Paediatric Consumer Health in Switzerland

PROSPECTS

Child-specific medication is highly regulated in Switzerland

Paediatric consumer health registered another retail value decline in 2019, resulting from Swiss parents’ cautiousness about administering medication to their children. Swiss parents generally consult doctors and give their children prescription medication.

Parents also opt for alternatives to paediatric consumer health in the search for more natural remedies

In addition, parents often opt for alternative treatments and home remedies for minor ailments as they are concerned about using strong chemicals or medication on children in general. Their main concern revolves around potential side effects, wrong dosage (as children’s bodies still tend to react differently and often unpredictably to drugs) and building up an early tolerance to medication.

Low birth rates also contribute to weak growth

As in many Western countries, the birth rate in Switzerland is expected to remain low over the forecast period as young couples either opt not to have children or postpone starting a family until their financial situation is on a more sound footing. As this has been the case for some time, the population of children aged between 0 and four years is also not anticipated to witness strong development over the forecast period.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Leading brand is in paediatric dermatologicals

With paediatric dermatologicals representing the third largest product category after paediatric cough, cold and allergy remedies and paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements, it is not surprising that companies with a strong focus on these leading products provide some of the leading brands within paediatric consumer health. Galderma Schweiz extended its lead in overall paediatric consumer health in 2019 due to its strong position in paediatric dermatologicals with its dominant Excipial Kids brands.

Large international players in strong positions

Large international players with strong reputations and wide product portfolios, such as Bayer (Schweiz), Sanofi-Aventis (Schweiz) and GSK Consumer Healthcare follow in terms of value shares as a result of their high level of brand recognition beyond just paediatric consumer health. Bayer (Schweiz), in second place in 2019, has two brands that enjoy high consumer credibility: Bepanthen in nappy (diaper) rash treatments is highly trusted and widely used in Switzerland, while Supradyn Junior is a strong brand in paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements.

Restricted market opportunities force companies to withdraw products

The small size of the category and low consumer demand restrict the potential for paediatric consumer health and make it unattractive for many companies, resulting in the withdrawal of some child-specific brands. New product launches are also rare for the same reasons.

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