PORTLAND, OREGON, US — Jeff Van Pevenage, president and chief executive officer of Columbia Grain International (CGI), the largest pulse handler in the United States, has been appointed to the Global Pulse Confederation’s board of directors.

The Global Pulse Confederation represents all segments of the pulse industry value chain from growers, researchers, logistics suppliers, traders, exporters and importers to government bodies, multilateral organizations, processors, canners and consumers. Its membership includes 24 national associations and more than 500 private sector members. Van Pevenage, who has more than 20 years of experience in the global pulse markets, will serve a minimum three-year term on the board and take part in the Market Access Committee, as well.

Van Pevenage was instrumental in growing CGI’s pulse business across the Pacific Northwest in the late 1990s, during which time he spent 15 years dedicating himself to building and acquiring assets and learning the intricacies of the worldwide pulse industry.

“With rising adoption across households, the flour industry, and the snack food sector, the overall sales of pulse products are poised for growth,” Van Pevenage said. “The global pulses market was valued at $70.17 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024-32. I hope to bring supply chain solutions to the board, as well as relationships that will help to expand the production and consumption of pulses. I plan to be highly involved in interacting with government officials and R&D to help promote the growth and use of pulses worldwide.”

Van Pevenage also will expand the use of pulses in the ingredients category.

“The use of pulses in ingredients is on the rise and the US has the best quality pulses in the world,” he said. “One of our goals is to expand the use of US-grown pulses in new ingredient innovations.”