By preventing troublesome crosslinking, breakthrough gelatin technology is enabling pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers to guarantee the stability of softgels destined for the Asia-Pacific market.

Softgel capsules are set for rapid growth in the next five years, with Asia-Pacific leading the way. The region’s softgel market is projected to expand by 6.6% year on year between now and 2027, and for countries such as India and China, even stronger growth is forecast¹.

The Covid-19 pandemic generated huge interest in surface cleaners that kill viruses and bacteria. However, many existing types are not effective for much more than 30 minutes. In public spaces, which might only be sanitized once a day, this could pose a health risk.

Fortified gummies have been one of the biggest success stories to come out of the supplement industry in recent years. What started as a candy-like carrier for kids’ vitamins has expanded to become the format of choice for a variety of active nutritional ingredients, and consumers of all ages are warming to its soft and chewy attributes.

Enteric capsules have been around for quite a while now. Their development was necessary because standard capsules cannot survive the acidic environment of the stomach due to pH-instability, which means the active ingredient will not – or only partially – reach the small intestine, where it’s destined to do its work. Another advantage of enteric capsules is that they help avoid the unpleasant aftertaste often associated with fish oil capsules. Such capsules contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in supplement format for those who eat little or no fish. But many people avoid them because of their unpleasant fishy aftertaste. With enteric capsules, however, there’s no aftertaste as the fish oil is released in the small intestine rather than the stomach.

Some find it a bit strange, while others would go so far as to say it’s downright contradictory. What are we talking about? Sweet treats positioned as healthier or better-for-you options, that’s what! However, evidence suggests that there is growing demand for such offerings, with figures from Innova Market Insights revealing that new product launches in confectionery carrying a no/low/reduced sugar claim witnessed a 17% CAGR between 2015 and 2020. This proves that global obesity concerns are resulting in consumers actively reducing sugar intake not only in their daily diet, but also in indulgent treats.

Now that consumer thinking about protein has moved out of the gym and into grocery and convenience stores, products with protein claims are on the rise. That’s because today’s shoppers want to see protein enrichment in everyday products – even in confectionery!

Although consumers who engage in physical activity remain a core audience for the protein/sports nutrition market, its mainstream evolution is being driven by everyday people who are both active and looking for a convenient health boost. They tend to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to health, with a view to staying fit and mobile for as long as possible.