In 2019, the gum arabic market was valued at approximately US$ 759.74 million and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 1,206.35 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2020 to 2027.
Gum arabic, which is also referred to as acacia gum, gum sudani, Arabic gum, gum acacia, Indian gum, Senegal gum, and other names, is a natural gum derived from the sap of Acacia trees. This versatile substance finds extensive applications within the food and beverage sector, where it is utilized in the production of toffees, pastilles, chewing gums, and flavored drinks. The gum arabic market is experiencing notable growth, driven by a rising awareness of its multifunctional properties.
The market for gum arabic is categorized by type into two main segments: Senegalia Senegal gum and Vachellia Seyal gum. In 2019, the Senegalia Senegal gum segment held a significant share of the market. This type of gum is commonly used in various products, including adhesives, pharmaceuticals, inks, and confections. Acacia Senegal trees are resilient and can thrive in diverse climatic conditions and soil types, making them drought-resistant and suitable for cultivation in arid regions. These characteristics contribute to the increasing demand for the Senegalia Senegal gum segment.
Geographically, the gum arabic market is divided into several regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South America, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). The Asia Pacific region is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing recognition of gum arabic's multifunctionality and its health benefits are propelling market growth in this region. The diverse applications of gum arabic in enhancing food product quality have led to its widespread adoption across various sectors. Additionally, the expanding use of gum arabic in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, printmaking, ceramics, and painting is further stimulating market growth in Asia Pacific.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has had a profound impact on global economies and industries. By December 2020, countries such as the US, Brazil, India, Russia, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, and Mexico were among the hardest hit in terms of confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatalities. The pandemic has caused significant disruptions across various sectors, including the food and beverage industry, which has faced challenges such as factory closures and supply chain interruptions. These factors have negatively affected the growth of the gum arabic market.
Key players in the global gum arabic market include AEP Colloids, Agrigum International Limited, Alland & Robert, Farbest Brands, Hawkins Watts Limited, ISC Gums, Kerry Group, Nexira, Somar Corp, and TIC Gums, Inc.
The overall size of the global gum arabic market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with comprehensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry stakeholders and experts to validate the findings and gain deeper insights into the market dynamics. Participants in this research included industry professionals such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the gum arabic market.