade routes
Montana alone accounts for 830,000 acres, underscoring its role as the heartbeat of U.S. lentil production.
Export Hotspots and Trends
According to the latest data:
– Canada remains the top destination, accounting for 67% of U.S. lentil exports by volume.
– India and Mexico are rapidly growing markets due to dietary preferences and protein trends.
– Colombia and Peru are emerging as high-potential buyers.
Demand Signals and RFQ Trends
Requests for quotes (RFQs) on Freshdi show a spike in demand for red and green lentils from buyers in Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. These RFQs reflect:
– Seasonal purchase cycles
– Emergency food aid demand
– Private-label and bulk food processing needs
Top 9 Verified Lentils Suppliers in United States – Leading Exporters by Volume
Here are the top 9 lentil suppliers in the U.S. for 2025, based on export volume, certifications, global reach, and verified buyer feedback on Freshdi:
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Kore20 LLC – Known for premium whole red lentils. Offers bulk packaging and consistent export fulfillment.
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BOBBY ADAMS GENERAL TRADE LLC – High-quality red lentils for food service and industry use; HACCP-certified and ISO-compliant.
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Agriculture Parts Pro Inc – Focused on large-scale exports to Latin America and Europe; praised for traceability and logistics.
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Green Valley Pulses Inc – A consistent exporter of green lentils, with USDA Organic and GlobalG.A.P. certifications.
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North Pulse Traders – Montana-based supplier specializing in large green lentils and custom packaging.
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Great Grains Group USA – Offers a broad portfolio of pulses, including red, green, and black lentils for both retail and industrial clients.
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Midwest Harvest Co. – Known for timely exports and excellent quality control, especially in drought years.
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Sunbelt Exporters LLC – Supplies both conventional and organic lentils, with strong ties to Middle Eastern markets.
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Western Agri Foods – A vertically integrated supplier with farms and processing facilities in Idaho and Washington.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Platforms like Freshdi update supplier rankings monthly or quarterly based on export performance, RFQ response time, and buyer satisfaction. Always check for the latest “Top 10 Suppliers of the Month” list when sourcing.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Demand by Lentil Variant
Red and green lentils continue to dominate demand:
– Red lentils are favored in India, Middle East, and Latin America for their quick cooking and affordability.
– Green lentils are popular in Europe and North America for their firmer texture and culinary versatility.
Black and specialty lentils are niche but gaining traction among gourmet food buyers and health-conscious consumers.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Prices usually peak during:
– Q1 (January–March) due to depleted inventories and post-holiday demand.
– Q3 (July–September) before new harvests hit the market.
Buyers can optimize procurement strategies by analyzing past price data, available on Freshdi’s market intelligence tools, to time bulk purchases and lock in favorable rates.
Historical Trends Informing Strategy
Historical data from the past five years show:
– Steady rise in lentil consumption due to plant-based diet trends.
– Increased resilience in supply chains post-COVID.
– Growing demand for organic and non-GMO lentils in premium markets.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
The U.S. lentils market has grown significantly, both in acreage and export volume. With 425,000 metric tons projected for 2025 and key markets like Canada, India, and Mexico increasing demand, the U.S. is a reliable and strategic sourcing hub for lentils.
Checklist for Buyers: Choosing the Right Supplier
- ✅ Look for verified suppliers on Freshdi
- ✅ Review RFQ response times and buyer ratings
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with international certifications
- ✅ Evaluate export volumes and destination footprints
- ✅ Monitor seasonal trends to time your purchases
Freshdi: Your B2B Lentil Sourcing Ally
Freshdi empowers buyers with:
– Verified supplier profiles
– RFQ management tools
– Market trend dashboards
– Real-time pricing insights
– Export history validation
Whether you’re sourcing lentils for retail, foodservice, or manufacturing, tools like Freshdi make the difference between guesswork and data-backed decision-making.
FAQs
1. What are the most exported types of lentils from the U.S.?
Red and green lentils are the top exported variants, with red lentils leading in volume due to high demand in Asia and Latin America.
2. Which U.S. state produces the most lentils?
Montana is by far the leading lentil-producing state, accounting for over 75% of the national acreage.
3. How can I verify lentil suppliers from the U.S.?
Use platforms like Freshdi that provide supplier verification, export records, and buyer reviews.
4. When is the best time to buy lentils in bulk?
Between September and December, after the U.S. harvest, when prices are generally lower and supply is fresh.
5. Are U.S. lentils competitive in global markets?
Yes, the U.S. ranks 4th globally in export value and is known for consistent quality, reliable logistics, and sustainable farming practices.
References
- USDA Outlook 2025
- World Population Review – Lentil Production by State
- OEC – U.S. Lentil Exports
- Freshdi – Verified Suppliers
- IndexBox – North American Market Overview 2024
- Syngenta Market News
- Seedea Lentil Market Update
- CropGPT – Lentil Seedings
- FAS – Lentil Export Opportunities
- Mordor Intelligence – Lentil Market Report
