Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Kidney beans (dry common bean, typically marketed locally as frijol rojo) are a staple food crop in Guatemala and are produced across multiple regions, with major production concentrated in departments such as Petén and the eastern/southeastern corridor (e.g., Jutiapa and Chiquimula). Production is largely smallholder-based and predominantly rainfed, making supply and local prices sensitive to rainfall timing, heat stress, and Dry Corridor drought conditions. Planting typically occurs in three windows—primera (mid-May to mid-June), postrera (September to October), and summer plantings (December to January)—with postrera representing a large share of annual area. Guatemala also records cross-border trade in dried kidney beans (HS 071333), supplying regional Central American markets and smaller volumes to North America in some years.
Market RoleDomestic staple producer with limited regional exports
Domestic RoleStaple pulse for household consumption and local markets; strategic basic grain for food security
SeasonalityPlanting is organized around three main sowing windows: primera (mid-May to mid-June), postrera (September to October), and summer plantings (December to January), with postrera representing a large share of area.
Specification
Primary VarietyFrijol rojo (common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris)
Secondary Variety- ICTA Chortí
- ICTA Patriarca
- ICTA Ligero
Physical Attributes- Clean, well-presented grain is supported by postharvest cleaning steps that remove impurities (e.g., stones, soil clods, stems, and weed seeds).
Compositional Metrics- Moisture management is a key quality factor for dry beans: threshing is recommended after moisture declines to roughly 14–16%, and storage readiness is indicated when grain moisture is below ~14%.
Packaging- Dry beans are typically handled as bulk grain for aggregation and storage; sealed storage (e.g., silos) is used in some producer support programs to protect grain/seed quality.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm production → harvest/arranque → drying of plants and grain → threshing (aporreo/trilla) → cleaning (venteo/zarandas) → storage → wholesale/retail distribution; export lots add bagging, documentation, and border controls
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and marketability are strongly affected by moisture and storage pests; inadequate drying or re-wetting can increase spoilage risk and quality downgrades.
- Storage insect pressure (e.g., weevils/gorgojos) is a documented risk addressed through drying, cleaning, and storage treatment practices.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Climate HighDry Corridor rainfall delays, high temperatures, and extended dry spells can substantially reduce rainfed bean yields and delay harvests; FEWS NET reported that in 2025 these anomalies increased pest/disease pressure and estimated losses of over 50% in the Dry Corridor, directly threatening supply availability and price stability for staple grains including beans.Diversify sourcing across departments (e.g., combine Petén supply with eastern/southeastern origins), contract multiple harvest windows (primera and postrera), and prioritize drought-tolerant varieties and local water-harvesting/reservoir-supported production where available.
Plant Health MediumBean golden yellow mosaic virus and other fungal/bacterial diseases are identified by ICTA as important constraints for bean production in Guatemala, especially in lower-altitude zones, creating yield and quality variability and potential phytosanitary scrutiny in traded lots.Source from growers using ICTA-recommended varieties and integrated pest/disease management; require field monitoring records and pre-shipment quality sorting/cleaning.
Food Safety MediumPostharvest handling and moisture control are critical for dry bean quality; inadequate drying and cleaning can raise defect rates and increase storage pest (weevil/gorgojo) damage and spoilage risks, leading to downgrades or rejection by buyers.Specify moisture and impurity tolerances in contracts; verify drying/cleaning steps, use sealed storage when possible, and implement storage pest control consistent with local regulations and buyer requirements.
Logistics MediumAs a bulk, relatively low-value-per-kg commodity, dried kidney bean exports are sensitive to road freight disruptions and container/sea freight cost swings; volatility can quickly erode export margins and shift trade toward nearby suppliers.Use flexible shipment planning, lock freight terms where possible, and maintain buffer inventory in destination markets during peak disruption periods.
Sustainability- Dry Corridor drought and heat stress risk affecting rainfed bean production and local food availability
- Water harvesting and small-scale irrigation/reservoirs as resilience measures in eastern bean-growing areas
Labor & Social- Smallholder livelihood sensitivity: poor rural households relying on rainfed staple grains face heightened food security stress when bean harvests are delayed or reduced
FAQ
When are the main planting seasons for dry beans in Guatemala?ICTA describes three main sowing windows for beans in Guatemala: primera (most planting between mid-May and mid-June), postrera (September to October), and summer plantings (December to January in southern and northern areas).
Which parts of Guatemala are important bean-producing areas?ICTA’s bean production manual highlights Petén as a leading producer and identifies several other key departments with significant production/area, including Jutiapa, Chiquimula, Santa Rosa, Jalapa, Quiché, and Huehuetenango.
What is the biggest Guatemala-specific risk that can disrupt kidney bean supply?Climate shocks in the Dry Corridor—late or irregular rains and high temperatures—can delay planting and sharply reduce rainfed bean yields. FEWS NET reported that in 2025 these conditions increased pest and disease pressure and estimated losses of over 50% in the Dry Corridor.
What post-harvest practices matter most for dry-bean quality in Guatemala?ICTA emphasizes moisture and cleanliness control: beans should be dried to reduce moisture before threshing and further dried for safe storage, and cleaning should remove impurities like stones, soil clods, stems, and weed seeds. ICTA also notes storage pest risks (e.g., weevils/gorgojos) that are managed through drying and storage protection practices.