Lupins Production by Country 2025
Lupins—the colorful legume with ancient roots—thrive across 26 countries with Australia dominating at 1,279,707 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,100,227 tonnes by 2025. The global harvest of 1908,626 tonnes in 2023 represents a 16.9% rise year-over-year. Poland follows with 275,320 tonnes, while Russia produces 136,385 tonnes. These protein-packed beans (Lupinus species) span white, yellow, and blue varieties. Whether you're feeding livestock, enriching soil with nitrogen, or snacking on pickled lupini beans, lupins deliver versatility. From Roman snacks to modern plant protein, lupins prove that beautiful flowers can also feed the world—one alkaloid-free bean at a time!
Australia's 1.28 million tonnes represents about 67% of global lupin production, with explosive growth from 714,254 in 2018. Production concentrates in Western Australia where sandy, acidic soils suit lupins perfectly. Australian lupins are primarily narrow-leafed (Lupinus angustifolius) varieties bred for low alkaloids, making them safe for livestock feed. The crop revolutionized Australian agriculture—lupins fix nitrogen (100-200 kg/hectare!), break disease cycles in wheat rotations, and thrive on marginal lands. Challenges include anthracnose disease, aphids, and price volatility. Modern Australian farms use no-till practices and precision agriculture. The lupin industry exports 90%+ of production to Europe, Middle East, and Asia for animal feed and human consumption. However, production swings wildly with rainfall—2023's record reflects ideal conditions. Poland produces 275,320 tonnes with impressive growth from 122,000 in 2018, becoming second-largest producer. Russia contributes 136,385 tonnes with high volatility. Germany adds 45,500 tonnes, France 10,870 tonnes, and Belarus 4,753 tonnes. These countries grow white lupins (Lupinus albus) and yellow lupins (Lupinus luteus) for animal feed and human consumption. European lupins serve domestic livestock industries and protein markets. The EU promotes lupins as sustainable protein source, reducing soybean imports. Challenges include anthracnose, limited improved varieties, and market development. However, lupins' nitrogen-fixing ability and protein content (35-40%!) drive continued cultivation. The crop fits perfectly in cereal rotations, improving soil and breaking disease cycles. Morocco produces 57,891 tonnes with stable output, Chile 32,608 tonnes, Peru 16,337 tonnes, and Ecuador 1,363 tonnes. These countries grow lupins for traditional consumption—pickled lupini beans are Mediterranean snacks! South Africa contributes 16,000 tonnes. The region's production serves both human consumption and animal feed. Traditional varieties contain bitter alkaloids requiring soaking/cooking to remove, while modern "sweet" varieties have low alkaloids. Greece (17,450 tonnes) maintains traditional lupin cultivation. The diversity of producers reflects lupins' adaptability to poor soils and dry climates. However, production remains limited compared to other legumes. Lupins pack serious nutrition—35-40% protein (highest among legumes!), 25% fiber, healthy fats, and minerals at 371 calories per 100g. The protein is complete with all essential amino acids. Lupins are gluten-free and low-glycemic. Culinary uses include pickled lupini beans (Mediterranean snack—soak to remove bitterness!), lupin flour (gluten-free baking), lupin protein isolates (meat alternatives), and lupin milk (dairy alternative). The beans have nutty, slightly sweet flavor when properly prepared. However, raw lupins contain bitter alkaloids (quinolizidine) requiring soaking or cooking. Modern "sweet" varieties have low alkaloids. Fun fact: lupins are related to peanuts—people with peanut allergies may react to lupins! Lupins thrive in acidic, sandy soils (pH 5-6) where other crops struggle. They're drought-tolerant with deep taproots (up to 2 meters!) accessing subsoil moisture. Growing season is 120-180 days depending on variety. Plants fix nitrogen (100-200 kg/hectare), improving soil for subsequent crops. Major challenges include anthracnose (devastating fungal disease), aphids, and brown spot. The crop requires minimal inputs—no nitrogen fertilizer needed! Harvest occurs when pods turn brown, using direct combining. Modern production uses disease-resistant varieties and fungicide seed treatments. Lupins fit perfectly in cereal rotations, breaking disease cycles and adding nitrogen. The crop's ability to grow on marginal lands makes it valuable for sustainable agriculture. Global lupin markets value feed-grade beans at $200-400/tonne, food-grade $400-800/tonne. Australia dominates exports, shipping to Europe for livestock feed and Middle East for human consumption. The plant-based protein trend drives demand for lupin protein isolates and flour. However, lupins can't compete with soybeans' established markets and processing infrastructure. Climate change brings irregular rainfall affecting yields. The crop's price volatility challenges farmers. Retail trends favor lupin-based products—protein powders, meat alternatives, and gluten-free flour. The EU promotes lupins as sustainable protein, reducing soybean imports. Export markets grow as consumers discover lupin's nutritional benefits. Processing innovations create lupin protein concentrates for food manufacturing. Global lupin production should grow 3-5% annually through 2025, driven by sustainable protein demand and crop rotation benefits. Climate-adapted varieties help cope with heat stress and irregular rainfall. The industry invests in anthracnose-resistant varieties, improved agronomy, and market development. Value-added products—lupin protein isolates, flour, and meat alternatives—create opportunities. The EU's protein strategy positions lupins as soybean alternative. Sustainability credentials (nitrogen-fixing, low-input, marginal land cultivation) align with regenerative agriculture. This ancient legume's exceptional protein content and environmental benefits position it perfectly for future food systems. From Roman snacks to modern plant protein, lupins prove that beautiful flowers can also save the planet—one nitrogen-fixing bean at a time!🏆 Australia's Lupin Empire
Lupins Production by Country 2025
1
1,100,227
2
288,237
3
113,800
4
57,883
5
49,330
6
31,154
7
18,445
8
16,510
9
16,407
10
11,767
11
4,797
12
4,445
13
2,749
14
2,219
15
2,165
16
1,363
17
997
18
920
19
660
20
279
21
179
22
170
23
151
24
102
25
93
26
50
🌍 European Lupin Belt
🌎 Mediterranean and South American Production
💪 Protein Powerhouse
🌱 Nitrogen-Fixing Legume
📈 Feed and Food Markets
🔮 Sustainable Protein Future
Lupins Production by Country 2025
#
1
714,254
798,629
474,629
865,619
957,500
1,279,707
1,100,227
2
122,000
145,690
257,420
221,390
354,330
275,320
288,237
3
136,352
166,271
103,792
69,723
105,544
136,385
113,800
4
59,026
57,315
57,859
58,067
57,747
57,891
57,883
5
22,300
25,600
34,100
53,400
53,000
45,500
49,330
6
45,453
45,606
29,965
37,049
24,800
32,608
31,154
7
13,327
17,438
24,435
28,600
15,750
16,000
18,445
8
18,650
22,900
21,750
15,930
15,330
17,450
16,510
9
16,687
16,424
15,830
15,777
16,944
16,337
16,407
10
6,960
7,110
13,030
15,130
11,020
10,870
11,767
11
5,453
3,335
3,511
4,522
5,053
4,753
4,797
12
2,520
3,410
4,340
4,210
4,360
4,590
4,445
13
15,040
10,760
8,320
5,140
1,620
2,470
2,749
14
4,820
3,050
2,400
2,630
2,610
1,820
2,219
15
2,880
1,710
2,470
2,810
2,210
1,880
2,165
16
1,388
1,388
1,380
1,364
1,364
1,363
1,363
17
900
810
1,030
760
950
1,120
997
18
290
360
410
640
1,040
960
920
19
469
550
500
590
842
578
660
20
1,350
1,090
530
500
280
190
279
21
260
320
200
200
130
200
179
22
165
168
170
170
169
170
170
23
201
185
203
212
158
122
151
24
98
104
103
102
103
102
102
25
110
80
90
70
30
140
93
26
0
0
0
0
0
100
50
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most lupins in the world?
Australia is the world's largest lupins producer with 1,279,707 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,100,227 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 67% of global production. Poland ranks second with 275,320 tonnes showing impressive growth, while Russia ranks third at 136,385 tonnes. Australia's explosive growth from 714,254 tonnes in 2018 reflects ideal conditions in Western Australia where sandy, acidic soils suit narrow-leafed lupins perfectly. Production primarily serves livestock feed markets, with 90%+ exported to Europe, Middle East, and Asia. The crop revolutionized Australian agriculture through nitrogen-fixing ability and suitability for marginal lands.
Can you eat lupins like other beans?
Yes, but with important caveats! Traditional lupins contain bitter alkaloids (quinolizidine) that are toxic, requiring extensive soaking (several days, changing water) to remove bitterness and toxins. Mediterranean pickled lupini beans undergo this process—they're popular snacks in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Modern "sweet" lupins have been bred for low alkaloids and can be cooked like other beans after normal soaking. Lupin flour (gluten-free, high-protein) works in baking. Lupin protein isolates appear in meat alternatives and protein powders. The beans taste nutty and slightly sweet when properly prepared. However, people with peanut allergies should avoid lupins—they're related and can cause allergic reactions! Always buy food-grade lupins, not feed-grade or ornamental varieties. When properly prepared, lupins are nutritious (35-40% protein!) and delicious!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
-
Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
Please log in to leave a comment.
Log in
(0) Comments