The manufacture of gelatin requires huge capital, advanced technology and sufficient raw materials. Against the short supply of raw materials in Europe, the three gelatin giants, PB Leiner, Galita AG, Rousselot SAS and some other big companies open factories or gobble up local gelatin companies around the world by means of acquisition or cooperation. The number of factories is stable and the industry concentration is high. Big groups occupying a larger market share and there is a tendency to form an oligopoly.
In order to avoid the fratricidal situation caused by price war among competitors, gelatin associations have been established in every continent to ensure the acquisition of quality and sufficient raw materials. Industry rules are also set by these associations to ensure product quality.
The six major gelatin producers and exporters in the Asia-Pacific region (China, Australia, Japan, India, South Korea and Malaysia) formally set up the "Gelatin Manufacturers Association of Asia Pacific (GMAP)" in September 1996. This regional group aims to equally negotiate the gelatin export price for each member, which avoids price cut by Western importers.
In Europe, "Gelatin Manufacturers of Europe (GME)" was established in 1974. The association currently consists of 11 of Europe's largest gelatin producers whose yields accounts for about 100% of the total European gelatin. The 11 enterprises are mainly from countries with highly developed cattle industry: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium. The centuries-old history of gelatin industry and better product quality give European gelatin a good reputation in the international market. It is more popular with customers and its price is higher.
The South American Gelatin Manufacturers Association (SAGMA) is a civil non-profit organization established on November 27, 1995. The association is headquartered in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil and it has a representative office in Argentina.
The Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America (GMIA) consists of 5 member companies that are the leading manufacturers of gelatin and collagen peptides in North America: Weishardt, Nitta Gelatin, Gelita, PB Leiner, Rousselot.