Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Report 2026

The enteric softgel capsules market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $2.44 billion in 2025 to $2.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to digestive health supplement demand, oral drug delivery preference, softgel formulation advances, consumer health awareness, pharmaceutical dosage innovation.

The enteric softgel capsules market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.05 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to vegan capsule demand, personalized nutrition growth, controlled-release formulation development, pharmaceutical outsourcing expansion, preventive healthcare focus. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for targeted drug delivery, growth in nutraceutical consumption, increased use of acid-resistant formulations, expansion of plant-based capsule adoption, focus on improved bioavailability.

The rising incidence of nutrition disorders is expected to drive the growth of the enteric softgel capsules market in the coming years. Nutrition disorders are conditions caused by imbalances in nutrient intake, resulting from either deficiencies or excesses of essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Factors contributing to the increasing prevalence of these disorders include poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, limited access to nutritious foods, higher consumption of processed foods, and socio-economic challenges that impede proper nutrition. Enteric softgel capsules support the management of nutrition disorders by delivering essential nutrients in a form that protects them from stomach acid, ensuring targeted release in the intestines where absorption is optimal. This enhances nutrient bioavailability, supports digestive health, and maintains nutritional balance. For example, in 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization, a Canada-based specialized agency, reported that global undernourishment remained at 9.1 percent in 2023, while food insecurity affected 11.5 percent of the population. Therefore, the growing prevalence of nutrition disorders is fueling the enteric softgel capsules market.

Key companies in the enteric softgel capsules market are developing innovations such as plant-based softgel excipient systems for acid-resistant intestinal release, aimed at improving stability, enhancing bioavailability, and supporting clean-label, vegan formulations. Plant-based softgel excipient systems use non-animal-derived polymers, like hydroxypropyl pea starch, to form shells that resist stomach acid and release active ingredients in the intestine, unlike traditional gelatin softgels that may dissolve in the stomach and degrade acid-sensitive compounds. For instance, in April 2024, Roquette, a France-based plant-based ingredient supplier, launched LYCAGEL, a hydroxypropyl pea starch excipient for plant-based softgels. This product allows manufacturers to create vegan, clean-label softgels with acid-resistant functionality, protecting sensitive nutraceuticals such as omega-3s and probiotics, improving bioavailability, and eliminating the need for gelatin.

In August 2024, Kühne Holding AG, a Switzerland-based transportation and logistics company, acquired Aenova Group GmbH from BC Partners for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Kühne Holding AG aims to expand its investment portfolio by incorporating healthcare and pharmaceutical assets, expected to deliver strong financial returns and long-term growth opportunities. Aenova Group GmbH, based in Germany, specializes in the end-to-end production of various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and sterile liquids.

Major companies operating in the enteric softgel capsules market are BASF SE, United Laboratories International Inc., Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., Catalent Pharma Solutions Inc., Sirio Pharma Co. Ltd., NOW Health Group Inc., Patheon, GELITA AG, Colorcon Inc., Aenova Group GmbH, ProCaps Laboratories Inc., CAPTEK Softgel International Inc., Renown Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Viva Pharmaceutical Inc., Biofield Pharma Private Limited, CapsCanada Corporation, Natural Capsules Limited, Fuji Capsules Co. Ltd., Conch Lifescience Co. Ltd., Lonza Group Ltd., EuroCaps Ltd., Strides Pharma Science Limited, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited, Soft Gel Technologies Inc.

North America was the largest region in the enteric softgel capsules market in 2025. The regions covered in the enteric softgel capsules market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the enteric softgel capsules market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Tariffs are impacting the enteric softgel capsules market by increasing costs of imported gelatin, polymers, and encapsulation equipment. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers in developed regions are most affected due to reliance on imported raw materials. These tariffs raise production costs by increasing formulation and manufacturing expenses. However, they promote local sourcing of capsule materials, encouraging domestic production of softgel inputs.

The enteric softgel capsules market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides enteric softgel capsules market statistics, including enteric softgel capsules industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a enteric softgel capsules market share, detailed enteric softgel capsules market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the enteric softgel capsules industry. This enteric softgel capsules 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.

Enteric softgel capsules are formulated with a protective coating that prevents their contents from being affected by stomach acid, allowing them to dissolve in the small intestine for targeted release and absorption. This design is commonly applied to probiotics, fish oil, and medications to protect sensitive ingredients and minimize stomach irritation.

The main types of enteric softgel capsules include gelatin capsules and non-gelatin softgel capsules. Gelatin capsules are small, soluble containers made from gelatin that encase powdered or liquid substances for oral administration. They are distributed through supermarkets and hypermarkets, pharmacies and drug stores, as well as online stores. Key applications include antacid and antiflatulent preparations, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotic and antibacterial medications, cough and cold remedies, health supplements, vitamins and dietary supplements, and other therapeutic uses. These capsules serve various end users, including pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical companies, cosmeceutical companies, and the food industry.

The enteric softgel capsules market consists of sales of products including probiotics, pain relievers, digestive enzymes, and vitamins. 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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