North America’s Role in Shaping the Global Gelatin Market

The gelatin market is on a strong growth trajectory. According to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets, the industry—valued at USD 4.0 billion in 2024—is projected to hit USD 5.6 billion by 2029, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9%. This growth is fueled by rising consumer awareness around health and wellness, coupled with an increasing preference for natural, nutritive ingredients.

Bovine Source Dominates Market Share

Among the sources, bovine-based gelatin is projected to maintain a significant gelatin market share. Extracted from skins and bones, bovine gelatin is extensively used in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

In a notable industry development, JBS S.A. inaugurated a collagen and gelatin production facility in August 2022 with an investment of USD 77.45 million. This plant, designed to process bovine skins, has an annual production capacity of 6,000 tonnes, catering to the rising demand for health-focused and pharmaceutical-grade applications.

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Pharmaceuticals: Fastest-Growing Application Segment

The pharmaceutical sector is expected to be the fastest-growing application of gelatin between 2024 and 2029. Gelatin plays a crucial role in the production of:

• Hard and soft capsules
• Tablet coatings
• Granulation agents
• Surgical sponges
• Encapsulation materials

Its biocompatibility and absorbability make it ideal for medicinal and nutritional preparations, including blood plasma substitutes and hemostatic agents used in surgeries. This surge in usage reflects a sharp rise in gelatin market demand across the pharma industry.

North America: A Major Market Hub

North America is poised to hold a substantial portion of the global industry, driven by:

• A strong food and beverage processing sector (with nearly 39,646 facilities in the US alone in 2020)
• Rising consumer interest in fortified and functional foods
• Expanding use of gelatin in pharmaceuticals and healthcare

The region’s industry is regulated by the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America (GMIA), with member companies including Nitta Gelatin, Weishardt, Gelita, PB Leiner, and Rousselot. These developments contribute significantly to the region’s growing gelatin market size and consumer adoption.

Key Players Driving the Market

The competitive landscape features a blend of global leaders and regional players, such as:

• Darling Ingredients (US)
• Tessenderlo Group (Belgium)
• GELITA AG (Germany)
• Nitta Gelatin Inc. (Japan)
• Lapi Gelatine S.p.a. (Italy)
• India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd. (India)
• Narmada Gelatines Limited (India)
• Nippi Inc. (Japan)
• Weishardt (France)
• Trobas Gelatine B.V. (Netherlands)
• Sterling Biotech Ltd. (India)
• Roxlor (US)
• Suheung (South Korea)
• Ewald-Gelatin GmbH (Germany)
• Geltech Co., Ltd (Korea)

These companies are increasingly investing in capacity expansions, product innovations, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their foothold, as highlighted in the latest gelatin market report.

With its broad applications across industries and rising demand from health-conscious consumers, the market is entering a phase of accelerated growth. From bovine-based innovations to pharmaceutical breakthroughs and North America’s food and pharma expansions, the future of gelatin is bright.

Q1. What is driving growth in the gelatin market?
The gelatin market is expanding due to rising consumer awareness around health and wellness, coupled with a strong preference for natural and nutritive ingredients. Increasing demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries further supports this growth.

Q2. Which source holds the largest share of the gelatin industry?
Bovine-based gelatin dominates the market share. Extracted from skins and bones, it is widely used in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to its versatility and functional properties.

Q3. Why is the pharmaceutical segment growing the fastest in gelatin applications?
The pharmaceutical industry increasingly relies on gelatin for hard and soft capsules, tablet coatings, surgical sponges, and encapsulation materials. Its biocompatibility and absorbability make it essential for medicinal and nutritional preparations, driving rapid growth in this segment.

Q4. How is North America contributing to gelatin market expansion?
North America is a major hub for gelatin demand, supported by its strong food and beverage sector, consumer interest in fortified and functional foods, and expanding pharmaceutical applications. Regulatory oversight by the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America (GMIA) also ensures high product standards.

Q5. Who are the key players in the global gelatin market?
Leading players include Darling Ingredients (US), GELITA AG (Germany), Nitta Gelatin (Japan), Weishardt (France), PB Leiner, Rousselot, Tessenderlo Group (Belgium), and regional companies such as India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd., Sterling Biotech Ltd., and Narmada Gelatines Limited. These companies are investing in capacity expansions, product innovations, and partnerships.

Q6. What role does gelatin play in food and beverage applications?
In the food industry, gelatin acts as a stabilizer, thickener, and gelling agent. It is commonly used in confectionery, dairy, desserts, beverages, and functional foods, enhancing both texture and nutritional value.

Q7. How are health and wellness trends impacting gelatin market demand?
With consumers increasingly seeking natural, protein-rich, and health-enhancing products, gelatin’s applications in nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods are rising. This shift in consumer behavior is a major factor fueling market growth.