Softgel Capsules Global Market Report 2024

The global softgel capsules market has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $7.77 billion in 2023 to $8.38 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. The historical growth can be ascribed to the increased demand within pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, driven by consumer preference for oral dosage forms. Additionally, this growth is influenced by the advantages of customization and formulation flexibility, improved bioavailability, and the effectiveness of product differentiation and branding strategies.

The global softgel capsules market is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.62 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The anticipated growth is expected due to the expansion of the healthcare industry, emphasis on personalized and tailored healthcare solutions, the growing market for functional food and beverages, the increasing demand for natural and organic products, a focus on the elderly population's needs, and the rise of green and sustainable initiatives. Notable trends in the forecast period include advancements in nutraceutical innovation, a strong emphasis on sustainability practices, a continued preference for natural and organic products, and adherence to regulatory compliance standards.

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular ailments, is anticipated to be a key driver for the growth of the soft gel capsules market. Chronic illnesses, lasting a year or more, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis, necessitate ongoing nutritional and medical care. Soft gel capsules serve as a preferred delivery system for nutritional supplements required by patients with chronic conditions, contributing to the rising demand for these capsules. As of September 2022, studies from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India indicate that approximately 60% of the global burden of heart disease is attributed to India. This underscores the significant role soft gel capsules play in addressing the nutritional needs of individuals with chronic diseases, particularly in the context of cardiovascular ailments.

The growth of the soft gel capsules market is further propelled by the increasing global aging population. Changes in age distribution, leading to a higher percentage of elderly individuals, characterize an aging population. The ability to swallow conventional pills or tablets diminishes with age, often due to factors like reduced swallowing ability or dry mouth. Softgel capsules, with their smooth and gelatinous coating, are preferred by the older population as they are easier to swallow. According to data from the World Trade Organization as of October 2022, the global population aged 60 and above increased from 1 billion to 1.4 billion between 2020 and 2021. Projections indicate that by 2050, the population of adults aged 60 and above will double to 2.1 billion, with the number of individuals aged 80 or more expected to triple to 426 million. The preference for soft gel capsules among the aging demographic contributes significantly to the market's growth.

A noteworthy trend in the soft gel capsules market is the adoption of technological advancements. Key players in the market are actively developing new products with cutting-edge technologies to maintain their competitive edge. For instance, in April 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Inc., a leading US-based company in flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives manufacturing, introduced VERDIGEL SC. This innovative pectin-based technology, designed as a carrageenan-free, vegan softgel premix, enhances softgel quality, performance, and process efficiency. VERDIGEL SC is easily integrated into existing operations, requiring only the addition of water and a plasticizer to produce high-performance softgels. This technological advancement underscores the commitment of major industry players to continually innovate and offer superior products in the soft gel capsules market.

Major players in the soft gel capsules market are actively pursuing strategic collaborations with prominent manufacturing companies to reinforce their market position. These strategic collaborations empower companies to establish alliances with partners possessing the expertise needed to translate conceptual ideas into tangible products. In August 2022, Aenova Group GmbH, a Germany-based contract manufacturer and development service provider in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, initiated a strategic partnership with Microcaps, a Switzerland-based high-precision microencapsulation technology company. This collaboration is geared towards the faster and improved development and production of pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and various other products. Leveraging Microcaps' expertise in creative, high-precision microencapsulation, Aenova aims to enhance its capabilities and offerings in the market.

In August 2021, Catalent, Inc., a US-based provider of development sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing, completed the acquisition of Bettera Holdings, LLC, for $1 billion. This strategic move positions Catalent to expedite the growth of its global softgel and oral dose formulation and manufacturing businesses. The acquisition aims to provide consumer health innovators with an unparalleled range of choices, formulation expertise, and scalable manufacturing solutions, ultimately facilitating the introduction of new products to the market. Bettera Holdings LLC, the acquired entity, is a US-based provider of consumer-preferred products, specializing in nutraceutical, functional, and botanical ingredients, including soft gel capsules. This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment of major industry players to fortify their market presence through targeted partnerships and acquisitions.

Major companies operating in the softgel capsules market report are Catalent Inc., Eurocaps Ltd., Capsugel Healthcare Ltd., Aenova Group GmbH, Sirio Pharma Co. Ltd., Procaps Laboratories Inc., Captek Softgel International Inc., Fuji Capsule Co. Ltd., Hunan ER-KANG Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Patheon NV, Curtis Health Caps SA, Delpharm Holding SAS, Estrellas Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Elnova Pharma LLP, Soft Gel Technologies Inc., Weihai Baihe Biology Technological Co. Ltd., United Laboratories, Robinson Pharma Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Best Formulations Inc., DCC plc, Biophar Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Swisschem Healthcare, Krishlar Pharmaceuticals, Amzor Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Medgel Pvt. Ltd., Amway Corp., Welex Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., NutraScience Labs Inc., Nutrifynn Caps Inc., NutraPak USA, Nutrafill LLC, Nutricap Labs LLC, Nutra Manufacturing Inc., Ion Labs Inc., Vitakem Nutraceutical Inc., Private Label Nutraceuticals LLC, NutraLab Canada Ltd., Makers Nutrition LLC

North America was the largest region in the soft gel capsules market in 2023. The regions covered in the softgel capsules market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the softgel capsules market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Two primary categories of soft gel capsules exist such as gelatin or animal-based and non-animal based. Gelatin or animal-based capsules are derived from connective tissues of cattle and pigs, utilizing processes involving boiling, fractured bones, and deteriorating animal hides for gelatin production. Various manufacturers, including pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical companies, cosmeceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations, and softgel capsule manufacturers, utilize these capsules in multiple applications. These applications span antacid and anti-flatulent preparations, anti-anemic preparations, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cough and cold preparations, health supplements, vitamin D dietary supplements, and pregnancy-related medications.

This report provides soft-gel capsules market statistics, including soft-gel capsules industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a soft-gel capsules market share, detailed soft-gel capsules market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the soft-gel capsules industry. This soft-gel capsule market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The soft gel capsules market consists of sales of liquid or semisolid-filled capsules, chewable, suckers, twist-offs, and meltable capsules. 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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