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

PROSPECTS

New launch to help support demand for antihistamines/allergy remedies, offering relief to hay fever sufferers

With an estimated 20% of people in Ireland suffering from hay fever in the country, demand for antihistamines/allergy remedies (systemic) such as Piriton and Clarityn continued to be noted amongst adult consumers in 2019, although volume growth was not as strong as in 2018, when the prolonged warm weather during the summer exacerbated suffering for those impacted by this issue. Sufferers also reach for eye drops and nasal sprays to directly target related problems, particularly if they are negatively impacted by certain side effects associated with oral medicine.

Continual decline for paediatric cough/cold remedies due to ongoing strict regulation

Paediatric cough, cold and allergy remedies continued to register declining demand due to tight regulation enforced by the Irish Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA) over the sale of cough/cold remedies to younger consumers. New research supports the general medical view that decongestants in particular should not be given to young children under the age of six due to a lack of evidence that they alleviate blocked or runny noses but may result in certain side effects.

Nasal sprays offers alternative option to oral decongestants

Nasal sprays is predicted to continue to record stable volume growth over the forecast period, growing from a low base. This format is increasing in popularity amongst adult consumers in an attempt to alleviate blocked noses and ease their symptoms, particularly if they do not like to take oral decongestants, although the latter will continue to hold higher share as adults seek repaid relief from their symptoms, especially if it disrupts their concentration levels at work.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Close competition for leading two players but GSK Consumer Healthcare could disrupt status quo over the forecast period

Reckitt Benckiser Ireland Ltd retained its leadership of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in 2019, closely followed by McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Ltd, with the latter owning leading brand Benylin. Reckitt Benckiser benefits from a number of high-profile brands, namely Strepsils in pharyngeal preparations and Lemsip under combination products.

Another strong performance for Bronchostop

Bronchostop within cough remedies continued to record one of the strongest performances, gaining strong value share and recording double-digit value growth in 2019. The brand is increasing in popularity due to its natural positioning, and the fact that it claims to be able to provide relief for several types of coughs such as dry or chesty, making it a cost-effective product to keep at home.

Television advertising supports strengthening position of Cetrine Allergy

Cetrine Allergy from Rowex strengthened its leadership of antihistamines/allergy remedies (systemic), pulling further away from its closest competitor Zirtek. The brand continued to expand its presence in Ireland due to actively engaging in television advertising during the warmer months when hay fever is prevalent, gaining greater exposure in addition to benefiting from the rising incidence of hay fever amongst local consumers.

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