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

PROSPECTS

Air pollution in Malaysia supports sales of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies that relieve nasal and related symptoms

Poor air quality in Malaysia due to pollution and haze continues to spur demand for antihistamines/allergy remedies (systemic) and nasal sprays. Consumers increasingly seek products that help relieve allergic reactions related to the nose and reduce sinus problems caused by unhealthy air quality levels.

Herbal/traditional cough remedies are popular due to consumers’ cultural backgrounds and being considered less harsh

Within cough remedies, one of the bigger categories of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies, there continues to be strong demand for herbal/traditional cough remedies. Many consumers prefer herbal/traditional cough remedies due to strong influence from their family and cultural backgrounds, and often consider them to be less harsh compared to non-herbal/traditional cough remedies.

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies faces challenges due to consumers using natural home remedies and a preventive approach to their health

A trend towards using alternative methods to treat or prevent coughs and cold symptoms poses a degree of competition for cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in Malaysia. Some consumers prefer to employ natural home remedies to help alleviate the symptoms of coughs and colds.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Local players innovate to maintain visibility amid the dominance of international brands

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in Malaysia remains dominated by international players that include Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd, Ricola Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Reckitt Benckiser (M) Sdn Bhd. The brands owned by international players, such as Fisherman’s Friend, Ricola, Strepsils and Halls, are generally categorised under medicated confectionery and pharyngeal preparations in the form of lozenges, which Malaysians use to ease the initial symptoms of dry throat and coughs.

Distribution of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies remains store-based as consumers buy these products for immediate consumption

Offline retail channels, including pharmacies such as Caring Pharmacy, traditional medicine halls, convenience stores, and health and beauty specialist retailers such as Watsons and Guardian, continue to dominate the distribution of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in Malaysia. Internet retailing remains insignificant as consumers prefer to purchase cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies from physical pharmacies for immediate consumption when needed, rather than stocking up on the products in advance of any possible coughs or colds.

Vitamins and dietary supplements brands positioned to strengthen the immune system pose competition for cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies

As consumers in Malaysia increasingly take steps to prevent coughs and colds, manufacturers of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies face strong competition from brands of vitamins and dietary supplements, such as Redoxon, Blackmores Echinacea and Blackmores Cold Combat. Consumers have been attracted to products such as Blackmores Cold Combat, in particular, since it contains standardised extract of Andrographis, an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for the relief of fevers, colds and sore throats.

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