Exporting Dried Beans and Lentils to the US — Food Distributors and Retailers

Dried beans and lentils are foundational staples in the US food supply chain, serving as affordable, high-protein ingredients for retail consumers, foodservice operators, and ingredient manufacturers. The United States imports over $500 million worth of dried legumes annually, with Latin America and Africa emerging as key supply regions for varieties that complement domestic production [1]. For US food distributors and retailers, securing reliable, high-volume sources of dried beans and lentils from these regions offers opportunities to diversify supply, manage costs, and meet growing consumer demand for plant-based proteins.

This page provides a comprehensive guide to exporting dried beans and lentils to the US, covering product specifications, supplier landscapes, buyer requirements, certifications, pricing context, and how Coppermont facilitates connections between exporters and US buyers.

Product Specifications and Grades Relevant to US Buyers

Dried beans and lentils are classified by type, size, color, and purity. The most commonly traded varieties in the US market include black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans (light and dark red), chickpeas (garbanzo beans), and lentils (green, red, and brown). US buyers typically reference USDA grading standards, which categorize dried beans as U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, or U.S. No. 3 based on factors such as moisture content (maximum 15–18% depending on type), foreign material (maximum 1–2%), damaged kernels, and uniformity of size and color [2]. For lentils, the USDA recognizes grades including U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, and U.S. No. 3, with similar criteria but tighter tolerances for splits and discoloration.

Exporters should ensure that their product meets these standards, as US buyers often require third-party inspection certificates from agencies such as SGS or Bureau Veritas. Additionally, many US retailers and distributors now mandate non-GMO and organic certifications to cater to health-conscious consumers. The organic dried bean and lentil market in the US has grown by over 10% annually, with premiums of 20–50% over conventional product [3]. Exporters offering certified organic, non-GMO, or specialty heirloom varieties can command higher prices and access premium retail channels.

LATAM and Africa Supplier Landscape for Dried Beans and Lentils

Latin America is a major supplier of dried beans to the US, with countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Mexico providing significant volumes. Argentina is the world’s third-largest exporter of beans, shipping over 500,000 metric tons annually, with black beans and kidney beans being key varieties [4]. Brazil produces large quantities of carioca beans and black beans, though domestic consumption is high, limiting export availability. Peru is known for specialty beans like canary beans and pallar beans, which command premium prices in US ethnic markets. Mexico supplies pinto beans and black beans, often trading under NAFTA/USMCA preferential tariffs.

Africa has emerged as a growing source of lentils, particularly for red lentils, which are popular in US Indian, Middle Eastern, and health food markets. Ethiopia is the largest lentil producer in Africa, exporting over 100,000 metric tons annually, with red lentils being the primary variety [5]. Tanzania and Kenya also produce lentils, though volumes are smaller. For beans, African suppliers like Uganda and Kenya export kidney beans and black beans to the US, often under organic certification. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provides duty-free access for many legume products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, making them cost-competitive compared to Latin American suppliers [6].

Supplier reliability is a critical factor for US buyers. Coppermont vets suppliers for production capacity, storage conditions, and export experience, ensuring that only reputable exporters are presented to US distributors and retailers.

US Buyer Types — Who Buys This, How They Procure, What Specs Matter

US buyers of dried beans and lentils fall into three primary categories: national food distributors, retail grocery chains, and specialty/ethnic food importers. National distributors such as Sysco, US Foods, and Performance Food Group purchase large volumes (container loads of 20–40 metric tons per shipment) for resale to restaurants, hospitals, schools, and other foodservice operators. These buyers prioritize consistent quality, reliable delivery schedules, and competitive pricing. They typically require suppliers to provide product specifications sheets, food safety certifications, and lot traceability.

Retail grocery chains, including Walmart, Kroger, and regional supermarkets, source dried beans and lentils for private label and branded packaging. They demand strict adherence to grade standards, often requiring U.S. No. 1 or better, and may request kosher certification or gluten-free labeling. Packaging is critical — retailers prefer 1–5 lb poly bags or 25–50 lb bulk sacks, with clear labeling and barcoding. Buyers in this segment are increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing, with some chains requiring suppliers to complete sustainability audits.

Specialty importers focus on niche markets such as organic, heirloom, or ethnic varieties. They may purchase smaller volumes (10–20 metric tons per shipment) but are willing to pay premiums for unique products like Peruvian canary beans, Ethiopian red lentils, or Mexican ayocote beans. These buyers often have direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives, and value transparency in supply chain and production practices.

Certifications and Import Requirements for Dried Beans and Lentils

All dried beans and lentils imported into the US must comply with FDA food safety regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This includes the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), which requires importers to verify that foreign suppliers produce food in a manner that provides the same level of protection as US standards [7]. Exporters should be prepared to provide documentation such as a FSVP compliance letter, third-party food safety audit reports (e.g., BRC, SQF, FSSC 22000), and certificates of analysis for pesticide residues and microbiological contaminants.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulates dried beans and lentils to prevent introduction of plant pests. Importers must obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s plant protection organization, confirming that the product is free from quarantine pests. Some bean varieties are subject to additional restrictions if they are known hosts of specific pests — for example, dry beans from certain regions may require fumigation treatment prior to shipment.

Organic certification is managed by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Exporters must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agency to label product as organic. The NOP requires that organic beans and lentils be produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, and that records be maintained for five years. For exporters in Latin America and Africa, obtaining USDA organic certification can be a multi-year process but opens access to the fastest-growing segment of the US dried legume market.

Additionally, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires proper classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes. Dried beans (excluding seed) fall under HTS 0713.3x, and lentils under HTS 0713.40. Tariff rates vary by country of origin — imports from Mexico are duty-free under USMCA, while imports from other countries may face rates of 1–5% ad valorem. AGOA-eligible African countries can also export duty-free for most legume products.

Pricing and Lead Time Context

Pricing for dried beans and lentils in the US market is influenced by global production, freight costs, and currency fluctuations. As of 2025, bulk prices for conventional black beans range from $0.80–$1.20 per pound FOB, while organic black beans command $1.50–$2.00 per pound. Lentil prices vary by type: red lentils typically trade at $0.70–$1.10 per pound FOB, and green lentils at $0.90–$1.40 per pound. These prices are subject to seasonal volatility — for example, the 2023 drought in Argentina caused black bean prices to spike by 30% [8].

Lead times from Latin American suppliers to US ports range from 2–4 weeks for sea freight from Peru or Brazil to Miami or Houston, and 3–5 weeks from Argentina. African suppliers face longer lead times of 4–8 weeks due to longer shipping routes and less frequent sailings from East African ports. US buyers typically place orders 8–12 weeks in advance to secure supply and lock in prices, especially for organic or specialty varieties with limited availability.

Freight costs from Latin America to the US Gulf Coast are currently $2,000–$4,000 per 20-foot container, while from East Africa to the US East Coast costs are $3,500–$6,000 per container. These costs have stabilized since the pandemic-era spikes but remain higher than historical averages. Buyers often negotiate CIF (cost, insurance, freight) terms to simplify logistics, though some large distributors prefer FOB to control shipping.

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont provides a comprehensive platform for exporters of dried beans and lentils to connect with verified US food distributors and retailers. Our team conducts rigorous due diligence on suppliers, including audits of production facilities, quality control processes, and export documentation. We maintain a database of US buyers seeking specific varieties, certifications, and volumes, and match suppliers to opportunities based on capability and fit.

For suppliers, Coppermont offers market intelligence on US pricing trends, regulatory updates, and buyer preferences. We assist with documentation preparation, including FSVP compliance, phytosanitary certificates, and organic certification alignment. Our logistics partners provide competitive freight rates and consolidate shipments to reduce costs for smaller exporters.

For US buyers, Coppermont vets suppliers for reliability, quality, and compliance with US standards. We facilitate sample submissions, contract negotiations, and ongoing quality assurance. Whether you are a distributor seeking 40 metric tons of organic black beans per month or a retailer looking for specialty lentils from Ethiopia, Coppermont streamlines the sourcing process.

Are you a supplier of dried beans or lentils looking to enter the US market? Contact Coppermont today to discuss how we can help you connect with verified buyers.

Are you a US food distributor or retailer sourcing dried beans and lentils? Submit your sourcing requirements and let us find the right supplier for your needs.