Canada: Oversupply of poor-quality lentils becomes a concern

18-Nov-2025 10:19 AM

Canada will need strong global demand for lentils in 2025–26 as the country has produced 2.97 million tonnes this year — 22% higher than last year and the second-largest crop on record. However, the bigger worry is quality: only 22% of the crop made the top grade.

Turkey, Canada’s second-largest buyer, has suffered a major crop failure. Its red lentil production dropped 43% to 230,000 tonnes — the third lowest on record — while green lentil output fell 58%. As a result, Turkey’s import demand is expected to rise, and the country may buy around 325,000 tonnes of lentils in 2025–26.

Global lentil production has increased to 7.6 million tonnes, about 15% higher than last year, with major exporters like Australia, Russia and Kazakhstan also reporting larger crops.

India, the world’s biggest lentil importer, may purchase around 650,000 tonnes in 2025–26, where Canada will face strong competition from Australia.

Canada’s total supply could reach 3.6 million tonnes, pushing ending stocks to an estimated 1.15–1.19 million tonnes.

Ultimately, the strength of global demand will determine price movement ahead.