PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1930060
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1930060
Softgel Capsules Market Size, Share, Growth and Global Industry Analysis By Type & Application, Regional Insights and Forecast to 2025-2034
Growth Factors of softgel capsules Market
The global softgel capsules market was valued at USD 7.87 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 8.32 billion in 2026, ultimately expanding to USD 13.44 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 6.18% during the forecast period. North America dominated the market in 2025 with a 35.60% share, driven by rising clinical trials, strong R&D infrastructure, and a high presence of key pharmaceutical manufacturers. The U.S. market is projected to reach USD 3.92 billion by 2032, supported by the growing number of clinical studies promoting the usage of softgel capsules for chronic ailments. Key players include Capsugel (Lonza), Catalent, Inc., Sirio Pharma, and Aenova Holding GmbH, focusing on product innovation and market expansion.
Softgel capsules are oral dosage forms containing a semi-solid or liquid core encapsulated within gelatin, opacifiers, and plasticizers such as sorbitol or glycerin. These capsules offer enhanced bioavailability, stability, and solubility, making them suitable for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. Increasing awareness of preventive healthcare, rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, and a growing geriatric population are major factors driving the global softgel capsules market.
Market Drivers
Rising Clinical Trials and Product Launches: The increasing number of clinical studies evaluating softgel capsules for treating chronic diseases is a key growth driver. For example, in August 2021, InnoPharmax Inc. sponsored trials to assess softgel combinations for biliary tract cancer treatment. Product innovations by key players such as Catalent's OptiGel DR technology, enabling delayed or enteric-release capsules, further support market expansion.
Demand for Plant-Based Capsules: Vegetarian or vegan softgel capsules are gaining popularity due to their natural, non-animal composition, absence of gluten, GMO-free status, and improved solubility. These capsules are viewed as safer and more effective by consumers, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, creating opportunities for new product lines and market differentiation.
Health & Dietary Supplements Growth: In 2026, the health & dietary supplements segment accounted for 57.23% share, driven by the growing need for vitamins and supplements to prevent chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and age-related health issues. Prescription medicines in softgel form are also witnessing significant growth, supported by chronic disease prevalence and regulatory approvals for generic and innovative formulations.
Market Restraints
Patent Expirations and Generic Competition: Loss of patent exclusivity for leading drugs may negatively impact pharmaceutical companies' revenues, introducing generic competition. This could influence market dynamics and affect growth potential for proprietary softgel products.
Market Segmentation
By Type: The market is segmented into gelatin capsules and non-animal softgel capsules. In 2026, gelatin capsules held the largest market share at 85.21%, driven by robust R&D investments, high production capacity, and established manufacturing processes. The non-animal segment, including cellulose-based and pullulan capsules, is growing steadily due to rising demand for vegan-friendly options.
By Manufacturer: Pharmaceutical companies dominate with 57.04% share in 2026, supported by large-scale production and extensive R&D investments. Nutraceutical companies also contribute significantly, benefiting from the global rise in dietary supplement launches.
By Region:
- North America: Dominated with USD 2.8 billion in 2025 and projected USD 2.97 billion in 2026, driven by strong clinical trial activity and FDA-approved product launches.
- Asia Pacific: Expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to a large patient pool and expansion of pharmaceutical companies. In 2026, China USD 0.64 billion, Japan USD 0.44 billion, and India USD 0.25 billion.
- Europe: Strong growth due to investments in gelatin capsule research and innovations in vegan softgel technologies. Germany USD 0.63 billion, UK USD 0.4 billion in 2026.
- Middle East & Africa and Latin America: High growth potential driven by rising chronic disease prevalence and increasing dietary supplement adoption.
Competitive Landscape
The global market is moderately consolidated, with Capsugel (Lonza) and Catalent, Inc. leading in revenue and product innovation. Key industry developments include the launch of Amneal Pharmaceuticals' Icosapent ethyl softgel in December 2023 and Roquette's LYCAGEL PREMIX in November 2021. Companies are focusing on expanding geographic presence, pipeline development, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Conclusion
The global softgel capsules market is expected to grow from USD 7.87 billion in 2025 to USD 13.44 billion by 2034, driven by rising clinical trials, growing chronic disease prevalence, demand for plant-based capsules, and increasing adoption of dietary supplements. North America leads the market, while Asia Pacific is poised for the fastest growth. Gelatin capsules dominate, supported by R&D and manufacturing capacities, whereas non-animal capsules are gaining traction due to consumer preference. The market outlook remains strong as key players focus on innovation, regulatory approvals, and global expansion, ensuring sustained growth and enhanced product availability worldwide.
Segmentation By Type
- Gelatin Capsules
- Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- Starches
- Pullulan
- Others
By Application
- Prescription Medicines
- Health & Dietary Supplements
By Manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Nutraceutical Companies
- Others
By Region
- North America (By Type, By Application, By Manufacturers, and By Country)
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe (By Type, By Application, By Manufacturers, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- Germany
- U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Scandinavia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific (By Type, By Application, By Manufacturers, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- India
- China
- Japan
- Australia
- Southeast Asia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America (By Type, By Application, By Manufacturers, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa (By Type, By Application, By Manufacturers, and By Country/Sub-Region)
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
Table of Content
1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.2. Market Restraints
- 3.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.4. Market Trends
4. Key Insights
- 4.1. New Product Launch, By Key Players
- 4.2. Overview of Regulatory Scenario, By Key Countries/ Regions
- 4.3. Key Industry Developments-Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
- 4.4. Impact of Covid-19 on the Market
5. Global Softgel Capsules Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Type
- 5.1.1. Gelatin Capsules
- 5.1.2. Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- 5.1.2.1. Starches
- 5.1.2.2. Pullulan
- 5.1.2.3. Others
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application
- 5.2.1. Prescription Medicines
- 5.2.2. Health & Dietary Supplements
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Manufacturers
- 5.3.1. Pharmaceutical Companies
- 5.3.2. Nutraceutical Companies
- 5.3.3. Others
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Region
- 5.4.1. North America
- 5.4.2. Europe
- 5.4.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.4.4. Latin America
- 5.4.5. Middle East & Africa
6. North America Softgel Capsules Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Type
- 6.1.1. Gelatin Capsules
- 6.1.2. Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- 6.1.2.1. Starches
- 6.1.2.2. Pullulan
- 6.1.2.3. Others
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application
- 6.2.1. Prescription Medicines
- 6.2.2. Health & Dietary Supplements
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Manufacturers
- 6.3.1. Pharmaceutical Companies
- 6.3.2. Nutraceutical Companies
- 6.3.3. Others
- 6.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country
- 6.4.1. U.S.
- 6.4.2. Canada
7. Europe Softgel Capsules Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Type
- 7.1.1. Gelatin Capsules
- 7.1.2. Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- 7.1.2.1. Starches
- 7.1.2.2. Pullulan
- 7.1.2.3. Others
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application
- 7.2.1. Prescription Medicines
- 7.2.2. Health & Dietary Supplements
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Manufacturers
- 7.3.1. Pharmaceutical Companies
- 7.3.2. Nutraceutical Companies
- 7.3.3. Others
- 7.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/ Sub-Region
- 7.4.1. Germany
- 7.4.2. U.K.
- 7.4.3. France
- 7.4.4. Italy
- 7.4.5. Spain
- 7.4.6. Scandinavia
- 7.4.7. Rest of Europe
8. Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Type
- 8.1.1. Gelatin Capsules
- 8.1.2. Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- 8.1.2.1. Starches
- 8.1.2.2. Pullulan
- 8.1.2.3. Others
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application
- 8.2.1. Prescription Medicines
- 8.2.2. Health & Dietary Supplements
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Manufacturers
- 8.3.1. Pharmaceutical Companies
- 8.3.2. Nutraceutical Companies
- 8.3.3. Others
- 8.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/ Sub-Region
- 8.4.1. India
- 8.4.2. China
- 8.4.3. Japan
- 8.4.4. Australia
- 8.4.5. Southeast Asia
- 8.4.6. Rest of Asia Pacific
9. Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Type
- 9.1.1. Gelatin Capsules
- 9.1.2. Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- 9.1.2.1. Starches
- 9.1.2.2. Pullulan
- 9.1.2.3. Others
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application
- 9.2.1. Prescription Medicines
- 9.2.2. Health & Dietary Supplements
- 9.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Manufacturers
- 9.3.1. Pharmaceutical Companies
- 9.3.2. Nutraceutical Companies
- 9.3.3. Others
- 9.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/ Sub-Region
- 9.4.1. Brazil
- 9.4.2. Mexico
- 9.4.3. Rest of Latin America
10. Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Type
- 10.1.1. Gelatin Capsules
- 10.1.2. Non-animal Softgel Capsules
- 10.1.2.1. Starches
- 10.1.2.2. Pullulan
- 10.1.2.3. Others
- 10.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Application
- 10.2.1. Prescription Medicines
- 10.2.2. Health & Dietary Supplements
- 10.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Manufacturers
- 10.3.1. Pharmaceutical Companies
- 10.3.2. Nutraceutical Companies
- 10.3.3. Others
- 10.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/ Sub-Region
- 10.4.1. GCC Countries
- 10.4.2. South Africa
- 10.4.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis (2025)
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1. Capsugel (Lonza)
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Strategies
- 11.2.1.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2. Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Strategies
- 11.2.2.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3. Catalent, Inc.
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Strategies
- 11.2.3.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4. Aenova Holding GmbH
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Strategies
- 11.2.4.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5. Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd.
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Strategies
- 11.2.5.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6. CAPTEK Softgel International Inc.
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Strategies
- 11.2.6.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7. Curtis Health Caps
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Strategies
- 11.2.7.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.8. EuroCaps Ltd
- 11.2.8.1. Overview
- 11.2.8.2. Products
- 11.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.8.5. Strategies
- 11.2.8.6. financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1. Capsugel (Lonza)
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034
- Table 2: Global Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Non-animal Softgel Capsules, 2021-2034
- Table 3: Global Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034
- Table 4: Global Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Manufacturers, 2021-2034
- Table 5: Global Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Region, 2021-2034
- Table 6: North America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034
- Table 7: North America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Non-animal Softgel Capsules, 2021-2034
- Table 8: North America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034
- Table 9: North America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Manufacturers, 2021-2034
- Table 10: North America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Country, 2021-2034
- Table 11: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034
- Table 12: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Non-animal Softgel Capsules, 2021-2034
- Table 13: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034
- Table 14: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Manufacturers, 2021-2034
- Table 15: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Country/ Sub-Region, 2021-2034
- Table 16: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034
- Table 17: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Non-animal Softgel Capsules, 2021-2034
- Table 18: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034
- Table 19: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Manufacturers, 2021-2034
- Table 20: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Country/ Sub-Region, 2021-2034
- Table 21: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034
- Table 22: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Non-animal Softgel Capsules, 2021-2034
- Table 23: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034
- Table 24: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Manufacturers, 2021-2034
- Table 25: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Country/ Sub-Region, 2021-2034
- Table 26: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034
- Table 27: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Non-animal Softgel Capsules, 2021-2034
- Table 28: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Application, 2021-2034
- Table 29: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Manufacturers, 2021-2034
- Table 30: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, By Country/ Sub-Region, 2021-2034
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Softgel Capsules Market Revenue Breakdown (USD billion, %) By Region, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 2: Global Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Type, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 3: Global Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Application, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 4: Global Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Manufacturers, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 5: Global Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Region, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 6: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Type, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 7: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Type, 2025
- Figure 8: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Application, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 9: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Application, 2025
- Figure 10: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Manufacturers, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 11: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Manufacturers, 2025
- Figure 12: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Country, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 13: North America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Country, 2025
- Figure 14: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Type, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 15: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Type, 2025
- Figure 16: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Application, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 17: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Application, 2025
- Figure 18: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Manufacturers, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 19: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Manufacturers, 2025
- Figure 20: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 21: Europe Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025
- Figure 22: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Type, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 23: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Type, 2025
- Figure 24: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Application, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 25: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Application, 2025
- Figure 26: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Manufacturers, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 27: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Manufacturers, 2025
- Figure 28: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 29: Asia Pacific Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025
- Figure 30: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Type, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 31: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Type, 2025
- Figure 32: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Application, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 33: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Application, 2025
- Figure 34: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Manufacturers, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 35: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Manufacturers, 2025
- Figure 36: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 37: Latin America Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025
- Figure 38: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Type, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 39: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Type, 2025
- Figure 40: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Application, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 41: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Application, 2025
- Figure 42: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Manufacturers, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 43: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Manufacturers, 2025
- Figure 44: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value (USD billion), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025 & 2034
- Figure 45: Middle East & Africa Softgel Capsules Market Value Share (%), By Country/ Sub-Region, 2025
- Figure 46: Global Softgel Capsules Market Share (%), By Company, 2025
