Gum Arabic

• Context (DTE): The Sudan conflict has brought focus to a lesser-known product, Gum Arabic.

About Gum Arabic

• It comes from specific acacia trees and is mainly used in soft drinks.
• Sudan sells about 70% of the world’s gum arabic.
• It mainly comes from the Sahel area in Africa, where the climate is ideal for acacia plants.
• It has unique properties, like water solubility.
• Threat: Political instability in Sudan, especially in regions like Darfur and Kordofan.

What are its uses?

• Its use dates back to ancient Egypt (2000 BC), where it was used in food, paints, and mummification.
• It is used as an emulsifier and stabiliser in the food and beverage industry. It is mostly used to enhance texture and prevent crystallisation in processed foods, soft drinks, and candies.
• It’s also used in textiles, personal care, photography and painting.