A Global Ingredient with Local Meaning: GROW on the Future of Gelatin

In Europe, consumers increasingly seek natural ingredients with proven track records — and gelatin fits perfectly. Michael Teppner, president of GME, explains that “especially in Europe, consumers are looking for natural ingredients which have been known for decades. Gelatin matches those requirements.”

The European market values gelatin especially for its alignment with sustainability and naturalness. In the supplement area, gelatin plays a critical protective role—as a natural capsule material that protects sensitive fillings. 

For European manufacturers, beyond sustainability and naturalness, ease of use emerges as a decisive factor (52% in Germany and 39% in France associate gelatin with ease of use). The ingredient must be simple to work with while delivering consistent results. As Michael notes, “this is also reflected in the steady stream of newly launched gelatin-based products each year.”

Asia-Pacific: Sustainability Meets Innovation

In Asia-Pacific, a different catalyst is driving gelatin demand: rapid expansion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) awareness. National initiatives and concerted societal efforts have elevated collective consciousness around sustainability. In Japan, media outlets frequently feature dedicated programs on SDGs, while younger generations actively share sustainability efforts via social media. And South Korean manufacturers stand out with 58% emphasizing “Upcycling” and 36% “Ecological Sustainability” associated with gelatin.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific manufacturers are innovating rapidly with gelatin-based products. The region is experiencing “rapidly escalating demand for gummy candies,” as noted by Yusuke Yamazaki, Overseas Sales Manager at Nitta Gelatin, with companies seeking differentiation through novel products: 3D gummies, peeling gummies, hard-texture gummies, and gummy supplements. Gelatin plays a crucial role in delicate texture adjustment during manufacturing, and its unique mouthfeel is highly favored by Asian consumers. 

In Brazil and South America, gelatin enjoys a particularly strong perception—viewed as both healthy and environmentally positive. This perception is grounded in practical market reality: gelatin is commonly found in hospitals, school lunches, special diets, and home cooking, where it is viewed as a natural and versatile ingredient. Affordability makes it widely accessible, a critical advantage in regions where cost-consciousness drives purchasing decisions, as Magali Carregã, Commercial Manager at Gelco International explains.

The survey data reflects this strong positioning among manufacturers: 53% of Brazilian respondents rated gelatin as “healthy”—the highest percentage of any region surveyed. Additionally, 89% are aware of gelatin's positive environmental impact, and 95% generally indicate the importance of natural ingredients.

Local market conditions in South America show also a growing demand for protein-rich dietary supplements, where gelatin plays a central role. Markets with high awareness of health and wellness are driving this trend, while the “clean label” movement—consumers seeking short, natural ingredient lists—further favors gelatin over synthetic additives.