Locals have been extracting the natural chicle gum base from the bark of the chicozapote trees for a century, a spokesman for Chicza told CNN.

CNN: New gum could mean sticky end for mess

The producer of vinyl acetate monomer (used in adhesives, textiles, packaging and chewing gum base) beat expectations in its December quarter and recently increased its estimates for 2008.

FORBES: Chemical Balance

After years of exporting the gum base to be used as an ingredient in the manufacture of regular chewing gum, the cooperative recently decided to start making its own gum using only chicle gum base and natural flavorings and sweeteners, Chicza said.

CNN: New gum could mean sticky end for mess