Gelatin Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Pig Skin, Bovine Hides, Cattle Bones), By Application (Food & Beverage, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Photography, Personal Care), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

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GELATIN MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Gelatin market size was USD 3.32616 billion in 2022 and is projected to touch USD 4.71731 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.

The Gelatin Market has been building momentum around an expanding area of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic businesses due to an increasing demand for protein and functional ingredients. Gelatin is a natural protein most often derived from collagen that can gel, stabilize or thicken, and continues to develop in importance as a growing health-conscious mindset emerges derived from clean label ingredients. End-user demand for gelatin in dietary supplements, consumer products, and medical applications has expanded. The gelatin market is fluid, as plant-derived and specialty gelatins are being innovated in response to changing consumer preferences. The Gelatin Market is known for strong growth as applications and technology continue to expand.

GELATIN MARKET KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size And Growth – In 2024, the global Gelatin Market had a value of USD 3.74 billion, the market is expected to grow to USD 3.96 billion in 2025 and reach USD 6.32 billion by 2033, at a projected CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2033.
• Key Market Driver – An estimated 74% of U.S. adults reported to have taken dietary supplements in 2023, which provides more demand for gelatin capsules and delivery systems.
• Major Market Restraint – The costs and volatility in pricing of raw materials caused challenges in production costs where pricing of animal skin and bone had large pricing fluctuations of upward of 18% in 2023 creating an unpredictable supply chain.
• Emerging Trends – In 2023, more than 15 new plant-based gelatin alternatives were launched around the globe. This indicates that a large number of consumers have been investigating vegan/ halal certified products.
• Regional Leadership – Europe had the largest market share with 39% of the market due to its higher levels of processing infrastructure and regulatory regime making it easier for new gelatin innovations to develop.
• Competetive Landscape- Over the year, the largest players in the marketplace continue to develop innovative products, including a gelatin grade with 25% faster dissolving rates for pharmaceutical applications.
• Market Segmentation - In 2023, Type A gelatin (from pig sources) was estimated to dominate around 55% of the market due to its positive effects for food and soft capsule gelatin uses.
• Recent Development- As of March 2024, new manufacturing plant was announced in Europe, which would increase production capacity by over 10,000 metric tons of gelatin annually to meet the growing demand.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Gelatin Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to supply disruptions and reduced demand during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The Gelatin market was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, largely through disruption in supply chains or manufacturing operations. The lockdowns and restrictions in transport were all factors that interfered with sourcing raw materials that delayed production lead times for gelatin. The foodservice industry, a large user of gelatin products, was also severely affected and experienced a systemic and dramatic decline in demand. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production facing delays had a further impact on the gelatin market overall, thus, it was placed in a decline due to diminished industrial activity and changing consumer priorities due to the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

Market Growth Driven by Sustainable, Plant-Based, and Functional Gelatin Trends

The Gelatin Market continues experiencing various emerging trends based on clean-label and sustainable products. One trend is the demand for plant-based and alternative gelatins due to increasing vegetarian and vegan preferences by consumers. Many manufacturers are proceeding with research and development of gelatin-substitute products from seaweed, agar, and pectin to fulfill the functional characteristics of animal gelatin. New innovations in fortified and functional gelatin products appear to be emerging in the health, wellness, and lifestyle space. This move towards environmentally conscious and inclusive options has had an impact on products developed and growth in the market.

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GELATIN MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Pig Skin, Bovine Hides, Cattle Bones

• Pig Skin: Due to a higher level of collagen and lower cost, pig skin is one of the most used sources of gelatin. Pig skin is often sought after for use in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications in Europe and Asia. The processing of gelatin using pig skin is generally fast relative to other sources of gelatin. There are some regions where pig skin is not accepted due to culture or religious practices.

• Bovine Hides: Gelatin from bovine hides is often chosen for capsules, confectionery and desserts due to its strength and clarity. Bovine hide is most common in North America and in areas where bovine products are culturally acceptable. Gelatin made from bovine hides goes through alkaline processing which is a slower process, but strength and consistency still meet demand as it is a well-established source.

• Cattle Bones: gelatin made from cattle bones is considered special because of its level of purity and mineral content. Generally, bone gelatin is found in the pharmaceutical and photographic industries. It requires an extensive use of acids or alkalines, instead of the relative ease of processing gelatin (safely and easily) more generally - so it generally more difficult and expensive to manufacture, but gives a good type of product with good functional properties. Bone or bovine gelatins are requested from countries that are focused on ease of clarity and firmness.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Food & Beverage, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Photography, Personal Care

• Food and Beverage: The food and beverage industry is also another big user of gelatin mainly as a gelling, thickening, or stabilizing agent. Examples of gelatin in the food and beverage industry are gummies, yogurt, marshmallows, and desserts. While the continued clean label movement, as well as manufacturers wanting to meet consumer demands for more protein food products has been helping growth in gelatin food products, dietary restrictions and cultural beliefs around the animal sourced ingredients in gelatin pose a challenge.

• Nutraceuticals: In the case of the nutraceutical segment, gelatin is used primarily in capsules and soft gels and for health supplements. The characteristics of digestibility of gelatin, and ability to encapsulate active ingredients, providing a value‐added delivery to more functional foods/dietary products, play an important role. Continued consumer interest in health and wellness and preventive care will only contribute to consumer demand in this category. There are also continued developments of plant-based alternatives to serve vegetarian and vegan consumers' diets.

• Pharmaceuticals: Gelatin is important for the pharmaceutical industry to produce a capsule, tablet, and/or wound dressings. Gelatin is a non-toxic material and biocompatible, making gelatin systems well-suited for use in drug delivery systems. The growth of healthcare and personalized medicine globally is raising demand. However, strict regulatory compliance requirements and concerns about animal based gelatin components are impacting sourcing decisions.

• Photography: Gelatin was commonly used in photography as a binder in film coatings in the past for silver halide photography. This practice has subsided with digital imaging, however it is still required in the production of archival film. While this segment is small, there remains steady demand as there are still artists and professionals invested in institutional and instructional spaces who want to work with analog photography. New innovations in higher resolution film types still rely on the unique properties found in gelatin coatings for film and photography.

• Personal Care: In personal care products, gelatin is routinely used for its film forming and skin moisturizing potential. Gelatin appears in many personal care formulations, including face masks, shampoos, and nail treatments. The trend toward natural formulations and protein based beauty products has sparked renewed interest in gelatin-based components and formulations. Recent shifts towards vegan and cruelty-free product options has affected gelatin by eliminating it from formulations, which is necessitating develop plant-based alternative products.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factor

Market Growth Fueled by Rising Demand in Food and Beverages

The food and drink sector is expanding, which will result in increased demand for gelatin, and since gelatin can be used to a potential degree in confectionery and dairy products and meat as a gelling, stabilizing, and texturizing agent, and since more consumers are seeking clean-label, protein-rich food, gelatin is the ingredient of choice. In the same vein, the increasing rise of functional and fortified foods markets is increasing potentially global consumption of gelatin.

Market Growth Driven by Gelatin Use in Health and Wellness

A factor consistently driving growth in the gelatin market is the U.S. nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets' increasing use of gelatin. Gelatin is a major ingredient in capsules, soft gels, and in several drug delivery systems because of its biocompatibility and digestibility. Also, the increasing trend in preventive healthcare supplements, and generally wellness as a priority, are increasingly utilizing gelatin products. Further, as a growing elderly population around the world, gelatin-based health products are also gaining traction.

Restraining Factor

Market Growth Limited Due to Dietary and Cultural Gelatin Restrictions

A major restraining factor in the Gelatin Market, is the increased attention on religious, cultural, or dietary limitations associated with the use of animal-derived products. Most gelatin products are generated from pigs and cattle and therefore has far less acceptance amongst various religious groups including Muslims, Jews and Hindus - as well as with vegetarians and vegans. This limits the growth opportunities of gelatin products in certain geographies and consumer segments. As such, manufacturers are increasingly pressed to invest in plant-based or synthetic alternatives to satisfy the broad needs of their consumers.

Market Growth Boosted by Plant-Based Gelatin Alternatives Meeting New Demand

Opportunity

An emergent opportunity in the Gelatin Market growth, is the creation and commercialization of plant-based and alternative gelatins. As consumers demand more vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-free products, manufacturers are able to reach additional customer groups.

The advent of alternative gelatins from sources like agar, carrageenan, and pectin provide not only a sustainable and ethical opportunity, but also fits into the same types of clean-label and environmentally considered consumer preferences. Although investment into plant-based or alternative gelatins would represent a strategic shift for gelatin manufacturers, this opportunity has the potential to significantly increase both market share and global uptake.

Market Growth Hindered by Raw Material Supply Chain Instability Risks

Challenge

The problematic aspect of the Gelatin Market is the continual instability of the supply chain of raw materials due to pandemics/disease outbreaks and herd or species shortages. For example, cattle in the UK and Europe were severely affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and swine flu which severely curtailed supply of animal by-products that use gelatin.

Then we have uncertainty about price and supply of the intended product which can make issues hazardous further down the road. These events typically occur due to greater regulatory scrutiny and associated safety risks with animal by-products.

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GELATIN MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

Market Growth in North America Driven by Health and Innovation Demand

North America is a key player in the Gelatin Market. The developed food processing industry areas and thereby greater demand for nutritional supplement areas are why North America can be considered a large part of the Gelatin Market. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors are also well-established sectors within the region as well. A major demand sector for gelatin in the United States is in capsules, and such products in the health domain. In addition, the United States Gelatin Market has a strong opportunity to innovation under the pressure of ever growing demand by consumers for clean-label and protein-enhanced products. U.S. companies are also investing in research and development of alternative sources of gelatin in response to these forces. Finally, the U.S. healthcare system has been robust and has continuing relevance to the gelatin product areas in consideration.

• Europe

Market Growth in Europe Supported by Quality, Demand, And Exports

Europe has a significant contribution to the Gelatin Market Share and is one of the leading producers and exporters of Gelatin globally. Global exports have a strong reliance on the integrity of the European markets having key local producers, means of production and farmers as well as high-tech and advanced manufacturing in the marketplace that reflects a commitment to quality. Historically European consumers have a commitment to clean-label, functional, organic and tracking food products so demand remains consistent. The regulatory standards in the EU are significant, and contribute to strengthening the international trust in the safety and efficacy of European gelatin products which is a product area with significant opportunity.

• Asia

Market growth in Asia driven by demand, resources, and urbanization

Due to the increasing size of its food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries, Asia is playing a larger role in the Gelatin Market, with health awareness and processed and functional food consumption increasing the demand for gelatin in China, India and Japan. Moreover, Asia is able to tap into plentiful raw materials cost effectively. Furthermore, increasing urbanization and the size of the middle-class population is also contributing to the growth of the Gelatin Market in Asia.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Major Companies Drive Market Growth Through Innovation, Expansion, and Sustainability

The major companies in the Gelatin Industry are creating a significant effect on the Gelatin Market and are leading the way through investments, new products, global expansion, and other industry developments. For example, some companies are GELITA, Rousselot, and Nitta Gelatin, that are developing more specific types of gelatine related to a specific application in food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals sectors and also developing more sustainable and alternative sources and methods to comply with consumer demands for clean-label and plant-based products. History of working together through partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions allowed these companies to establish efficient supply chains. Their continued focus and investment on research and de1evelopment will mean that they will be capable of continuing with improving gelatin quality and functionalities to meet the changing objectives of the industry and end-users.

List Of Top Gelatin Companies

• QUNLI (China)
• GELITA (Germany)
• Rousselot (France)
• DONGBAO (China)
• JinLong (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

March 2024: Gelita AG, leading producer of collagen protein, unveiled its latest product, GELITA® EC, an array of enteric gelatin solutions targeted at soft capsule applications. This specialized gelatin allows capsule manufacturers to deliver materials through a method whereby they do not delivery any content in the stomach, rather having their active ingredients delivered directly from the capsule into the intestine without the need of additional coatings. The launch is happening due to the increased demand for ingredient delivery targeting and pharmaceutical-based applications, allowing for a clean-label solution with improved processing and compliance with consumers.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.