What are the key differences between edible, pharmaceutical, and industrial gelatin in China's market?

What are the key differences between edible, pharmaceutical, and industrial gelatin in China's market?
China's gelatin market shows clear segmentation by end-use. Edible and pharmaceutical grades dominate, with pharmaceutical gelatin requiring stricter regulatory compliance—such as CEP certification for European exports and compliance with pharmacopeia standards. Industrial gelatin serves lower-value applications like adhesives and abrasives. The pharmaceutical segment is particularly strategic: gelatin is essential for hard and soft capsule shells, with major producers like Dongbao Bio holding 13,500 tons of annual gelatin capacity and 240 billion capsule capacity. The company has achieved import substitution in blood plasma substitute gelatin (pharmacopeia grade). Downstream demand in China reached approximately 73,000 tons against production of 115,000 tons in 2024, indicating export opportunities and capacity utilization considerations.