OTC Healthcare in Belgium
Euromonitor International's OTC Healthcare in Belgium market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts illustrate how the market is set to change.
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Tables: 120 | Publication date: Mar 2009
Why buy this report
- Get insight into trends in market performance
- Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
- Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment
Product coverage
Adult mouth care; Allergy care; Analgesics; Calming and sleeping products; Child-specific OTC healthcare; Cough; cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies; Digestive remedies; Ear care; Emergency contraception; Eye care; Medicated skin care; NRT Smoking cessation aids; OTC obesity; OTC statins; OTC triptans; Vitamins and dietary supplements; Wound treatments
Executive summary
Disappointing results in 2008 after strong growth in 2007
OTC healthcare recorded slightly slower current value growth than the review period average in 2008, which contrasted with the two previous years. Value growth remained largely positive owing to inflation, although unit prices are theoretically under control in OTC healthcare. Volume sales were almost flat in 2008. The lower number of viral outbreaks in the winter dampened sales in analgesics, cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies and even digestive remedies. Then, after an economic slowdown at the end of 2007, the financial crisis further affected consumer confidence in 2008, and dissuaded some Belgians from trading up to added-value vitamins and dietary supplements, for example.
Manufacturers focus on leading brands in restrictive environment
Legislation on registration, pricing, distribution and advertising in Belgium is still rather less favourable to manufacturers than in the majority of Western European countries, despite some signs of deregulation. Manufacturers have adapted to the local constraints and focused on their key brands, with more convenient and segmented products. Successful products in 2008 included double-dose acetaminophen, more palatable antacids and more convenient topical antifungals and emollients/therapeutic moisturisers. In vitamins and dietary supplements, the fad for probiotics in dietary supplements and even as an ingredient for multivitamins showed no sign of abating.
Market still fragmented, despite growing global consolidation
The competitive environment is still characterised by a high level of fragmentation, with no clear leader. Coupled with local stringent legislation, this has resulted in a relatively low level of marketing activity. Nonetheless, successive waves of mergers and acquisitions amongst global pharmaceutical companies on a worldwide scale resulted in consolidation of shares in Belgium.
Pharmacies still monopolise distribution, despite beginning of deregulation
In 2008, chemists/pharmacies monopolised sales of standard analgesics, digestive remedies, NRT smoking cessation aids and eye care, and had an overwhelmingly dominant share in all other sectors. The dominance of chemists/pharmacies left little room for other distribution channels, the most important being grocery retailers. The share of health food shops was almost negligible, due to a lack of a brands on the shelves. From a low base, parapharmacies/drugstores have gained ground in recent years by virtue of the dynamism of the Dutch chain Kruidvat, and the recovery of Di. In the modest non-store retailing sector, Internet retailing was the main growth driver in the latter part of the review period, and progressively cannibalised sales via direct selling and homeshopping.
Rather bleak outlook in the short term
Contrary to what they anticipated one or two years ago, the majority of industry sources forecast much slower growth in OTC healthcare between 2008 and 2013 than occurred between 2003 and 2008. The financial crisis which began in autumn 2008, and its impact on the economy and on consumer confidence will have an adverse impact on the market. The less regulated niches which previously drove OTC sales are those which can be considered discretionary, and are thus most likely to be weakened by the economic crisis. The more mature and better established products, which are generally more necessary than preventive treatments, are likely to resist the downturn better, and will once again drive market sales. In contrast to, for example, clothing or consumer foodservice, it is difficult to reduce or postpone expenditure where health is concerned, which should contribute to positive constant value growth being maintained between 2008 and 2013.
Table of contents
OTC HEALTHCARE IN BELGIUM : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Disappointing results in 2008 after strong growth in 2007
Manufacturers focus on leading brands in restrictive environment
Market still fragmented, despite growing global consolidation
Pharmacies still monopolise distribution, despite beginning of deregulation
Rather bleak outlook in the short term
KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Bleak prospects for economy, policy and thus purchasing power
A more favourable environment for OTC healthcare despite continuing conservatism
Mixed results for segmentation
Consumer lifestyles impact OTC formats
Related markets increasingly overlap with OTC
Beginning of deregulation and the emergence of Internet sales, but no real change in the dominance of chemists/pharmacies
Less room to manoeuvre for smaller players
MARKET INDICATORS
Table 1 Consumer Expenditure on Health Goods and Medical Services 2003-2008
Table 2 Life Expectancy at Birth 2003-2008
MARKET DATA
Table 3 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 4 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 5 OTC Healthcare Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 6 OTC Healthcare Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 7 Penetration of Private Label by Sector 2003-2008
Table 8 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Distribution Format: % Analysis 2003-2008
Table 9 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector and Distribution Format: % Analysis 2008
Table 10 Forecast Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: Value 2008-2013
Table 11 Forecast Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
APPENDIX
OTC Registration and Classification
De-listing Or De-reimbursement
Advertising
Packaging and Labelling
Distribution
Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Registration and Classification
EU Legislation
Self-medication and Preventative Medicine
The role played by the Belgian government
Trend reversal over the 2006-2008 period
Alternative Therapy
Lobbying and consumer loyalty ensure the ongoing success of homeopathy
Other alternative therapies impacted by fashion
Generics
Switches
DEFINITIONS
Sources
Summary 1 Research Sources
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - BELGIUM
BIODIPHAR NV SA - OTC HEALTHCARE - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 2 Biodiphar SA: Key Facts
Summary 3 Biodiphar SA: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND AND PRODUCTION
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 4 Biodiphar SA: Competitive Position 2008
OMEGA PHARMA NV - OTC HEALTHCARE - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 5 Omega Pharma NV: Key Facts
Summary 6 Omega Pharma NV: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
PRODUCTION
Summary 7 Omega Pharma NV: Production Statistics 2005
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 8 Omega Pharma NV: Competitive Position 2008
PATCH PHARMA SA - OTC HEALTHCARE - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 9 Patch Pharma NV SA: Key Facts
COMPANY BACKGROUND AND PRODUCTION
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
PHARMACEUTIQUES TRENKER, LABORATOIRES - OTC HEALTHCARE - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 10 Pharmaceutiques Trenker, Laboratoires: Key Facts
Summary 11 Pharmaceutiques Trenker, Laboratoires: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND AND PRODUCTION
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 12 Pharmaceutiques Trenker, Laboratoires: Competitive Position 2008
VEMEDIA PHARMA NV - OTC HEALTHCARE - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 13 Vemedia Pharma NV: Key Facts
COMPANY BACKGROUND
PRODUCTION
Summary 14 Vemedia Pharma NV: Production Statistics 2008
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 15 Vemedia Pharma NV: Competitive Position 2008
ANALGESICS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
SWITCHES
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 12 Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 13 Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 14 Herbal vs Standard Topical Analgesics 2003-2008
Table 15 Topical Analgesics by Format: % Value Breakdown 2004-2008
Table 16 Analgesics Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 17 Analgesics Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 18 Forecast Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 19 Forecast Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY FEVER) REMEDIES IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
SWITCHES
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 20 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 21 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 22 Sales of Decongestants by Type: Value 2003-2008
Table 23 Sales of Decongestants by Type: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 24 Sales of Child-specific Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Type: Value 2003-2008
Table 25 Sales of Child-specific Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Type: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 26 Herbal vs Standard Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies 2003-2008
Table 27 Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 28 Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 29 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 30 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
DIGESTIVE REMEDIES IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
SWITCHES
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 31 Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 32 Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 33 Herbal vs Standard Digestive Remedies 2003-2008
Table 34 Digestive Remedies Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 35 Digestive Remedies Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 36 Forecast Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 37 Forecast Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
MEDICATED SKIN CARE IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
SWITCHES
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 38 Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 39 Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 40 Herbal vs Standard Medicated Skin Care 2003-2008
Table 41 Acne Treatments by Format: % Value Breakdown 2004-2008
Table 42 Medicated Skin Care Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 43 Medicated Skin Care Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 44 Acne Treatments Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 45 Hair Loss Treatments Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 46 Forecast Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 47 Forecast Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
VITAMINS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
Vitamins
Dietary Supplements
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 48 Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 49 Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 50 Folic Acid v Other B Vitamins 2004-2008
Table 51 Dietary Supplements by Positioning 2006-2008
Table 52 Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 53 Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 54 Vitamins Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 55 Dietary Supplements Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 56 Forecast Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 57 Forecast Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
Summary 16 Dietary Supplements: Brand Ranking by Positioning 2008
NRT SMOKING CESSATION AIDS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
SWITCHES
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 58 Number of Smokers by Gender 2003-2008
Table 59 Sales of Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 60 Sales of Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 61 NRT Gum Flavours: % Value Breakdown 2006-2008
Table 62 Smoking Cessation Aids Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 63 Smoking Cessation Aids Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 64 Forecast Sales of Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 65 Forecast Sales of Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
EYE CARE IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 66 Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 67 Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 68 Standard Eye Care by Type: % Value Breakdown 2007-2008
Table 69 Eye Care Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 70 Eye Care Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 71 Forecast Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 72 Forecast Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
EAR CARE IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 73 Sales of Ear Care: Value 2003-2008
Table 74 Sales of Ear Care: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 75 Ear Care Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 76 Ear Care Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 77 Forecast Sales of Ear Care: Value 2008-2013
Table 78 Forecast Sales of Ear Care: % Value Growth 2008-2013
ADULT MOUTH CARE IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 79 Sales of Adult Mouth Care: Value 2003-2008
Table 80 Sales of Adult Mouth Care: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 81 Adult Mouth Care Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 82 Adult Mouth Care Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 83 Forecast Sales of Adult Mouth Care: Value 2008-2013
Table 84 Forecast Sales of Adult Mouth Care: % Value Growth 2008-2013
CALMING AND SLEEPING PRODUCTS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 85 Sales of Calming and Sleeping Products: Value 2003-2008
Table 86 Sales of Calming and Sleeping Products: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 87 Calming and Sleeping Products Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 88 Calming and Sleeping Products Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 89 Forecast Sales of Calming and Sleeping Products: Value 2008-2013
Table 90 Forecast Sales of Calming and Sleeping Products: % Value Growth 2008-2013
WOUND TREATMENTS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 91 Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 92 Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 93 Wound Treatments Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 94 Wound Treatments Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 95 Forecast Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 96 Forecast Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
OTC OBESITY IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 97 Forecast Sales of OTC Obesity: Value 2009-2013
Table 98 Forecast Sales of OTC Obesity: % Value Growth 2009-2013
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
SECTOR DATA
Table 99 Sales of Emergency Contraception: Value 2003-2008
Table 100 Sales of Emergency Contraception: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 101 Emergency Contraception Company Shares by Value 2004-2008
Table 102 Emergency Contraception Brand Shares by Value 2005-2008
Table 103 Forecast Sales of Emergency Contraception: Value 2008-2013
Table 104 Forecast Sales of Emergency Contraception: % Value Growth 2008-2013
OTC TRIPTANS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES