A total of $4.52 million worth of chewing gum were imported into Iran during the last fiscal year (March 2017-18), as reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Turkey, the UAE, Russia, Vietnam, Italy, Switzerland and Hong Kong were the main exporters of chewing gum to Iran last year.
According to a study by London-based marketing firm Kantar Media’s Global Target Group, the title of biggest chewing gum chewers in the world goes to Iran, followed closely by Saudi Arabia. The US is a distant third when it comes to chewing gum consumption.
A total of 82% of Iranians chew gum followed by Saudi Arabia with 79% of its population. In the US, 59% of the people chew gum.
Local custom is likely to play a role in these consumption figures, said researchers. For example, instead of giving customers change, it is common practice for many shops in Middle Eastern countries to proffer chewing gum.
