1 Global Gellan Gum Market Size (Value) and CAGR (2024-2033)
In 2024, the global Gellan Gum market was valued at USD 424.96 million, with a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2033.
Gellan gum is a water-soluble anionic polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea (formerly Pseudomonas elodea). The gellan-producing bacterium was discovered and isolated by the former Kelco Division of Merck & Company, Inc. in 1978 from the lily plant tissue from a natural pond in Pennsylvania, USA.
It was initially identified as a substitute gelling agent at significantly lower use level to replace agar in solid culture media for the growth of various microorganisms Its initial commercial product with the trademark as “GELRITE” gellan gum, was subsequently identified as a suitable agar substitute as gelling agent in various clinical bacteriological media.
Figure Global Gellan Gum Market Size (M USD) and CAGR 2024-2033
2 Gellan Gum Market Drivers
The global Gellan Gum market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a variety of factors that highlight its importance and versatility across multiple industries. One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for Gellan Gum in the food and beverage sector. Its unique properties, such as its ability to provide texture, stability, and suspension, make it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of products, including dairy alternatives, protein-enriched drinks, and gel-based foods. This demand is further fueled by the growing global population and the increasing preference for healthier, more functional food products.
Another significant driver is the rising demand for personal care and cosmetic products. Gellan Gum’s ability to enhance the texture and stability of these products has led to its widespread use in items such as lotions, gels, and creams. The growing aging population, which has an increased demand for anti-aging and skincare products, also contributes to this trend.
The pharmaceutical industry is another key driver of the Gellan Gum market. Its use as a multifunctional additive in various pharmaceutical formulations, such as soft and hard capsules, microcapsules, and coatings, is driven by its unique structure and beneficial properties. The growing incidence of chronic diseases and the increasing demand for innovative drug delivery systems further propel the market’s growth. Gellan Gum’s ability to improve the stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical products makes it an essential component in the development of new medications.
3 Gellan Gum Market Restraints
Despite its significant growth and wide range of applications, the Gellan Gum market faces several limitations that can impact its expansion. One of the primary limitations is the strict food safety regulations that govern the use of food additives, including Gellan Gum. These regulations vary by region and can be complex to navigate, requiring manufacturers to adhere to stringent quality and safety standards. This can be particularly challenging for smaller companies that may lack the resources to comply with these regulations, thereby limiting their market entry and growth potential.
Another limitation is the high labor costs associated with the production of Gellan Gum, especially in developed regions such as North America and Europe. The production process involves fermentation and other complex procedures that require skilled labor and advanced technology. The high labor costs can lead to increased production expenses, which may affect the overall profitability and competitiveness of the market players.
4 Global Gellan Gum Market Size by Type in 2024
High Acyl Gellan Gum is characterized by its soft, flexible, and non-fragile colloid properties. It is widely used in applications where a more elastic and flexible texture is required. In 2024, the market value of High Acyl Gellan Gum reached $221.68 million. This type of Gellan Gum is particularly popular in the food and beverage industry, where it is used in products such as protein-enriched drinks, dairy alternatives, and gel-based foods. Its ability to provide uniform dispersion and suspension of insoluble particulates makes it an ideal choice for enhancing the texture and stability of these products.
The growth of the High Acyl Gellan Gum market is driven by the increasing demand for functional food and beverage products. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for products that offer both nutritional benefits and appealing textures continues to rise. High Acyl Gellan Gum’s versatility allows it to meet these demands effectively, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers.
Low Acyl Gellan Gum is known for its hard, inelastic, and fragile colloid properties. It is used in applications where a more rigid structure is required. In 2024, the market value of Low Acyl Gellan Gum was $203.28 million. This type of Gellan Gum is commonly used in personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
In the personal care and cosmetics sector, Low Acyl Gellan Gum is used to enhance the texture and stability of products such as lotions, gels, and creams. Its ability to form a stable and rigid structure makes it ideal for creating products with a smooth and even application. In the pharmaceutical industry, Low Acyl Gellan Gum is used as a multifunctional additive in various formulations, including soft and hard capsules, microcapsules, and coatings. Its unique properties allow for improved stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical products.
Table Global Gellan Gum Market Size by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 |
High Acyl Gellan Gum | 221.68 |
Low Acyl Gellan Gum | 203.28 |
5 Global Gellan Gum Market Size by Application in 2024
The Food & Beverage sector is the largest application area for Gellan Gum, accounting for $241.75 million in 2024. Gellan Gum is widely used in this sector due to its ability to provide texture, stability, and suspension in various products. It is particularly popular in dairy alternatives, protein-enriched drinks, and gel-based foods. The growing demand for healthier and functional food products, driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers, has significantly propelled the use of Gellan Gum in this sector. Additionally, the rising popularity of plant-based diets and the need for alternative dairy products have further expanded the market for Gellan Gum in food and beverages.
The Personal Care and Cosmetics industry is another significant application area for Gellan Gum, with a market value of $79.42 million in 2024. Gellan Gum is used to enhance the texture and stability of products such as lotions, gels, and creams. Its ability to form a stable and rigid structure makes it ideal for creating products with a smooth and even application. The growing aging population, which has an increased demand for anti-aging and skincare products, further drives the market’s expansion. Additionally, the increasing awareness of the benefits of natural and sustainable ingredients in personal care products aligns well with Gellan Gum’s bio-based origin.
The Industrial and Household Cleaners segment accounted for $10.24 million in 2024. Gellan Gum is used in this sector to improve the performance and stability of cleaning agents. Its ability to suspend insoluble particulates and provide a stable structure makes it an ideal additive in various cleaning products. The growing demand for effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions has contributed to the market’s growth in this segment.
The Pharmaceuticals industry is another important application area for Gellan Gum, with a market value of $57.66 million in 2024. Gellan Gum is used as a multifunctional additive in various pharmaceutical formulations, including soft and hard capsules, microcapsules, and coatings. Its unique properties allow for improved stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical products. The growing incidence of chronic diseases and the increasing demand for innovative drug delivery systems further propel the market’s expansion in this sector.
Table Global Gellan Gum Market Size by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 |
Food & Beverage | 241.75 |
Personal Care and Cosmetics | 79.42 |
Industrial and Household Cleaners | 10.24 |
Pharmaceuticals | 57.66 |
Others | 35.89 |
6 Global Gellan Gum Market Size by Region in 2024
North America accounted for $165.79 million in 2024. The region’s market is driven by a mature supply chain, strong downstream demand, and high purchasing power. The United States, in particular, is a significant market for Gellan Gum, with applications in food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The region’s robust economy and technological advancements support the continued growth of the Gellan Gum market.
Europe accounted for $40.40 million in 2024. The European market is characterized by a mature industry chain and strong downstream demand. The region’s market is driven by applications in food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The European Union’s strict food safety regulations and focus on sustainable and natural ingredients align well with the properties of Gellan Gum, making it a preferred choice for many manufacturers.
China is the largest market for Gellan Gum, accounting for $183.04 million in 2024. The country’s rapid economic growth, large population, and increasing downstream demand have significantly propelled the market’s expansion. China’s market is driven by applications in food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The country’s strong manufacturing base and technological advancements further support the growth of the Gellan Gum market.
Figure Global Gellan Gum Market Size by Region in 2024
7 Major Players in Global Gellan Gum Market
7.1 CP Kelco
Company Profile:
CP Kelco is a leading global producer of specialty hydrocolloids, with a strong presence in the Gellan Gum market. Established in 1998, the company operates manufacturing plants in the USA and has a worldwide sales network. CP Kelco is renowned for its innovative and high-quality products, which are used across various industries.
Business Overview:
CP Kelco manufactures a wide range of specialty hydrocolloids, including carrageenans, cellulose gums, diutan gums, and gellan gums. These products are used in food, beverage, personal care, industrial cleaner, and paper markets. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned it as a market leader in the hydrocolloid industry.
Product Introduction:
CP Kelco’s Gellan Gum products are known for their versatility and high performance. The company offers both High Acyl and Low Acyl Gellan Gum, which are used in various applications, including food and beverages, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. CP Kelco’s Gellan Gum is recognized for its ability to provide texture, stability, and suspension in products, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers worldwide.
Recent Financial Data:
In the most recent year, CP Kelco’s Gellan Gum production reached 1,875 tons, with a production value of $119.22 million.
7.2 Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech
Company Profile:
Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the development, production, and application technologies of various microbial polysaccharides and other bio-gels and hydrosols. Established in 2010, the company is headquartered in China and has a global sales network. Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech is committed to providing customers with high-quality colloidal product solutions and service systems.
Business Overview:
Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech focuses on the production of Gellan Gum and other microbial polysaccharides. The company’s products are used in a variety of applications, including food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech’s dedication to innovation and quality has enabled it to become a significant player in the global Gellan Gum market.
Product Introduction:
Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech’s Gellan Gum products are known for their high quality and performance. The company offers both High Acyl and Low Acyl Gellan Gum, which are used in various applications, including food and beverages, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech’s Gellan Gum is recognized for its ability to provide texture, stability, and suspension in products, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers worldwide.
Recent Financial Data:
In the most recent year, Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech’s Gellan Gum production reached 1,501 tons, with a production value of $50.45 million.
7.3 Dancheng Caixin
Company Profile:
Dancheng Caixin is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Gellan Gum and other related products in China. Established in 2000, the company operates manufacturing plants in China and has a global sales network. Dancheng Caixin is known for its high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Business Overview:
Dancheng Caixin specializes in the production of Gellan Gum, xanthan gum, maltodextrin, sorbitol, maltitol, corn starch, and corn gluten feed. The company’s products are used in various applications, including food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Dancheng Caixin’s dedication to quality and innovation has enabled it to become a significant player in the global Gellan Gum market.
Product Introduction:
Dancheng Caixin’s Gellan Gum products are known for their high quality and performance. The company offers both High Acyl and Low Acyl Gellan Gum, which are used in various applications, including food and beverages, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. Dancheng Caixin’s Gellan Gum is recognized for its ability to provide texture, stability, and suspension in products, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers worldwide.
Recent Financial Data:
In the most recent year, Dancheng Caixin’s Gellan Gum production reached 894 tons, with a production value of $23.57 million.