Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in Austria

PROSPECTS

Austrian healthcare system set to keep consumers away from OTC products

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies benefited from a strong flu season in 2018, which was stronger than in 2017 according to publications such as Der Standard and Oberösterreichische Nachrichten. Strong flu seasons are also expected over the forecast period.

Allergies estimated to affect around 20% of the population

In addition to strong flu seasons, Austrian consumers are also expected to continue to be heavily affected by various types of allergies, especially those which occur in the spring and summer, such as an allergy to pollen. In 2018, according to official data, around 20% of Austrians suffered from this type of allergy, which thus contributed to the strong performance of antihistamines/allergy remedies (systemic).

Paediatric products set to post a decline due to parental concerns

The rather conservative attitude of Austrians when it comes to self-medication of their children is expected to remain very visible in the future. Currently, only one type of paediatric cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedy is available as an OTC product, namely paediatric cough/cold remedies, which mainly includes mild nasal sprays and decongestant rubs.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies characterised by intense competition

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies remained a very competitive category in 2018, with the leading global players fiercely fighting for share. The leading three companies, PGT Healthcare, GSK Consumer Healthcare and Bayer Austria, are anticipated to maintain their positions over the forecast period, profiting from the strong presence of brands such as Wick, Lemocin and Aspirin Complex, respectively, in chemists/pharmacies across Austria.

Domestic producers continue to focus mainly on traditional consumers

Domestic manufacturers are expected to continue to focus on categories such as decongestants and medicated confectionery. Here, they will likely offer only herbal/traditional products, while emphasising their Austrian origins and roots in order to attract traditional consumers.

Vegan/vegetarian products offer a potential growth opportunity

With an increasing number of people in Austria choosing vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, demand for products which do not contain any ingredients of animal origin is expected to increase in the future. The leading manufacturers, both foreign and domestic, are thus expected to bear this in mind when researching and developing new products.

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