Post by Trade facilitator on Dec 28, 2020 21:18:45 GMT 1
Acacia gum is more pronounced in the northern parts of Nigeria and it's also called Arabic gum. Acacia gum can be gotten in large quantity in the north. A natural gum that has peculiar characteristics like natural rubber and is composed of hardened sap of various species of the acacia tree. It gets matured within five years of planting it. The tree is pierced from the source of the gum to bring out whitish sticky sparkling substances which is gathered, processed for usage of one's needs. Primary composition of Acacia gums is Polysaccharides and while raw gums. It has higher commercial value. Nigeria is ranked 2nd largest producer of the product in the world after Sudan. Some of the Gum Arabic producing states in Nigeria include Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Plateau, etc. Nigeria can produce 3 grades of Acacia gum
Acacia Senegal grade 1, Acacia Seyal grade 2, Combretum Grade 3.
It's better harvested during dry season as gums are not formed during the rainy season, The dry season lasts from October to June and the gum is collected every 10 days during this period.
It can be used as a good emulsifying agent since it processes binding/adhesive properties. Therefore, Arabic gum is in useful for cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical, flavouring, beverages, diary, ice cream etc.
In food products, it serves as a stabilizerand emulsifier in the food industry.
In textile industry it is used for fabric stiffening and as a binder for textile printing gums; it is also used in the plastic industry.
In miscellaneous industries it is used in producing ink, water colours, paints, carbon papers, pottery glaces etc.
However, the main use of gum arabic remains in confectionery, hard gums, soft gum and gum pastilles.
The countries with the largest food and drink industries are also the largest markets for acacia gum.
Exporters can attract European buyers by ensuring constant supplies of high-quality Acacia gum. Reliability of supplies is also another concern for European food and drink manufacturers.
The major markets for the product are U. K, China, U.S.A, Japan and Belgium.
Export opportunities exist for Acacia gum in both local and overseas markets.
