United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Market Report and Forecast 2026–2034

Study Period

2020-2034

Market (2025)

USD 182.54 million

Market (2034)

USD 292.54 million

CAGR

5.38

Major Markets Players

Catalent Inc. (Capsugel), Lonza Group Ltd, Soft Gel Technologies Inc., Fuji Capsule Co. Ltd, Captek Softgel International Inc. and Others

United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Market Insights & Analysis

The United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Market is projected to grow at a 5.38% CAGR during 2026-2034. The market stood at USD 182.54 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 292.54 million by 2034. Growth is influenced by rising consumer demand for dietary supplements, increased nutraceutical consumption, advancements in drug delivery technologies, and broader adoption of encapsulated pharmaceutical formulations. Softgels remain a preferred dosage form due to their easy swallowability, precise dosing, and ability to encapsulate liquid or semi-liquid active ingredients. The pharmaceutical sector in the UK is expanding its use of softgels for specialized therapies, including fat-soluble vitamins, omega-3 formulations, medicinal herbs, and targeted drug delivery mechanisms. As manufacturing capabilities evolve, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are offering more flexible production models to meet high-volume orders.

Simultaneously, nutraceutical brands are growing their presence, supported by rising consumer focus on immunity, bone health, skin wellness, and active lifestyle products. Innovations in gelatin sourcing, vegetarian softgel development, and clean-label formulations are further accelerating adoption. Regulatory clarity under the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) framework enables pharmaceutical companies to streamline approval pathways for encapsulated products. With local manufacturers improving encapsulation technology and international suppliers strengthening UK distribution networks, the market continues to expand across retail pharmacies, online supplement stores, and healthcare-directed nutritional programs.

United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing Nutraceutical Consumption & Demand for Enhanced Drug Delivery

The rising use of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements across the UK is a major driver for softgel demand. Consumers increasingly seek omega-3 products, vitamin D softgels, herbal extracts, and beauty-from-within supplements, all of which commonly use softgel formats for improved stability and bioavailability. Softgels also support controlled-release drug delivery and encapsulation of sensitive active ingredients, making them vital for pharmaceutical innovation. As pharmacies and online retailers expand their supplement portfolios, demand for high-quality softgel manufacturing continues to grow, strengthening the market outlook.

Challenge: Price Volatility, Sourcing Constraints & Manufacturing Complexity

The market faces challenges linked to gelatin price fluctuations, supply-chain pressures, and regulatory expectations for traceability and quality compliance. Non-gelatin capsules, although growing in demand, require specialty ingredients and more advanced manufacturing processes, increasing production costs. Manufacturers must also maintain high validation standards for encapsulation machinery, cleanroom compliance, and stability testing. Smaller brands may struggle with high minimum order volumes and long production lead times, creating a competitive barrier in the UK supplement sector.

Opportunity: Rise of Vegetarian Softgels & Premium Nutraceutical Products

Growing consumer preference for plant-based and allergen-friendly supplements opens significant opportunities for vegetarian softgels. Innovations in starch, carrageenan, and other plant-derived materials are driving the next generation of encapsulated products. Premium nutraceutical categories including brain health, skin & beauty, sports nutrition, and personalized wellness are expanding rapidly. The UK’s advanced e-commerce ecosystem also allows niche brands to scale efficiently by offering specialized softgel formulations tailored to targeted health outcomes.

Trend: Advanced Encapsulation Technology, Clean-Label Formulations & CDMO Expansion

Manufacturers are adopting precision encapsulation systems that enhance solubility, absorption, and shelf stability. Clean-label chemistry, reduced excipients, and allergen-free formulations are becoming industry norms as consumers prioritize transparency. Meanwhile, the UK market is witnessing growing reliance on CDMOs for formulation development, filling, sealing, quality control, and packaging services. Automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-assisted formulation modeling are reshaping production efficiency and product performance across the softgel ecosystem.

United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Market Segment-wise Analysis

By Product Type:

• Gelatin-Based Softgels
• Non-Gelatin / Vegetarian Softgels

Gelatin-Based Softgels dominate the product-type segment with an estimated around 63% share. Their superior sealing properties, cost efficiency, and widespread acceptance in both pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals reinforce their market leadership. Gelatin capsules exhibit excellent bioavailability and flexibility for fat-soluble vitamins, oils, lipids, and herbal extracts—making them the standard choice for high-volume formulations.

By Application:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements
• Cosmetics
• Others

Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements hold the largest application share at approximately 48%. Rising consumer interest in wellness, immunity, heart health, and beauty supplementation fuels strong demand for softgel-based formulations. E-commerce penetration and brand expansion further support category growth.

Regional Projection of United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Industry

By Region:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

England leads the market with an estimated around 71% share due to its dense concentration of pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical producers, research laboratories, and CDMOs. Strong retail distribution networks and high consumer spending on wellness products reinforce England’s dominance.

What Does Our United Kingdom Soft Gelatin Capsules Market Research Study Entail?

• Provides comprehensive market sizing and forecasting from 2026–2034, showing growth from USD 182.54 million to USD 292.54 million at a 5.38% CAGR.
• Delivers segmentation across Product Types and Applications, identifying dominant use cases in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
• Offers regional insights covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for strategic distribution and capacity planning.
• Profiles major softgel manufacturers including Catalent, Lonza, Soft Gel Technologies, Fuji Capsule, Captek, Aenova, RPC Group, BASF, and UK-based CDMOs.
• Reviews formulation trends, encapsulation technologies, compliance frameworks, and strategic recommendations for brands targeting the UK market.

Top Key Players

Catalent Inc. (Capsugel), Lonza Group Ltd, Soft Gel Technologies Inc., Fuji Capsule Co. Ltd, Captek Softgel International Inc., Aenova Group GmbH, RPC Group Plc, BASF SE (Pharma Solutions), Local UK Manufacturers & CDMOs, and Others.