Report Description: Soft Gelatin Capsule (SGCs) Market Size, Trend, by Material (Gelatin, Non-animal Soft Gel Capsules), by Sources (Solutions, Services), by Security Type, by Solution Type, End Users, Region, Major Players – Global Forecast to 2030
Wissen Research analyzed that the global soft gelatin capsules (SGC) market was valued at USD 4.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2030, expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, 2025-2030.
Lucrative Opportunities
Global soft gelatin capsules market is anticipated to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2030 from USD 4.5 billion in 2024, growing at an annualized rate of 5.5% during the period, 2025-2030 | North America and Europe are key markets for Soft Gelatin Capsules, and those firms that respond to local regulatory needs, invest in leading-edge production technologies, and develop strategic alliances are best placed to take advantage of increasing demand for high-quality soft gel products. | Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific Soft Gelatin Capsules market is fueled by the explosive expansion of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, and those that invest in local capacity, quality, and regulatory compliance are most likely to reap the rewards of the growing demand for the softgel product in the region. |
Growing uses of soft gelatin capsules in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are fuelling market growth, and those manufacturers that invest in their production processes and technologies of high quality are poised to gain a competitive advantage by maintaining product efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance. | The creation of new excipients and formulations is a main trend for Soft Gelatin Capsules, and companies focusing on R&D and making investments in emerging technologies will be most likely to remain competitive and keep up with changing consumer demands. Keeping supply chains intact, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust regarding gelatin sourcing and quality are critical issues in the Soft Gelatin Capsules market, but businesses that act ahead of these problems can establish customer confidence, differentiate themselves as leaders, and catalyze long-term growth. |
Strategic Activities
Drivers: Advantages of Soft Gel Capsules and Increasing Demand for Naturally Derived Ingredients
The market for soft gel capsules is motivated by the advantages of soft gel preparations such as enhanced bioavailability, improved swallowing ease, and stabilization of sensitive ingredients. The growing demand for natural-based ingredients, driven by increased health concerns and natural product preference from consumers, is also propelling the market.
Opportunities: Personalization and Customization
The growing need for customized healthcare products offers a chance for soft gel capsule manufacturers to provide tailored solutions that allow specific dosing and targeted drug delivery. Such a trend is motivated by the desire of consumers for products that are suitable to their own needs and tastes.
Challenges: Increasing Raw Material Prices and Environmental Issues
The soft gel capsules industry is challenged by increasing raw material costs, e.g., gelatin, as demands from other industries rise. Waste generation and pollution posed by the production of gelatin also represent a challenge to market expansion. Additionally, cultural limitations leading to low acceptance and inadequate extraction and processing technologies for gelatin are other challenges
The international Soft Gelatin Capsules market, dedicated to offering a comfortable and effective means of delivering pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, is showing consistent development as industries increasingly embrace soft gel forms for their advantages, such as enhanced bioavailability and ease of swallowing. The market was worth USD 4.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 6.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.5%. Key growth drivers are the growing need for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, increased health and well-being awareness, and expanding use of soft gel capsules across applications.
The market is led by North America with strong pharmaceuticals industry and huge demand for nutraceuticals, while Asia Pacific is becoming an important region for growth, driven by fast-paced expansion of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries in China, India, and Japan. The growth of the market is further driven by the evolution in soft gel manufacturing technologies and increased demand for personalized and customized healthcare products.
Bovine segment registered the largest market share in the soft gelatin capsules market by source type in the historical and base year (2022-2024).
For instance, according to Eurostat data, the European Union imported approximately 25,000 metric tons of bovine gelatin in 2020, significantly higher than the 10,000 metric tons of porcine gelatin imported, demonstrating the segment’s volume leadership. Furthermore, major pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck & Co. and GlaxoSmithKline, have long-standing supply agreements with gelatin manufacturers like Rousselot and GELITA to ensure a consistent supply of bovine gelatin for their soft gel capsule formulations.
Nutraceutical and dietary supplement segment held the largest market share in the soft gelatin capsule market by application in the historical and base year (2022-2024).
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) reported in 2023 that approximately 76% of U.S. adults take dietary supplements, with a significant portion of these being in soft gelatin form, particularly for oil-soluble nutrients. Furthermore, major nutraceutical companies such as Nature’s Bounty, NOW Foods, and GNC have consistently expanded their soft gelatin capsule product lines. Nature’s Bounty, for example, offers over 50 different products in soft gelatin capsules, ranging from fish oil to vitamin E formulations. According to a 2023 production report from Capsugel, a leading capsule manufacturer, their nutraceutical division produced over 8 billion soft gelatin capsules specifically for dietary supplement applications in 2022 alone, significantly outpacing their pharmaceutical production.
Asia-Pacific projected to hold the largest growth rate in soft gelatin capsules market in the forecast period (2025-2030)
Asia-Pacific projected to hold the largest growth rate in soft gelatin capsules market in the forecast period (2025-2030). This growth trajectory is driven by rapid expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, increasing domestic demand for nutraceuticals, significant government investments in healthcare infrastructure, and evolving regulatory frameworks facilitating faster product approvals. The region’s cost-competitive manufacturing environment combined with a large patient population and rising health awareness creates a robust foundation for accelerated adoption of soft gelatin capsules across therapeutic and supplement applications.
For instance, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) reported a 45% increase in new drug approvals utilizing advanced delivery systems like soft gelatin capsules between 2021-2023, reflecting the region’s formulation innovation momentum. Furthermore, Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical announced a $120 million investment in 2023 to establish a new soft gelatin capsule production facility in Taizhou, designed to produce 3 billion capsules annually upon full operation in 2025, specifically targeting export markets across ASEAN and Africa.
Prominent Players Within Soft Gelatin Capsules Market
Major players operating in soft gelatin capsules market are:
Note: The price given above is from the company’s websites or third-party websites.
Sources: Secondary Research
“The shift toward complex molecules and poorly soluble APIs is forcing formulators to prioritize bioavailability-enhancing soft gel technologies, particularly lipid-based formulations and self-emulsifying systems, as oral bioavailability becomes a critical differentiator.”
Senior Formulation Scientist – Global CDMO (Europe)
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for vegetarian and vegan soft gels, but supply chain constraints for high-quality plant polymers (like Hypromellose and pullulan) are creating 6–8-month lead times, forcing brands to either reformulate or delay launches.”
Procurement Director – Top Nutraceutical Brand (North America)
“While continuous soft gel manufacturing lines promise 30% cost savings and faster scale-up, inconsistent regulatory guidance across FDA, EMA, and PMDA is making clients hesitant to invest, leaving batch processing as the default for commercial products.”
VP Operations – Mid-Sized CDMO (Asia-Pacific)
“Divergent requirements for enteric coatings, dissolution testing, and excipient approvals between the US, EU, and China are forcing us to run parallel stability studies and maintain region-specific formulations, adding 15–20% to development costs for global products.”
Head of Regulatory Affairs – Pharmaceutical Company (Global)
Sources: Primary Research and Wissen Research Analysis.
Note: Above mention is non-exhaustive samples of the primary insights.
Particulars | Details |
Report | Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGC) Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2030 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Format | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 4.5 Billion |
CAGR (2025-2030) | 5.5% |
Number of Pages | 160 |
Number of Tables | 155 |
Number of Figures | 35 |
Key Segments | Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGCs) Market by Material (Gelatin, Non-animal Soft Gel Capsules) Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGCs) Market by Source (Bovine, Porcine, Others) Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGCs) Market by Application (Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry) |
Regions Covered | § North America: US and Canada § Europe: Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of the Europe § Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, and Rest of the Asia-Pacific § Latin America § Middle East and Africa |
Key Players Covered (Majority Share Holders) | GELITA AG (Germany), Darling Ingredients Inc. (US), PB Leiner (Part of Tessenderlo Group NV) (Belgium), Nitta Gelatin, Inc. (Japan), Capsugel (Lonza Group Ltd.) (US), Catalent, Inc (US), Narmada Gelatines Limited (India), C.J. Gelatine Products Limited (India), SAS Gelatines Weishardt (France), Trobas Gelatine B.V. (Netherlands), Lapi Gelatine S.P.A. (Italy), India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd (India), Italgel S.P.A. (Italy), Sterling Biotech Limited (US), Croda International PLC (UK). |
Other Players | Gelco International (Germany), Boom Gelatin (Germany), Geliko LLC (Germany), Kenney & Ross Limited Marine Gelatin (Germany), Baotou Dongbao Bio-Tech Co., Ltd. (China), Jellice Gelatin & Collagen (Germany), Athos Collagen Pvt. Ltd. (India), Kubon Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (South Korea), American Gelatin (US), Geltech Co., Ltd. (Germany). |
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. KEY OBJECTIVES
1.2. DEFINITIONS
1.2.1. IN SCOPE
1.2.2. OUT OF SCOPE
1.3. SCOPE OF THE REPORT
1.4. SCOPE RELATED LIMITATIONS
1.5. KEY STAKEHOLDERS
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1. RESEARCH APPROACH
2.2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY / DESIGN
2.3. MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION APPROACHES
2.3.1. SECONDARY RESEARCH
2.3.2. PRIMARY RESEARCH
2.3.2.1. KEY INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
2.4. DATA VALIDATION & TRIANGULATION
2.5. ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & PREMIUM CONTENT
3.1. GLOBAL MARKET OUTLOOK
3.2. KEY MARKET FINDINGS
4. MARKET OVERVIEW
4.1. SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES (SGC): OVERVIEW
4.1.1. INTRODUCTION
4.1.2.KEY FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITIES
4.1.3.BENEFITS OF SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES (SGC)
4.1.4.TYPES OF SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES (SGC)
4.2. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.2.1. MARKET DRIVERS
4.2.2. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
4.2.3. RESTRAINTS/CHALLENGES
4.3. END USER PERCEPTION
4.4. NEED GAP ANALYSIS
4.5. SUPPLY CHAIN / VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
4.6. INDUSTRY TRENDS
4.7. PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
4.8. REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
4.8.1.NORTH AMERICA
4.8.2.EUROPE
4.8.3.ASIA PACIFIC
5. PATENT ANALYSIS
5.1. TOP ASSIGNEES
5.2. GEOGRAPHY FOCUS OF TOP ASSIGNEES
5.3. LEGAL STATUS
5.4. TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION
5.5. KEY PATENTS
5.6. PATENT TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS
6. GLOBAL SOFT GELATIN CAPSULE (SGC) MARKET, BY MATERIAL (2024-2030, USD MILLION)
6.1. GELATIN
6.2. NON-ANIMAL SOFTGEL CAPSULES
6.2.1.STARCHES
6.2.2.PULLULAN
6.2.3.OTHERS
7. GLOBAL SOFT GELATIN CAPSULE (SGC) MARKET, BY SOURCE (2024-2030, USD MILLION)
7.1. BOVINE
7.2. PORCINE
7.3. OTHERS
8. GLOBAL SOFT GELATIN CAPSULE (SGC) MARKET, BY APPLICATION (2024-2030, USD MILLION)
8.1. NUTRACEUTICAL AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY
8.2. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
8.3. COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE INDUSTRY
9. GLOBAL SOFT GELATIN CAPSULE (SGC) MARKET, BY REGION (2024-2030, USD MILLION)
9.1. NORTH AMERICA
9.1.1. US
9.1.2. CANADA
9.2. EUROPE
9.2.1. GERMANY
9.2.2. FRANCE
9.2.3. SPAIN
9.2.4. ITALY
9.2.5. UK
9.2.6. REST OF THE EUROPE
9.3. ASIA-PACIFIC
9.3.1. CHINA
9.3.2. JAPAN
9.3.3. INDIA
9.3.4. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
9.3.5. SOUTH KOREA
9.3.6. REST OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC
9.4. MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
9.5. LATIN AMERICA
10. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
10.1. PRODUCT PIPELINE: SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES
10.2. KEY PLAYERS FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS
10.3. MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS (2023/2024)
10.4. REGIONAL SNAPSHOT OF KEY PLAYERS
10.5. R&D EXPENDITURE OF KEY PLAYERS
11. COMPANY PROFILES
11.1. GELITAAG AG (GERMANY)
11.1.1. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
11.1.2. PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
11.1.3. FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
11.1.4. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
11.1.4.1. MERGER/ACQUISITIONS
11.1.4.2. PRODUCT APPROVAL/LAUNCHES
11.1.4.3. PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATIONS/AGREEMENTS
11.1.4.4. EXPANSIONS
11.2. DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. (US)
11.3. PB LEINER (PART OF TESSENDERLO GROUP NV) (BELGIUM)
11.4. NITTA GELATIN, INC. (JAPAN)
11.5. CAPSUGEL (LONZA GROUP LTD.) (US)
11.6. CATALENT, INC (US).
11.7. NARMADA GELATINES LIMITED (INDIA)
11.8. C.J. GELATINE PRODUCTS LIMITED (INDIA)
11.9. SAS GELATINES WEISHARDT (FRANCE)
11.10. TROBAS GELATINE B.V. (NETHERLANDS)
11.11. LAPI GELATINE S.P.A (ITALY)
11.12. INDIA GELATINE & CHEMICALS LTD (INDIA)
11.13. ITALGEL S.P.A. (ITALY)
11.14. STERLING BIOTECH LIMITED (US)
11.15. CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC (UK)
11.16. OTHER PLAYERS
11.16.1. GELCO INTERNATIONAL (GERMANY)
11.16.2. BOOM GELATIN (GERMANY)
11.16.3. GELIKO LLC (GERMANY)
11.16.4. KENNEY & ROSS LIMITED MARINE GELATIN (GERMANY)
11.16.5. BAOTOU DONGBAO BIO-TECH CO., LTD. (CHINA)
11.16.6. JELLICE GELATIN & COLLAGEN (GERMANY)
11.16.7. ATHOS COLLAGEN PVT. LTD. (INDIA)
11.16.8. KUBON BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (SOUTH KOREA)
11.16.9. AMERICAN GELATIN (US)
11.16.10. GELTECH CO., LTD. (GERMANY)
12. APPENDIX
12.1. INDUSTRY SPEAK
12.2. QUESTIONNAIRE/DISCUSSION GUIDE
12.3. AVAILABLE CUSTOM WORK
12.4. ADJACENT STUDIES
12.5. AUTHORS
13. REFERENCES
Soft gelatin capsules market represents a series of products and services aimed at delivering a convenient and efficient delivery system for pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical purposes. Soft gelatin capsules are applied to encapsulate liquids, semi-solids, and powders, providing advantages like enhanced bioavailability, easy swallowing, and product stability. The market serves various industries such as pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and cosmetics and entails the manufacture of soft gel capsules in diverse shapes, sizes, and formulations. Some of the major features of the market are gelatin and other materials, filling technologies, and encapsulation processes. The market is motivated by increasing demand for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, development in soft gel technology, and expanding use of soft gel capsules in emerging markets. New trends including vegetarian and vegan soft gels, and the utilization of new excipients are also driving growth and development within the market.
FIGURE: SOFT GELATIN CAPSULES SEGMENTS
Sources: Company Websites and Wissen Research Analysis
Key Stakeholders
Key Study Objectives
Research Methodology
The objective of the study is to analyze the key market dynamics such as drivers, opportunities, challenges, restraints, and key player strategies. To track company developments such as product launches and approvals, expansions, and collaborations of the leading players, the competitive landscape of the soft gelatin capsules market to analyze market players on various parameters within the broad categories of business and product strategy. Top-down and bottom-up approaches will be used to estimate the market size. To estimate the market size of segments and sub segments the market breakdown and data triangulation will be used.
FIGURE: RESEARCH DESIGN
Sources: Wissen Research Analysis
Research Approach
Collecting Secondary Data
The secondary research data collection process involves the usage of secondary sources, directories, databases, annual reports, investor presentations, and SEC filings of companies. Secondary research will be used to identify and collect information useful for the extensive, technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the soft gelatin capsules market. A database of the key industry leaders will also be prepared using secondary research.
Collecting Primary Data
The primary research data will be conducted after acquiring knowledge about the soft gelatin capsules market scenario through secondary research. A significant number of primary interviews will be conducted with stakeholders from both the demand side and supply side (including various industry experts, such as Directors, Chief X Officers (CXOs), Vice Presidents (VPs) from business development, marketing and product development teams, product manufacturers) across major countries of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Primary data for this report was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews.
Market Size Estimation
All major developers offering various soft gelatin capsules will be identified at the global/regional level. Revenue mapping will be done for the major players, which will further be extrapolated to arrive at the global market value of each type of segment. The market value of soft gelatin capsules market will also split into various segments and sub segments at the region level based on:
Research Design
After arriving at the overall market size-using the market size estimation processes-the market will be split into several segments and sub segment. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics of each market segment and sub segment, the data triangulation, and market breakdown procedures will be employed, wherever applicable. The data will be triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides in the soft gelatin capsules industry.
The global market for soft gelatin capsules market was valued at USD 4.5 billion in 2024.
The global soft gelatin capsules market is anticipated to grow at an annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030 to reach USD 6.2 billion, by 2030.
Leading players within the soft gelatin capsules market are GELITA AG (Germany), Darling Ingredients Inc. (US), PB Leiner (Part of Tessenderlo Group NV) (Belgium), Capsugel (Lonza Group Ltd.) (US) and Catalent, Inc (US).
The soft gelatin capsules market is moderately consolidated, characterized by a tiered structure where global leaders dominate high-value segments, while regional specialists and niche players maintain competitive positions through technological differentiation and agility. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and vertical integration drive consolidation, yet the market retains dynamism through specialized innovation and regional fragmentation.
