Chewing gum, a popular confectionery enjoyed by millions of people around the world, is a significant player in the global snack industry.
The chewing gum market has been growing steadily over the years, with the demand for various types of gum continually increasing due to changing consumer preferences and innovations in flavor and product formats. Nigeria, with its large and youthful population, presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the chewing gum production sector.
Chewing gum is a type of gum made from a rubbery substance that is designed to be chewed but not swallowed. It typically consists of a gum base, sweeteners, flavors, and softeners. The gum base is the main component, providing the chewy texture, while sweeteners and flavors are added to make it enjoyable for the consumer.
Chewing gum can come in various forms, including sticks, tablets, pellets, or liquid-filled varieties, and can be sugar-based or sugar-free.
The history of chewing gum dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. Early forms of chewing gum were made from natural substances like tree sap, particularly sap from the spruce tree, which indigenous peoples in North America and other regions chewed for its flavor and medicinal properties.
The modern version of chewing gum, as we know it today, can be traced back to the late 19th century. In 1869, Thomas Adams, an American inventor, patented a process for making gum from chicle, a natural latex derived from the sapodilla tree found in Central America.
This breakthrough laid the foundation for the commercial production of chewing gum. Adams created the first mass-produced chewing gum, initially selling it in the form of a sticky rubber, and later in more familiar forms like sticks and pellets.
By the early 20th century, chewing gum became a widespread consumer product. Major companies such as Wrigley’s and Hershey’s played a significant role in shaping the modern chewing gum industry. Since then, the industry has evolved significantly, introducing sugar-free gums, new flavors, and innovations in packaging and marketing.
Chewing gum comes in several different varieties, catering to different tastes and preferences. These include:
Sugar-Based Gum: This type of gum contains sugar as its primary sweetener. It provides a sweet flavor that is enjoyable to many consumers. However, it can contribute to tooth decay and is being replaced by sugar-free options in many markets.
Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum uses alternative sweeteners such as xylitol, sorbitol, or aspartame, making it a popular option for consumers concerned about their sugar intake or dental health. These gums often come with added benefits, such as promoting oral health by reducing cavities and freshening breath.
Sticks/Tabs: One of the most common forms of chewing gum, these are the rectangular-shaped pieces of gum that come individually wrapped in a strip. They are convenient and widely available in many flavors.
Pellets/Pillows: These are small, round, or square pieces of gum that come in a variety of flavors. Pellets are often found in small tins or packs for easy on-the-go consumption.
Liquid-Filled Gum: This type of gum features a liquid or gel center that releases a burst of flavor when chewed. It is considered a more innovative and exciting option in the market.
Others: Other variations of chewing gum include bubble gum, which is designed to allow consumers to blow bubbles, and functional gums, which may contain added ingredients such as vitamins, caffeine, or probiotics.
The global chewing gum market has been experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing consumer demand, especially in regions with large populations and rising disposable incomes. In 2024, the global chewing gum market was valued at USD 28.69 billion.
According to IMARC Group, the market is projected to reach USD 38.70 billion by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04% from 2025 to 2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 37.6% in 2024.
However, emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Africa, are expected to experience faster growth due to their large youthful populations and increasing demand for confectionery products.
Chewing Gum Market Trends
Several trends are shaping the chewing gum industry globally. These include:
Health-Conscious Consumers: As more consumers become aware of the negative effects of sugar on health, there is a growing demand for sugar-free and functional chewing gum. Sugar-free gum, especially varieties sweetened with natural alternatives like xylitol, is gaining popularity.
Innovations in Flavors: The flavor profile of chewing gum continues to evolve, with manufacturers experimenting with a variety of exotic and functional flavors. Some gums now include ingredients such as mint, fruits, or even herbal extracts to cater to diverse taste preferences.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of packaging. As a result, brands are shifting towards biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials.
Functional Chewing Gum: There is an increasing trend toward gums with added health benefits. These gums may include ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins, and probiotics, promoting specific health benefits like increased energy or digestive support.
The production of chewing gum in Nigeria has gained traction over the years as the confectionery industry has expanded. Nigeria’s large, youthful population has created a significant demand for snack products, including chewing gum. Local production of chewing gum in Nigeria began with the establishment of a few small and medium-sized manufacturers.
However, the industry has evolved with larger, more sophisticated producers entering the market, driven by the growing demand for affordable, locally produced chewing gum.
The Nigerian government has also recognized the potential of the local confectionery industry, including chewing gum production, in contributing to the nation’s economic development. Over the years, Nigerian manufacturers have worked to improve production processes, product quality, and distribution networks to meet the demands of the growing market.
The production of chewing gum requires specific raw materials, most of which are imported or sourced locally. The primary ingredients for gum base include natural rubber or synthetic gum base, which provides the characteristic chewiness. Sweeteners, such as sugar or sugar substitutes, are used to give the gum its flavor.
Additionally, flavoring agents, such as mint, fruit extracts, and essential oils, are used to create diverse gum products. Other ingredients, such as softeners and emulsifiers, are included to improve the texture and consistency of the gum.
While some raw materials can be sourced locally, like sugar and certain flavorings, others, such as gum base and certain synthetic additives, may need to be imported. This reliance on imports can drive up production costs for local manufacturers.
However, the growing agricultural sector in Nigeria presents an opportunity to source more local ingredients, such as natural gum bases or sweeteners, to reduce production costs and increase profitability.
The chewing gum industry in Nigeria is still relatively young but growing rapidly. Local manufacturers have seen increasing demand for gum, particularly in urban areas, where young people, who make up a significant portion of the population, are a major consumer demographic. With Nigeria’s population exceeding two hundred million (200,000,000), this presents a substantial market opportunity for chewing gum producers.
The rise of convenience stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms has also contributed to the growth of the industry, making it easier for consumers to access chewing gum products. While multinational brands still dominate the market, there has been a growing presence of local brands that offer affordable alternatives to the international offerings.
Several local manufacturers in Nigeria produce chewing gum to meet the growing demand. These include well-established companies and smaller, emerging businesses looking to capitalize on the expanding market. Some of these local players have also made significant strides in improving production techniques and creating new product variants to cater to changing consumer preferences.
The demand for chewing gum in Nigeria continues to rise as the population grows, urbanizes, and becomes more consumer-driven. Young people, in particular, are the primary consumers of chewing gum, making it an ideal product to target in marketing campaigns. As disposable incomes rise and more people become aware of the availability of different chewing gum products, the demand for both sugar-based and sugar-free gums is expected to increase.
Like any manufacturing sector in Nigeria, the chewing gum industry faces several challenges. These include:
High Cost of Production: The reliance on imported raw materials, such as gum base and certain flavorings, drives up production costs.
Inconsistent Power Supply: Unreliable electricity can disrupt production processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for manufacturers.
Competition from Imported Products: Despite a growing local industry, multinational chewing gum brands continue to dominate the Nigerian market.
Regulatory Challenges: Navigating the complex regulatory environment, including food safety and health regulations, can be challenging for new entrants.
Despite these challenges, the prospects for the chewing gum industry in Nigeria are bright. The expanding population, rising disposable income, and growing middle class create a significant market for local manufacturers. By focusing on improving local production capabilities, leveraging innovative marketing strategies, and reducing reliance on imports, local manufacturers can tap into the growing demand for chewing gum and establish a profitable business in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s chewing gum production industry presents a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs. The market is ripe for growth, and by addressing challenges such as raw material sourcing, competition, and infrastructure limitations, entrepreneurs can build a successful and sustainable chewing gum business in the country.
With the right approach, local manufacturers can contribute to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and cater to an increasingly health-conscious and diverse consumer base.
If you require a bankable feasibility report on chewing gum production in Nigeria, please contact us using any of the means below.
Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi
Founder & Market Research Analyst Foraminifera Market Research Limited foraminiferaltd@gmail.com or +2348033782777 (call and whatsapp)
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