Gelatin Market Report 2026

The gelatin market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.31 billion in 2025 to $3.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of pharmaceutical capsule production, widespread use in food processing, established animal by-product utilization, growth of confectionery manufacturing, long-term cosmetic industry adoption.

The gelatin market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.63 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for protein-based supplements, rising use in medical nutrition, increasing regulatory scrutiny on sourcing, expansion of personalized nutrition products, innovation in alternative gelatin sources. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of gelatin applications in nutraceuticals, rising demand for high-purity gelatin, growing use in functional food products, increased focus on traceability of raw materials, innovation in plant-based and hybrid alternatives.

The growing demand for gelatin in photography is expected to drive the expansion of the gelatin market in the coming years. In photographic applications, gelatin serves as a binding medium for light-sensitive materials, with its swelling capacity in photographic baths being essential for the chemical reactions involved in processing photographic materials. The increasing interest in photography is therefore contributing to the growth of the gelatin industry. For instance, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of photographers is projected to increase by 4% from 2022 to 2032, with around 13,900 new job openings expected annually in the photography sector. Consequently, the rising demand for photography is supporting the growth of the gelatin market.

Companies within the gelatin market are strategically focusing on product innovations as a key approach to enhance their market position. Notably, in March 2023, GELITA, a German-based manufacturer specializing in gelatin and collagen peptides, introduced a groundbreaking fast-setting gelatin called 'CONFIXX.' This innovative gelatin product is designed to transform the production of fortified gummies. CONFIXX enables starch-free manufacturing while preserving the desired sensorial characteristics typically associated with starch-based processes. This advancement provides supplement manufacturers with exciting possibilities, allowing them to work with various active ingredients, streamline production procedures, and achieve significant cost efficiencies.

In March 2023, Darling Ingredients Inc., a USA-based company specializing in sustainable natural ingredients, made a strategic acquisition by acquiring Gelnex for approximately $1.2 billion USD. With this acquisition, Darling Ingredients gained control of five facilities in South America and one in the United States, collectively possessing the capacity to produce 46,000 metric tons of gelatin and collagen products annually. This move positions Darling Ingredients to meet the growing demands of collagen customers while continuing to address the increasing demand for gelatin. Gelnex, the acquired company, is a Brazil-based producer of gelatin and collagen products. This acquisition enhances Darling's capabilities and strengthens its position in the dynamic gelatin market.

Major companies operating in the gelatin market are Darling Ingredients Inc., Trobas Gelatine BV, Junca Gelatines SL, Tessenderlo Group, Nitta Gelatin India Ltd., Lapi Gelatine, Rousselot, Gelita AG, Sterling Gelatin, Norland Products Inc., Capsugel Inc., Gelken Gelatin Co Ltd., Jiliding Marine Biotech Co Ltd., Baotou Dongbao Bio Tech Co Ltd., Hangzhou Qunli Gelatin Chemical Co Ltd., Italgelatine SpA, PAN Biotech GmbH, India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd., Roxlor LLC, Suheung Capsule Co Ltd., Ewald Gelatin GmbH, PB Leiner, SAS Gelatines Weishardt, Kubon Gelatin Pte Ltd., Gelnex Gelatin, Rousselot SAS.

Europe was the largest region in the gelatin market in 2025 and is also expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the gelatin market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the gelatin market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The gelatin market consists of sales of shampoos, face masks, cosmetics. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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