Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2025 To 2033

The global pharmaceutical gelatin market is growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2033. Pharmaceutical gelatin, a purified protein derived from collagen, is extensively used across the pharmaceutical industry for applications such as capsule manufacturing, wound dressings, plasma expanders, suppositories, and vaccine stabilizers. It serves as a critical excipient due to its unique functional properties including thermo-reversibility, biocompatibility, and high film-forming capability. The increase in demand for capsule-based drug delivery, coupled with advancements in controlled-release drug formulations, is significantly boosting the consumption of gelatin in pharmaceutical production.

The growth of the market is further driven by a rising geriatric population globally, which in turn increases the demand for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products where gelatin is used as a coating and filling material. Furthermore, as consumer preferences shift toward clean-label and easily digestible dosage forms, gelatin continues to be favored by formulators. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have also begun focusing on halal, kosher, and BSE-free sources, influencing the sourcing patterns for gelatin and spurring innovation in alternative animal and fish-based gelatin solutions.

Moreover, technological enhancements in encapsulation processes, such as softgel and hard capsule filling systems, have improved the scalability and quality of gelatin usage in drug manufacturing, thereby supporting market growth. Regulatory support for pharmaceutical-grade gelatin and rising investment in capsule-based therapeutics, especially in oncology and personalized medicine, are expected to open lucrative opportunities in both developed and developing regions. However, market expansion is moderated by price fluctuations in raw materials, supply chain risks linked to livestock-derived sources, and the growing popularity of non-animal alternatives, which may influence future procurement strategies for pharmaceutical formulators.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type

The pharmaceutical gelatin market is segmented into Type A and Type B gelatin. In 2023, Type A gelatin accounted for a larger market share owing to its rapid gelling properties, neutral odor, and wide use in soft capsule production. It is predominantly produced using an acid treatment process from porcine raw material. The segment is expected to retain its dominance due to higher yield rates and consistent physicochemical properties suited for pharmaceutical applications. However, Type B gelatin, manufactured using alkaline hydrolysis from bovine sources, is projected to grow steadily over the forecast period. Increasing demand for bovine-derived gelatin, particularly in countries with dietary and religious restrictions on porcine consumption, is anticipated to reinforce its adoption in halal and kosher-certified drug formulations. Additionally, the demand for Type B gelatin is also being fueled by its higher bloom strength and extended shelf life, which is favorable in high-stability drug formulations.

By Source

The market is categorized into Porcine, Bovine, Fish, and Poultry. Porcine-derived gelatin remained the most widely used source in 2023 due to its superior quality, well-established processing infrastructure, and lower cost of production. It is extensively employed in soft and hard capsule manufacturing, especially in the North American and European pharmaceutical sectors. However, bovine gelatin is witnessing increased demand and is expected to grow at a notable pace through 2033 due to its religious acceptability in Muslim and Jewish populations. Moreover, food and pharmaceutical safety regulations are pushing companies to certify their products as BSE-free, prompting a shift toward more traceable and disease-free bovine sources. Fish gelatin is gaining attention as a viable alternative in regions with cultural or ethical concerns regarding land animal-derived products. Its popularity is particularly rising in marine collagen applications and among pescatarian consumers, although it still accounts for a smaller share of the market due to challenges in achieving consistent gelling strength and limited industrial-scale production. Poultry-based gelatin is a niche segment with emerging interest, mostly explored for biomedical and wound care applications, and may gain momentum in specialized pharmaceutical use cases.

Regional Market Analysis

Geographically, the pharmaceutical gelatin market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe dominated the global pharmaceutical gelatin market in 2023, accounting for the largest revenue share, attributed to the region's advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, well-established gelatin suppliers, and strict regulatory standards ensuring high-quality pharmaceutical excipients. Countries such as Germany, France, and Italy are key contributors, supported by strong domestic production of both capsules and raw gelatin. Additionally, the presence of global gelatin manufacturers such as Gelita AG, Weishardt Group, and Lapi Gelatine reinforces Europe's leading position in the supply chain.

Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by increased pharmaceutical production outsourcing, rising healthcare expenditure, and growing demand for gelatin capsules in nutraceuticals and traditional medicine formulations. India and China are emerging as key manufacturing hubs, not only for generic pharmaceuticals but also for gelatin production, owing to favorable government incentives and abundant raw material availability. Moreover, rising consumer preference for dietary supplements, combined with growth in personalized therapies, is further augmenting gelatin consumption in the region.

North America held a significant market share in 2023, led by the United States due to high demand for advanced drug delivery systems, increasing elderly population, and strong pharmaceutical R&D activities. However, regulatory scrutiny over sourcing and animal-derived ingredients may influence sourcing dynamics in the future. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging regions with growing pharmaceutical infrastructure, but their contribution to the global market remains modest. Nevertheless, increasing investments in local manufacturing, especially in Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, indicate potential for future market expansion in these regions.

Competitive Landscape

The pharmaceutical gelatin market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of global players and regional producers. Key companies operating in the space include Funingpu Biotechnology, Gelita AG, India Gelatine & Chemicals, Junca Gelatines, Lapi Gelatine, Nitta Gelatin, Sterling Biotech, Trobas Gelatine, Weishardt Group, and Xiamen Gelken Gelatin, along with several Other Notable Players. In 2023, these players collectively accounted for the majority of the market share through vertical integration strategies, quality certifications, and long-term supply contracts with pharmaceutical companies.

Prominent players such as Gelita AG and Nitta Gelatin have emphasized innovation in specialty gelatin for pharmaceutical-grade applications and launched targeted offerings such as low-endotoxin gelatin for parenteral formulations. In Asia, companies like Funingpu and Xiamen Gelken are expanding capacity and upgrading production lines to meet global GMP standards, thus increasing their competitiveness in international markets. Companies are also actively investing in traceability, sustainability, and halal/kosher certifications to cater to evolving customer preferences and regulatory norms. Furthermore, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and geographic expansions remain core strategies to tap into untapped regional markets and ensure uninterrupted raw material supply chains in the post-COVID landscape.

Historical & Forecast Period

This study report represents an analysis of each segment from 2023 to 2033 considering 2024 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2025 to 2033.

The current report comprises quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends & technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.

Research Methodology

The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. The key data points that enable the estimation of Pharmaceutical Gelatin market are as follows:

• The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. The key data points that enable the estimation of GaN-powered Chargers market are as follows:
• Research and development budgets of manufacturers and government spending
• Revenues of key companies in the market segment
• Number of end users & consumption volume, price, and value.
• Geographical revenues generate by countries considered in the report
• Micro and macro environment factorsthat are currently influencing the Pharmaceutical Gelatin market and their expected impact during the forecast period.

Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top-down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical, and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.

Market Segmentation

• Type
• Type A
• Type B
• Source
• Porcine
• Bovine
• Fish
• Poultry
• Function
• Stabilizers
• Thickeners
• Gelling agents
• Film forming
• Adhesion
• Other functions
• Application
• Capsules
• Hard capsules
• Soft capsules
• Tablets
• Absorbable hemostats
• Other applications

Region Segment (2023 - 2033; US$ Million)

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Rest of North America
• UK and European Union
• UK
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy
• France
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
• GCC
• Africa
• Rest of Middle East and Africa

Key questions answered in this report

• What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Pharmaceutical Gelatin market?
• What are the key investment pockets concerning product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?
• Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2033.
• Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?
• Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?
• Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Pharmaceutical Gelatin market?
• Which is the largest regional market for Pharmaceutical Gelatin market?
• What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa?
• Which are the key trends driving Pharmaceutical Gelatin market growth?
• Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Pharmaceutical Gelatin market worldwide?

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