Gum Arabic Manufacturers
Gum Arabic is a dried sap from acacia species. It is known for its friable properties and is also used as an emulsifier, stabilizing agent, thickener and binding agent. The gum has applications in many industries, namely food, dairy products, confectionery, beverages, paint and printing. In fact, it is one of the main ingredients in traditional lithography.
Sudan is the world’s largest producer of gum Arabic. Since the early nineties, its exports have risen steadily to about 25,000 tons. Most of its raw and processed gums are exported through four international agents.
The government of Sudan is very involved in the management of GAC. It organizes efforts to protect the botanical resource and to maximize the production. Additionally, it strives to strengthen the trust of global markets. Ultimately, it hopes to increase its national earnings and reduce the financial pressure on its banking system.
Gum Arabic Manufacturers Suppliers Exporters
In the past twenty-five years, the export value of the processed gum arabic has increased by 158%. In addition, the exports of crude gum Arabic have increased by 58%.
The gum industry of Nigeria has been hindered by inconsistent quality and poor market organization. However, it has made some important developments. It has produced high-grade gum arabic in local processing facilities. Also, it has developed novel confectionery coatings.
A number of African nations produce gum Arabic, including Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, and Mauritania. Although most of the countries are poor, they can benefit from the income generated from their gum production. Specifically, the income can help to promote natural resource management, ensure food security, and mitigate climate change. Moreover, it can provide an opportunity to empower vulnerable groups.
GAC organizes all stakeholders to ensure that all parties share in the total value generated from the production and trade of gum arabic. This is done through reforms at micro- and national-institutional levels. Some of the objectives of these reforms include increasing product differentiation, facilitating trade, and strengthening political stability. These goals are part of UNCTAD’s vision for the sector.
GAC also has an interest in the development of the gum industry in other countries. It encourages investment in this sector and prepares feasibility studies for its establishment. During the past 25 years, its four international agents have sold processed gum to large soft drink manufacturers.
The gum Arabic industry in Chad has also been making positive strides. Since the late eighties, its exports have averaged 25,000 tons. But, its domestic gum resources are underdeveloped. To remedy this problem, the Gum Arabic Company (GAC) has launched several programs to develop the industry. Among the programs are the provision of seedlings, water, research services, and other gum production development activities.
GAC is a public company and its board comprises representatives from the Sudan Farmers Union, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan, and the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Trade. GAC aims to promote economic and social stability and to ensure that all gum producers receive their fair share of the revenue.