Report Overview

According to the deep-dive market assessment study by Growth Plus Reports, the global starch softgel capsules market was valued at US$ 450 million in 2022 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 4.2% to reach US$ 651.66 million by 2031.

Starch Softgel Capsules Market Fundamentals

The starch softgel capsules market is growing rapidly due to increasing demand for dietary supplements, vitamins, and other health and wellness products. The market is driven by rising awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, increasing disposable incomes, and growing health concerns among the global population. In addition, starch softgel capsules are gaining popularity as a delivery system for various substances as they are manufactured using natural, plant-based materials free from common allergens found in other capsule types. They are versatile and can encapsulate various substances, including oils, liquids, powders, and granules.

Geographically, North America and Europe are the largest markets for starch softgel capsules, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness products. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region is expected to see the fastest growth in the coming years due to rising disposable incomes, increasing health consciousness, and growing demand for dietary supplements.

Starch softgel capsules are typically manufactured by mixing starch with water and other ingredients to create a gel-like substance. This gel is formed into a softgel capsule shape using specialized equipment. The resulting capsules are easy to swallow and dissolve quickly in the stomach, allowing fast absorption of the active ingredients. Starch softgel capsules are often preferred over other capsules as they are made from natural, plant-based materials and free from many common allergens in other capsule types. They are versatile and can be used for various products, from oils and liquids to powders and granules.

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Starch Softgel Capsules Market Dynamics

The demand for dietary supplements and vitamins is increasing due to growing health consciousness and the desire to prevent chronic diseases. Starch softgel capsules are a popular delivery system for these products owing to their ease of use and quick absorption. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and plant-based products, and starch softgel capsules made from plant-based materials are becoming more popular due to their perceived health benefits, boosting the revenue growth of the starch softgel capsules market. Technological advances are allowing for greater precision and efficiency in producing starch softgel capsules, driving the development of the starch softgel capsules market. Personalized nutrition is a growing trend. Starch softgel capsules are well-suited to this trend as they can be used to encapsulate customized combinations of ingredients to meet specific nutritional needs. 

Clean-label products, free from artificial ingredients and additives, are becoming increasingly popular amongst the common population, increasing the demand for starch softgel capsules. Rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles drive the adoption of health and wellness products, including those delivered in the form of starch softgel capsules, fueling the revenue growth of the starch softgel capsules market significantly. Moreover, e-commerce is becoming an increasingly important channel for distributing dietary supplements and other health and wellness products, which is expected to fuel revenue growth in the starch softgel capsules market. 

However, the availability of starch raw materials could fluctuate due to climate change and agricultural conditions, which could impact the production and supply of starch softgel capsules. Furthermore, regulatory requirements vary by region, and compliance with different regulations can be costly and time-consuming for manufacturers, hindering the development of the starch softgel capsules market. The market for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals is constantly evolving, and consumer preferences may shift towards other types of capsules or delivery systems, which could affect the revenue growth of the starch softgel capsules market.

Starch Softgel Capsules Market Ecosystem

The global starch softgel capsules market is analyzed from three perspectives: application, distribution channel, and region.

Starch Softgel Capsules Market by Application 

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Based on the application, the global starch softgel capsules market is segmented into health supplements, pharmaceuticals, and others.

The health supplements segment dominated the starch softgel capsules market with the largest revenue share in 2022, as these capsules are commonly used for delivering various dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. Health supplements are designed to support or improve various aspects of health, such as immunity, energy levels, cognitive function, and overall wellness. Starch softgel capsules are an effective and convenient delivery system for health supplements, as they are easy to swallow and can be formulated to contain precise dosages. Starch softgel capsules offer several advantages over other types of capsules, including their ability to be formulated with a wide range of ingredients, easy-to-swallow size, and mask unpleasant tastes or odors. 

Starch softgel capsules are often preferred over other types as they are made from plant-based materials, making them suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets. The demand for health supplements has grown steadily in recent years, driven by increasing health awareness, rising disposable incomes, and growing interest in natural and plant-based products. This has led to a corresponding increase in the demand for softgel capsules, particularly those made from plant-based materials such as starch. As a result, the health supplements segment continues to dominate the starch softgel capsules market. 

The pharmaceutical segment accounts for the second-largest revenue share of the starch softgel capsules market, as starch softgel capsules are a preferred delivery system for a wide range of pharmaceutical products. The pharmaceutical industry is a major consumer of starch softgel capsules, as many prescription and over-the-counter drugs are formulated using starch softgel capsules as a delivery system. Starch softgel capsules are used for various drugs, including pain relievers, antibiotics, vitamins, and hormonal therapies. Starch softgel capsules also provide other advantages for pharmaceutical products, such as improved stability, reduced risk of contamination, and easier manufacturing processes, boosting segment revenue growth. 

Starch Softgel Capsules Market by Distribution Channel

Based on the distribution channel, the global starch softgel capsules market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores, and online pharmacies.

The pharmacy and drugstore segment accounted for a significant revenue share of the starch softgel capsules market in 2022. Pharmacy and drugstores are the primary channels through which consumers purchase health supplements and pharmaceutical products. Pharmacies and drugstores are often the first place consumers turn to for over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Pharmacies and drugstores also play a critical role in distributing prescription medications, many of which are formulated in starch softgel capsules, boosting segmental growth. In addition, pharmacies and drugstores often have trained professionals, such as pharmacists, who can guide and advise consumers on which health supplements and pharmaceutical products to purchase. The pharmacy and drugstore segment has been experiencing growth due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population, as these factors have led to a greater demand for health supplements and pharmaceutical products.

The online pharmacies segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period due to the increasing availability of the Internet, and mobile technologies have led to a significant rise in online shopping for health supplements and pharmaceutical products. Online pharmacies offer several benefits to consumers, including convenience, 24/7 availability, and often lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Starch softgel capsules are well-suited to online sales, as they are small and easy to ship and do not require refrigeration or special storage conditions, increasing the demand for online pharmacies. The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the trend of online shopping as consumers prioritize avoiding crowded stores and mitigating their risk of exposure. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the demand for online pharmacies, which provide a secure and convenient way for consumers to purchase health supplements and pharmaceutical products. Online pharmacies are not restricted by physical shelf space. They can therefore provide a more extensive range of softgel capsule-based health supplements and pharmaceutical products than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Consequently, consumers have access to a broader selection of products, including those that may not be available at their local pharmacy or drugstore.

Starch Softgel Capsules Market by Region

Geographically, the global starch softgel capsules market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. 

The North America region accounted for a significant market revenue share in 2022. Consumers in North America are increasingly seeking natural and organic products that are free from synthetic ingredients and harmful chemicals. This trend drives demand for softgel capsule-based health supplements and pharmaceutical products from natural and organic ingredients. The growth of e-commerce channels has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of starch softgel capsule-based products from the comfort of their own homes. There is a growing trend towards preventive healthcare in North America, with consumers seeking to maintain good health and prevent illness before it occurs. This drives demand for softgel capsule-based health supplements to promote overall health and wellness. Softgel capsules are easy to swallow and have a longer shelf life than other supplements, making them a popular choice for consumers in North America. 

Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The increase in awareness of health and wellness in the region is leading to higher demand for starch softgel capsule-based health supplements and pharmaceutical products. The region has a large population and a significant middle-class population base with improved disposable income. These factors are resulting in higher demand for health supplements and pharmaceuticals. Consumers in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly seeking natural and organic products free from synthetic ingredients and harmful chemicals, driving the demand for starch softgel capsule-based health supplements and pharmaceutical products made from natural and organic ingredients. The growth of e-commerce and online retail channels has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of softgel capsule-based products, driving demand for online pharmacies and other e-commerce retailers.

Starch Softgel Capsules Market Competitive Landscape

The prominent players operating in the global starch softgel capsules market are:

• Catalent Inc
• Robinson Pharma, Inc.
• Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Procaps
• CAPTEK Softgel International Inc.
• Softcaps
• Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd.
• Aenova Holding GmbH
• Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.
• Bahrain Pharma

Starch Softgel Capsules Market Strategic Developments

• In February 2022, Roquette launched Lycagel Premix first pea starch technology. Premix solution enables capsule characteristics comparable to gelatin softgels, including excellent capsule strength, seal integrity, quick drying time with no stickiness, fast disintegration, and improved performance thanks to high thermal and chemical stability. The solution can also be used in products with non-GMO, halal, kosher, and clean-label claims.

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