Global Gelatin Market By Source (Bovine, Porcine, Poultry, Marine, and Others), By Type (Type A and Type B), By Function (Stabilizer, Thickener, Gelling Agent, and Others), By Application (Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Dairy and Desserts, Meat and Poultry Products, Beverages, Soups and Sauces Others, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Others), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Gelatin Market size is expected to be worth around USD 6.37 Billion by 2033 from USD 3.30 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

Gelatin is a translucent protein derived from animal collagen. It is tasteless and odorless, hence is widely used in several food & pharmaceutical applications.  It effectively emulsifies two immiscible ingredients such as water and oil and attains a desired consistency in an end product blend. Therefore, its major applications lie in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. It helps retain the consistency and stability of a product for long durations.

The growing applications of gelatin in dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals, and increasing demand for packaged foods from consumers are anticipated to drive the global gelatin market during the projection period.

For instance, according to the 2022 report published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), gelatin is widely added to packaged foods as an edible film and coating to retain the quality of the food throughout its shelf life. Additionally, the increasing demand for bovine and porcine gelatin in medical applications such as skin and wound healing dressings, is expected to bolster the market growth in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• In 2023, the global gelatin market generated a revenue of USD 3.3 billion, with a CAGR of 6.8%, and is expected to reach USD 6.37 billion by the year 2033.
• The source segment held a major share of the market, with the bovine segment leading with a market share of 33.6% in 2023, owing to the versatility of the bovine gelatin.
• By type, the type A segment accounted for a significant share of the market at about 65.3%. This is attributed to its superior gelling properties that promote seamless blending in food & cosmetics products.
• By function, the stabilizers segment among the other sub-segments held the largest share of the market at 41.3% due to the exceptional binding and gelling properties of gelatin.
• By application, the food & beverages segment accounted for the dominant share of the market at 55.2%, due to the rapidly surging demand for packaged and on-the-go foods worldwide.
• Europe dominated the market by acquiring 39.6% of its share in 2023 due to a high demand for bovine and porcine gelatin in the region.
• Technological advancements in healthcare have encouraged researchers to build 3D-printed gelatin scaffolds that effectively boost the healing of the wounded area by providing a framework for cells to regenerate.
• Gelatin has anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall gut and joint health hence majorly used in manufacturing health supplements.

By Source Analysis

Based on the source, the market is categorized into bovine, porcine, poultry, marine, and others. Among these, the bovine segment held the largest share of the market at 33.6% in 2023. This dominance was attributed to the increasing demand for strong gelling agents from various industries. Bovine gelatin such as beef gelatin has a stronger gelling capacity compared to pork, fish, and poultry-derived gelatin.

Bovine gelatin has a higher nutritional value compared to the other gelatins. It provides absorbable protein and hence is added to several weight loss and fitness supplements. Moreover, the cultural importance of consuming Halal and Kosher food in Islamic and Jewish communities continues to drive this segment.

The porcine segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the projection period owing to the increasing cost affordability of pork farming. Porcine gelatin is derived from pig skin and bones. Manufacturers avail the abundant supply of raw materials at cheaper costs and obtain higher yields of this gelatin owing to its affordability and wide availability.

This encourages blooming players in the market to manage their budget for pig harvesting and the production of gelatin. The porcine gelatin acts as an effective gelling agent in several beauty cosmetics and confectionery, which is expected to drive this segment during the forecast period.

­By Type Analysis

The global gelatin market is segmented based on type into type A and type B. The type A segment acquired the largest market share of 65.3% in 2023, owing to the rising demand for type A gelatin in several pharmaceutical and confectionery applications. Type A gelatin is obtained from the process of partial hydrolysis of pig bones and skin. This gelatin is acid-treated and its pH lies between 6-9. It has high clarity, stability, and low viscosity.

It is widely used in niche photography to produce films and paper. Type A gelatin is also used in applications of biotechnology such as biopharmaceutical production, cell culture, and tissue engineering. The cost-effectiveness of porcine farming is cheaper compared to livestock farming, which is expected to drive this segment in the coming years.

By Function Analysis

Considering the function segment, the market is divided into stabilizers, thickeners, gelling agents, and others. Among these, the stabilizer segment held a significant share of 41.3% owing to gelatine’s ultimate stabilizing properties. Gelatin increases the viscosity of a product and promotes ultimate stability and texture.

It is odorless as well as flavorless and provides desirable textures to the ingredients added. Therefore, it is useful as a stabilizer and thickener for frozen desserts and ice cream. Increasing demand for dairy products such as cream cheese, butter, margarine, and yogurt is anticipated to drive this segment during the forecast period.

The gelling agents segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the projection period owing to the rapid expansion of bakeries and confectionaries across the globe. The rising global trends of gourmet sweets and artisanal baking ultimately increase the demand for essential gelling agents such as gelatin. Gelling agents provide the desired texture and stability to frozen desserts, icings, whipping creams, jellies, and other items.

The rapidly expanding e-commerce industry is significantly driving the global bakery industries, making it convenient for consumers to get customized packaged baked goods. This is further propelling the use of gelatin in these goods as stabilizers and emulsifiers. The global food industry has gained significant traction due to the rising influence of social media channels, encouraging consumers to make authentic desserts and confectionery delicacies at home. This is poised to fuel the segment on the residential front in the coming years.

By Application Analysis

Considering the application segment, the market is segmented into food & beverage, confectionery, dairy & desserts, meat & poultry products, beverages, soups & sauces, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and others. Among these, the food & beverage segment held a significant share of 55.2% due to the rapid expansion of the food & beverage industry worldwide. The global consumer shift toward convenience food is attributed to a majority of consumers following fast-paced lifestyles.

Ready-to-eat foods & beverages, frozen foods, baked items, and frozen desserts & ice creams are in high demand as they are readily available or hardly take time to cook. Manufacturers are focused on retaining these product’s quality and texture throughout their shelf life. Additionally, the growing influence of social media is encouraging people to follow emerging food-related trends.

It has also promoted the purchase high quality gelatine products through e-commerce sites. The increasing consumer trust in online shopping is projected to bolster the food & beverage segment growth during the assessment period.

Key Market Segments

By Source

• Bovine
• Porcine
• Poultry
• Marine
• Others

By Type

• Type A
• Type B

By Function

• Stabilizer
• Thickener
• Gelling Agent
• Others

By Application

• Food & Beverage
• Confectionery
• Dairy & Desserts
• Meat & Poultry Products
• Beverages
• Soups & Sauces
• Others
• Nutraceuticals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Others

Drivers

Increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry drives the market.

The pharmaceutical industry is a major consumer of gelatin for several purposes. Gelatin is used to form a soft or hard shell covering a medicinal drug. It does not react with the active ingredients filled within and prevents the drug from oxidation or contamination thereby ensuring its prolonged shelf life. The rapid growth in the world population has led to a shortage of medicines, which has encouraged the players in the market to avail affordable generic medicines along with the mainstream drugs. This has fueled the pharmaceutical market which ultimately drives the global gelatin market.

Diverse applications of gelatin in the food & cosmetics industry are expected to fuel the market.

Gelatin is used for emulsification, thickening, or binding in various product formulations. This makes it an essential ingredient in the food and cosmetic industries.  It is imparted in various protein powders, health supplements, and skin & hair care cosmetics as it provides a collagen boost to the human body. It is enriched with essential amino acids that help improve overall skin, bone, hair, nails, and muscular health. Its multifaceted benefits are anticipated to drive the market.

Restraints

Increasing demand for plant-based alternatives of gelatin is likely to restrain the market.

Gelatin is traditionally obtained from connective tissues of livestock animals, pigs, and fishes. These animals are not treated ethically to get this yield. The increasing awareness regarding the same among a majority of consumers refrains them from buying animal-derived gelatin. Plant-based gelatin alternatives such as corn starch, agar agar, and carrageenan have equal gelling properties as gelatin. They are also available at competitive rates in the market.

Gelling agents such as agar agar efficiently resist high temperatures, compared to zoonotic gelatin. Cornstarch is widely used to provide desired viscosity, texture, and thickening in bakeries and confectionaries. The rising global awareness of these plant-based gelling agents and their growing availability in the local market are likely to hamper the global gelatin market in the coming years.

Opportunities

Growing applications in healthcare industries fuel the market.

Gelatin is a protein, widely used in the bone and tissue recovery associated with post-traumatic wound care. It is used in several applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Gelatin is used as a manufacturing bio-ink in the medical scaffolds that support in speedy recovery of damaged or defective tissue. It is crucial in treating chronic wounds as the 3D-printed gelatin grafts help promote the structure of the open wounds. Hence increasing global burden of chronic wounds caused by various types of ulcers, underlying conditions, or accidents is projected to drive the market.

• For instance, according to the news released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 13, 2023, accidental death is one of the leading causes of death with about 1.19 million people dying every year due to road accidents, worldwide.

Additionally, other applications of gelatin in healthcare are expected to boost the market. Gelatin is used in bio-pharmaceuticals owing to its bio-compatibility. It is also used to treat osteoarthritis, brittle bones, and rheumatoid arthritis as it promotes strength in bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. In critical vascular surgeries, certain knitted polyester grafts are used. Gelatin is used as a sealant for such grafts in a bio-gel form. The rising innovation in healthcare is anticipated to fuel this market in the coming years.

Latest Trends

Growing consumer shift toward purchasing food having religious compliance is expected to drive the market.

Halal or Kosher, meaning permitted gelatin is derived from bovine and marine sources. This kind of gelatin is popular in regions with Christian, Islamic, and Jewish majorities as the communities refrain from consuming products derived from porcine derivatives. The increasing demand for such foods from regions with Islamic and Christian majorities is projected to fuel the gelatin market in the coming years.

The rising trend of clean-label food products creates lucrative opportunities for the market.

Clean-label food is minimally processed food, imparted with natural ingredients. The growing popularity of such foods is mainly attributed to the rising consumer awareness regarding the ill effects on health due to the consumption of processed foods. Clean-label foods assure the quality and purity of the products which attracts the health conscious customers. As gelatin is manufactured from a natural source, it is considered as a food ingredient and not an additive, in clean-label foods. Additionally, the product is also non-GMO i.e., it is not genetically modified and is cholesterol free. This adds to its appeal to health-conscious consumers, thereby creating several growth opportunities for the market.

Geopolitical Impact Analysis

Geopolitical factors and recession exert a significant influence on the global gelatin market, shaping its growth trajectory and dynamic. The market was also impacted during the 2020 Brexit scenario which took place as the UK’s official exit from the EU. This increased the gelatin costs due to newly imposed regulatory complexities on import and export.

The depreciation in the currency of the UK impacted the profit margins for locally based players. Furthermore, the trade war between the US & China similarly impacts the market due to the heavy tariffs for importing the gelatin from China which further impacted the gelatin market of China on the regional level.

Regional Analysis

Europe is leading the gelatin Market.

Europe dominated the market with the largest share of 39.6% and a revenue of 1.30 billion owing to the rapidly surging food industry in the region. Countries such as France, Italy, and Germany are leading consumers of gelatin. This is attributed to the booming bakery and confectionary industries in these countries. The traditional popularity of desserts such as marshmallows and jellies fuels the market. Countries such as the UK have significant medical pharmaceutical infrastructure.

Therefore, gelatin is high in demand in the production of various biomedical surgical equipment and as excipients in pharmaceuticals. The regions also have a high demand for Halal and Kosher gelatin owing to the increasing demand from Jewish and Muslim demographics. This is anticipated to fuel the market in the region, during the projection period.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The major players in the global gelatin market are continuously investing in innovation and expansion. They implement multiple business strategies to dominate on the competitive ground. Darling Ingredients Inc., Gelita AG, Nitta Gelatin Inc., Lapi Gelatine SpA, and PB Leiner are the major players known for their diversified gelatin production and supply chain network. These key players along with other industry participants collectively influence the global gelatin market’s growth, supply, and demand dynamics.

Top Key Players

• Darling Ingredients Inc.
• Ewald Gelatin GmbH
• Gelita AG
• India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd.
• Italgelatine SpA
• Lapi Gelatine SpA
• Nitta Gelatin Inc.
• PB Leiner
• Rousselot Inc.
• Roxlor
• SAS Gelatines
• Sterling
• Suheung
• Trobas Gelatine BV
• Weishardt
• Others

Recent Developments

• On May 14, 2024, Darling Ingredients launched Nextida at Vitafoods, under Rousselot, its premier collagen and peptide brand. The product is expected to promote added health benefits compared to traditional collagen peptides.
• On April 11, 2023, Gelita AG launched CONFIXX, a fast-setting gelatin. The company claims to have launched a breakthrough in the manufacture of fortified gummies.
• On October 27, 2022, PB Leiner announced the launch of three new products viz; Dsolve B, Dsolve P, and Dsolve xTRA. The company has made a valuable addition to its gelwoRx Dsolve pharmaceutical gelatin portfolio with these products that promote fast dissolution and reduced crosslinking.

Report Scope