OTC Healthcare in Greece
Euromonitor International's OTC Healthcare in Greece 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: 91 | Publication date: Jul 2006
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 mouthcare; 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; Vitamins and dietary supplements; Wound treatments
Executive summary
Positive growth despite restrictited distribution
OTC healthcare sales in Greece registered a current value growth rate of 3% in 2005. Consumers still seem to be interested in wellness issues and self-medication; also advertising and promotional activities were the major factors boosting OTC sales. Considering the lack of any major flu outbreaks, and the restricted distribution through pharmacies, trade sources described such growth as satisfactory.
Positive growth in herbal products in 2005
Sales of OTC herbal products in Greece have increased in 2005, not dramatically, but there is an increase. Herbal products are expected to grow more, but slowly, year by year. Greeks do not trust fully herbal products and not because of their ingredients, but mostly because of their efficacy. There is a general idea that herbal remedies act slowly, demand a long duration of therapy and have small efficacy. On the other hand the major reasons for buying a herbal product is the minimisation of adverse effects, and the natural, not chemical, ingredient that a herbal product contains.
By looking at the sales of the herbal products in the next four sectors it is easy to conclude that calming and sleeping products have the biggest share.
Analgesics – 21%
Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies – 10%
Digestive remedies – 7%
Medicated skincare – 14%
Calming and sleeping products – 93%
The only sector where the presence of herbal products is dominant is in calming and sleeping products where they constitute for over 90% of total sales. This product category also registered the most dynamic growth in 2005 in the Herbal market as sales improved by almost 9% on the previous year.
Industry experts explain that this performance is favoured by consumers increasing reluctance in using the standard calming and sleeping products, due to views on their addictive effects they have on the users as well as other side effects on their everyday life (eg lack of energy, sleepy feeling etc.)
Herbal preparations are seen as pure and harmless and are preferred by the raising number of Greeks who experience problems connected to sleeping disorders and stress.
The reasons that topical analgesics/anaesthetic have the biggest share after calming and sleeping products are that first of all generally is the sector with the most sales. In most pharmacies, 50% of their sales are products for analgesics, so it is expected that herbal products will also have the most sales in this sector. The second and most important reason is that analgesics is the sector for minor ailments and for these ailments a consumer is willing to try a herbal product so as to avoid chemical ingredients, and at the same time to check the efficacy of the herbal product.
In cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies, and especially in digestive remedies which have more serious symptoms, or symptoms become illnesses, consumers prefer not to take the risk of a herbal medicine but choose a classic OTC medicine in order to stop the pain. Of course there are always people that will try a herbal medicine but in most cases it won’t be their decision, in most cases it will be the pharmacist’s advise which they will trust. Finally it can be seen that medicated skincare ranks third in herbal sales, but pharmacists report in cases where there is a major skin problem people choose the chemical remedies.
Vitamins and dietary supplements remains the largest OTC healthcare sector
With sales amounting to EUR43 million, vitamins and dietary supplements remain the largest sector in OTC healthcare in 2005. Despite the fact that maturity hindered a more dynamic performance, vitamins and dietary supplements of rising interest such as single vitamins and herbal dietary supplements, sustain development.
Industry sources explain that, apart from maturity, the doping scandal, which was revealed over the 2004 Athens Olympic Games concerning two highly popular Greek athletes, affected the market negatively in 2005.
Consumer education and innovative new products are the main factors for a brighter future for vitamins and dietary supplements.
Chemists/pharmacies remains the main distribution channel due to legal restrictions
With an unchanged share of 94% in value sales in the Greek OTC healthcare market, chemists/pharmacies remained the major distribution channel in 2005. As only a few products such as cough and cold remedies, medicated skin care, wound treatments and vitamins and dietary supplements are not exclusively sold through chemists/pharmacies, it is very difficult for any other distribution channel to expand in this market. Despite the fact that changes in the pharmaceutical policy were announced by the government over the previous year, no actual changes took place.
Very small growth for the forecast period
Forecast growth will be slightly higher than review period growth – constant value growth for the review period was 14%, compared with constant value forecast growth of 15%. The reason for such a small growth is concerns about economic forecasts. In addition, most OTC healthcare sectors are threatened by maturity. Despite all this, increasing interest in self-medication, the launch of premium-priced products and the ever-ageing Greek population can boost sales.
Table of contents
OTC HEALTHCARE IN GREECE : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
OTC Registration and Classification
Advertising
Packaging and Labelling
Distribution
De-listing or De-reimbursement
Traditional Remedies
Homeopathy
Generics
Consumer Expenditure on Health Goods and Medical Services
Table 1 Consumer Expenditure on Health Goods and Medical Services 2000-2005
Life Expectancy
Table 2 Life Expectancy at Birth 2000-2005
OTC HEALTHCARE SALES
Market Performance
Table 3 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: Value 2000-2005
Table 4 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Switches
Table 5 OTC Healthcare Switches 2004-2005
Competitive Environment
Table 6 OTC Healthcare Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 7 OTC Healthcare Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Retail Distribution
Table 8 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Distribution Format: % Analysis 2000/2005
Table 9 Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector and Distribution Format: % Analysis 2005
Retailer Activity and Private Label Trends
Table 10 Penetration of Private Label by Sector 2001-2005
Forecast Market Performance
Table 11 Forecast Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: Value 2005-2010
Table 12 Forecast Sales of OTC Healthcare by Sector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
DEFINITIONS
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - GREECE
GEROLYMATOS SA - OTC HEALTHCARE - GREECE
COMPANY BACKGROUND
RECENT NEWS
Summary 1 Summary - Gerolymatos SA: Operational Indicators 2004
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Summary 2 Summary - Gerolymatos SA: Production Statistics 2005
LOBELIN-PHARMACARE SA - OTC HEALTHCARE - GREECE
COMPANY BACKGROUND
RECENT NEWS
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
OLVOS SCIENCE - OTC HEALTHCARE - GREECE
COMPANY BACKGROUND
RECENT NEWS
Summary 3 Summary - OLVOS SA: Operational Indicators 2002
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
VIANEX SA - OTC HEALTHCARE - GREECE
COMPANY BACKGROUND
RECENT NEWS
Summary 4 Summary - Vianex SA: Operational Indicators 2004
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Summary 5 Summary - Vianex SA: Production Statistics 2005
ANALGESICS IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Analgesic’s growth slightly lower than in 2004
Unexpected decline of ibuprofen
Topical analgesics/anaesthetics the only sector with a double-digit growth in 2005
Adult analgesics
Child-specific analgesics
Forecast performance
Table 13 Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 14 Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 15 Analgesics Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 16 Analgesics Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Summary 6 Summary - Analgesics: New Product Launches 2004-2005
Table 17 Forecast Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 18 Forecast Sales of Analgesics by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
TOPICAL ANALGESICS BY HERBAL/STANDARD SPLIT
Table 19 Herbal vs Standard Topical Analgesics 2000/2005
COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY FEVER) REMEDIES IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Flu vaccinations increase in Greece
Very slight increase for cough, cold and allergy (hayfever) remedies in both value sales and growth in 2005
Decongestants on top as nasal sprays perform very well in 2005
Cadbury Hellas SA controls almost one third of cough, cold and allergy (hayfever) remedies
Cough remedies in free fall
Forecast performance
Table 20 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 21 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 22 Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 23 Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Summary 7 Summary - Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies: New Product Launches 2004-2005
Table 24 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 25 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY FEVER) REMEDIES BY HERBAL/STANDARD SPLIT
Table 26 Herbal vs Standard Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies 2000/2005
Table 27 Sales of Decongestants by Type: Value 2000-2005
Table 28 Sales of Decongestants by Type: % Value Growth 2000-2005
CHILD-SPECIFIC COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY FEVER) REMEDIES PERFORMANCE
Table 29 Sales of Child-specific Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Type: Value 2000-2005
Table 30 Sales of Child-specific Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Type: % Value Growth 2000-2005
DIGESTIVE REMEDIES IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Slow down in growth for digestive medicines in 2005
People’s awareness impacts negatively on digestive remedies
Motion sickness remedies growing well after two moderate years
IBS treatments is the most valuable within digestive remedies in 2005
Forecast performance
Table 31 Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 32 Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 33 Digestive Remedies Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 34 Digestive Remedies Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Summary 8 Summary - Digestive Remedies: New Product Launches 2004-2005
Table 35 Forecast Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 36 Forecast Sales of Digestive Remedies by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
DIGESTIVE REMEDIES BY HERBAL/STANDARD SPLIT
Table 37 Herbal vs Standard Digestive Remedies 2000/2005
OTHER INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN REMEDIES PERFORMANCE
Table 38 Sales of Other Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies by Type: Value 2000-2005
Table 39 Sales of Other Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies by Type: % Value Growth 2000-2005
MEDICATED SKIN CARE IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Medicated skin care remains stable in 2005
Medicated skin care products vs dermocosmetic products
Topical germicidals/ antiseptics sees highest growth within medicated skin care in 2005
Antiparasitics/lice (head & body) treatments in decline for 2005
Forecast performance
Table 40 Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 41 Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 42 Medicated Skin Care Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 43 Medicated Skin Care Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Summary 9 Summary - Medicated Skin Care: New Product Launches 2004-2005
Table 44 Forecast Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 45 Forecast Sales of Medicated Skin Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
MEDICATED SKIN CARE BY HERBAL/STANDARD SPLIT
Table 46 Herbal vs Standard Medicated Skin Care 2000/2005
ACNE TREATMENTS BRAND SHARES
Table 47 Acne Treatments Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS BRAND SHARES
Table 48 Hair Loss Treatments Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
VITAMINS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Stable and modest performance for vitamins and dietary supplements as maturity hinders more dynamic development
The negative impact of the 2004 Olympic Games doping scandals negatively affected 2005 sales
Similar performance for all subsectors with dietary supplements and tonics and bottled nutritive drinks being marginally faster growing
Child-specific vitamins and dietary supplements remain stagnant as paediatricians do not recommend them
Self-medicatation is common amongst Greeks
Ageing population favours sales
Licencing tricks and options
Pharmacies offer companies a huge distribution channel
Highly fragmented vitamins and dietary supplements with international companies having an important presence
Forecast performance
Table 49 Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 50 Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 51 Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 52 Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Summary 10 Summary - Vitamins and Dietary Supplements: New Product Launches 2004-2005
Table 53 Forecast Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 54 Forecast Sales of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
VITAMINS PERFORMANCE
Stagnancy in a mature subsector
Multivitamins remain dominant
Occasional intake of single vitamins
Vitamin C performs best as consumers are more familiar with its benefits
Gerolymatos SA leads
Table 55 Sales of Vitamins by Type: Value 2000-2005
Table 56 Sales of Vitamins by Type: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 57 Vitamins Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS PERFORMANCE
Similar performance in 2005 for dietary supplements due to maturity
Mineral supplements remain the largest sub-subsector
Developing smaller sub-subsectors are the best performers, favoured by increasing information on their benefits
Other dietary supplements grow further as the combined benefits they offer attract more consumers
Products which target specific nutritional needs and medical conditions lead
Table 58 Sales of Dietary Supplements by Type: Value 2000-2005
Table 59 Sales of Dietary Supplements by Type: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 60 Dietary Supplements Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Table 61 Dietary Supplements by Positioning: % Retail Value Analysis 2005
NRT SMOKING CESSATION AIDS IN GREECE
NUMBER OF SMOKERS
Table 62
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Sector favoured by the growing trend among Greeks to quit smoking enhanced through education and information
NRT gum remains the most popular cessation aid as consumers find it more helpful
NRT gums reduce the weight increase that smokers experience during their efforts to stop smoking
Despite all efforts at education and anti-smoking campaigns, the number of smokers in Greece is increasing, while experts stress that anti-smoking campaigns and policies need to be expanded
Nicorette has the monopoly in Greece
Forecast performance
Table 63 Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 64 Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 65 NRT Smoking Cessation Aids Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 66 NRT Smoking Cessation Aids Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Table 67 Forecast Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 68 Forecast Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
EYE CARE IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Improved performance for eye care in 2005 with standard eye care being the most dynamic
Moderate growth for allergy eye care as consumers tend to visit a specialist doctor for their eye problems and purchase with prescription
Convenience and practicality favours mono-dose packaging among youngsters
Alcon Laboratories Hellas Commercial & Industrial SA continue to lead in eye care
Forecast performance
Table 69 Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 70 Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 71 Eye Care Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 72 Eye Care Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Table 73 Forecast Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 74 Forecast Sales of Eye Care by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
EAR CARE IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
ADULT MOUTHCARE IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
CALMING AND SLEEPING PRODUCTS IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
WOUND TREATMENTS IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
2005 headlines
Modest growth for wound treatments in 2005 sustained by slight price increases
Chemists/pharmacies is the main distribution channel while grocery outlets also has an important share
Hansaplast by Beiersdorf Hellas AE remains the leading and most recognised brand
Forecast performance
Table 75 Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: Value 2000-2005
Table 76 Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: % Value Growth 2000-2005
Table 77 Wound Treatments Company Shares by Retail Value 2001-2005
Table 78 Wound Treatments Brand Shares by Retail Value 2002-2005
Summary 11 Summary - Wound Treatments: New Product Launches 2004-2005
Table 79 Forecast Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: Value 2005-2010
Table 80 Forecast Sales of Wound Treatments by Subsector: % Value Growth 2005-2010
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IN GREECE
SECTOR PERFORMANCE
Emergency contraception products entered the list of OTCs in July 2005
EOF suggests consumers be very cautious in the use of the emergency contraception products as reports connect its use to potential ectopic pregnancy