Global Gellan Gum Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Global Gellan Gum Market Size

• The global gellan gum market size was valued at USD 213.21 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 322.28 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.30% during the forecast period.
• The market growth is largely fueled by the rising demand for plant-based, clean-label, and vegan-friendly ingredients across the food and beverage industry, driven by increasing health awareness and dietary shifts.
• Furthermore, expanding applications in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial sectors—due to gellan gum’s excellent gelling, stabilizing, and suspending properties—are accelerating product adoption, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth.

Global Gellan Gum Market Analysis

• Gellan gum, a high-performance polysaccharide used primarily as a gelling, stabilizing, and thickening agent, is becoming an essential ingredient in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care products due to its versatility, plant-based origin, and compatibility with clean-label formulations.
• The accelerating demand for gellan gum is primarily fueled by the growing consumer shift toward vegan and natural products, increasing usage in dairy alternatives, and heightened awareness around allergen-free and gluten-free food additives.
• North America dominated the gellan gum market with the largest revenue share of 39.8% in 2024, supported by a mature food processing industry, rapid innovation in plant-based product development, and strong regulatory support for clean-label ingredients. The U.S. continues to lead in gellan gum adoption across food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors.
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the gellan gum market during the forecast period, driven by rising health awareness, rapid urbanization, and expanding demand for processed and functional foods.
• The Powder form dominated the market with a revenue share of approximately 72% in 2024, due to its ease of use, better solubility, and widespread availability for diverse industrial applications.

Report Scope and Global Gellan Gum Market Segmentation 

Global Gellan Gum Market Trends

Rising Innovation in Gellan Gum Applications Across Functional and Clean-Label Formulations

• A significant and accelerating trend in the global Gellan Gum Market is the growing innovation in product formulations aligned with clean-label, plant-based, and functional food trends. Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging gellan gum’s versatility to meet consumer demand for transparency, health-conscious ingredients, and sustainability.
  • For instance, gellan gum is now widely used in vegan dairy alternatives, such as plant-based milks and yogurts, where it provides desirable texture, suspension, and mouthfeel without animal-derived stabilizers. Companies like DSM are developing gellan gum solutions tailored specifically for plant-based beverage stability, ensuring no sedimentation while maintaining a clean-label profile.
• In the pharmaceutical sector, gellan gum is gaining traction in controlled drug delivery systems due to its biocompatibility and gel-forming capabilities. Research is driving new applications in oral, ophthalmic, and topical formulations, where gellan gum can enhance drug release profiles and product stability.
• Furthermore, its use is expanding in personal care and cosmetics, particularly in natural and organic product lines. Gellan gum functions as a thickening and stabilizing agent in serums, gels, and lotions, providing both texture and clarity without synthetic polymers. For example, companies are incorporating it into sulfate-free, paraben-free formulations to meet rising clean beauty standards.
• The trend toward functional foods and beverages is also fueling demand. Gellan gum enables stable suspension of vitamins, minerals, and other functional ingredients in fortified drinks and nutritional supplements. This has led to its adoption by companies focusing on wellness-oriented product development.
• As consumers continue to prioritize health, sustainability, and label simplicity, the demand for gellan gum as a multifunctional, plant-based, and clean-label ingredient is rising across industries. Key players are investing in R&D and product customization to create targeted gellan gum solutions for specific market segments, driving further innovation and growth in the market.

Global Gellan Gum Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Need Due to Demand for Clean-Label, Vegan, and Functional Ingredients

• The increasing consumer demand for clean-label, plant-based, and allergen-free products is a significant driver for the heightened use of gellan gum across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.

  • For instance, in March 2024, DSM introduced a new line of plant-based stabilizers, including gellan gum variants, specifically designed for dairy alternatives and functional beverages, supporting the industry's clean-label innovation push.
• As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, there is a strong preference for ingredients that are natural, sustainable, and free from animal-derived or synthetic additives. Gellan gum, being vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, offers an ideal solution for manufacturers responding to these demands.
• Furthermore, gellan gum's ability to provide stable suspension, controlled texture, and gelling in low concentrations makes it highly suitable for a wide range of applications—from nutritional supplements and fortified beverages to ophthalmic drug formulations and clear personal care gels.
• Its versatility in different formulations and regulatory acceptance across major markets (including the U.S., EU, and Asia) continues to strengthen its adoption. The shift toward functional foods and sustainable production practices is further fueling gellan gum’s growth, as manufacturers look for efficient, clean-label ingredients that offer multifunctional benefits.

Restraint/Challenge

Concerns Regarding High Production Costs and Limited Technical Awareness

• Concerns surrounding the high production and formulation costs of gellan gum, along with limited technical awareness, present significant challenges to broader market penetration, particularly in developing regions and among small to mid-sized manufacturers.
  • For instance, due to the complexity of microbial fermentation and purification processes, gellan gum is often more expensive than other widely used hydrocolloids such as guar gum, carrageenan, or xanthan gum. This cost differential can deter its adoption in cost-sensitive food, beverage, or pharmaceutical applications.
• Additionally, limited knowledge of gellan gum’s functional properties and its precise usage requirements can lead to formulation errors or inconsistent product performance. This is especially prevalent in regions with less access to advanced R&D infrastructure or formulation support.
• To overcome these concerns, leading producers like Fufeng Group and DSM are investing in application-specific R&D, technical support services, and training programs to educate manufacturers on optimal usage. Furthermore, expanding localized manufacturing facilities may help lower costs by reducing logistics and import dependencies.
• While production technology is improving and economies of scale are beginning to reduce costs, the perceived premium for gellan gum over traditional stabilizers still limits its appeal in some sectors. Companies must continue working to improve cost-efficiency, supply chain reach, and formulation guidance to support broader adoption.
• Addressing these challenges through technical education, affordable product lines, and greater market accessibility will be crucial for sustained growth and deeper market penetration of gellan gum, particularly in emerging markets and high-growth functional food segments.

Global Gellan Gum Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, function, form, application, end use.

• By Type

On the basis of type, The Global Gellan Gum Market is segmented into High Acyl Gellan Gum and Low Acyl Gellan Gum based on type. The Low Acyl Gellan Gum segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for the largest revenue share of approximately 58%. This dominance is attributed to its superior gel strength, clarity, and wide applicability in food products such as dairy and beverages that require firm, elastic gels. Low Acyl Gellan Gum’s ability to form thermo-reversible gels makes it ideal for a variety of formulations demanding stable textures.

Meanwhile, the High Acyl Gellan Gum segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period, driven by rising demand in applications requiring soft, elastic gels, such as in pharmaceutical and personal care products. Its unique properties in stabilizing suspensions and enhancing mouthfeel are gaining traction, especially in emerging markets. The growing diversification of applications continues to propel the growth of both types, with Low Acyl leading in revenue and High Acyl expanding rapidly.

• By Function

The market is classified by function into Thickening Agent, Gelling Agent, Stabilizer, and Other Functions. The Gelling Agent segment held the largest market revenue share of 45.7% in 2024, reflecting gellan gum’s primary role in providing texture and structure in a wide array of food and pharmaceutical products. Its ability to form strong, heat-stable gels at low concentrations makes it indispensable for manufacturers focusing on product quality and consistency.

The Stabilizer segment is projected to register the fastest growth rate of 20.3% during the forecast period, fueled by the increasing use of gellan gum in beverages and personal care formulations where suspension stability and uniform texture are critical. Advances in product formulations and the rising preference for multifunctional ingredients are encouraging broader utilization across different industries. Thickening and other functional uses contribute significantly but trail behind in terms of revenue share and growth pace compared to gelling and stabilization.

• By Form

On the basis of form, the Global Gellan Gum Market is segmented into Powder and Granules. The Powder form dominated the market with a revenue share of approximately 72% in 2024, due to its ease of use, better solubility, and widespread availability for diverse industrial applications. Powdered gellan gum is preferred by food and beverage manufacturers for precise dosing and consistent functional performance, making it the preferred choice in large-scale production.

The Granules segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 18.9% during the forecast period, driven by its rising adoption in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors where controlled release and easy blending with other ingredients are critical. The granulated form offers advantages in handling and processing efficiency, supporting its growth in niche applications. Overall, powder form leads due to broader usage, but granules are rapidly gaining ground in specialized markets.

• By Application

The Global Gellan Gum Market is segmented into Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Industrial Applications, and Other Applications. The Food & Beverages segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue share of over 60%, driven by the demand for natural stabilizers and gelling agents in dairy, bakery, beverages, and confectionery products. Its clean-label appeal and functional versatility make it highly preferred in this sector.

The Pharmaceuticals segment is anticipated to experience the fastest CAGR of 21.1% from 2025 to 2032, owing to gellan gum’s increasing use in drug delivery systems, ophthalmic preparations, and controlled-release formulations. Growing investments in pharma R&D and demand for natural excipients are key growth drivers. Personal care and industrial applications contribute steadily but lag behind the dominant food sector and fast-growing pharmaceuticals market.

• By End Use

The market is further segmented by end use into Dairy Products, Bakery & Confectionery, Beverages, Meat & Poultry, Sauces & Dressings, and Other End Uses. The Dairy Products segment held the largest market revenue share of 39.4% in 2024, propelled by gellan gum’s excellent stabilizing and gelling properties that enhance texture and shelf life in yogurts, desserts, and dairy alternatives. Increasing consumption of dairy and plant-based dairy products globally underpins this dominance.

The Beverages segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 22.4% during the forecast period, driven by rising demand for low-calorie, nutrient-fortified, and clear beverages. Gellan gum’s ability to suspend particles and maintain clarity without impacting flavor makes it indispensable in this sector. Meat & poultry and sauces & dressings segments contribute moderately, with growing interest in clean-label and natural ingredients supporting steady growth.

Global Gellan Gum Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominated the global gellan gum market with the largest revenue share of 39.8% in 2024, driven by strong demand across the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
• Manufacturers in the region benefit from advanced R&D capabilities, stringent regulatory standards favoring natural and clean-label ingredients, and increasing consumer preference for healthier, additive-free products.
• The widespread adoption is further supported by well-established supply chains, high disposable incomes, and growing innovation in functional foods and specialty pharmaceuticals, positioning North America as a key growth hub for gellan gum applications in both commercial and industrial sectors.

U.S. Gellan Gum Market Insight

The U.S. gellan gum market held a significant revenue share in 2024, driven by growing consumer demand for clean-label and plant-based ingredients in the food and beverage industry. Increasing awareness about natural food additives and the rise of gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-alternative products are boosting the adoption of gellan gum. Additionally, its multifunctional use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is further propelling the market. The strong presence of food processing companies and continuous innovation in formulation technologies also contribute to market growth in the U.S.

Europe Gellan Gum Market Insight

The Europe gellan gum market is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by stringent regulatory frameworks favoring natural and sustainable ingredients in food and personal care products. Rising consumer preference for clean-label and allergen-free products is driving demand across the region. Growth is also supported by the expanding pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, with countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. playing key roles due to their advanced manufacturing capabilities and innovation in product development.

U.K. Gellan Gum Market Insight

The U.K. gellan gum market is anticipated to expand at a noteworthy CAGR over the forecast period, driven by increasing health-consciousness among consumers and rising demand for natural food additives. The food and beverage industry’s shift towards plant-based and gluten-free formulations is fueling growth. Additionally, the country’s strong research ecosystem and a growing cosmetics industry are encouraging the adoption of gellan gum for its stabilizing and thickening properties.

Germany Gellan Gum Market Insight

Germany’s gellan gum market is projected to witness considerable growth, backed by a robust food manufacturing sector and increasing focus on sustainability and innovation. The country’s emphasis on eco-friendly and high-quality ingredients is encouraging the use of gellan gum in various applications, including dairy alternatives, confectionery, and pharmaceuticals. Germany’s advanced infrastructure and consumer preference for natural, clean-label products further support the market expansion.

Asia-Pacific Gellan Gum Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific gellan gum market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of approximately 24% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032, propelled by rapid urbanization, increasing disposable income, and heightened consumer awareness about health and wellness. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are key growth markets, supported by expanding food processing industries and government initiatives promoting food safety and natural additives. Additionally, the region is emerging as a manufacturing hub for gellan gum, increasing affordability and accessibility for a wider consumer base.

Japan Gellan Gum Market Insight

Japan’s gellan gum market is gaining momentum due to the country’s technologically advanced food and pharmaceutical industries and a strong cultural focus on health and convenience. The rising number of functional foods and smart formulations in the market are driving demand. The aging population is also fostering the adoption of easy-to-use and natural ingredient-based products, including gellan gum, in both food and personal care sectors.

China Gellan Gum Market Insight

China accounted for the largest market revenue share in Asia-Pacific in 2024, driven by its booming middle class, urbanization, and rapid adoption of natural food additives. The country’s food and beverage sector is aggressively incorporating gellan gum in dairy alternatives, beverages, and confectionery products. Government policies supporting food safety and sustainability, coupled with strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, are key factors contributing to the strong growth of the gellan gum market in China.

Global Gellan Gum Market Share

The Gellan Gum industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• DowDuPont Inc. (U.S.)
• Fufeng Group (China)
• DSM (Netherlands)
• Hebei Xinhe Biochemical Co., Ltd. (China)
• Meron Group (India)
• Dancheng Caixin Sugar Industry Co., Ltd. (China)
• H & A Canada Inc. (Canada)
• Biopolymer International (U.S.)
• Hawkins Watts (New Zealand)
• Inner Mongolia Rainbow Biotech Co., Ltd. (China)
• Zhejiang Tech-Way Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (China)
• Sinofi Ingredients (China)

What are the Recent Developments in Global Gellan Gum Market?

• In April 2023, CP Kelco, a global leader in specialty hydrocolloids, announced the expansion of its production capacity for gellan gum at its facility in the United States. This strategic move aims to meet the rising global demand for natural and clean-label food additives, particularly in the beverages and dairy sectors. By leveraging its advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to sustainability, CP Kelco is positioning itself to better serve diverse markets and strengthen its foothold in the rapidly growing global gellan gum market.
• In March 2023, Kerry Group, a renowned ingredient solutions provider, launched an innovative line of plant-based stabilizers and gelling agents, including gellan gum, targeted at the growing vegan and dairy alternatives market. The new product line offers enhanced texture and stability for plant-based beverages and desserts, highlighting Kerry’s dedication to addressing consumer demands for natural, functional ingredients while supporting clean-label trends in the global gellan gum market.
• In March 2023, CP Kelco partnered with a leading Asian beverage manufacturer to develop customized gellan gum solutions for innovative fruit juice and functional drink formulations. This collaboration leverages CP Kelco’s technical expertise and the manufacturer’s market insights to create products that meet consumer preferences for texture, stability, and clean-label certification, underscoring the expanding application scope of gellan gum across the Asia-Pacific region.
• In February 2023, Fufeng Group, a major Chinese biochemical company, announced a strategic alliance with global food producers to increase the adoption of gellan gum in the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. This initiative focuses on developing advanced formulations that utilize gellan gum’s stabilizing and thickening properties, aiming to improve product performance and consumer acceptance while reinforcing Fufeng’s leadership in the global gellan gum market.
• In January 2023, CP Kelco introduced a new powder form of high-acyl gellan gum designed specifically for bakery and confectionery applications at the Food Ingredients Europe (FIE) 2023 event. This innovative product provides superior texture and shelf-life extension, meeting the evolving needs of food manufacturers seeking natural ingredients. The launch demonstrates CP Kelco’s commitment to innovation and expanding gellan gum’s applications within the global food and beverage industry.

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