Pigeon Peas Wholesale

What are Pigeon Peas?

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are small, oval-shaped legumes that grow in pods and are harvested at maturity. Known for their earthy taste and firm texture, they are used in a wide variety of applications, from Caribbean rice and peas to Indian dhal and African stews. Their usage aligns with cowpeas and chickpeas in split pulse production, although they differ in size and husk thickness. Compared to green peas, pigeon peas offer an earthier profile and are typically consumed dried.

In addition to their culinary role, pigeon peas are appreciated for their soil-enriching qualities, as they are a nitrogen-fixing crop that supports sustainable farming practices.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas are available in several commercial formats, including:

• Whole dried pigeon peas
• Split pigeon peas
• Pigeon pea flakes
• Pigeon pea flour (finely milled for dhal, soups, or baking mixes)

Whole pigeon peas are used in traditional dishes requiring longer cooking times, while split forms reduce preparation time and are ideal for processed foods. Milled and flaked options offer functionality in ready meals, gluten-free flour blends, and health-focused snacks.

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Harvest Season of Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas are typically harvested between late summer and early autumn, with exact timing depending on regional climate. After harvest, they are dried and cleaned for long-term storage and global distribution. Their resilience to dry and semi-arid conditions makes them a dependable crop in fluctuating climates, contributing to supply stability across markets.

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Producing Countries

India is the world’s leading producer and exporter of pigeon peas, followed by major growers in East Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. Key sourcing regions include:

• India – The dominant global supplier, known for high-quality split pigeon peas used in dhal and pulses.
• Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda – Important East African producers supplying local and international demand.
• Dominican Republic and Guatemala – Known for supplying whole pigeon peas to the U.S. and Caribbean markets.

These regions support a growing global market with reliable volumes and processing capacity for diverse industry needs.

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Trends & Industry Insights

Pigeon peas have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, with a longstanding presence in African, Indian, and Latin American food cultures. Their naturally high protein content and multi-usage have recently positioned them as a core ingredient in vegan, gluten-free, and clean-label product innovation.

As demand for sustainable plant proteins grows, pigeon peas are being explored for alternative protein formulations, functional snacks, and minimally processed meal components. Their use in fortified flours and high-protein blends has grown, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

The global pigeon pea market was valued at approximately USD 14.33 billion in 2022. The market is expected to reach USD 23.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2022-2032). 

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Pigeon Peas Manufacturers

Nutrada provides access to a global network of pigeon peas manufacturers offering pigeon peas in various formats and packaging configurations. Bulk orders typically come in 10–50 kg multilayer food-grade bags and include documentation such as COAs, pesticide residue testing, and origin verification.

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Bulk Pigeon Peas

Ideal for manufacturers of ethnic foods, snacks, and plant-based products, bulk pigeon peas are available as whole, split, or flour. Nutrada enables buyers to filter by origin, variety, and certification to streamline sourcing.

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Private Label Pigeon Peas

For brands entering the natural food or ethnic ingredient markets, private label pigeon peas offer a fast route to retail. Nutrada suppliers offer packaging support in standard formats such as 100g, 250g, and 500g, with services including label design, compliance, and filling.

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Organic Pigeon Peas

Certified organic pigeon peas are cultivated without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and comply with organic standards. Available in split or whole form, organic batches are typically vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed to preserve freshness and quality throughout distribution.

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Find Pigeon Pea Suppliers on Nutrada

Whether you're sourcing conventional or organic pigeon peas, in bulk or branded packaging, Nutrada helps you connect directly with trusted producers. Find pigeon pea suppliers on Nutrada and streamline your procurement with transparency, consistency, and global reach.

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