Gelatin Market: Clean Label Demand, Functional Ingredients & Food Industry Expansion

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, global gelatin market size reached 4,70,970 Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 5,36,020 Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate of 1.3% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Gelatin Market

• Smart Quality Control and Consistency: Machine learning systems analyze gel strength, clarity, and bloom values in real-time during production, catching variations before they become costly batch failures. Computer vision identifies impurities and color inconsistencies at processing speeds that manual inspection can't match.
• Demand Forecasting and Raw Material Planning: AI analyzes historical data from pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors to predict seasonal demand patterns with precision. These systems help manufacturers optimize collagen sourcing from bovine, porcine, and marine suppliers, reducing waste while maintaining consistent supply chains.
• Production Process Optimization: AI monitors extraction temperatures, pH levels, and processing times across multiple production lines simultaneously. Machine learning algorithms automatically adjust parameters to maximize gelatin yield from raw materials while maintaining pharmaceutical-grade purity standards required by regulatory bodies.
• Supply Chain Transparency: AI-powered traceability systems track gelatin from animal sources through processing facilities to end users. This technology enables real-time monitoring of halal, kosher, and organic certifications, helping manufacturers respond quickly to compliance issues and customer inquiries.

Formulation and Product Development: AI accelerates development of specialized gelatin grades for specific applications like soft capsules, gummy vitamins, or cosmetic formulations. Predictive models test thousands of combinations virtually, cutting R&D time and helping companies bring innovative products to market faster.

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Gelatin Industry Overview:

The gelatin sector continues its steady growth trajectory, powered by pharmaceutical innovation and clean-label consumer trends. Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin production expanded significantly, with companies like Rousselot launching Quali-Pure HGP 2000 in May 2022 for vaccine and wound healing applications. GELITA introduced fast-setting gelatin in April 2024 for fortified gummies, while PB Leiner shipped SOLUGEL premium fish collagen peptides to Asia and the US in June 2023. The marine gelatin segment is experiencing particularly strong momentum, driven by halal certification requirements and African swine fever concerns affecting porcine supply chains.

Gelatin Market Trends & Drivers

• Pharmaceutical demand is driving the strongest growth segment, with gelatin serving as the backbone for over 70% of global oral solid dosage forms. Hard and soft capsule production continues expanding as pharmaceutical companies develop new formulations for lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. The global nutraceuticals market reached USD 468.5 Billion in 2023 according to industry reports, creating massive demand for gelatin-based delivery systems. Soft-gel technology has become pivotal for poorly soluble actives and omega-3 encapsulation, with supplement brands in the United States and Germany specifying pharmaceutical-grade gelatin with tighter quality controls. Vaccine production and biologics manufacturing require low-endotoxin gelatin grades, expanding opportunities in specialized medical applications. Type B gelatin dominates pharmaceutical applications with its neutral pH and high thermal stability making it ideal for capsule manufacturing and injectable solutions.
• The clean-label movement is transforming food and beverage applications as health-conscious consumers demand transparent ingredient sourcing. According to market data, global meat consumption is projected to reach 460 Million tons by 2050, significantly supporting gelatin extraction from animal processing. Confectionery products represent approximately 42% of gelatin usage, followed by dairy items at 30%. The functional foods trend drives gelatin adoption in protein bars, fortified beverages, and low-fat dairy products where it enhances texture and nutritional value. Clean-label requirements align perfectly with gelatin's natural collagen origins, making it preferable to synthetic alternatives. Food processors increasingly specify non-GMO and organic-certified gelatin to meet retailer requirements and consumer expectations. The starch-free gummy production enabled by innovations like GELITA's Confixx appeals to manufacturers seeking simplified processes and cleaner labels.
• Halal and kosher certification requirements are reshaping supply chains and creating premium market segments. The global Muslim population is projected to reach 30% by 2050, intensifying demand for compliant gelatin sourcing. Marine-derived gelatin from fish sources addresses both religious dietary requirements and concerns about mammalian disease transmission. Nitta Gelatin launched freshwater fish collagen peptide ingredients in November 2022 following rigorous clinical testing, while targeting Asian halal and kosher markets through expanded marine collagen capacity in India. European pharmaceutical companies now secure three-year gelatin supply contracts to avoid shortages similar to 2020 disruptions. Sustainability initiatives like Gelita's EASYSEAL reduce pharmaceutical production waste by 15% while maintaining compliance standards. The beauty and personal care industry valued at USD 446 Billion globally in 2023 increasingly incorporates gelatin for its film-forming properties and moisture retention capabilities in natural cosmetic formulations.

Leading Companies Operating in the Global Gelatin Industry:

• Gelita AG (Formerly DGF Stoess)
• Rousselot SAS
• PB Gelatin (Tessenderlo Group)
• Sterling Biotech Ltd
• Weishardt Group
• Nitta Gelatin

Gelatin Market Report Segmentation:

By Raw Material:

• Pig Skin
• Bovine Hides
• Bones
• Others

Pig skin represents the largest raw material segment, offering superior gel strength, clarity, and cost-effective production compared to alternative sources.

By End Use:

• Food and Beverages
• Nutraceuticals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Photography
• Cosmetics
• Others

Food and beverages lead the market with 57.8% market share, driven by gelatin's multifunctional properties as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier across confectionery, dairy, and meat products.

Regional Insights:

• Europe
• North America
• Asia
• South America
• Others

Europe dominates with over 39.5% market share, fueled by stringent quality standards, advanced pharmaceutical infrastructure, and strong consumer preference for natural ingredients.

Recent News and Developments in Gelatin Market

• December 2024: BIO INX launched BIORES INX, a gelatin-based resin for 3D bioprinting, enhancing DLP platform compatibility. Developed from GelMA at Ghent University, the resin mimics natural extracellular matrix, offers biocompatibility meeting ISO 10993-5 standards, and eliminates water evaporation challenges during printing.
• December 2024: Lapi Gelatine showcased advanced gelatin and collagen peptide solutions at FiE 2024, emphasizing European production and high safety standards. The company highlighted Lapigel, Peptolap, and Protesol brands catering to pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals with bovine, fish, and porcine-origin products.
• August 2024: Aenova launched a new gummy production line in Cornu, Romania, by late 2024, capable of producing 1 Billion gummies annually. This EUR 8 Million investment supports starchless manufacturing of gelatin and pectin formulations, offering halal, kosher, and vegan options for global markets.
• May 2024: Nitta Gelatin India Ltd commenced work on a Rs 60 crore expansion project in Kerala for collagen peptide production. The bhumi pooja ceremony marked the beginning of capacity expansion to meet growing domestic and international demand.
• April 2024: GELITA launched fast-setting gelatin for fortified gummies production, revolutionizing manufacturing processes. The innovation enables starch-free production while maintaining superior sensory profiles, addressing clean-label trends and production efficiency simultaneously.

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