Softgel Capsules Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)

Global Softgel Capsules Market Report 2025 Market Size Split by Type (Gelatin softgel capsules, Non gelatin softgel capsules), by Composition (Gelatin, Plasticizer, Opacifiers, Colorings, Others), by ...

Softgel Capsules Market Report Description

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Competitive Landscape: Sofgel Capsule Market

The key players operating in the global softgel capsules market include Aenova Group GmbH, Amway, Capsugel, Captek Softgel International Inc., Catalent, Inc., Elnova Pharma, EuroCaps Ltd., Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd., Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd., Hunan ER-KANG Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, KD Pharma Group Patheon, Sirio Pharma Company Ltd, and other players. It highlights the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, winning imperatives, current focus and strategies, and threats from the competition for the top three to five players in the market. The strategic investment to enhance the distribution network and collaboration with local manufacturers by the prominent players are projected to boost the global softgel capsules market growth in the forecast period, 2024-2031. The competitive landscape provides insights about key developments such as recent developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, etc.

Top Companies Market Share in Softgel Capsules Industry: (In no particular order of Rank)

• Catalent
• Aenova
• NBTY
• Procaps
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• IVC
• EuroCaps
• Captek
• Strides Shasun
• Lonza Capsugel
• Soft Gel Technologies
• Amway
• Sirio Pharma
• Baihe Biotech
• Ziguang Group
• Shineway
• Donghai Pharm
• By Health
• Yuwang Group
• Guangdong Yichao
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*List of Second Tier Companies, List of Third Tier/ Start-up Companies (Inquire with sales executive) Request Any Company Profile for Preview Purpose OR Data Validation!

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Which Region will dominate the Market in 2024?

North America led the global market with the highest market share of xx % in 2024 and is observed to sustain its dominance during the forecast period owing to the presence of major manufacturers. These manufacturers have adopted various types of strategies to remain competitive in the market including product launches, acquisition, expansion, collaboration, investment, and others. To increase their market share, manufacturers in the USA soft gel capsules market are expanding their line of vegetarian soft gel pills with improved qualities such as increased gastric acid resistance, quicker disintegration, enteric coating, and specially designed capsules for clinical trials. Moreover, the increasing Research and Development activities by the established players in the country to expand their product portfolio will further propel the growth of the global softgel capsules market in the USA.

Which Region is Expanding at the Fastest CAGR?

Asia Pacific, led by countries like China and India, showcases significant growth potential due to increasing healthcare expenditure and rising consumer awareness about dietary supplements. Because of their vast populations, nations like China, India, and Japan are anticipated to have a significant increase in the market for soft gel capsule raw materials. Therefore, the Asia Pacific region would account for more than xx % share of the market. The pharmaceutical sector in this region is also expected to expand because of growing health concerns, rising incomes, and improved government initiatives. When combined, these elements support the market's expansion in the Asia Pacific region. Numerous multinational pharmaceutical companies are expanding their operations or setting up new ones in the Asia Pacific region due to the region's low manufacturing costs and enormous growth potential.

The current report Scope analyzes Softgel Capsules Market on 5 major region Split (In case you wish to acquire a specific region edition (more granular data) or any country Edition data then please write us on info@cognitivemarketresearch.com

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)

The above graph is for illustrative purposes only.

Softgel Capsules Market Analysis

Softgel Capsule Market Type Segment Analysis

• Gelatin softgel capsules
• Non gelatin softgel capsules

According to the cognitive market research, gelatin softgel capsule segment holds the dominant share in the market. The gelatin used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries consists of high-purity gelatin protein. Many factors influence the gelatin properties, such as the natural source, collagen type, and gelatin extraction treatment. The main gelatin properties in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries are bloom value, viscosity, and polyelectrolyte properties. Gelatin particle size and solubility are strictly related to the aforementioned properties. The gelatin water absorption capacity is greater than ten times its weight. It depends on particle size, thus, particle size is, indirectly, related to gel formation. Soft gelatin capsule formulation involves liquid technology rather than solid technology, despite being classified as a solid pharmaceutical form. A formulation is considered successful if it achieves high stability over time, high therapeutic effectiveness, and if its manufacture is efficient. All the above should also be contained in a capsule with the smallest possible size. The two gelatin ribbons that form the capsule should be lubricated to prevent scratches or apparatus adherence. The rollers have opposing cavities that shape the soft gelatin capsule so that it is possible to contain the formulation to be encapsulated at the injection time. Compared to hard gelatin capsules, where the filling, closing, and sealing process occurs sequentially, the production of soft gelatin capsules by the rotary die method involves a simultaneous filling and sealing process.

The above Chart is for representative purposes and does not depict actual sale statistics. Access/Request the quantitative data to understand the trends and dominating segment of Softgel Capsules Industry. Request a Free Sample PDF!

Softgel Capsule Market Composition Segment Analysis

• Gelatin
• Plasticizer
• Opacifiers
• Colorings
• Others

According to the cognitive market research, Gelatin segment holds the dominant share in the market. Gelatin is one of the significant components of the shell of the capsule. Moreover, it’s very critical in determining some of the shell characteristics. Consequently, the type of gelatin for use must be approved and authorized by the official pharmacopeias, for example, the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), and European Pharmacopoeia (PhEur). Additionally, the local authorities may do the same approval. Importantly, the approvals also take into consideration the physiochemical specifications of each gelatin type. Again, this procedure is critical whether the gelatin is for manufacturing pharmaceutical, health, or nutrition soft capsules. Above all, the grades and quality of the gelatin are essential in determining the simplicity of the general manufacturing procedure of the capsule. Also, the condition of the gelatin directly affects the quality of the final shell product. 

The above Graph is for representation purposes only. This chart does not depict actual Market share.

Softgel Capsules Source Segment Analysis

According to the cognitive market research, Bovine segment holds the dominant share in the market. Commercial gelatins have traditionally been obtained from pigs (porcine) and cattle (bovine) sources and derived from the skin, bone, and hide. However, gelatin derived from these sources is limited in some respects as it cannot be used or consumed by Muslims, Jews, or Hindus on various grounds. Alternatively, gelatin is derived from marine sources. Gelatins from fish sources are obtained as a by-product from fish processing or fish waste. About 30% of fish waste is in the form of bone and skin, which consist of a high collagen content. These types of gelatins have never been associated with prions, are religiously acceptable, and may possess unique functional properties. Nowadays, research and development of gelatin sources derived from fish are rapidly growing. This includes gelatin obtained from skins, bones, fins, heads, scales, or swim bladder. During the forecast period, it is predicted that the porcine segment will increase at the fastest rate. The range of uses in the pharmaceutical industry, absorbable hemostats, and other biomedical applications, combined with lower production costs and a quicker manufacturing cycle, are all factors that are boosting this market's growth.
•    For instance, India, which has one of the world’s largest populations of livestock, generates close to 21 lakh tonnes of cattle bones, according to consulting firm Global Agri System. Maharashtra and Haryana recently passed laws criminalizing the slaughter of bulls and bullocks, extending a prohibition of cow slaughter. Slaughter of bulls and bullocks is now punishable by imprisonment of up to five years in Maharashtra and as much as ten years in Haryana. Buffaloes, which are a major source of beef, are not covered by the Act but many hotels and restaurants have stopped serving it, fearing harassment.
(Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gelatine-in-capsules-vitamin-drugs-manufactured-from-bones-skin-tissue-of-cattle-say-pharma-cos/articleshow/46669729.cms?from=mdr)

Certain vaccines like rotavirus are widely prescribed in immunization programs across the world including India, and Thrombin used to prevent blood clots in critical surgeries, is manufactured using fetal bovine serum, a by-product derived from the fetus of a cow.  On the other hand, vegetable-derived soft gels provide a sustainable, vegan-friendly alternative with superior shelf life when compared to traditional gelatin capsules.

•    For instance, In the last decade, the pharma industry, has found substitutes for cattle for certain products, like sutures where companies have replaced cattle intestines with sheep to manufacture catguts (used to stitch wounds), but in certain areas, bovine by-products are still widely used.
(Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gelatine-in-capsules-vitamin-drugs-manufactured-from-bones-skin-tissue-of-cattle-say-pharma-cos/articleshow/46669729.cms?from=mdr)

• Porcine
• Bovine

Softgel Capsules Distribution Channel Segment Analysis

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into pharmacies & drug stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets, and online providers. The pharmacies & drug stores segment acquired the largest revenue share in the market in 2024. Softgel capsules are distributed to hospital pharmacies through a distribution network organized by the manufacturer, ensuring a wide, reliable, and secure supply of necessary medications and supplements for hospital staff and patients. Online pharmacies have become increasingly popular for soft gel capsules due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Many websites specialize in selling over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and other products at discounted prices. Retail pharmacies are often located in stores, such as grocery stores or drugstores. Customers can purchase them at the store's counter or select products from the pharmacy area's shelves. Supermarkets also carry many soft gel capsules in their health and beauty sections, providing a wide selection of products ranging from vitamins to dietary supplements at competitive prices. 

• Pharmacies
• Drug store
• Supermarkets
• Hypermarkets
• Online products

Softgel Capsules End User Segment Analysis

The market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, nutraceutical & dietary supplements, and cosmetics. The pharmaceuticals segment witnessed a remarkable growth rate in the market in 2024. The liquid or semi-liquid content in soft gels can enhance the bioavailability of certain drugs, allowing for faster and more effective absorption in the body. This can be vital in pharmaceutical formulations where drug efficacy is a primary concern. Pharmaceutical soft gel capsules can be customized in size and color, allowing for branding and product differentiation, which can be crucial in pharmaceutical marketing. The encapsulation of pharmaceutical ingredients in soft gel capsules can extend their shelf life by protecting them from degradation, ensuring that medications remain effective for extended periods.
The nutraceutical companies segment held the largest share of the m soft gel capsules market in 2024, Nutraceutical companies often choose soft gel capsules as a preferred dosage form for delivering bioactive ingredients. Softgels protect these sensitive compounds from degradation and enhance their bioavailability, ensuring effective delivery to the body. Moreover, they are widely used by nutraceutical companies to encapsulate vitamins and minerals. This includes individual vitamins (such as vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin A) and minerals (like calcium, magnesium, and zinc) or combinations in multivitamin formulations. The pharmaceutical companies segment is expected to grow at a substantial rate in the softgel capsules market over the forecast period. Softgel capsules are easy to swallow, making them a patient-friendly dosage form. This is particularly important for pharmaceutical companies when developing medications for pediatric and geriatric populations

• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals
• Dietary supplements
• Cosmetics

Author's Detail

Anushka Gore

Research Associate at Cognitive Market Research

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Anushka Gore is a seasoned market researcher specializing in the dynamic landscape of the Pharmaceutical industry. With a keen analytical mind and a deep passion for healthcare advancements, she has dedicated herself unraveling the intricate market trends and consumer behaviors that shape the future of medical technologies and services.

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