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Let’s get straight to the point: The market for gummy supplements is booming! Between 2018 and 2022, the fortified gummy category experienced an exponential compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a whopping 37 per cent.^[1] But despite such growing demand, manufacturers have found it challenging to deliver a desirable texture using an efficient, starch-free process. Until now, that is. At GELITA, we have developed CONFIXX^® - a gelatin that can be processed starch-free yet still gives gummies their anticipated chewy texture. By being fast-setting, it saves time and ultimately makes the entire production process more efficient.

Vitamins and minerals take top slot

In 2021, gummies accounted for 9 per cent of all new dietary supplement launches. North America currently leads the fortified gummy market, but Europe is hot on its heels, accounting for 13 per cent of supplement launches in 2021, and 24 per cent in 2022. While vitamins and minerals are the largest subcategory globally, leading the way with 39 per cent of new product development (NPD) in gummy supplements between 2019 and 2022, botanical and herbal supplements are the second largest subcategory in North America. In Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East/North Africa region, supplements for hair, skin and nails take the number two spot behind vitamins and minerals, pushing botanical and herbal supplements into third place. Across all regions, melatonin is the fourth largest subcategory of gummy supplements.^[1]

For difficult-to-process and heat-sensitive ingredients, CONFIXX® is the solution

Manufacturers can use CONFIXX^® for all the above subcategories, as it is highly flexible in terms of formulation and product concepts. Even heat-sensitive inclusions such as vitamin C are easy to incorporate, as the ingredient can be added to the gummy mass after the cooking step. In addition to gelling, the stabilising and emulsifying properties of CONFIXX^® make it suitable for oil-based ingredients such as fish or CBD oil. This allows manufacturers to avoid the use of stabilisers and emulsifiers, thus saving resources and simplifying the ingredients list.

Market set to soar

Increasing health awareness and acceptance of chewable formats are driving the growth of gummy supplements. That’s why the global market is expected to reach $48.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.5 per cent during the forecast period.^[1] In particular, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 16.6 per cent for China, 16.1 per cent for India and 16 per cent for Japan. The European market for gummy supplements also looks set to soar, with Germany leading the way with a predicted CAGR of 15.1 per cent. By comparison, Africa, the Middle East and South America, including Mexico, will experience the slowest growth, with a projected CAGR of no more than 13 per cent.^[2]

Next generation of fortified gummies

With CONFIXX^®, consumers get exactly what they expect from their gummies: a satisfyingly chewy, jelly-like texture and unparalleled bite that only gelatin can provide. Switching from starch-based to starch-free production with CONFIXX^® can significantly increase manufacturing efficiency, reducing production time from two days to just a few hours. In this way, CONFIXX^® enables the hygienic production of fortified gummies and eliminates the risk of cross-contamination by allowing for the separation of batches with different active ingredients. So manufacturers now no longer have to choose between efficiency and indulgence, because CONFIXX^® brings the best of both worlds, making it easier to tap into this ever-growing market.

Wondering how to migrate CONFIXX^® into your existing product portfolio? Or are you starting afresh in the market? Our experts can help you develop the next generation of gummy supplements and make them a commercial success. Get in touch today to find out more.

References

^[1] Innova Market Insights

^[2] Markets & Markets