Softgel Capsules Market Synopsis

Softgel Capsules Market Size Was Valued at USD  7.07 Billion in 2023, and is Projected to Reach USD   11.94 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 6.00% From 2024-2032.

Soft gelatin capsule is an oval shaped oral dosage form which comprises a medicinal substance enclosed within a shell made from a combination of gelatin and other materials in liquid, Suspension, or semisolid state of materials. They are usually employed in the formation of caplets that encase drugs, vitamins or dietary supplements. The hydrogel capsule offers a distinctive and standardized option for consumption and is normally recommended for its smooth, gentle texture and possible increment in bioavailability.

• The global market for softgel capsules has been growing at a rapid pace over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue over the forthcoming years. It is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries since it presents better functionality, extended shelf incubation, and easy swallowing than the traditional hard shell manufacturing type known as Softgel capsules.
• An important factor considered to be driving the growth of the softgel capsules market is the increasing importance of dietary supplement intake and over the counter or OTC drugs. Due to people getting more conscious of their health condition and status, many people are seeking for supplements in their daily diets as a way of avoiding various diseases. These supplements are best packaged in softgel capsules, because they can accommodate virtually any type of active ingredient, Including vitamins, minerals, herbs, Omega 3 fatty acids among others. Moreover, the passage also indicates that softgels offer other advantages with regards tothe elder and children as well as the consumer who prefer easy swallowing than the tablets or the pills.
• Furthermore, a significant growth in consumers’ demands for soft gel capsules, especially for the prescription and OTC drugs in the pharma industries. Thus, softgel capsules have advantages like the enhancement of drug solubility and API stability, and the utilization of a controlled release system which is relevant for some medications. Additionally, numerous choices concerning the utilization of soft gel capsule form, such as, size, coloration and shapes are also potential to influence the pharmaceutical organizations to develop new products, helping the organizations establish market exclusivity and brand image.
• Region-wise, the North American and European markets continue to lead the global demand for softgel capsules due to the high consumption of dietary supplements and various pharmaceutical products. However, Asian Pacific, Latin American, and Middle Eastern softer capsule markets are steadily growing because of a fresh increase in incomes, improved health consciousness, and new drug production facilities. In addition, there is vast innovation in softgel manufacturing technologies along with formulation advancements and manufacturing practices that have potential of further fueling the demand in this market along with providing the business players with more opportunities.
• Nevertheless, the growth of this industry is not without some challenges for instance; the regulatory restraints especially with regard to quality and safety of ingredients to be incorporated in the formulation of the capsules. In fact, changes in costs of raw materials that constitute capsule production and environmental issues such as proper disposal of capsules can be considered as restraints in the market. However, constant search for raw materials and innovative methods that would allow environmentally suitable and sustainable solutions should help overcome these obstacles in the future.
• The growth of the global softgel capsules market is expected to attract athught constant growth in the demand of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals as well as enhanced capsule manufacturing technologies. As softgel capsules continue to be used more frequently in bits and pieces in myriad industries, and regions, it is safe to assume that consumers and pharma companies will continue to opt for these capsules which otherwise will help shape a new future for the world’s growing healthcare industry.

Softgel Capsules Market Trend Analysis

Growing Demand for Nutraceuticals Driving Softgel Capsules Market Growth

• The major trends driving the softgel capsules market include the increasing sales of nutraceuticals products, primarily because of the rising demand for softgel capsules for health supplements. These products, which can be classified as food-based, functional, healthy, and medicinal, are attributed to the natural world and are marketed to consumers seeking improved and healthier ways of living. Some of the key benefits of using soft gel supplements for delivery of supplements include improved solubility of the ingredients, easy swallowing and the ability to protect the stability of sensitive ingredients.
• Also, RTD beverages, effervescent tablets, caplets and softgel capsules are easy to handle and portable dosage forms that consumers find appealing. Consequently, the manufacturing firms of these nutraceutical products are shifting to softgel capsule formulation systems in a bid to meet consumer needs and produce qualitative products. This was found to be the case especially for the softgel capsules that are used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry and due to future predictions of the growth of the nutraceutical industry in the coming years, it will also be seen that this segment will also show an increase in growth.

Expansion of Pharmaceutical Industry in Emerging Markets

• The growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the developed as well as emerging markets has led to substantial improvization across many products, especially in the softgel capsules market. The global emerging markets are present, therefore, as populated, richer, and seeing progress in the health care sector, which may signify lucrative markets for pharmaceutical companies. These regions have stirred a lot of interest in Softgel capsules because of these reasons like better bioavailability, easy swallowing, and also the ability to encapsulate all manners of formulations. Pertinently, the increase in chronic diseases and the increasing popularized use of softgels has seen the market for softgel capsules grow significantly. There are strategic alliances, investments dedicated to research and development, manufacturing technologies that act as instruments for companies that operate in these markets and respond to the demand of consumers, and likely growing regulatory expectations.
• Also, the trend toward self-medication and consumption of the OTC medicines along with the increased usage of the softgel capsules by the growing economies also credited for the rising demands. As the role of the pharmaceuticals industry increases its global footprint with a focus on the emerging markets the softgel capsules market is expected to grow and expand due to increased research and development , heightened awareness on health, and growing customer preferences towards more easier to swallow forms of medicines.

Softgel Capsules Market Segment Analysis:

Softgel Capsules Market is Segmented based on Type, Application, Formulation and Shape.

By Type, Non-Animal Softgel Capsules segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period

• The softgel capsules possible options may include gelatin capsules and a non-animal softgel capsules and they are starches or pullulan among others. Capsules made from gelatin that originally comes from animals have been dominating in this market for years, mainly due to their popularity and well-anchored production methods. However, the use of vegetarian or purely vegan options is gradually gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for animal-free products. However, to address the concerns of customers who prefer plant-derived capsules or those who have certain dietary restrictions or concerns regarding animal welfare and the environment, there are such options as starch-based and pullulan capsules. This is evident in the increase in market shares for products with an emphasis on sustainability and affordable products that address the changing needs of customers. In this regard, the softgel capsules market has gradually been introduced to a broader array of choices that would suit dietary restrictions as well as specific preferences.

 By Applicatin, Health Supplements segment held the largest share in 2023

• Some of the markets where softgel capsules are used are simply antacid and anti-inflammatory products and other health product such as the vitamins, health supplements and dietary supplements among others. Antacid softgel capsules are a convenient and effective way of bringing about a change in the ph in the stomach, and thereby, ease the discomfort of indigestion and heartburn. Unlike that, the softgel capsules containing anti-inflammatory ingredients offer relief to persons struggling with pain conditions, whether rheumatic or musculoskeletal pain. There is also greater demand and appeal for the consumption of dietary supplements and vitamins in softgel form to provide consumers the easiness they require in enhancing their nutrition intake.
• In addition, softgel capsules are also used in dietary supplements which is a more generalized and all-encompassing category that encompasses a large range of products that are formulation to address various ailments or the consumer’s preferred lifestyle. In addition to the above fundamental roles, the soft gel capsule is today used in a plethora of subdisciplines which only goes to show how versatile it is and how much it is valued within the sphere of pharmaceuticals and health.

Softgel Capsules Market Regional Insights:

North America is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast period

• North America is expected to retain its position in terms of the largest share for the softgel capsules market throughout the forecast period. This anticipated leadership can be explained by some of the following reasons; On one hand, the region has a favourable pharmaceutical and the dietary supplements market which has access to research and development capabilities along with stringent regulatory norms. Secondly, there is a general rise in consumer concern towards healthy and wellbeing, plus the general focus on preventive measures of health that has augmented the demand for dietary supplements which are usually contained in softgel form. In addition, the fact that numerous key industry players and many of their progressive endeavours towards product development and enlargement are sited in this geographical region significantly supports North America’s control of this market segment.
• Moreover, the probability of reimbursement policies also captures better reimbursement status and higher disposable income in the region to enhance the utilization and affordability of softgel capsules, contributing significantly to the growth of this market. These factors enable North America to maintain its position of achieving high revenue growth as well as technological penetration in the softgel capsules market over the coming years.

Active Key Players in the Softgel Capsules Market

• Curtis Health Caps (Poland)
• Aenova Holding GmbH (Germany)
• Catalent Inc (U.S.)
• Sirio Pharma Co. Ltd. (China)
• Fuji Capsule Co. Ltd. (Japan)
• CAPTEK Softgel International Inc. (U.S.)
• Procaps Group (US)
• Capsugel (Lonza) (U.S.)
• EuroCaps Ltd (UK)
•  Other Key Players

Key Industry Developments in the Softgel Capsules Market

In December 2023: Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Strides Pharma Science Limited together launched oficosapent ethyl acid soft gel capsules, a product referencing VASCEPA. The product has been in-licensed from Strides, and commercialized by Amneal in the fourth quarter of 2023.

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
   2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
   3. RESEARCH PROCESS
   4. SCOPE AND COVERAGE
      1. Market Definition
      2. Key Questions Answered
   5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3. MARKET OVERVIEW
4. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES BY SEGMENT
5. MARKET LANDSCAPE
   1. PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
      1. Bargaining Power Of Supplier
      2. Threat Of New Entrants
      3. Threat Of Substitutes
      4. Competitive Rivalry
      5. Bargaining Power Among Buyers
   2. INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
   3. MARKET DYNAMICS
      1. Drivers
      2. Restraints
      3. Opportunities
      4. Challenges
   4. MARKET TREND ANALYSIS
   5. REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
   6. PESTLE ANALYSIS
   7. PRICE TREND ANALYSIS
   8. PATENT ANALYSIS
   9. TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
   10. MARKET IMPACT OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
       1. Geopolitical Market Disruptions
       2. Supply Chain Disruptions
       3. Instability in Emerging Markets
   11. ECOSYSTEM
6. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET BY TYPE (2017-2032)
   1. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. GELATIN CAPSULES
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 – 2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 – 2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. NON-ANIMAL SOFTGEL CAPSULES STARCHES
   5. PULLULAN
   6. OTHERS
7. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET BY APPLICATION (2017-2032)
   1. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. ANTACID
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 – 2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 – 2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
   5. HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS
   6. VITAMINS
   7. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
   8. OTHERS
8. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET BY FORMULATION (2017-2032)
   1. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. CHEWABLE
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 – 2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 – 2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. SUCKABLE
   5. TWIST-OFF
   6. MELTABLE
9. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET BY SHAPE (2017-2032)
   1. SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET SNAPSHOT AND GROWTH ENGINE
   2. MARKET OVERVIEW
   3. OVAL
      1. Introduction And Market Overview
      2. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Value (2017 – 2032F)
      3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size in Volume (2017 – 2032F)
      4. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
      5. Geographic Segmentation Analysis
   4. ROUND
   5. OBLONG
   6. TUBS
   7. SPECIAL SHAPES
10. COMPANY PROFILES AND COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
    1. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
       1. Competitive Positioning
       2. SOFTGEL CAPSULES Market Share By Manufacturer (2023)
       3. Industry BCG Matrix
       4. Heat Map Analysis
       5. Mergers & Acquisitions
    2. CURTIS HEALTH CAPS (POLAND)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Company Snapshot
       4. Role of the Company in the Market
       5. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
       6. Operating Business Segments
       7. Product Portfolio
       8. Business Performance (Production Volume, Sales Volume, Sales Margin, Production Capacity, Capacity Utilization Rate)
       9. Key Strategic Moves And Recent Developments
       10. SWOT Analysis
    3. AENOVA HOLDING GMBH (GERMANY)
    4. CATALENT INC (U.S.)
    5. SIRIO PHARMA CO. LTD. (CHINA)
    6. FUJI CAPSULE CO. LTD. (JAPAN)
    7. CAPTEK SOFTGEL INTERNATIONAL INC. (U.S.)
    8. PROCAPS GROUP (US)
    9. CAPSUGEL (LONZA) (U.S.)
    10. EUROCAPS LTD (UK)
11. GLOBAL SOFTGEL CAPSULES MARKET BY REGION
    1. OVERVIEW
    2. NORTH AMERICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Type
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Formulation
       5. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Shape
       6. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segment4
       7. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segment5
       8. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segment6
       9. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. USA
          2. Canada
          3. Mexico
    3. EASTERN EUROPE
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Russia
          2. Bulgaria
          3. The Czech Republic
          4. Hungary
          5. Poland
          6. Romania
          7. Rest Of Eastern Europe
    4. WESTERN EUROPE
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Germany
          2. United Kingdom
          3. France
          4. The Netherlands
          5. Italy
          6. Spain
          7. Rest Of Western Europe
    5. ASIA PACIFIC
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. China
          2. India
          3. Japan
          4. South Korea
          5. Malaysia
          6. Thailand
          7. Vietnam
          8. The Philippines
          9. Australia
          10. New-Zealand
          11. Rest Of APAC
    6. MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Turkey
          2. Bahrain
          3. Kuwait
          4. Saudi Arabia
          5. Qatar
          6. UAE
          7. Israel
          8. South Africa
    7. SOUTH AMERICA
       1. Key Market Trends, Growth Factors And Opportunities
       2. Key Manufacturers
       3. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Segments
       4. Historic And Forecasted Market Size By Country
          1. Brazil
          2. Argentina
          3. Rest of South America
12. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
13. ANALYST VIEWPOINT AND CONCLUSION
    1. Recommendations and Concluding Analysis
    2. Potential Market Strategies