BOVINE GELATIN MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Bovine Gelatin Market Size and Trends

The bovine gelatin market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.40 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.23 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2024 to 2031.

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The bovine gelatin market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The growing demand from the food & beverage industry as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and thickening agent is expected to boost the market growth. Gelatin's significant advantages over other hydrocolloids, such as faster melting properties, ease of use at different temperatures, transparency, and better strength, make it popular for use in confectionaries, desserts, baked goods, and meat products. It is also finding increasing usage in personal care products due to its excellent moisture retention and skin-healing properties. Further, rising demand for functional foods and beverages owing to changing consumer lifestyles and increased health awareness is likely to propel the bovine gelatin market growth.

Increasing use in pharmaceutical industry

The use of bovine gelatin has been rising steadily in the pharmaceutical industry over the past decade. Gelatin is used widely in the manufacture of hard and soft gel capsules to deliver pharmaceutical products in soluble and dispersed states. It serves as an excellent matrix material for controlled drug release applications. Gelatin capsules are preferred over other delivery methods due to their ease of ingestion and accurate dosing abilities. The rising global healthcare expenditure and growing elderly population have fueled the demand for drugs and supplements. This has provided a push to the overall pharmaceutical market. With newer and more complex drug molecules entering the pipeline, the need for effective drug delivery carriers is greater than ever. Gelatin plays a vital role here given its proven track record of safety, stability and bioavailability enhancement. Many manufacturers are incorporating gelatin into extended release formulations and other dosage forms to offer convenient dosing options to patients. The gelatin industry is also witnessing growing interest from nutraceutical and dietary supplement sectors. This has further reinforced the need for gelatin in pharmaceutical applications.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Expanding application areas beyond traditional usage

While gelatin has long been used as a gelling agent and stabilizer in food products, its application scope has broadened in recent years. Traditionally, gelatin found widespread use in confectionery, dairy, and bakery goods due to properties like viscosity adjustment and textural appeal. However, sectors like cosmetics and personal care have emerged as new avenues of growth. Many skincare and hair care products today contain gelatin, either as a structuring agent or active ingredient. The protein-rich composition makes it suitable for anti-aging creams, masks and conditioning formulas seeking moisture retention and repair abilities. The biodegradable nature and film forming tendencies have also attracted the 3D printing industry. Gelatin derivatives are being trialed as bio-inks and hydrogels in niche applications of organ printing and tissue engineering. Even sectors like pharmaceutical capsules and nutraceuticals, though not new adopters, are propelling ongoing gelatin needs due to constant portfolio expansion and new product launches. The versatility of gelatin to impart unique handling properties across diverse formulations, without detrimental health effects, will continue bolstering its cross-industry demand going forward.

Key Takeaways from Analyst:

The bovine gelatin market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years. The food industry will continue to be a key driver of demand as gelatin is widely used to improve texture and moisture retention in confectionery, desserts, and dairy products. Growing health consciousness may also boost the consumption of gelatin supplements and pharmaceutical products due to its digestive and joint health benefits. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry is likely to see increased gelatin usage for capsule shells, wound dressings, and medical devices.

Religious and cultural dietary restrictions could pose a challenge for the market. Some Asian and Middle Eastern countries have significant vegetarian and vegan populations that avoid animal products. This may limit opportunities in certain regions. Rising environmental concerns may also act as a restraint as bovines are significant methane emitters. Manufacturers will need to address sustainability issues to appease growing eco-consciousness.

The market sees opportunities from product innovation and functional ingredients. Gelatin producers are developing new formulations targeted at sports nutrition, beauty supplements, and other niche wellness segments. Encapsulation technologies allowing for controlled release and taste masking also have promise. Geographically, Asia Pacific holds strong prospects with high meat consumption and a burgeoning middle class in populous nations like India and China.

Market Challenges: Religious restrictions on consumption of animal-sourced gelatin

The religious restrictions on consumption of animal-sourced gelatin are significantly restraining the growth of the global bovine gelatin market. Gelatin is commonly derived from bovine animal sources such as cattle bones and hides through boiling and hydraulic pressure. However, some major religious groups prohibit consumption of any animal-sourced products. For example, according to the Islamic dietary law called Halal, consumption of porcine or non-Halal animal gelatin is strictly prohibited. Similarly, kosher laws in Judaism forbid consumption of gelatin derived from non-kosher animal sources.

Market Opportunities: Innovation of new gelatin applications

The bovine gelatin market has experienced steady growth over the past decade primarily driven by its widespread applications in food, pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. However, with advancements in material science and biotechnology, innovative new applications for gelatin are emerging which can be a massive growth opportunity for this market. One such area is in 3D bioprinting where gelatin is being increasingly used as a bioink. Gelatin provides an ideal substrate for cell growth and differentiation making it well-suited for bioprinting tissues and organ models. Several studies have shown that gelatin based bioinks support cell viability, proliferation and morphology. This application of gelatin for bioprinting could revolutionize the fields of regenerative medicine, drug discovery and personalized healthcare solutions in the coming years.

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Insights by Form: Capsule & Tablets Dominates the Form Segment Due to Ease of Consumption

The capsule & tablets segment is expected to hold 45.4% share in the bovine gelatin market by form in 2024. Gelatin capsules and tablets offer numerous advantages over other forms that drive their popularity. Compared to powdered gelatin, capsules and tablets are much more convenient for direct consumption. They eliminate the need for mixing the gelatin with liquid before ingesting. This ease of use without any preparation makes capsules and tablets highly preferable for pharmaceutical and supplement applications.

Gelatin capsules and tablets also allow for accurate dosing of active ingredients. Manufacturers can carefully control the amount of medication or supplement in each dose. This consistency in dosing is important for ensuring therapeutic efficacy and consumer safety. The solid and compact nature of capsules and tablets also makes them more portable and easier to carry compared to loose powders. Patients prefer the hassle-free consumption on-the-go without any mixing required.

From a production standpoint, capsules and tablets are more economical to manufacture at large scales compared to other forms. High-speed, automated machinery is available to fill, seal, and package capsules and produce tablets in high volumes very efficiently. This mass production capability keeps costs low. Furthermore, the enclosed nature of capsules and tablets helps protect light- and moisture-sensitive contents. This superior stability allows for longer shelf lives without degradation.

Insights by Application: Food and Beverages Drives the Application Segment Due to Wide Usage in Products

The food and beverages segment is expected to hold 41.2% share in the bovine gelatin market in 2024, due to gelatin's extensive usage across various food products. Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent and stabilizer to improve texture and stability. It helps thicken sauces, yogurt, and puddings while also suspending particulate matter. Gelatin is also widely used in confectionery products such as gummy candies, marshmallows, and jellies due to its ability to form stable gels at low concentrations.

In processed meats, gelatin is valuable as a binding agent and emulsifier. It helps distribute fat evenly throughout meat products for a juicier, smoother texture. Gelatin coatings on processed meats also aid moisture retention during cooking to prevent shriveling and drying out. The cosmetics and photographic industries also utilize gelatin for its gelling properties. In pharmaceuticals, gelatin is valued as an excipient for making hard and soft capsules as well as improving tablet properties.

Due to gelatin's immense versatility across food, beverage, meat, confectionery, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications, the demand continues to grow steadily. The natural, GRAS approved status of gelatin further amplifies its broad usefulness in products without restrictions. Overall, the indispensable role that gelatin plays in improving sensory appeal, texture, and stability will ensure the food and beverages segment maintains its leadership position.

Regional Insights

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The global bovine gelatin market is segmented into several key regions, with North America holding a dominant position. In 2024, North America accounted for 34.5% of the total market share, making it the largest regional contributor. The strong performance of the North American bovine gelatin market can be attributed to the region's well-established food and pharmaceutical industries, which rely heavily on gelatin as a key ingredient. The United States, in particular, is a major consumer and producer of bovine gelatin, driven by the high demand from the nutraceuticals, confectionery, and medical sectors.

On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for bovine gelatin. The region is expected to witness a robust CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the increasing health consciousness among consumers, the growing pharmaceutical industry, and the rising demand for functional and nutritional food products. Countries like China, Japan, and India are playing a crucial role in driving the Asia-Pacific bovine gelatin market, as these nations continue to invest in the development of their healthcare infrastructure and food processing capabilities.

Regional Analysis:

North America has been dominating the global bovine gelatin market for years. The region is expected to account for 34.5% of the market share in 2024, owing to strong industry presence and higher consumption. The U.S. and Canada are home to several major gelatin manufacturers who have well-established manufacturing and supply networks within the region and globally. Moreover, the growing health-conscious population has boosted the demand for gelatin in various end-use industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, photography, and food & beverages. Bovine bones, a key raw material, are easily available due to large cattle farming. This ensures steady gelatin supply at competitive prices to cater to the large consumer base. Stringent regulations have also improved the quality and safety standards to maintain end-users' confidence in the product.

Among the emerging regions, Asia Pacific has shown the highest potential for the bovine gelatin market and is projected to be the fastest growing over the next five years. Countries like India, China, and Indonesia are witnessing rapid urbanization along with rising incomes. This has boosted the demand from various sectors including nutraceuticals, photographic films, and confectionery goods where gelatin is used widely. Growing health awareness is also driving the use of gelatins in dietary supplements. The region has emerged as a favorite outsourcing destination for many gelatin producers due to easy availability of raw materials and low production costs. However, import dependence for certain types of gelatin remains high due to insufficient local processing capabilities currently. But ongoing investments by major multinationals are expected to enhance regional self-sufficiency and boost exports from Asia Pacific going forward.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In April 2022, Perfect Day, a U.S.-based food technology startup, announced its plans to acquire Sterling Biotech Limited, the sixth-largest manufacturer of gelatin in the world
• In July 2021, Halavet Food, a Turkey-based firm, invested US$ 25 million in a new food-grade bovine gelatin plant located in the Gerede Organized Industrial Zone. The plant has a production capacity of 1,500 tones and will supply gelatin and collagen products for both the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Definition:

The bovine gelatin market involves the manufacturing and sale of gelatin derived from cows. Bovine gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent, binder, and thickening additive in various food products like candies, yogurt, and marshmallows. It is also utilized in pharmaceutical capsules, medication coatings, photographic films, and cosmetic products. The key players in this market manufacture and supply high-quality bovine gelatin on a commercial scale to meet the demands of food, pharmaceutical, photographic, and cosmetics industries worldwide.

Market Segmentation

• Form Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Powder
  • Capsule & Tablets
  • Others
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Food and beverages
  • Cosmetics & personal care
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Nitta Gelatin, Inc.
  • Lapi Gelatin S.p.A.
  • Jellice Pioneer Europe B.V.
  • Darling Ingredients Inc.
  • Gelita AG 
  • Merck KGaA
  • Lonza Group
  • Bernard Jansen Products Inc.
  • Luoyang Leston Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd.
  • Nutra Food Ingredients, LLC
  • Lapi Gelatine
  • Foodchem International Corporation
  • Foodmate Co., Ltd.
  • YASIN Gelatine
  • Vizag chemical
  • Vikranth Chemical Corporation