Legumes, for canned products turnover up to 1.2 billion. And exports account for 60% of business

With more than 1.2 billion euros of turnover in 2025 (+3% over 2024), canned pulses remain an important production for the vegetable canning sector. Taking stock of the sector on the occasion of World Legume Day on 10 February is Anicav (National Association of Vegetable Canned Food Industries).

Around EUR 700 million (58% of turnover) comes from exports, which continue to grow both in value and volume (around +4%), 'demonstrating that the quality of Italian products is increasingly appreciated and recognised on international markets,' notes Anicav.

As far as domestic consumption is concerned, 'in 2025 there was a positive trend in terms of both volume and value'. With canned beans confirming themselves as the best-selling product: if we exclude red canned beans, which alone are worth over 5 billion, they account for about 42% of the canned vegetable market.

"Canned legumes represent a fundamental pillar of a healthy diet. Their recognised beneficial properties, combined with a low environmental impact, make them themain alternative to proteins of animal origin,' emphasises Giovanni De Angelis, Director General of Anicav. It is no coincidence that the FAO lists them as key nutrients for a sustainable future. Even from an economic point of view, the data tell us that this is a strategic sector. Canned pulses processed in Italia are therefore confirmed as an excellence recognised worldwide for their high level of quality and safety, the result of a careful selection of raw materials and a constant commitment to processes, also through the use of advanced technologies, which our companies continue to guarantee'.

According to Laura Rossi, director of the Nutrition, Food and Health Department of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, "legumes are a fundamental component of a healthy, balanced and sustainable diet. They are a valuable source of vegetable protein, rich in fibre, have little fat and are cholesterol-free as vegetable products (cholesterol is only found in foods of animal origin). Included regularly in the diet, at least 3 times a week according to the recommendations of the Healthy Eating Guidelines, they help increase satiety; control blood sugar; reduce cardiovascular risk; improve bowel function; and promote a more environmentally sustainable diet'.