GROW – Gelatin Representatives of the World – has published an international survey analyzing the current state and future prospects of gelatin across various countries and sectors. The findings underscore gelatin’s unique properties, its crucial role in sustainability, and its significant performance in various applications. Despite the emergence of plant-based alternatives, gelatin continues to stand out as a reliable ingredient. The survey results offer convincing takeaways for manufacturers looking to innovate while meeting market demands.
Gelatin: A Performance Powerhouse
A key finding from the survey is gelatin’s appreciated performance across industries. Respondents identified the top three characteristics associated with gelatin*: “Ease of Use” (42%), “Upcycling” (34%), and “Healthy” (29%). These attributes highlight its practicality, sustainability, and health benefits. When selecting a hydrocolloid*, companies prioritize factors such as “Product Performance” (40%), “Low Cost of Use” (over a third), and “Reliability” (32%). Gelatin performs strongly in all these areas, highlighting its significance in the industry. Moreover, manufacturers value its versatile functionality*, particularly its “Ease of Use” (nearly 50%), “Texture” (38%), and “Gel Formation” (35%). These findings confirm that gelatin is not just an ingredient but a key enabler of quality and efficiency in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals,
and technical applications.
A Sustainability Champion: Upcycling at Its Core
The survey highlights the growing importance of sustainability in ingredient selection. Gelatin is widely recognized as an upcycled product, with 77% of respondents acknowledging that it is derived from by products of the meat and fish industry. This aligns with consumer and industry priorities, as 87% consider the integration of upcycled products like gelatin to be important for a more sustainable future. Additionally, 79% view gelatin as an environmentally positive choice, reinforcing its alignment with global sustainability goals. As companies strive to reduce waste and optimize resource use, gelatin emerges as an eco-conscious solution that naturally fits within a circular economy.
Unique and Irreplaceable: Gelatin’s Competitive Edge
While plant-based alternatives are gaining visibility (cited by 25% of respondents), gelatin remains dominant due to its unmatched properties*. Consumers and manufacturers alike are seeking less processed, clean-label solutions, and gelatin perfectly fits this trend.Interestingly, despite the rising discussion around plant-based options, only 29% currently use plant-based substitutes, marking a slight decline from previous use. This signals that while alternatives are being explored, they have yet to replace gelatin’s functionality, texture, and performance.
Industry Impact: Insights for the Future
“The survey results provide invaluable insights into industry perspectives worldwide,” says the GROW secretariat. “They reaffirm gelatin’s essential role in today’s market, emphasizing its unparalleled versatility, sustainability, and performance. With this knowledge, manufacturers can confidently innovate and address evolving consumer demands.”
Survey Approach
GROW conducted structured online interviews with 600 industry professionals across six key markets: Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. The respondents represented diverse sectors, including dairy, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, and technical applications, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of gelatin’s global role.
* Participants could select multiple responses from a list and fill in an additional option in a blank space.
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