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

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

Fewer cases of colds and flu impedes sales of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in 2021

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies continues to see a sharp deceleration in retail value sales growth during 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19. Indeed, cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies is the most affected OTC category in 2021.

Sales of antihistamines/allergy remedies slow as consumers less allergic in spring thanks to lockdown in 2021

Current retail value sales growth of antihistamines/allergy remedies (systemic) is one of the least affected categories during 2021, although sales growth is still slightly negative. Sales of these products are tied to seasonal allergies which usually begin to pick up in February in preparation for the beginning of spring; but in 2021, this seasonal effect was much weaker than usual.

Established brands benefit from consumer loyalty, while local manufacturers lack sufficient resources in 2021

GSK Consumer Healthcare, US Pharmacia Sp zoo, Bionorica GmbH and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals dd remain the leading players in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies during 2021. All of these players benefit from economies of scale in research and development, manufacturing and marketing.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Sales expected to recover during the forecast period, while sedentary lifestyles likely to moderate sales growth

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies is expected to see robust constant retail value sales growth during the forecast period. The main reason is likely to be the end of the pandemic and Lithuanians going out more often as a result, whether to work or socialise.

If antivirals for COVID-19 is assigned to cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies, significant sales growth will be expected

Antiviral medicine to moderate COVID-19 symptoms are currently being developed and more are likely to be developed during the forecast period. Should these drugs be assigned to cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies, it is likely that the category will experience significant sales growth.

E-commerce likely to be an emerging distribution channel in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies

While chemists/pharmacists continue to dominate distribution of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies, e-commerce is a small, but emerging channel. Even before the onset of COVID-19, it accounted for larger growth of value sales than grocery retailers, and the pandemic has given it a further boost: With consumers forced to spend more time at home, they are turning to e-commerce in growing numbers.