The softgel capsules market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $8.84 billion in 2025 to $9.6 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing awareness of dietary supplements, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in softgel manufacturing techniques, increasing pharmaceutical R&D investments, expansion of retail pharmacy networks.
The softgel capsules market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.52 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for personalized medicine, growth of online pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales, innovation in encapsulation technology, increased focus on plant-based and non-animal capsules, expansion into emerging markets. Major trends in the forecast period include increased demand for omega-3 and nutraceutical softgels, rising preference for fast-dissolving drug delivery systems, growth of contract manufacturing organizations (cmos/cdmos), expansion of personalized nutrition and supplements, adoption of advanced encapsulation technologies.
The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, is expected to fuel the growth of the soft gel capsules market in the future. Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis. These common chronic illnesses can be managed but not cured and often require ongoing nutrition and medical care. Soft gel capsules provide essential nutritional supplements for chronic patients, which increases the demand for them as the prevalence of these conditions rises. For example, in September 2025, the American College of Cardiology, a US-based nonprofit medical association, reported that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths globally. In 2023, there were 437 million CVD DALYs, with a 16-fold difference between countries with the lowest and highest CVD DALY rates. Therefore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, is driving demand for soft gel capsules.
Major companies in the soft gel capsules market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as advanced pectin-based vegan softgel technologies, to address the increasing demand for plant-based, carrageenan-free, and highly efficient softgel manufacturing systems. These next-generation technologies replace traditional gelatin or carrageenan shells with cleaner, more stable, plant-derived materials that offer enhanced performance, consistency, and processing flexibility. For example, in April 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Inc., a US-based manufacturer of flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives, introduced VERDIGEL SC, an innovative carrageenan-free, pectin-based softgel technology. This premix delivers superior softgel quality, improved processing efficiency, and easy integration into existing manufacturing lines. It requires only water and a plasticizer to produce high-performance vegan softgels, providing a clean-label, efficient alternative to traditional softgel systems.
In November 2023, Permira, a UK-based private equity firm with a strong global presence, acquired Ergomed Public Limited Company for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to expand Permira’s investments in the healthcare sector. Ergomed PLC, a UK-based pharmaceutical company that provides specialized services to the pharmaceutical industry, aligns with Permira's focus on companies offering growth potential in healthcare and life sciences.
Major companies operating in the softgel capsules market are Catalent Inc., Eurocaps 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., 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., Best Formulations Inc., Biophar Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Swisschem Healthcare, Krishlar Pharmaceuticals, Amzor Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Medgel Pvt. Ltd., 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 2025. The regions covered in the 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 softgel capsules market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Tariffs have influenced the softgel capsules market by increasing the cost of imported raw materials such as gelatin and specialized excipients, affecting production costs and supply chain efficiency. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical segments are particularly impacted, with Asia-Pacific regions like China and India facing higher import duties. While tariffs have posed challenges in pricing and sourcing, they have also encouraged local production investments and boosted domestic manufacturing capabilities, enabling companies to innovate and reduce dependency on imports.
The softgel capsules market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides softgel capsules market statistics, including softgel capsules industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a softgel capsules market share, detailed softgel capsules market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the softgel capsules industry. This 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.
Soft gelatin capsules, commonly known as softgels or soft elastic capsules, are capsules that dissolve more quickly than hard gelatin capsules and are used to deliver medicine in either liquid or powder form. These capsules are commonly used for pharmaceuticals and a wide range of nutritional supplements, including omega-3 fish oils.
The main types of softgel capsules include gelatin (animal-based) and non-animal-based options. Gelatin or animal-based softgels are made from cattle and pig connective tissues, boiling broken bones, and decomposing animal hides to produce gelatin. Various manufacturers, including pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical companies, cosmeceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations, and softgel capsule manufacturers, produce these capsules. They are used in preparations such as antacids and anti-flatulent drugs, anti-anemic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antibacterial treatments, cough and cold remedies, health supplements, vitamin D dietary supplements, and pregnancy-related products.
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.
This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
The softgel capsules market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.52 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for personalized medicine, growth of online pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales, innovation in encapsulation technology, increased focus on plant-based and non-animal capsules, expansion into emerging markets. Major trends in the forecast period include increased demand for omega-3 and nutraceutical softgels, rising preference for fast-dissolving drug delivery systems, growth of contract manufacturing organizations (cmos/cdmos), expansion of personalized nutrition and supplements, adoption of advanced encapsulation technologies.
The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, is expected to fuel the growth of the soft gel capsules market in the future. Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis. These common chronic illnesses can be managed but not cured and often require ongoing nutrition and medical care. Soft gel capsules provide essential nutritional supplements for chronic patients, which increases the demand for them as the prevalence of these conditions rises. For example, in September 2025, the American College of Cardiology, a US-based nonprofit medical association, reported that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths globally. In 2023, there were 437 million CVD DALYs, with a 16-fold difference between countries with the lowest and highest CVD DALY rates. Therefore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, is driving demand for soft gel capsules.
Major companies in the soft gel capsules market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as advanced pectin-based vegan softgel technologies, to address the increasing demand for plant-based, carrageenan-free, and highly efficient softgel manufacturing systems. These next-generation technologies replace traditional gelatin or carrageenan shells with cleaner, more stable, plant-derived materials that offer enhanced performance, consistency, and processing flexibility. For example, in April 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Inc., a US-based manufacturer of flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives, introduced VERDIGEL SC, an innovative carrageenan-free, pectin-based softgel technology. This premix delivers superior softgel quality, improved processing efficiency, and easy integration into existing manufacturing lines. It requires only water and a plasticizer to produce high-performance vegan softgels, providing a clean-label, efficient alternative to traditional softgel systems.
In November 2023, Permira, a UK-based private equity firm with a strong global presence, acquired Ergomed Public Limited Company for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to expand Permira’s investments in the healthcare sector. Ergomed PLC, a UK-based pharmaceutical company that provides specialized services to the pharmaceutical industry, aligns with Permira's focus on companies offering growth potential in healthcare and life sciences.
Major companies operating in the softgel capsules market are Catalent Inc., Eurocaps 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., 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., Best Formulations Inc., Biophar Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Swisschem Healthcare, Krishlar Pharmaceuticals, Amzor Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Medgel Pvt. Ltd., 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 2025. The regions covered in the 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 softgel capsules market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Tariffs have influenced the softgel capsules market by increasing the cost of imported raw materials such as gelatin and specialized excipients, affecting production costs and supply chain efficiency. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical segments are particularly impacted, with Asia-Pacific regions like China and India facing higher import duties. While tariffs have posed challenges in pricing and sourcing, they have also encouraged local production investments and boosted domestic manufacturing capabilities, enabling companies to innovate and reduce dependency on imports.
The softgel capsules market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides softgel capsules market statistics, including softgel capsules industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a softgel capsules market share, detailed softgel capsules market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the softgel capsules industry. This 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.
Soft gelatin capsules, commonly known as softgels or soft elastic capsules, are capsules that dissolve more quickly than hard gelatin capsules and are used to deliver medicine in either liquid or powder form. These capsules are commonly used for pharmaceuticals and a wide range of nutritional supplements, including omega-3 fish oils.
The main types of softgel capsules include gelatin (animal-based) and non-animal-based options. Gelatin or animal-based softgels are made from cattle and pig connective tissues, boiling broken bones, and decomposing animal hides to produce gelatin. Various manufacturers, including pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical companies, cosmeceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations, and softgel capsule manufacturers, produce these capsules. They are used in preparations such as antacids and anti-flatulent drugs, anti-anemic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antibacterial treatments, cough and cold remedies, health supplements, vitamin D dietary supplements, and pregnancy-related products.
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.
This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Softgel Capsules Market Characteristics
3. Softgel Capsules Market Supply Chain Analysis
4. Global Softgel Capsules Market Trends and Strategies
5. Softgel Capsules Market Analysis of End Use Industries
7. Global Softgel Capsules Strategic Analysis Framework, Current Market Size, Market Comparisons and Growth Rate Analysis
8. Global Softgel Capsules Total Addressable Market (TAM) Analysis for the Market
9. Softgel Capsules Market Segmentation
10. Softgel Capsules Market Regional and Country Analysis
11. Asia-Pacific Softgel Capsules Market
12. China Softgel Capsules Market
13. India Softgel Capsules Market
14. Japan Softgel Capsules Market
15. Australia Softgel Capsules Market
16. Indonesia Softgel Capsules Market
17. South Korea Softgel Capsules Market
18. Taiwan Softgel Capsules Market
19. South East Asia Softgel Capsules Market
20. Western Europe Softgel Capsules Market
21. UK Softgel Capsules Market
22. Germany Softgel Capsules Market
23. France Softgel Capsules Market
24. Italy Softgel Capsules Market
25. Spain Softgel Capsules Market
26. Eastern Europe Softgel Capsules Market
27. Russia Softgel Capsules Market
28. North America Softgel Capsules Market
29. USA Softgel Capsules Market
30. Canada Softgel Capsules Market
31. South America Softgel Capsules Market
32. Brazil Softgel Capsules Market
33. Middle East Softgel Capsules Market
34. Africa Softgel Capsules Market
36. Softgel Capsules Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
37. Softgel Capsules Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
40. Softgel Capsules Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
41. Appendix
Executive Summary
Softgel Capsules Market Global Report 2026 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses softgel capsules market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for softgel capsules? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The softgel capsules market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
- The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
- The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
- The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
- The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
- The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
- Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.
Report Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Type: Gelatin Or Animal Based; Non-Animal Based2) By Manufacturers: Pharmaceutical Companies; Nutraceutical Companies; Cosmeceutical Companies; Contract Manufacturing Organizations; Softgel Capsules
3) By Application: Antacid And Anti-Flatulent Preparations; Anti-Anemic Preparations; Anti-Inflammatory Drugs; Antibiotic And Antibacterial Drugs; Cough And Cold Preparations; Health Supplement; Vitamin And Dietary Supplement; Pregnancy
Subsegments:
1) By Gelatin Or Animal Based: Porcine Gelatin; Bovine Gelatin; Fish Gelatin2) By Non-Animal Based: Vegetarian Capsules; Gelatin Alternatives
Companies Mentioned: Catalent Inc.; Eurocaps 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.; 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.; Best Formulations Inc.; Biophar Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.; Swisschem Healthcare; Krishlar Pharmaceuticals; Amzor Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.; Medgel Pvt. Ltd.; 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
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: Word, PDF or Interactive Report + Excel Dashboard
Added Benefits:
- Bi-Annual Data Update
- Customisation
- Expert Consultant Support
Companies Mentioned
The companies featured in this Softgel Capsules market report include:- Catalent Inc.
- Eurocaps 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.
- 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.
- Best Formulations Inc.
- Biophar Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.
- Swisschem Healthcare
- Krishlar Pharmaceuticals
- Amzor Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
- Medgel Pvt. Ltd.
- 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
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 250 |
| Published | February 2026 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 - 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 9.6 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 13.52 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 8.9% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 35 |
