Consumer Health

Wound care exhibited modest volume growth in 2023. In the inflationary climate, local brands have emerged as the preferred choice for consumers in lower income brackets, owing to their affordability and accessibility through traditional distribution…

In adhesive bandages, new technologies and delivery formats have been introduced. Waterproof adhesive bandages have gained popularity, offering protection in wet environments and during activities like swimming. Furthermore, there has been a rise in…

Consumers are increasingly embracing self-medication, especially for minor illnesses, and this contributed to modest growth in 2023, as well as continuing population growth. Analgesics have achieved a substantial penetration rate in Cameroon,…

The depreciation of the local currency made imports more expensive at the end of the review period. This had a significant impact on the supply of and demand for imported products, in a country where the majority of medication is imported.…

Cameroon was not as affected by the energy crisis stemming from the war in Ukraine as many other countries. Rising global energy prices gave a boost to government coffers and helped stabilise the economy. However, ongoing civil conflict, as well as…

Locally preferred alternatives, like consuming honey, ginger, and lemon infusions, enjoy widespread popularity among the locals. In households with lower incomes, natural remedies often take precedence as the initial choice before resorting to…

Skin diseases across all age groups continues to drive growth for dermatologicals. Skin diseases are common in rural areas due to poor hygiene and in urban areas due to overcrowded neighbourhoods, with many having no access to proper sanitary…

The growth of dietary supplements decelerated due to a shift in consumer behaviour back to pre-pandemic shopping patterns, characterised by reduced emphasis on vitamins and dietary supplements. Additionally, the escalating cost of living is placed…

Poor drinking water is leading to serious digestion problems, with consumers often for instance suffering from diarrhoea, due to the substandard water supply. This is being further exacerbated by climate change, which is leading to increased water…

Herbal/traditional product registered a marginal fall in current value sales in 2023. While the older generation have always favoured herbal/traditional products, among the younger generation, there exists a level of scepticism regarding their…

Paediatric consumer health registered moderate current value growth in 2023, partly supported by continuing population growth. Essential consumer health products such as cough, cold and allergy remedies, as well as analgesics, were the most popular…

With the fear of the pandemic subsiding and the escalating cost of living seeing consumers prioritising essentials, the demand for vitamins has witnessed a deceleration in growth. While still favoured by higher-income consumers, the majority of…

Values sales continued to be low for weight management and wellbeing, but there was healthy growth. Obesity is a growing issue in Cameroon and this supported value and volume growth. Also, culturally, curvier women were traditionally perceived as…

Demand for wound care is muted, compared with most other consumer health products in 2023. Consumers typically buy these products on a need basis, with only higher-income consumers keeping basic wound care items at home for potential emergencies. As…

Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…

Despite a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, demand for analgesics continued to grow in 2023. This was partly due to the revival of pre-pandemic behavioural patterns, including the cessation of mask wearing and social distancing, which meant…

The market for consumer health products in Thailand continued to enjoy healthy growth in current value terms in 2023. This was driven, to a large extent, by the revival of normal pre-pandemic patterns of behaviour, including the return of consumers…

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies continued to enjoy healthy growth in current value terms in 2023. This was driven, to a large extent, by the revival of normal pre-pandemic patterns of behaviour, including the return of Thais to their…

Retail sales of dermatological products in Thailand experienced accelerated growth in current value terms in 2023, following the return of consumers to more active lifestyles outside the home. With this increased mobility came a greater risk of…

In 2023, Thailand witnessed a continued strong demand for dietary supplements, reflecting a heightened consumer interest in preventative health. While fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic had largely subsided, there remained a key focus on…