Halal Empty Capsules Market Size and Share
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.44 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 1.87 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.40% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Halal Empty Capsules Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Halal Empty Capsules Market size is estimated at USD 1.44 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.87 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Halal empty capsules are pharmaceutical-grade capsules that meet the requirements of Islamic dietary laws. These are commonly used to encapsulate powders, herbs, or medications and are especially important for consumers who require Halal certification. The market is driven by rising demand for halal-based products in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, increasing shift in consumer preference towards clean-label & ethically products and increasing halal certification mandates in strategic markets.
The demand for halal-certified products such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), starch, and pullulan is rising in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Growing consumer awareness of halal compliance, pharmaceutical firms are turning towards formulating and introducing halal-certified products. This trend can be seen in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and some regions of Europe. For example, major market players such as ACG and Lonza Group have launched halal-certified empty capsules to meet the growing demand particularly in Muslim majority countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where there is a strong preference for halal-certified dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal medicines which further drives the growth of the market. This consumer demand is fueling market growth and encouraging manufacturers to expand their halal-certified product offerings.
Furthermore, the increasing global shift in consumer preferences toward clean-label and ethically sourced health products is fueling market growth. For instance, consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z are more educated and discerning, seeking products that are transparent in their ingredient makeup, free of artificial additives, and consistent with ethical, religious, or cultural principles. As per the data published by Ingredion consumer food preference trends report 2024, 78% of consumers are more decisive in assessing food and beverage products to improve their nutrition, with a strong emphasis on clean labels and natural ingredients.
This trend is particularly prevalent in Muslim-majority countries and health-oriented urban markets, where Halal certification, vegan-friendly labeling, and allergen-free formulations have become important. For instance, in January 2025, a study conducted by the Vegan Society in Great Britain reveals that over 3% of the population identifies as vegan or following a plant-based diet, with higher concentrations in urban areas like London. Likewise, allergen-free formulations are also gaining traction globally due to increasing health consciousness and the prevalence of food allergies. For example, in the United States alone, approximately 32 million individuals have food allergies, including about 6 million children, highlighting the demand for allergen-free product.
In addition, governments in Muslim-majority countries are also strengthening regulatory environments through the Halal certification requirements for an increasingly wider array of product segments, such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. This is common in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where Halal compliance is evolving from being a voluntary icon to a requirement by law. For example, in May 2024 government of Indonesia released Halal Certification Rules, a law that demands that all edible products, including pharmaceutical excipients such as empty capsules, are Halal-certified by bodies, ensuring more inclusive access for businesses nationwide, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
However, the high cost of halal certification and limited availability of halal-certified raw materials are expected to restrain market growth.
Global Halal Empty Capsules Market Trends and Insights
Gelatin Empty Capsules Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period
Gelatin empty capsules are widely used in drug delivery systems due to their excellent dissolution properties, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Furthermore, the lower production costs and scalable manufacturing infrastructure, made them the preferred choice among capsule manufacturers, particularly for high-volume drug and supplement production. For example, companies like ACG, and CapsCanada have large-scale production lines focused on gelatin capsules to serve contract. In January 2023, CapsCanada received a USD 5 million investment from FedDev Ontario to expand its operations in Lakeshore, Ontario to supports a 14,100 square foot facility expansion in order to automate production processes, enabling the company to meet the surging demand for its made-in-Canada hard empty capsules.
Moreover, gelatin capsules are widely accepted across multiple global markets, including emerging economies due to their affordability. For instance, the production cost of gelatin capsules is usually 10-20% less than that of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose capsules (HPMC) capsules, mainly because gelatin raw materials (bovine or porcine collagen) are readily available and cost-effective, and the manufacturing processes are well established and scalable. The cost benefit is especially important in price-sensitive markets where price sensitivity is an important factor in buying decisions. For instance, in markets such as India and Brazil, where both consumers and manufacturers have affordability as the prime concern, gelatin capsules find common application in mass-market generic medicines and over-the-counter nutrients. In India, bulk purchases of empty hard gelatin capsules are priced between approximately USD 1.08 to USD 1.44 USD per 1,000 units. Similarly in Brazil, the average import price for empty hard gelatin capsules under Sub Chapter 9602 is reported at USD 1.24 per unit, indicating their affordability in the Brazilian market. Conversely, though vegetarian capsules such as HPMC are being increasingly sought on account of dietary and ethical concerns, they are generally more costly because of the increased cost of materials and complicated processes of manufacture.
Furthermore, the market for gelatin capsules is increasing because of their excellent compatibility with a broad spectrum of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), making them the preferred choice in the pharma and nutraceutical industries. For instance, gelatin capsules are especially suitable for hydrophobic compounds, which are poorly soluble in water. The gelatin capsule gives a firm but degradable matrix which may be utilized to aid better absorption of such APIs. Similarly, the barrier against oxygen given by gelatin capsules keeps ingredients from getting damaged due to oxidation and allows the API to keep its strength along with the life cycle of the product.
Hence, due to the abovementioned factors, the gelatin empty capsules segment is expected to witness significant growth in the upcoming years.
North America is Expected to Dominate the Halal Empty Capsules Market
North America is expected to dominate the market in 2025, owing to factors such as advanced pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing base, growing Muslim population in the region, rising demand for clean-label and halal-certified products, and the presence of well-established Halal certification bodies in the region. As per data released by the Pew Research Center, the Muslim population in North America is expected to reach 8.1 million by 2050 from 3.5 million in 2020.
Moreover, as per the data published by the Canadian Halal Bureau, the Muslim population in Canada were 1.5 million in 2023, which is projected to reach 5.9 million by 2030. indicating a 12.6% share of the population by 2050, thus influencing market growth in the region. This demographic trend is expected to serve as a key driver for market expansion, encouraging stakeholders to strategically invest in halal-compliant products.
Furthermore, the market is driven by a notable rise in demand for Halal-certified capsules, fueled by shifting consumer behaviors toward transparency, religious compliance, and plant-based alternatives. Major industry players such as Lonza and Roquette Frères operate extensive production and distribution facilities across the region, ensuring consistent availability of Halal-compliant capsule technologies. For instance, in December 2024, Lonza expanded its capsule manufacturing facility in India and China to support the manufacture of high-quality hard gelatin capsules, including essential and specialized capsules for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Hence, these initiatives ensure the availability of halal-certified products, thus contributing to market growth.
Additionally, presence of well-established Halal certification bodies are shaping the growth of market. For instance, certification bodies such as Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) have played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption and export of halal empty capsules. IFANCA is a well-known international regulatory authority that simplifies the certification process of North American capsule makers, to access global markets effectively without any regulatory hurdles. For example in June 2024, IFANCA achieved a milestone by earning official recognition and accreditation from Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), enhancing the credibility and acceptance of its certifications in one of the world's largest halal markets. Likewise, in October 2024 that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Halal Center had launched a new platform for the registration of halal certificates and the issuance of shipment certificates. Such strategic efforts are expected to impel market growth.
Therefore, owing to the factors mentioned above, the growth of the studied market is anticipated in the North American region.
Competitive Landscape
The halal empty capsules market is consolidated, with key players strategizing to capture the majority stake of the market. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a few international as well as local companies which hold significant market share and are well known including Lonza, ACG, Roquette Freres, Suheung Co. Ltd., Qingdao Yiqing Biotechnology Co., Ltd , Lyfe Group, HealthCaps India, Nector LifeSciences Ltd., Sunil Healthcare, Natural Capsules Limited, Farmacapsulas, Gelita AG, Erawat Pharma Limited among others.
Halal Empty Capsules Industry Leaders
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Lonza
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ACG
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Suheung Co Ltd
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Roquette Frères
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Qingdao Yiqing Biotechnology Co., Ltd
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- February 2025: In February 2025, ACG expanded its vegetarian capsule facility to scale the production of HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) capsules in order to meet the rising global demand for halal-certified, plant-based capsules, particularly in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.
- January 2025: In January 2025, ACG established a new 175,000-square-metre manufacturing plant in Thailand with a capacity for producing 20 billion capsules a year
- May 2024: In May 2024, Roquette, launched LYCAGEL Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical soft gel capsules.
- December 2023: In December 2023, Darling Ingredients, received a United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for gelatin technology that improves the formulation and stability of soft gel capsules.
Global Halal Empty Capsules Market Report Scope
Hala Empty Capsules are capsule shells that comply with Islamic dietary laws and are certified Halal by recognized religious authorities. These capsules are commonly used to encapsulate powders, herbs, or medications and are free from non-permissible ingredients such as porcine gelatin or alcohol-based solvents which are required particularly by consumers seeking halal certified products. The halal empty capsules market is segmented into type, end-user, distribution channel and geography. By type, the market is segmented into gelatin empty capsules and non-gelatin empty capsules. By end-user, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and other end users. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. The report also offers the market size and forecasts for 17 countries across the region. For each segment, the market size and forecasts have been done on the basis of revenue (USD).
| By Type | Gelatin Empty Capsules | ||
| Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules | |||
| By Application | Pharmaceuticals | ||
| Nutraceuticals | |||
| Dietary | |||
| Other Applications | |||
| By End User | Pharmaceutical | ||
| Nutraceutical | |||
| Other End Users | |||
| By Distribution Channel | Direct Sales | ||
| Wholesalers | |||
| Online Platforms | |||
| Others | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Spain | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| Australia | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Middle East and Africa | GCC | ||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Gelatin Empty Capsules |
| Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules |
| Pharmaceuticals |
| Nutraceuticals |
| Dietary |
| Other Applications |
| Pharmaceutical |
| Nutraceutical |
| Other End Users |
| Direct Sales |
| Wholesalers |
| Online Platforms |
| Others |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | |
| India | |
| Australia | |
| South Korea | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC |
| South Africa | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the Halal Empty Capsules Market?
The Halal Empty Capsules Market size is expected to reach USD 1.44 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.40% to reach USD 1.87 billion by 2030.
What is the current Halal Empty Capsules Market size?
In 2025, the Halal Empty Capsules Market size is expected to reach USD 1.44 billion.
Who are the key players in Halal Empty Capsules Market?
Lonza, ACG, Suheung Co Ltd, Roquette Frères and Qingdao Yiqing Biotechnology Co., Ltd are the major companies operating in the Halal Empty Capsules Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Halal Empty Capsules Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Halal Empty Capsules Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Halal Empty Capsules Market.
What years does this Halal Empty Capsules Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Halal Empty Capsules Market size was estimated at USD 1.36 billion. The report covers the Halal Empty Capsules Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Halal Empty Capsules Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Halal Empty Capsules Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Halal Empty Capsules market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Halal Empty Capsules analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
