Functional Gummy Boom: Global Market Trends and Opportunities for Chinese Contract Manufacturers in 2025

In recent years, functional gummies have evolved from a "niche snack" into a mainstream category in the global health supplement market. With their unique texture, portable form, and rich nutritional benefits, functional gummies are becoming the preferred health supplement choice for young consumers and the middle class. The global functional gummy market is showing strong growth momentum, creating not only vast opportunities for multinational brands but also new pathways for Chinese health supplement contract manufacturers like B&H to expand internationally.

Sustained Growth in the Global Market
According to data from multiple market research institutions, the global functional gummy market has maintained a compound annual growth rate of over 10% in the past five years. North America and Europe remain the major consumption regions, accounting for more than 60% of the global market, while the Asia-Pacific region—particularly China, India, and Southeast Asia—is emerging as the fastest-growing market.
The trends in the functional gummy market reflect consumers' increasing emphasis on healthy lifestyles. Compared to traditional capsules and tablets, gummies offer superior taste and convenience, making them especially popular among young people and children. Additionally, with the development of e-commerce and cross-border channels, functional gummies are gaining global traction at an accelerated pace, creating a worldwide consumption trend.

Driving Factors: Health + Fun
Key factors driving the rapid growth of the functional gummy market include:

1. Rising Health Awareness: Post-pandemic, needs such as immunity support, energy management, and sleep regulation have become core selling points for functional gummies.
2. Younger Consumers: Generation Z and millennials prefer health products that are easy and fun to consume, making gummies a natural fit.
3. Diversified Functions: From vitamin supplements to probiotics, beauty enhancement, and sports nutrition, functional gummies are expanding into more application scenarios.
4. Social Media Appeal: Gummies are photogenic and easily shared on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Xiaohongshu, amplifying their popularity.

The Role and Challenges of Health Supplement Contract Manufacturing
Behind the functional gummy boom, contract manufacturing (OEM/ODM) companies are playing an increasingly critical role. Many internationally renowned brands rely on professional manufacturers like B&H for formula development, production, and international certification rather than building their own factories.

However, producing functional gummies is no simple task:

1. High requirements for stabilizing active ingredients.
2. Complex adjustments needed for taste, texture, and appearance.
3. Compliance with international certification standards such as BRC and GMP.

These challenges also present opportunities for contract manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness. Factories that meet international certification standards and possess innovative R&D capabilities, like B&H, are more likely to secure orders from global brands.

The International Path for Chinese Enterprises
With continuous advancements in China’s health supplement manufacturing sector, Chinese contract manufacturers are actively integrating into the global functional gummy supply chain.

1. International Certifications: More Chinese factories, including B&H, have obtained BRC, NSF, and ISO certifications, removing barriers to entry into high-end markets like Europe and the United States.
2. E-commerce Channels: Platforms like AliExpress, Amazon, and global cross-border channels enable Chinese brands and manufacturers to quickly reach consumers worldwide.
3. R&D Innovation: Partnerships with research institutions have facilitated the development of new gummy formulations, such as probiotics, peptides, and multi-vitamin complexes.

As a leading example, B&H has made significant investments in the R&D and production of gummy supplements and has obtained multiple international certifications. By adhering to a compliance-driven and quality-first approach, B&H has not only built a strong reputation domestically but also enhanced its competitiveness in the global functional gummy market.

Future Outlook
The functional gummy market is expected to show the following trends:

1. Precision and Segmentation: Customized gummies targeting specific demographics (e.g., women, children, the elderly) will become a new growth driver.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness: Plant-based gelatin and eco-friendly packaging will gain more attention.
3. Digital Empowerment: Big data and AI will help companies quickly identify consumer needs and accelerate product launches.
4. Deeper International Collaboration: Joint ventures and cooperative R&D between Chinese and international companies will become more frequent.

In summary, the functional gummy market is in a golden period of development. Contract manufacturers like B&H that can capture market trends, enhance R&D capabilities, and meet international standards are poised to achieve explosive growth in the next three to five years.