Hard Gelatin Capsules Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034: Regional Growth Insights

The global hard gelatin capsules market is poised for robust growth, with sales expected to climb from USD 1,940.3 million in 2024 to USD 3,409.7 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period. Following a revenue of USD 1,833.9 million in 2023, the market is set to register a year-on-year growth of 5.9% in 2024, fueled by a rising preference for fast-dissolving, easy-to-swallow oral dosage forms and the ever-growing demand in the nutraceuticals sector.

The Science Behind the Growth

Hard gelatin capsules, made primarily from animal-derived collagen, consist of a body and a cap that snap together to securely enclose powdered or granular substances. These capsules provide numerous pharmaceutical advantages, including moisture and air resistance, increased stability of active ingredients, and improved patient compliance due to ease of ingestion.

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Their quick dissolution in the stomach allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream, making them especially effective for medications requiring rapid onset, such as pain relievers like ibuprofen. For patients, this translates to quicker symptom relief and greater satisfaction, a key driver behind the increasing shift toward capsules over traditional tablets.

Moreover, hard gelatin capsules mask unpleasant tastes and odors, a critical factor in the nutraceuticals market where ingredients like fish oil and herbal extracts may have strong, off-putting flavors.

Nutraceuticals Market a Key Catalyst

The burgeoning nutraceutical sector is significantly driving the demand for hard gelatin capsules. Their ability to encapsulate vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, and other dietary ingredients in a stable, consumer-friendly format has made them a preferred choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Market Challenges: Swallowing Difficulties

Despite the benefits, the market does face limitations. Swallowing difficulty among pediatric and elderly populations can hinder capsule adoption, especially in regions where alternative formats like liquids or chewables are preferred. This restraint, however, is being addressed through innovations in capsule size and composition.

Key Takeaways

• Strong Growth in Asia-Pacific: India (6.6%) and China (5.8%) are projected to experience the highest CAGRs between 2024 and 2034, driven by expanding pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. South Korea also shows solid growth at 4.6%.
• Stable Growth in Western Markets: The USA and Germany are expected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 1.8%, followed by the UK (2.1%) and France (2.9%) over the forecast period.
• Type-B Gelatin Leads the Market: Holding a dominant 46.7% value share in 2024, the Type-B gelatin segment, derived from animal bones and calf skin, continues to lead due to its cost-effectiveness, availability, and suitability for robust capsule applications.
• Size "0" Capsules Dominate by Size: With a projected 19.7% market share in 2024, Size "0" capsules remain the most preferred due to their ideal balance of fill capacity and ease of ingestion, making them suitable for a broad range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.

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Competitive Landscape: Fragmented but Innovative

The hard gelatin capsules industry is highly fragmented, with numerous global players striving to enhance their product portfolios and geographic reach. Leading companies are investing in research collaborations, new product launches, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market presence.

Recent Development:

• May 2022: Lonza, a prominent CDMO, expanded its Capsugel® line with a titanium dioxide-free (TiO2-free) white hard gelatin capsule, aimed at meeting evolving European regulatory and consumer preferences.

Key Industry Players

• ACG Worldwide
• Lonza
• Qualicaps, Inc. (Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation)
• Sunil Healthcare Ltd.
• CapsCanada Corporation / Farmacapsulas
• Suheung Co., Ltd. (EmboCaps)
• Medi-Caps Ltd.
• NLL (Nector Lifesciences Ltd.)
• Natural Capsules
• Erawat Pharma
• Dah Feng Capsule (Biocaps)
• Lefan Capsule
• Qingdao Yiqing Medicinal Capsules Co., Ltd.

These companies are investing in technology upgrades, expansion strategies, and green alternatives to address consumer demand for sustainable and health-compliant products.

Key Segments of Hard Gelatin Capsules Industry

By Source:

In terms of source, the industry is divided into type-A (pork skin), type-B gelatine (animal bones & calf skin), and fish bone gelatine

By Size:

In terms of size, the industry is segregated into size "00" capsules, size "0" capsules, size "1" capsules, size "2" capsules, size "3" capsules, size "4" capsules, and size "5" capsules

By Route of Administration:

In terms of route of administration, the industry is divided into oral administration and inhalation.

By End User:

In terms of end user, the industry is segregated into pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic & nutraceutical companies, and CROs & CDMOs

By Region:

Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA) have been covered in the report.

Outlook

As health-conscious consumers and pharmaceutical innovations continue to shape global health trends, hard gelatin capsules are anticipated to remain at the forefront of oral dosage forms. Their bioavailability, user-friendly format, and ability to deliver a broad range of actives position them as a key contributor to the global pharmaceutical and nutraceutical landscape.

For companies and investors, the hard gelatin capsules market offers substantial growth potential, particularly in emerging economies like India and China, and across evolving applications in nutraceuticals, personalized medicine, and functional foods.