Wine industry at risk due to gum arabic shortage

Gum arabic, a key ingredient in various industries including food, cosmetics, and wine, is facing traceability challenges due to the conflict in Sudan.

Sudan, responsible for about 80% of the world's gum arabic production, has been in turmoil since April 2023. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of crucial production areas in the west. This conflict has disrupted traditional trade routes, complicating efforts by Western companies to avoid sourcing from conflict zones. Sudanese producers and traders report that raw gum arabic can only be sold with RSF authorization, leading to increased smuggling to neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, and Senegal.

In these markets, gum arabic is sold without proper certification, making it difficult to verify its origin. Companies such as Nexira and Ingredion are diversifying their supply sources to reduce reliance on Sudan. Meanwhile, some buyers are rejecting offers due to fears of informal networks linked to the RSF.

Before the conflict, gum arabic was transported from Khartoum to the Red Sea port for export. Now, it appears in informal markets near the South Sudan border, where traders buy it for dollars under RSF protection. Shipments have also been detected heading to the Central African Republic and Chad, with sales occurring on online platforms. The lack of ethical and sustainable certification poses a challenge for companies aiming to ensure legal supply chains.

In the wine industry, gum arabic plays a significant role. This natural additive, derived from the sap of certain acacias, serves several important functions. It helps stabilize wine color, particularly in reds, preventing sediment formation and maintaining color longer. Additionally, gum arabic enhances the wine's mouthfeel, providing a smooth, rounded texture that some consumers find appealing. Wine producers add gum arabic just before bottling, with the amount depending on the wine type and desired effect. It is a safe, permitted additive in wine production in many countries, considered natural and non-toxic.