Middle East And Africa Bean Gum Market By Type (Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Gum Arabic, Tara Gum, Gellan Gum And Other Gum), By Application (Fruit Juices, Soft Drinks, Bread And Pastry, Baby Foods, Confectionaries, Ice Creams And Other Foods), By End Users (Food And Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Paper, Textile, Cosmetics And Oil Drilling Fluids), By Function (Stabilisation, Texturing, Coating, Gelling And Fat Replacer) and By Country (KSA, UAE, Israel, rest of GCC countries, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Sudan and Rest of MEA) – Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Forecast (2025 to 2033)
The Middle East and Africa Bean Gum Market size was valued at USD 0.53 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 0.56 billion in 2025 to USD 0.92 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.
Bean gum is also known as guar gum or locust bean gum, depending on the source, is a natural polysaccharide derived from the endosperm of leguminous seeds. It serves as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent across various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and oil drilling. In the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the demand for bean gum has been growing steadily due to its functional properties and increasing application in industrial sectors that are undergoing expansion. In recent years, the shift toward clean-label and plant-based ingredients has further boosted the relevance of bean gum in the MEA region. As per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), there has been a notable rise in the number of food processing units across Sub-Saharan Africa, directly influencing the demand for natural additives like bean gum.
One of the key drivers fueling the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is the expanding food and beverage industry in urban centers and emerging economies. Bean gum acts as a stabilizer, thickener, and texture enhancer in dairy products, sauces, dressings, and baked goods. With rising disposable incomes and changing dietary habits, packaged and processed foods have surged significantly. In the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been investing heavily in food security initiatives, leading to increased local production and importation of processed foods. Additionally, in Egypt, where the population exceeds 100 million, domestic food manufacturing capacity has expanded rapidly, boosting demand for food-grade hydrocolloids. This trend is mirrored across West and East Africa, where multinational food companies are setting up production facilities to cater to the growing consumer base.
Another major driver of the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is the continued reliance on bean gum derivatives, especially guar-based hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), in hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil and gas sector. The Middle East, home to some of the largest oil reserves globally, has witnessed sustained exploration and production activities, especially in unconventional reservoirs that require advanced fracturing techniques. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting high-pressure fluid into wells to fracture rock formations and release hydrocarbons. Guar gum is a critical component of these fracturing fluids due to its high viscosity and water-binding properties. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that the average well can consume up to 3,000 kilograms of guar gum during a single fracturing operation. While the U.S. shale boom initially drove global demand, Middle Eastern oil producers have increasingly adopted similar technologies to maximize recovery rates from mature fields. For instance, Saudi Aramco has ramped up investments in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, which incorporate natural polymers like bean gum.
A significant restraint affecting the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is the volatility in the supply of raw materials, primarily due to inconsistent agricultural yields of leguminous crops such as guar and carob. Bean gum is extracted from the endosperm of these seeds, which is making it highly dependent on farming conditions, climate variability, and pest infestations. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have led to yield fluctuations in key producing regions such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in certain parts of the Middle East have disrupted trade routes and limited the cross-border movement of agricultural commodities. This instability makes it challenging for manufacturers to maintain a steady inventory of raw materials, ultimately slowing down production cycles and increasing dependency on imported alternatives, which may be costlier or less sustainable.
Another major restraint in the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is the fragmented regulatory landscape and varying quality standards across different countries. Unlike the European Union or the United States, where food additives like bean gum are governed by stringent and harmonized regulations, the MEA region lacks uniform compliance frameworks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many African and Middle Eastern nations rely on outdated food safety laws or loosely enforce existing ones, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and suppliers.
For instance, in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) frequently updates its list of approved food additives, sometimes without clear scientific justification. This results in delays in product approvals and market entry for bean gum-based formulations. Similarly, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) has made efforts to standardize food additive regulations, implementation varies across member states. The result is a patchwork of rules that complicate sourcing, production, and distribution strategies for both local and international players. Furthermore, quality control infrastructure is underdeveloped in many parts of the region, limiting the ability to ensure consistent purity and performance of bean gum products.
A significant opportunity in the Middle East and Africa bean gum market lies in the growing personal care and cosmetics industry, particularly in North Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Bean gum's natural origin, biodegradability, and excellent rheological properties make it an attractive ingredient in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations. Egypt and Morocco have emerged as key markets for natural and halal-certified cosmetics, aligning well with the use of plant-based ingredients like bean gum. The Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry reported that the country's cosmetics exports grew by 12% in 2022, driven largely by demand from Gulf and African markets.
Another emerging opportunity in the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is its increasing adoption in pharmaceutical formulations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Bean gum is widely used as a binder, disintegrant, and controlled-release agent in tablet manufacturing, owing to its non-toxic and biocompatible nature. Local drug manufacturers in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana are increasingly seeking natural excipients to replace synthetic alternatives, aligning with global trends toward clean-label medicines. This push creates a favorable environment for the integration of locally sourced natural polymers like bean gum into medicine production. Additionally, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension is rising in the region, necessitating the development of extended-release formulations where bean gum plays a crucial role.
One of the most pressing challenges facing the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is the increasing competition from synthetic alternatives in industrial applications, particularly in the oil and gas and construction sectors. While bean gum offers excellent viscosifying and stabilizing properties, synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamides and xanthan gum derivatives are often preferred due to their predictable performance, longer shelf life, and resistance to microbial degradation. In the Middle East, where the oil and gas industry is a major consumer of bean gum derivatives, operators are increasingly opting for synthetic polymers to ensure operational efficiency and consistency in extreme conditions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) notes that hydraulic fracturing operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE often favor chemically modified polymers that perform better in high-salinity and high-temperature environments. Moreover, in construction and cementing applications, synthetic thickeners offer superior compatibility with chemical additives used in concrete mixtures.
A critical challenge in the Middle East and Africa bean gum market is the lack of adequate infrastructure for processing and value addition in bean gum production, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the region is rich in leguminous crops like guar and carob, much of the raw material is exported in unprocessed form due to the absence of modern milling and refining facilities.
For instance, in countries like Tanzania and Malawi, where guar is cultivated extensively, farmers typically sell raw seeds to traders who export them to India or China for processing. This deprives local economies of job creation and revenue from downstream industries. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) estimates that improving post-harvest processing could increase the value of bean gum by up to 300%, providing stronger incentives for local investment.
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
| Market Size Available | 2024 to 2033 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2033 |
| CAGR | 6.40% |
| Segments Covered | By Type, Application, End User, and Region |
| Various Analyses Covered | Global, Regional & Country Level Analysis; Segment-Level Analysis; DROC, PESTLE Analysis; Porter’s Five Forces Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Analyst Overview of Investment Opportunities |
| Regions Covered | KSA, UAE, Israel, rest of GCC countries, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Sudan, andthe Rest of MEA |
| Market Leaders Profiled | Cargill, Kerry group, Scalzo Food Industries, LBG Sicilia ingredients, G Araouzos & Son, Ceamsa, TIC Gum Incorporation, CP Kelco, Fiberstar Inc, FMC Specialty Chemicals, Gum Technology Corporation, and E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company |
The guar gum segment accounted in holding 45.3% of the Middle East and African bean gum market due to its widespread use across multiple industries, especially in oil and gas extraction, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India remains the largest producer and exporter of guar gum globally; however, regional cultivation in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt has increased significantly in recent years. In the oil and gas sector, Guar Gum is extensively used in hydraulic fracturing fluids due to its high viscosity and water-binding properties. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) notes that Saudi Arabia and Iraq have ramped up unconventional drilling operations, which require natural polymers like guar gum. Additionally, in the food industry, the demand for clean-label ingredients has surged, particularly in the UAE and South Africa, where processed food consumption is on the rise.
The gellan gum segment is projected to grow with a CAGR of 9.2% in the coming years. One of the key drivers behind this rapid growth is the rising popularity of vegan and dairy-free products in urban centers across the Gulf and Southern Africa. In the UAE, for instance, the Dubai Future Foundation reported a 20% annual increase in plant-based product launches between 2021 and 2023. Similarly, in South Africa, companies like Tiger Brands are expanding their plant-based offerings, leveraging Gellan Gum's ability to mimic the texture of traditional dairy without compromising taste or stability. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector in Egypt is adopting Gellan Gum for controlled-release drug formulations due to its biocompatibility and low toxicity profile, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Moreover, the cosmetics industry in North Africa is exploring Gellan Gum as a sustainable alternative to synthetic thickeners. With increasing consumer awareness about eco-friendly ingredients, brands are reformulating their products to include natural polymers.
The Bread and Pastry segment held 28.6% of the MEA Bean Gum Market share in 2024. In Egypt, bread is a staple food for over 100 million people, and government-subsidized bakeries produce millions of loaves daily. Bean gum helps improve dough elasticity and prolong shelf life, especially in hot and humid climates. The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) reports that Egypt imported over 12 million tons of wheat in 2023, supporting an extensive bakery network that increasingly relies on functional ingredients like bean gum. Similarly, in the UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment notes that the country’s bakery and confectionery sector expanded by 7.5% in 2023, driven by rising expatriate populations and growing demand for premium pastries.
The baby foods segment is projected to grow with a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2033. This rapid growth is fueled by rising health consciousness among parents, increasing demand for fortified and organic baby foods, and the expansion of commercial infant nutrition markets across the region. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, there is a growing preference for imported and premium baby food products. The National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in Oman reports that infant formula imports into the GCC increased by 12% in 2023, with manufacturers using bean gum as a stabilizer in ready-to-feed formulas. Moreover, in Egypt, local brands are reformulating their baby food products to meet international safety standards, aligning with WHO recommendations for reduced sugar and artificial additives. Similarly, in Sub-Saharan Africa, rising disposable incomes and improved access to healthcare are encouraging parents to opt for commercially produced baby foods rather than homemade alternatives. As per the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), infant and young child feeding programs supported by governments and NGOs are promoting the use of fortified complementary foods, many of which contain bean gum to enhance consistency and digestibility.
The Food and Beverages segment was the largest by capturing 37.5% of the MEA Bean Gum Market share in 2024. In the beverage sector, bean gum is widely used in fruit juices, dairy drinks, and plant-based milk alternatives to prevent phase separation and maintain a consistent mouthfeel. The Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI) reports that soft drink consumption in the Middle East increased by 8% in 2023, driven by rising urbanization and changing dietary preferences. Similarly, in the baking and confectionery sectors, bean gum improves dough elasticity and moisture retention, making it indispensable in large-scale bakery operations. Additionally, the demand for clean-label and plant-based ingredients has surged across the region, particularly in the UAE and Israel, where consumers are increasingly seeking natural food additives. As per Euromonitor International, the Middle East’s organic and functional food market expanded by 9% in 2023, further boosting the demand for bean gum.
The pharmaceuticals segment is projected to grow with a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2033. This rapid growth is primarily driven by the increasing use of bean gum as a binder, disintegrant, and controlled-release agent in oral solid dosage forms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pharmaceutical production in Sub-Saharan Africa has been steadily increasing, with local manufacturing capacity expanding to reduce dependency on imports.
In Kenya, for example, the government has launched initiatives to strengthen domestic drug production under the Kenya Vision 2030 program. The Kenya Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (KAPI) reports that local pharmaceutical output grew by 14% in 2023, with bean gum playing a crucial role in tablet formulation and suspension-based medicines. Additionally, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension is rising in the region, necessitating extended-release medications where bean gum enhances drug delivery efficiency. Furthermore, in the Middle East, particularly in Israel and the UAE, research institutions are exploring the use of bean gum in novel drug delivery systems, including mucoadhesive tablets and transdermal patches.
Saudi Arabia was the largest contributor in the MEA Bean Gum Market by accounting for 18.3% of the share in 2024. As the largest economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi Arabia’s demand for bean gum is primarily driven by its robust food processing industry and expanding oil and gas sector. Simultaneously, the oil and gas industry, which remains the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s economy, is another major consumer of bean gum derivatives, especially guar gum-based hydroxypropyl guar (HPG). The Saudi Aramco Annual Report 2023 indicates that upstream oil activities have intensified, with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques requiring substantial volumes of natural polymers. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that Saudi Arabia consumed over 40,000 metric tons of guar gum in 2023 for hydraulic fracturing and well completion operations. Additionally, the government’s Vision 2030 initiative has spurred investments in domestic chemical and industrial sectors, further boosting the demand for hydrocolloids.
The United Arab Emirates Bean Gum Market held 15.4% of the share in 2024, with its strong logistics infrastructure and thriving food and beverage industry, making it a central hub for bean gum trade and consumption in the region. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the UAE imported over USD 300 million worth of food additives in 2023, including guar gum and other hydrocolloids, to support its expanding food manufacturing and packaging sector. The UAE’s cosmetics and personal care industry is also a major driver of bean gum demand. Dubai has become a regional center for beauty and skincare product development, with a growing emphasis on natural and halal-certified ingredients. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector is witnessing rapid growth, supported by government investments in healthcare infrastructure.
South African bean Gum Market is likely to grow with prominent growth opportunities in the coming years. Its well-developed food processing, pharmaceutical, and beverage industries drive significant demand for hydrocolloids, particularly in urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town. The pharmaceutical industry in South Africa is also a major contributor to bean gum consumption. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) reports that local drug manufacturing capacity expanded by 7% in 2023, with bean gum used extensively as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that South Africa continues to lead in HIV/AIDS treatment programs, where bean gum-based excipients are employed in antiretroviral drugs to improve bioavailability and patient compliance. Beyond the food and pharmaceutical sectors, the beverage industry is also a growing user of bean gum, particularly in dairy and plant-based drinks.
Egyptian bean Gum Market is likely to have significant growth opportunities in the coming years. As one of the most populous countries in the Middle East and Africa, Egypt’s vast food consumption base drives consistent demand for bean gum in staple foods such as bread, dairy products, and beverages. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egypt produced over 18 million metric tons of flour in 2023, supporting a massive state-subsidized bread program that utilizes bean gum to enhance dough texture and extend shelf life.
Israel Bean Gum Market is expected to have a lucrative CAGR during the forecast period. Despite its relatively small geographic size, Israel plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and high-value applications for bean gum, particularly in the food technology, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. According to the Israel Export Institute, the country exported over USD 2.5 billion worth of food and beverage products in 2023, many of which incorporate natural hydrocolloids like bean gum to meet stringent European and U.S. quality standards.
One of the leading players in the global and regional bean gum market is Ashland Global Holdings Inc. Known for its broad portfolio of specialty ingredients, Ashland has a strong presence in the MEA region through strategic partnerships and distribution networks. The company supplies high-quality hydrocolloids to food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Its focus on innovation and sustainable sourcing has positioned it as a trusted supplier in diverse applications.
Another key player is CP Kelco, a global leader in nature-based polymer solutions. CP Kelco plays a crucial role in the MEA market by offering customized bean gum solutions tailored for food texture, beverage stabilization, and pharmaceutical formulations. The company collaborates with local manufacturers to enhance product functionality and meet evolving consumer preferences across the region with an emphasis on research and development.
Ingredion Incorporated is also a dominant force in the MEA bean gum market. Recognized for its wide range of texturizing solutions, Ingredion supports food and beverage producers in improving product consistency and shelf life. The company's commitment to sustainability and clean-label trends aligns well with the growing demand for natural additives in the MEA region. Through localized customer support and technical expertise, Ingredion strengthens its foothold in this emerging market.
One major strategy employed by key players in the Middle East and Africa Bean Gum Market is product innovation and customization. Companies are increasingly developing tailored hydrocolloid solutions that cater to specific industry needs, such as clean-label formulations, plant-based foods, and functional pharmaceutical excipients. This approach allows them to meet evolving consumer demands while differentiating their offerings in a competitive landscape.
Another critical strategy is expanding regional partnerships and distribution networks . Given the fragmented nature of the MEA market, firms are forming alliances with local distributors, ingredient suppliers, and food manufacturers to ensure better market penetration and logistical efficiency. These collaborations help in navigating regulatory landscapes and adapting products to regional preferences more effectively.
The companies are focusing on sustainability-driven sourcing and production practices. As environmental concerns gain prominence, players are investing in responsible raw material procurement, eco-friendly processing methods, and transparent supply chains. This not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also appeals to consumers and businesses seeking ethical and environmentally conscious ingredient choices.
Major Players of the Middle East and Africa Bean gum market include Cargill, Kerry Group, Scalzo Food Industries, LBG Sicilia ingredients, G Araouzos & Son, Ceamsa, TIC Gum Incorporation, CP Kelco, Fiberstar Inc, FMC Specialty Chemicals, Gum Technology Corporation, and E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company.
The competition in the Middle East and Africa Bean Gum Market is shaped by a mix of global ingredient giants and regional suppliers striving to capture market share through differentiation and strategic positioning. While multinational corporations leverage their brand strength, technological expertise, and extensive R&D capabilities, regional players emphasize localized knowledge, cost-efficiency, and responsiveness to domestic market dynamics. The market remains moderately consolidated, with a few dominant firms controlling a significant portion of the supply chain, particularly in specialized applications like food processing and pharmaceuticals.
Product differentiation is a key battleground, as companies compete to offer customized bean gum variants suited for specific industrial and food-grade uses. Innovation in application-specific formulations, along with the push for clean-label and plant-based ingredients, is intensifying rivalry among suppliers. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on sustainable sourcing and ethical trade practices is influencing purchasing decisions among end-users, prompting companies to adopt more transparent and responsible supply chain models.
Distribution strategies also play a crucial role in shaping competitive dynamics. Firms are expanding their regional presence through partnerships, joint ventures, and localized manufacturing or blending facilities to ensure timely delivery and reduce dependency on imports. As demand grows across industries such as oil & gas, personal care, and functional foods, competition is expected to further evolve, with companies continuously adapting their offerings to align with shifting consumer and industrial preferences in the MEA region.
This research report on the Middle East and Africa Bean Gum Market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on type, application, end user, and region.
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