Gum Arabic Suppliers in Sudan
Gum Arabic Suppliers
When it comes to gum arabic, Sudan is the biggest producer and exporter in the world. This country accounts for about two-thirds of the entire global production and exports of gum arabic. The demand for gum Arabic has been rising worldwide. Aside from its usage in the food industry, gum Arabic is also used in ceramics and paints.
Gum Arabic is made from the gum of acacia trees, a tree species indigenous to Africa. These trees thrive in Sudan, which boasts a temperate rainy climate. Its hardiness and high yield makes it the chief gum-producing tree species in the country.
Besides its natural uses, gum Arabic is also used as a stabilizing agent in the textile industry and in printing. Gum Arabic is widely utilized in the drink industry, too. In fact, it’s the most popular natural emulsifier in the world.
Gum Arabic Suppliers in Sudan
The gum belt of the Sudan region covers 500,000 square kilometers. It stretches from the western border with Chad to the eastern border with Ethiopia. However, the region has under-exploited resources. That has led to the degeneration of the gum-producing belt.
Gum Arabic was once a very important commodity for the country. During the 50s and early 90s, the country’s gum exports accounted for 80 percent of global gum trade. However, during the 1980s, the country’s gum exports declined. Consequently, farmers abandoned the gum-producing belt and began to earn alternative livelihoods.
In 2002, the government issued a presidential decree, which aimed to revive the gum-producing industry. The president also sought to enable more firms to trade in gum Arabic. His aim was to protect the farmers and ensure the supply of the raw material.
While the exports of gum arabic from the country have nearly tripled in the past 25 years, political instability and fuel shortages have caused some difficulties for the gum arabic industry. Furthermore, high inflation has also posed challenges for importers. Hence, there is a need to develop a strong infrastructure to support the gum-producing industry.
As a result, a number of new entrants in the gum-producing market are taking advantage of the thriving food and beverage sector to invest in research and development activities. They are also offering convenient solutions to industry verticals.
As a consequence, the demand for gum Arabic is expected to grow at a rapid rate. According to Future Market Insights, the market for gum Arabic is expected to reach US$3 billion in 2022. Over the foreseeable future, the Asia Pacific region will be the fastest-growing region in the gum Arabic market. With the growing demand for confectionery and packaged food goods, the gum-producing industry in the region is set for double-digit growth.
Apart from its use in the food and beverage sector, gum Arabic is also found in pharmaceuticals, paints and inks. In addition, it’s widely used in the printmaking and traditional lithography industries. Because of its versatility and desirable properties, gum Arabic is a promising commodity for the producing countries.