Bovine Gelatin Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Form (Powder, Capsule & Tablets, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global bovine gelatin market size was valued at USD 1.30 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 1.36 billion in 2024 to USD 2.34 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.04% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the bovine gelatin market with a market share of 30.78% in 2023. Moreover, the bovine gelatin market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 191.42 million by 2032, driven by rising geriatric population in the country which is further driving the demand of nutritional supplements made by using gelatin derived from different animal sources, especially bovine animals.

The bovine gelatin industry is expected to witness rapid growth in the coming years due to the growing concerns of health consciousness, emerging awareness about the importance of the product, and the surging demand for proteinaceous products across the globe. It is derived from the collagen of several body parts of cattle such as skin or bones. This product is a colorless, translucent, and flavorless additive, which is largely used in confectionery and dairy industries as a stabilizer, thickener, binding, and gelling agent. With the rising focus on health and wellness, the growing demand for dietary supplements and the increased usage of gelatin in nutricosmetics, healthcare, and personal care industries are further responsible for driving the market growth.

The unforeseen outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the overall economy, financial growth, manufacturing, and consumption pattern of individuals. The nationwide lockdown, the closure of production facilities, and difficulties in logistics hampered the overall business of the food industry across the globe. These disruptions led to the demand-supply gap, a surge in prices, and poor transportation and logistics hampered the import and export of raw materials. However, with the fainting effects of COVID-19, consumption of dietary supplements or protein-enriched products/fortified products has significantly increased among consumers. Additionally, due to increased utilization, various companies such as Darling Ingredients Inc. and Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich) observed an increment of 16.41% and 28.01% in their pharmaceutical sales during 2020.

Bovine Gelatin Market Trends

Rising Emphasis on Healthy Skincare Routines and Photography to Influence the Product Adoption

The market is rapidly evolving due to the product’s rising utilization in both food and non-food industries. In recent years, due to the growing awareness about personal care, the importance of the skincare regime has significantly risen to a greater extent. Gelatin is largely used as a major ingredient in cosmetic applications, such as anti-wrinkle/anti-aging face creams, body lotions, sunscreens, and hair sprays, which adds to the market growth. In addition, the surging consumer demand for high-quality active ingredients in modern cosmetic products further facilitates skin cleansing efficacy and gentleness, thus contributing to market growth. In recent years, consumers have become well-educated about the importance of skincare routines. Hence, the use of gelatin in preparing skincare routines is increasing extensively, and innovative gelatin products with specific applications are becoming popular in the market.

On the other hand, gelatin silver print photography has been popular since the 19th century and was used to produce glossy photographic prints of long-lasting quality. The gelatin was ideally extracted from crushed beef bone due to natural photo-developing and drying attributes. Furthermore, in February 2022, a team of researchers from Johannes Kepler University Linz printed 3D soft robots with the help of biodegradable materials such as gelatin and sugar as ink. In addition, the team is working toward experimenting with variations in their ink content, which can be later used to produce 3D objects.  

Bovine Gelatin Market Growth Factors

Growing Geriatric Population and Athletes Aids Consumption of Bovine Gelatin-based Products

Population aging is a major global phenomenon, and almost all societies in the world are in the midst of their longevity revolution. Some are at their early stage, and some have already reached their advanced level. In this modern era, where customers and businesses have become more aware of the nutritional information of various products, their demand for gelatin-based products to address their specific requirements is rising. The growing geriatric population has significantly influenced the usage of gelatin-based products in order to improve their cognitive functions, physical disability or gastric issues, and many others. For instance, in September 2021, PB Leiner and Florida State University (FSU) conducted a clinical study on the active middle aged-population to examine the effect of bovine gelatin, “Solugel” on joint pains. The results showed a considerable reduction in the pain and discomfort of the population ranging between 45-69 years of age. Moreover, gelatin-based products are witnessing a rapid demand surge among sportspersons, as it helps in quicker recovery, boost stamina, and promotes lean muscle mass. For instance, in September 2021, according to “Sports Medicine”, the research stated that gelatin-enriched foods or other supplements might promote collagen turnover in athletes if consumed before exercise with adequate vitamin C. This will effectively help in the healing process of sprains or joint degradation caused by acute injury.

Consistent Focus on Research & Development Contributes to the Market Growth

The market is witnessing growth due to the rising demand for multiple functional food and beverages among customers. Gelatin-based products in recent years have become more appealing to consumers to address their specific whims and desires. As the number of individuals opting for gelatin-fortified products in the context of building and supporting a healthy lifestyle increases, they seek products and brands that fulfill their daily requirements. Moreover, the prominent players are also investing in fortifying the existing products and innovating novel products or packaging films enriched with the ingredient. For instance, in March 2022, a study was conducted by “Composites and Hybrid Nanocomposites Group (GCNH) at Sao Paulo State University for producing “bioplastic”, made from type B cattle-derived gelatin.

The film is biodegradable and anti-microbial in nature, thus contributing to a sustainable environment. In addition, the augmented demand for halal-grade gelatin is putting serious pressure on manufacturers to invest in the production of such products. For instance, in December 2021, Halavet Food, a Turkish Firm, invested USD 25 million in expanding its global footprint by opening a new manufacturing facility for the food-grade cattle-derived gelatin plant. The company plans to expand its business line in the North American market and provide ample raw materials for pharmaceutical industries. Such instances further pave the way for market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increasing Prevalence of Cattle-Related Disease Erodes Consumer Trust and Negatively Impacts Market’s Growth

Gelatin obtained from cattle is susceptible to various diseases. For instance, the World Health Organization reported the first few cases in 2002, which significantly affected the bovine industry. As the disease can be easily transmitted to consumers, the government undertook several strict regulations to maintain consumer safety and ensure that any product derived from diseased animals is not sold in the market. As sporadic outbreaks of BSE continue in some countries worldwide, health-conscious consumers prefer to replace it with other alternatives, such as pig and fish gelatin. For instance, in August 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new case of H-type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) case in a six-year-old mixed-breed beef cow in Florida. Moreover, bovine mastitis is largely observed among cattle and is the most common disease, which leads to poor production of yield, which ultimately hampers the sales of bovine gelatin-based products.

Bovine Gelatin Market Segmentation Analysis

By Application Analysis

Food & Beverages Segment to Account for Major Market Share due to Rising Consumer Preferences for Natural Ingredients

Based on application, the market is divided into food & beverages, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. Out of all, the food and beverages segment holds the largest share due to the rising consumer preferences for natural ingredients, which can be consumed on a daily basis. The growing consumption of different variants of gelatin-based products and other supplements for a protein-enriched diet augments the demand as well as the growth of the market. Moreover, the growing usage of the ingredient for the preparation of vaccines, drugs, and other tissue engineering applications, further escalates the overall growth of the market. The growing incidences of cosmetic surgeries, bone-related diseases, and wound healing treatment, along with the growing affordability of consumers, contribute to the growth of the segment.

By Form Analysis

Capsule & Tablets to Exhibit Solid Growth Owing to the Rising Demand for Convenience

On the basis of form, the market is segmented into powder, capsule & tablets, and others. The capsule & tablets segment held the maximum revenue share in 2020 and is expected to remain dominant in the coming years. The growth of the capsule & tablet segment is rapidly increasing due to its numerous benefits such as accurate dosing, mobility, easy accessibility, and safety of consumption. In addition, the increased demand for bovine gelatin-enriched capsules & tablets offers lucrative opportunities for the manufacturers to launch novel products in the market, thus enhancing the market’s potential. Other factors, such as increased disposable income, surging demand for health-imparting products, and the rising inclination toward natural ingredients, also stimulate the market size.  

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Europe Holds Maximum Market Share Attributed to Rising Consumption of Protein-Rich Diets

Europe dominated the market and was valued at 510.57 million in 2023. This is majorly due to the rising bovine gelatin demand from end-use industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals products, food & beverages, and others. Moreover, the growing demand for packaged products in the countries such as Germany and the U.K. also surges the demand for the product, as gelatin is largely used as a stabilizer in packaged foods as well as used for improving the shelf life. Key players in the European market have adopted numerous strategies to expand their business line by launching new products and collaborating with stakeholders, which will help increase their overall profitability. For instance, in December 2021, Lapi Gelatin S.p.A. announced the acquisition of Spain-based Junca Gelatines, as it is focusing on developing the industrial gelatin sector for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This move has emerged as one of the most crucial decisions by the company, which will further help raise the firm's overall capital.

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the second-largest share of the market and is expected to grow further in the coming years. Over the last few decades, countries in Asia Pacific have been focusing more on improving the healthcare sector and are working toward achieving the targets by ensuring health benefits and overall well-being for all ages, which facilitates the usage of gelatin in healthcare industries. Increased awareness about the role of bovine gelatin, as well as advanced medical services, drives the overall market growth. For instance, according to the “India Brand Equity Foundation,” 2022, the Indian healthcare sector is likely to witness a three-fold rise (2016-2022) due to the rising visits of foreign tourists for medical treatment in India. Moreover, in the “Economic Survey,” 2022, India’s public expenditure on the healthcare sector rose by 2.1% of GDP (2021-2022) against 1.8% in 2020-2021.

South America is also witnessing a surge in the consumption of cattle-derived gelatin products attributed to the rising usage of gelatin in 3D photography and treatment of aging skin and arthritis, especially in countries such as Brazil and Argentina, further paving the growth.

The North America bovine gelatin market growth in the coming years is predicted to be lucrative as customers are switching toward “nutritional supplements” made using gelatin derived from animals such as pork, fish, and bovine. The rising geriatric population, coupled with the growing health consciousness across the region as animal-based gelatin is considered to be rich in protein, is the major driving factor for the market growth. Major gelatin-consuming countries, such as the U.S., depend on countries like China to source its gelatin, which is then supplied to various end-use industries, such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This dependency on a few exporting countries hampers the gelatin availability and causes price volatility. For instance, supply chain disruptions caused by the U.S.-China trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic cause gelatin shortage in the country.

The Middle East & Africa region is growing at a comparatively slower pace but it is projected to proliferate due to the emerging importance of the product and its derivatives in the region. In recent years, the regional market has witnessed an escalated demand for kosher and halal-certified products, primarily due to the growing demand from the Jewish and Islamic populations, which further boosts the growth potential. Several countries in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region suffer from gelatin shortages. Major gelatin manufacturers can identify such market gaps and expand their presence in such markets through capacity expansion or partnerships with local players.

List of Key Companies in Bovine Gelatin Market

Key Players are Launching Innovative Products to Attract High Consumer Base

Some of the prominent bovine gelatin players operating in the market include NITTA GELATIN, INC., Lapi Gelatin S.p.A., Great Lakes Wellness, and Darling Ingredients Inc., among others. These companies are widely focusing on expanding their business capacity by introducing products or strengthening their production facilities via mergers or acquisitions. By collaborating with other small market players, the players can enhance their business earnings. New strategies such as promotional activities and other campaigns can also help in gaining consumer attention, which aids in improving the growth potential.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• NITTA GELATIN, INC. (Japan)


• Lapi Gelatin S.p.A. (Italy)


• Jellice Pioneer Europe B.V. (Netherlands)


• Darling Ingredients Inc. (U.S.)


• Gelita AG (Germany)  


• Merck KGaA (Germany)


• Lonza Group (Switzerland)


• Bernard Jansen Products Inc. (U.S.)


• Luoyang Leston Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd. (China)


• Nutra Food Ingredients, LLC (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2023: Darling Ingredients Inc. acquired Gelnex, a leading manufacturer of gelatin and collagen products in Brazil.  The strategy helped the company expand its production capabilities to meet the growing demand for gelatin in the market.


• July 2022: Perfect Day, a U.S. a dairy startup, announced its plans to acquire one of the world’s largest manufacturers of gelatin, Sterling Biotech, after winning a bid at an auction. Perfect Day bid around USD 79.8 million to acquire the Indian gelatin company, which will offer a number of opportunities for the company to prosper in the coming years.


• December 2021: Halavet Foods, a Turkish firm, invested approximately USD 25 million in introducing a new halal gelatin plant across Turkey. The firm aims at expanding its production capacities by doubling the export of gelatin to North American markets. In addition, the company announced that it would be manufacturing as well as exporting gelatin and collagen worth USD 100 million.


• January 2021: NITTA GELATIN INDIA announced its new edition of fine-quality gelatin of international standard in HoReCa sector. This supreme quality gelatin is prepared with Japanese technology as per Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis Critical Point System under hygiene norms by European regulations.


• September 2019: Gelnex, one of the four largest gelatin and collagen producers, announced the opening of its two new production facilities in Paraguay. In accordance with the customer’s demand, Gelnex has opened its new Paraguay gelatin facility near raw material sources. The materials produced will be from grass-fed, pasture-raised South American cattle hides. In addition, Gelnex has been working toward fulfilling consumer needs by introducing a wide range of primarily bovine and porcine gelatin-based products.


• March 2019: NITTA GELATIN India Limited announced the completion of its acquisition of the remaining 25.45% stake in Reva Proteins Limited from NITTA GELATIN INC. Such acquisitions will further help the company expand its production line by manufacturing bovine and porcine gelatin.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed analysis of the market size and growth rate for all possible market segments. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments such as mergers & acquisitions, regulatory scenario, regional analysis in critical countries, and key bovine gelatin industry trends.

Report Scope & Segmentation