Softgel Capsules Market - Global Market Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2032
The global softgel capsules market size was estimated to be US$ 7.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2023 to 2032.
Softgel capsules are a type of capsules that are mainly made from organic consumable substances like gelatin, pullulan, HPMC, potato starch, pectin, etc. Softgel capsules enhance the absorption time of poorly soluble formulations that are present in semi-solid or liquid form.
Softgel capsules provide ease of swallowing, improved bioavailability, non-reactivity, and extended shelf life to the formulation. Due to such obvious benefits, they offer when compared to tablets or other methods of oral formulations, they are being adopted by pharmaceutical companies across the globe.
Factors that enable the growth of Softgel Capsules Market:
Rise in consumer acceptance of vegetarian softgel capsules
For several years the softgel capsules have been made from gelatin, however, recent investments made by manufacturers in R&D have developed new materials. Softgel capsules with less reactivity and vegetarian sources have resulted in new usage and acceptance of these types of capsulations in large numbers.
Increased support for the usage of softgel capsules, rising use of softgel capsules in health supplements, rise in consumer acceptance of vegetarian softgel capsules, rising geriatric population, governmental awareness, and expenditure growth, increased e-commerce-based shopping, and established supply lines are together enabling better growth of Softgel Capsules Market across the globe.
The major growth accelerators for the softgel capsules market have been the rapid development of material and manufacturing techniques that are utilized in this sector. Growing research has resulted in substances like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), potato starch, etc being used efficiently in softgel shells boosting overall acceptance and sales in softgel capsules market. New-age manufacturing techniques also offer faster, more economical, and hygienic ways to produce softgel capsules which also boosts production numbers.
Major segments of the softgel capsules market:
The nutraceutical industry is the major user of softgel capsules in their products. Various nutraceutical formulations are better delivered through softgel capsules and are also preferred by consumers. A recent surge in the usage of health supplements due to growing awareness of healthcare, especially after the pandemic has also resulted in the growth of the global softgel capsules market. The above reasons are also expected to help the growth of this industry during the forecast period.
Furthermore, advanced research activities aimed at creating empty softgel shells for versatile and convenient delivery of nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations will diversify the usability and thus promote the softgel capsules market.
Nutraceutical and cosmeceuticals companies are more likely to favor empty shells which can be used for diverse formulations in liquid or semi-solid form owing to their vast portfolio of chemical constituents. Softgel capsules with enhanced features like chew caps, duocaps, hydrophilic sandwich capsules, etc, are also seeing extensive demand and usage. Due to these reasons, the softgel capsules market is expected to rise further.
As manufacturing and research methodologies flourish, cost-effective softgel products are expected to be released by all major manufacturers to garner market share in a very competitive environment. The covid-19 pandemic positively helped the growth of the softgel capsules market by boosting demand for various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Development efforts for an oral vaccine against covid-19 also generated extensive demand for softgel capsules. Additionally, a general shift toward a healthy lifestyle, coupled with increased formulation compatibility has ensured the growth of the softgel capsules market during the forecast period.
Regional Trends of the Global Market
There is strong anticipation for the growth of the softgel capsules market in the North American region during the forecast period. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and acknowledgment of the benefits of softgel capsules in the general population will be the primary factors influencing the rapid growth of this sector in North America.
The presence of several companies and organizations involved in the research and development of softgel capsules within this region, especially in the USA is also expected to have a role in the increased growth of the softgel capsules market in this region.
Growing awareness of dosage and formulation compatibility is anticipated to usher novel drug delivery systems utilizing softgel capsules. This along with rising healthcare expenditure, higher disposable income, and favorable reimbursement factors are expected to drive the growth of the softgel capsules market throughout all major regions of the world.
Some of the established players in softgel capsule manufacturing and distribution are Aenova Group GmbH, Catalent Inc., Capsugel (Lonza), Curtis Health Caps, Captek Softgel International Inc., Delpharm Evreux, Fuji capsules Co., Ltd., Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd., Eurocaps Ltd., Sirio Pharma Co., Procaps Group, Patheon, and Estrellas and many more.
These companies regularly utilize competitive growth strategies like novel product development, cost reductions, collaborations, mergers, etc to achieve higher market share.
Global Softgel Capsules Market Segmentation:
By Material
- Gelatin
- Starch
- Pullulan
- Cellulose
- HPMC
- Others
By Application
- Pharmaceuticals
- Nutraceuticals
- Cosmeceuticals
By Distribution Channels
- Hospitals
- Retail Stores
- Online Stores
By Geography
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- India
- China
- Australia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa
- South America
- Brazil
- Rest of South America
- Introduction
- Research Objectives
- Report Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Preface
- Market Definition
- Report Scope and Market Segmentation
- Research Highlights
- Market Synopsis: Global Softgel Capsules Market
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Qualitative Analysis
- Trends
- Market trends
- Technology Trends
- PESTLE Analysis (For 3 prominent countries)
- Market Influencers
- Driving Forces
- Hindering Forces
- Opportunities
- COVID-19 impact
- Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- Value Chain Analysis
- Trends
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast, by Product Type
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Product Type, 2019 – 2032
- Gelatin Softgel Capsules
- Vegetarian Softgel Capsules
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast, by Raw Material
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Raw Material, 2019 – 2032
- Type-A Gelatin (Pork Skin)
- Type-B Gelatin (Animal Bones & Calf Skin)
- Fish Bone Gelatin
- Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
- Starch Material
- Pullulan
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast, by Application
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Application, 2019 – 2032
- Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
- Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
- Cough & Cold Preparations
- Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
- Health Supplements
- Vitamin & Dietary Supplements
- Other Therapeutic Applications
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast, by End User
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by End User, 2019 – 2032
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Cosmecutical Companies
- Contract Manufacturing Organizations
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast, by Region
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Region, 2019 – 2032
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- South America
- North America Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- North America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Product Type, 2019 – 2032
- Gelatin Softgel Capsules
- Vegetarian Softgel Capsules
- North America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Raw Material, 2019 – 2032
- Type-A Gelatin (Pork Skin)
- Type-B Gelatin (Animal Bones & Calf Skin)
- Fish Bone Gelatin
- Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
- Starch Material
- Pullulan
- North America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Application, 2019 – 2032
- Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
- Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
- Cough & Cold Preparations
- Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
- Health Supplements
- Vitamin & Dietary Supplements
- Other Therapeutic Applications
- North America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by End User, 2019 – 2032
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Cosmecutical Companies
- Contract Manufacturing Organizations
- North America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- United States
- Canada
- Rest of North America
- Europe Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Europe Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Product Type, 2019 – 2032
- Gelatin Softgel Capsules
- Vegetarian Softgel Capsules
- Europe Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Raw Material, 2019 – 2032
- Type-A Gelatin (Pork Skin)
- Type-B Gelatin (Animal Bones & Calf Skin)
- Fish Bone Gelatin
- Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
- Starch Material
- Pullulan
- Europe Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Application, 2019 – 2032
- Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
- Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
- Cough & Cold Preparations
- Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
- Health Supplements
- Vitamin & Dietary Supplements
- Other Therapeutic Applications
- Europe Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by End User, 2019 – 2032
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Cosmecutical Companies
- Contract Manufacturing Organizations
- Europe Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Product Type, 2019 – 2032
- Gelatin Softgel Capsules
- Vegetarian Softgel Capsules
- Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Raw Material, 2019 – 2032
- Type-A Gelatin (Pork Skin)
- Type-B Gelatin (Animal Bones & Calf Skin)
- Fish Bone Gelatin
- Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
- Starch Material
- Pullulan
- Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Application, 2019 – 2032
- Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
- Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
- Cough & Cold Preparations
- Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
- Health Supplements
- Vitamin & Dietary Supplements
- Other Therapeutic Applications
- Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by End User, 2019 – 2032
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Cosmecutical Companies
- Contract Manufacturing Organizations
- Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Product Type, 2019 – 2032
- Gelatin Softgel Capsules
- Vegetarian Softgel Capsules
- Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Raw Material, 2019 – 2032
- Type-A Gelatin (Pork Skin)
- Type-B Gelatin (Animal Bones & Calf Skin)
- Fish Bone Gelatin
- Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
- Starch Material
- Pullulan
- Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Application, 2019 – 2032
- Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
- Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
- Cough & Cold Preparations
- Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
- Health Supplements
- Vitamin & Dietary Supplements
- Other Therapeutic Applications
- Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by End User, 2019 – 2032
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Cosmecutical Companies
- Contract Manufacturing Organizations
- Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Rest of MEA
- South America Softgel Capsules Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- South America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Product Type, 2019 – 2032
- Gelatin Softgel Capsules
- Vegetarian Softgel Capsules
- South America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Raw Material, 2019 – 2032
- Type-A Gelatin (Pork Skin)
- Type-B Gelatin (Animal Bones & Calf Skin)
- Fish Bone Gelatin
- Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
- Starch Material
- Pullulan
- South America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), Application, 2019 – 2032
- Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
- Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
- Cough & Cold Preparations
- Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
- Health Supplements
- Vitamin & Dietary Supplements
- Other Therapeutic Applications
- South America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by End User, 2019 – 2032
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Cosmecutical Companies
- Contract Manufacturing Organizations
- South America Softgel Capsules Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- Competition Analysis – Global Softgel Capsules Market
- Market Composition
- Market Share Analysis (%), by Supplier (2022)
- Company Profiles
- Aenova Group GmbH
- Business overview
- Geographic presence
- Product portfolio
- Financial facts
- Relevant news and strategic view
- Catalent Inc.
- Capsugel (Lonza)
- Curtis Health Caps
- Captek Softgel International Inc.
- Delpharm Evreux
- Fuji capsules Co., Ltd.
- Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd.
- Eurocaps Ltd.
- Sirio Pharma Co.
- Procaps Group
- Patheon
- Estrellas
- Soft Gel Technologies, Inc
- BIONOMICS LIFESCIENCES PVT. LTD.
- Aenova Group GmbH
- Conclusion & Recommendations
Frequently asked questions about this report
What is the softgel capsules market growth?
The softgel capsules market is expected grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2032.
What are the factors driving the softgel capsules market?
Increased support for the usage of softgel capsules, rising use of softgel capsules in health supplements, rise in consumer acceptance of vegetarian softgel capsules, rising geriatric population, governmental awareness, and expenditure growth, increased e-commerce-based shopping, and established supply lines are together enabling better growth of Softgel Capsules Market across the globe.
How big is the softgel capsules market in 2021?
The softgel capsules market size was estimated to be US$ 7.5 billion in 2021.
Who are the top players in the softgel capsules market?
Aenova Group GmbH, Catalent Inc., Capsugel (Lonza), Curtis Health Caps, Captek Softgel International Inc., Delpharm Evreux, Fuji capsules Co., Ltd., Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd., Eurocaps Ltd., Sirio Pharma Co., Procaps Group, Patheon, and Estrellas along with several others.
How is the regional performance of the market?
There is strong anticipation for the growth of the softgel capsules market in the North American region during the forecast period. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and acknowledgment of the benefits of softgel capsules in the general population will be the primary factors influencing the rapid growth of this sector in North America.
What impact did the Covid-19 pandemic have on the global softgel capsules market?
The covid-19 pandemic has shown a positive growth on global softgel capsules market due to increased usage of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical therapies and health awareness during this period.
What are softgel capsule?
Softgel capsules are a type of capsules that are mainly made from organic consumable substances like gelatin, pullulan, HPMC, potato starch, pectin, etc. Softgel capsules enhance the absorption time of poorly soluble formulations that are present in semi-solid or liquid form.