Softgel Capsules Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Gelatin-Based/Animal-Based, Non-Animal-Based), By Application (Antacid and Anti-Flatulent Preparation, Anti-Anemic Preparations, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs, Cough and Cold Preparations, Health Supplement, Vitamin and Dietary Supplement, Pregnancy, Others), End Use (Pharmaceutical Companies, Nutraceutical Companies, Cosmeceutical Companies, Contract Manufacturing Organization), By Region, and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Softgel Capsules Market, valued at USD 8.02 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 7.86% to reach USD 12.63 Billion by 2030. Softgel capsules represent a specialized oral dosage form, comprising a liquid or semi-liquid fill enclosed within a soft, gelatinous shell typically composed of animal gelatin or plant-based polymers. The market's growth is primarily driven by several distinct factors, including the inherent benefits of softgel formulations such as improved bioavailability and ease of swallowing, increased demand for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases necessitating effective drug delivery. These attributes facilitate enhanced patient compliance and expand application across pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors.

The global softgel capsules market continues its expansion, with industrial associations providing key insights. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, in 2023, 77% of Americans reported consuming dietary supplements, with softgel-based supplements experiencing the highest growth among various formats. However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the high production costs associated with specialized encapsulation machinery and stringent manufacturing controls, along with the rising prices of raw materials.

Key Market Drivers

The global softgel capsules market expansion is significantly propelled by the growing demand for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, alongside rising consumer health awareness and a proactive approach to preventive healthcare. The burgeoning nutraceutical sector, which frequently utilizes softgel formulations for their effective delivery of active ingredients, remains a primary catalyst. According to the IADSA, at the start of 2023, the worldwide market for supplements was larger than USD 170 billion, underscoring the substantial base driving softgel production in this segment. This robust demand is further amplified by a global shift towards preventative health measures and increased consumer understanding of nutrition's role in well-being. This trend encourages a consistent uptake of supplements, for which softgels offer an appealing and convenient dosage form. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, in October 2024, their Consumer Survey revealed that three-quarters of Americans continue to use dietary supplements, illustrating sustained engagement with health-supportive products.

The confluence of these drivers creates a favorable environment for sustained market growth. Consumers, increasingly informed about health and seeking readily available solutions, gravitate towards the benefits offered by softgel technology, such as improved nutrient absorption and ease of swallowing. This continuous demand fosters investment across the value chain, as evidenced by overall market dynamics. In 2023, global investments in manufacturing facilities increased by 18%, reflecting the industry's commitment to expanding capacity and capabilities to meet escalating product requirements. These strategic investments and enduring consumer trends collectively position the global softgel capsules market for ongoing development and diversification.

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Key Market Challenges

A significant challenge impeding the expansion of the global softgel capsules market is the high production costs associated with specialized encapsulation machinery, stringent manufacturing controls, and the rising prices of raw materials. These economic factors directly influence the operational profitability and growth strategies of manufacturers within the sector. The substantial investment required for advanced encapsulation technologies, alongside the ongoing expenses of maintaining rigorous quality and regulatory compliance, significantly elevates overall manufacturing overheads.

The escalating cost of essential raw materials further intensifies this pressure. According to the Institute for Supply Management, raw material prices for manufacturers experienced a 4.1% increase in 2023 and are anticipated to rise by an additional 3.2% in the first five months of 2024. Such sustained increases directly compress profit margins for softgel producers, which can lead to higher end-product pricing. This potential increase in consumer cost may consequently reduce the competitive advantage of softgel capsules compared to other pharmaceutical or nutraceutical delivery methods, thereby hindering broader market adoption and limiting capacity for new product innovation or market penetration.

Key Market Trends

The growing consumer preference for vegan and vegetarian products, coupled with increasing health and ethical considerations, is significantly driving the adoption of plant-based encapsulation materials in the softgel capsules market. This trend involves a shift from traditional animal-derived gelatin to alternatives such as pullulan, starch, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which cater to a broader demographic seeking ethical and sustainable options. The move towards plant-based ingredients is evident in manufacturing capacity, with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) reporting that Catalent alone accounted for nearly 14% of global plant-based capsule manufacturing capacity in 2023. This expansion underscores the market's response to evolving dietary preferences and clean label demands. In a notable development, IFF introduced new pectin-based technology in April 2023 to expand its vegan softgel offerings, reflecting industry innovation in sustainable solutions.

The global shift towards personalized healthcare solutions represents another significant trend, moving beyond generic formulations to products customized for individual needs. This involves leveraging genetic insights, lifestyle data, and specific health goals to create bespoke softgel formulations that offer precise delivery of active ingredients. Softgel formulations represented approximately 15% of oral solid dosage forms in global pharmaceutical production, which increased by 4.2% annually between 2020 and 2024, according to the World Health Organization. This growth is further supported by the versatility of softgels in encapsulating a range of compounds tailored for specific dietary or therapeutic requirements. A leading industry player, Catalent, was recognized with an Innovation award in the 2024 Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards for its contributions to advanced therapeutic platforms, highlighting the industry's focus on innovative solutions for personalized medicine.

Segmental Insights

The Gelatin-Based/Animal-Based segment is experiencing rapid growth in the Global Softgel Capsules Market, primarily driven by gelatin's established benefits and widespread acceptance. Gelatin offers superior versatility for encapsulating diverse active ingredients, including oils and sensitive compounds, providing enhanced bioavailability and stability by protecting contents from environmental factors like light and oxygen. Furthermore, its inherent properties facilitate easy swallowing and effective taste-masking, significantly improving patient compliance across various demographics. This segment also benefits from a mature manufacturing infrastructure, cost-effectiveness, and broad regulatory approval from bodies such as the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which collectively reinforce its dominant market position.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global softgel capsules market due to its highly developed healthcare infrastructure and a substantial consumer focus on health and wellness, driving significant demand for dietary supplements. The region benefits from a robust pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry that consistently invests in research and development, fostering product innovation, including advanced and plant-based formulations. Furthermore, well-established regulatory frameworks, such as those overseen by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, ensure stringent quality standards and facilitate the commercialization of novel softgel products, solidifying North America’s prominent market position.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Jupiter Neurosciences, Inc. announced a manufacturing contract with Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC, for its patented resveratrol-based platform, JOTROL. This collaboration is specifically for the production of JOTROL softgel capsules, intended to support Jupiter Neurosciences' upcoming Phase 2a clinical trial for Parkinson's disease. The partnership leverages Catalent's expertise in softgel manufacturing to facilitate the development of advanced therapeutic solutions within the Global Softgel Capsules Market.

• In July 2024, Aenova Group launched a new line of plant-based softgel capsules, addressing the increasing consumer demand for vegan and vegetarian supplements within the Global Softgel Capsules Market. These new generation VegaGels are formulated to be heat and temperature resistant, offering enhanced stability and significantly reducing issues like stickiness and cross-linking reactions during extended storage. This innovation showcases Aenova's commitment to developing advanced, plant-based dosage forms.

• In May 2024, Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients, launched its new LYCAGEL® Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix. This innovative excipient allows manufacturers to formulate nutraceutical and pharmaceutical softgel capsules with greater flexibility, particularly for complex fills. The plasticizer-free premix provides a plant-based alternative to gelatin, addressing the increasing consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan softgel options. This launch significantly advances shell quality, stability, and production efficiency within the Global Softgel Capsules Market.

• In 2024, Catalent launched a new dual-release softgel capsule capable of delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in two distinct stages. This innovative product was utilized in 1.3 million prescriptions by the fourth quarter of 2024, demonstrating its rapid adoption in the market. The technology represents a significant advancement in controlled-release drug delivery within the Global Softgel Capsules Market, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance for various medical treatments.

Key Market Players

• Fuji Capsule Co Ltd
• Sirio Pharma Co Ltd
• Captek Softgel International Inc
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc
• EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc
• Catalent Inc
• EuroCaps Ltd
• Aenova Group GmbH
• Lonza Group AG
• Soft Gel Technologies Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Softgel Capsules Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Softgel Capsules Market, By Type:

o   Gelatin-Based/Animal-Based

o   Non-Animal-Based

• Softgel Capsules Market, By Application:

o   Antacid and Anti-Flatulent Preparation

o   Anti-Anemic Preparations

o   Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

o   Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs

o   Cough and Cold Preparations

o   Health Supplement

o   Vitamin and Dietary Supplement

o   Pregnancy

o   Others

• Softgel Capsules Market, By End Use:

o   Pharmaceutical Companies

o   Nutraceutical Companies

o   Cosmeceutical Companies

o   Contract Manufacturing Organization

• Softgel Capsules Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Softgel Capsules Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Softgel Capsules Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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