Sweetened gum used for chewing is a product made from gum and similar resilient substances. It appears in many forms and it chewed for its multi-flavored taste. Chewing gum is originally made of the prime raw material called "chicle gum" which was imported. Sugar and flavouring agents were added to make the chew more palatable. With the increase in demand for these products and the short supply of chicle gum considerable research were under taken and several substitute of natural and synthetic gum were developed in the country. Chewing gum is a sweetened, flavored confection composed primarily of latex, both natural and artificial. Organic latex, a milky white fluid produced by a variety of seed plants, is best known as the principle component of rubber. Used as a snack, gum has no nutritive value and when people have finished chewing, they generally throw it away rather than swallow it. Chewing gum is offered to consumers in several forms. Candy coated in rectangular or ball shape, stick or slab gum bubble gum in toffee shape is some of the varieties common in the Indian market. All recipes for chewing gum manufactured today share the same main ingredients: a gum base, sweeteners, primarily sugar and corn syrup, and flavorings. Some also contain softeners, such as glycerin and vegetable oil. The amount of each added to the mix varies as to which type of gum is being manufactured. For example, bubble gum contains more of the gum base, so that bubbles don't burst while blowing. Though gum manufacturers carefully guard their recipes, they all share the same basic process to reach the finished product. The global confectionery market comes under packaged food industry and is the fourth largest segment under packaged food. It is also the fastest growing segment of the packaged food industry. Confectionery is further segmented into chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery and gum. Of the three segments, gum has the lowest share. Chewing gum is also the most concentrated market of the three segments. The chewing gum segment, the fastest growing segment of confectionery industry is growing at a CAGR of approximately 7% for past few years due to mouthful of benefits. It is said to relieve stress, helps in weight management, increases alertness and focus. All these factors result in the increasing demand of chewing gum in people of every age group. Innovation in chewing gum is another important driver of this industry. Different flavors, flexibility and variety in gum attract the consumers and the current trends suggest consumers prefer gum with natural colors and avoid usage of synthetic and azo colors. The chewing gum category in India is growing at a healthy 20%.According to AC Nielsen, the size of India’s total gum category is around Rs 1,000 crore. Chewing gums and bubble gums account for approximately 44% and 56% of the category respectively. In India the bubble gum segment is larger than the chewing gum segment, whereas in the rest of the world it is the other way round. Wrigley is a leader in both the bubble gum and the sugar-free chewing gum. Chewing gums and mints are a global phenomenon with the new generation. Product quality and effective marketing - which includes brand equity, have been instrumental in the market surge. There is a good scope for new entrepreneurs to venture into this field. Few Indian Major Players are as under: Cadbury India Ltd. Joyco India Pvt. Ltd. Millennium Laboratories Ltd. N P Chewing Gums Ltd. Perfetti Van Melle India Pvt. Ltd.