The global softgel capsules market is expected to enjoy a valuation of USD 1.1 Billion by the end of the year 2022, and further expand at a CAGR of 6.0% to reach a valuation of USD 1.9 Billion by the year 2032. According to a recent study by Future Market Insights, gelatin softgel capsules are leading the market with a share of about 75.4% in the year 2021, within the global market.
Market Outlook:
| Data Points | Market Insights |
|---|---|
| Market Value 2021 | USD 1.0 Billion |
| Market Value 2022 | USD 1.1 Billion |
| Market Value 2032 | USD 1.9 Billion |
| CAGR 2022 to 2032 | 6.0% |
| Market Share of Top 5 Countries | 55.0% |
| Key Market Players | Aenova Group GmbH; Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd; Sirio Pharma Company Limited; Catalent, Inc; EuroCaps Ltd, Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd.; Elnova Pharma; Captek Softgel International Inc; Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; Soft Gel Technologies Inc.; Patheon; United Labs; Curtis Health Caps; Procaps; and Delpharm Evreux |
Softgel capsules have a number of benefits over conventional oral solid dosage forms, and their acceptance as a dosage form is expanding for a number of reasons, including consumer preference. Softgel capsule dosage forms were developed to mask the unpleasant taste and odor of pharmaceuticals. Since soft gelatin capsules are self-lubricating, softgel capsules are simpler to swallow than tablets when taken with water.
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The market value for softgel capsules was approximately 35.5% of the overall USD 3.1 Billion global gelatin capsules market in 2021.
The sale of softgel capsules expanded at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2012 to 2021, owing to the advent of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the associated global burden of disease.
Because of more exact compounding, blending, and dispensing of liquid fill ingredients, it is possible to offer an API with a better degree of accuracy and more consistency between various production lots. Since the entire encapsulation process can be completed inertly to safeguard pharmaceuticals against oxidation and degradation, soft gelatin capsule products often have superior stability.
The gelatin shell's tight seal shields the fill material from contamination by the air as well as the outside environment. In addition to visible light, the shell can be designed to block ultraviolet (UV) light. Additionally, softgel capsule formulation improves operator safety by reducing contamination caused by dust handling.
Softgel capsules (SGCs) appear more appealing and pleasurable to consumers as they can be produced in a variety of forms, sizes, and colors, as well as diverse drug delivery systems such as chewable softgels and meltable softgels.
Softgel capsule producers are increasing their product lines to offer a variety of vegan softgel capsules with improved attributes such as faster disintegration, increased gastric acid resistance, enteric coating, and specially developed capsules for clinical studies in order to maximize their revenue.
Thus, owing to the aforementioned factors, the global softgel capsules market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
Vegetarian softgel capsules are produced by a number of different businesses and include pullulan, starch, and HPMC capsules. This could lead to increased product personalization in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors, which could present profitable opportunities for the producers of softgel capsules.
However, some businesses continue to only offer hard and soft gelatin capsules in their product offering. If these companies add softgel capsules, vegetarian capsules, and other capsules made from plant-based gelatin to their product line, they can anticipate significant incremental growth prospects.
Companies are continuing to invest in technologies that provide alternatives to traditional drug delivery systems as the market for softgel products is still in its infancy.
Examples include imprinting the softgel ribbon before encapsulation with any appropriate logos or graphics. The ability to differentiate items through branding, a faster manufacturing process, and a lower risk of counterfeiting because of the label's uniform placement upon each capsule, are all advantages of labeling products before encapsulation. The process also ensures a higher level of quality control as it assists with the identification of fake products.
Thus, the introduction of new technologies to the market, such as the 3D printing of softgel capsules, will be a game-changer, and would further present the global market with lucrative opportunities for expansion.
SGC technology is thought to be relatively expensive to manufacture, which may raise consumer pricing. Many pharmaceutical businesses lack the specialized equipment necessary to fill SGCs, hence they generally rely on contract laboratories/manufacturers for supplies.
SGCs are susceptible to microbial infection and humidity, unlike solid dosage forms. If the medications are not kept in sealed containers or a cool, dry location, this could lead to problems with product stability.
Another issue with the adoption of soft gelatin capsule products is that some people have dietary restrictions that preclude them from eating animal products contained in SGCs. Gelatin is typically derived from pig and cow bones, skins, and other animal parts. Many vegetarians avoid using capsule shells since they are manufactured from animal tissues.
As a result, there are new innovations in animal-free gelatin capsules created from seaweed extract or other sources, although they are often more expensive and difficult to source.
Due to the abundance of providers for softgel capsule goods, the USA now has a market share of approximately 88.4% in North America and is predicted to maintain this growth over the projected period. The expansion of the product portfolios of the country's major players through increased R&D efforts would also help the USA market to flourish.
To increase their market share, manufacturers in the USA softgel capsules market are expanding their line of vegetarian softgel pills with improved qualities such as increased gastric acid resistance, quicker disintegration, enteric coating, and specially designed capsules for clinical trials.
For instance, various businesses produce different kinds of vegetarian supplements, like pullulan, starch, and HPMC capsules. In the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries, this may result in greater product personalization and help drive up demand for softgel capsules, claims FMI.
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Changsung, founded in 1972, has devoted itself to designing and manufacturing the greatest softgel encapsulation machines, making it the undisputed market leader in Korea and around the world.
All Changsung's machine products are not only certified for international quality standards such as ISO, CE, and UL, but they also comply with the manufacturing standards by cGMP and FDA, satisfying the requirements of a wide variety of customers all over the world.
The USA dominates the North American region with a total market share of about 88.4% in 2021 and is expected to continue to experience the same growth throughout the forecast period, owing to the presence of a large number of suppliers for softgel capsule products. 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
Germany holds approximately 23.3% share of the European market in 2021 and is projected to display growth at a lucrative CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. The sales of softgel capsules in the country are supported by the high prevalence of chronic diseases, necessitating the production of nutrition supplements, as well as the presence of a vast geriatric population group susceptible to age-related deficiencies.
China is set to exhibit a CAGR of nearly 7.7% in the global softgel capsules market during the forecast period. With a high presence of contract manufacturing organizations, China holds a dominant share of around 7.9% within the global softgel capsules market. With growing awareness regarding health and personal care, the population group characterized as Gen Z in the country has propelled the demand for supplements and nutraceuticals, which combine traditional and herbal Chinese formulations. This has thus further enhanced the growth of the overall softgel capsules market in China.
The gelatin softgel capsule dosage form has a number of benefits over conventional oral dosage forms, including unit-dose solid dosage form delivery of a liquid matrix engineered to dissolve and enhance the oral bioavailability of a poorly soluble ingredient. Gelatin softgel capsules are expected to present high growth at a CAGR of 4.9% by the end of the forecast period, with a projected market share of about 67.6% in the global market in 2032.
Type-A gelatin (pork skin) holds a revenue share of 43.8% in 2021. Because of their superior strength, resistance to stress, capacity to hold water, higher melting point, faster production time, and low cost, porcine tissues are used to produce a vast majority of softgel capsules, resulting in a bigger market share for this sector.
Vitamin & Dietary Supplements hold a large global market share of about 31.1% in 2021. Softgel capsules improve bioavailability by providing nutrients in solutions or other absorption-enhancing mediums, and growing awareness about the use of health supplements has propelled this segment to be a major growth factor for overall market sales.
Contract manufacturing organizations hold the highest market share of 55.0% during the year 2021. Contract manufacturing is cost-effective and quality-focused practice. Manufacturing pharmaceuticals via a third party saves time, effort, and resources. It lowers labor costs and other expenses that a business must incur to manufacture softgel capsules.
Oral softgels lead the global market in terms of the route of administration, holding a market share of around 40.6% in 2021. Oral softgels are readily digested and disintegrate within a few minutes of entering the stomach. This ensures that the supplement or medication will not travel through the digestive system without being absorbed, increasing pharmacological efficacy and improving treatment outcomes.
There are numerous competitors in the softgel capsules industry, and the whole market is highly fragmented. To meet consumer demand and expand their clientele, these companies are using tactics including acquisitions and mergers partnerships and collaborations, and the introduction of new products.
Instances of key developmental strategies by the industry players in the softgel capsules market are given below:
Similarly, recent developments related to companies manufacturing softgel capsule products have been tracked by the team at Future Market Insights, which are available in the full report.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2012 to 2021 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2022 to 2032 |
| Market Analysis | USD Million for Value |
| Key Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Europe; South Asia; East Asia; Oceania; and Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered | USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, France, BENELUX, Nordic Countries, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, GCC Countries, Israel, and South Africa |
| Key Market Segments Covered | Product, Raw Material, Application, End User, Route of Administration, and Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Aenova Group GmbH; Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd; Sirio Pharma Company Limited; Catalent, Inc; EuroCaps Ltd; Guangdong Yichao Biological Co., Ltd.; Elnova Pharma; Captek Softgel International Inc; Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; Soft Gel Technologies Inc.; Patheon; United Labs; Curtis Health Caps; Delpharm Evreux; Procaps Group |
| Pricing | Available upon Request |
Key players are developing the market by investing in research and development.
The challenge in the softgel capsules market is the high manufacturing cost.
The pharmaceutical industry is the key consumer of the softgel capsules market.
The industry is estimated to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2032.
The market is expected to record a CAGR of 6.0% through 2032.
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 1,940.3 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 3,409.7 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.8% |
| Market Value for 2024 | USD 6,29,582.6 million |
|---|---|
| Market Value for 2034 | USD 8,95,636.0 million |
| Market CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.7% |
| Market Value for 2024 | USD 2,956.6 million |
|---|---|
| Market Size for 2034 | USD 6,378.6 million |
| Market CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 8.0% |
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Softgel Capsules Market
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