Front of shop drives growth
March 18, 2016
OVER-THE-COUNTER and
complementary medicines are
making up an increasing share of
total pharmacy sales, with front-of-shop
items growing a hefty 18.4%
in the last twelve months.
The impressive figures were
revealed yesterday during APP’s
State of the Industry Symposium
by Mark Sargent, general manager
Australia/NZ of Bayer Healthcare
Consumer Care who is also acting
chairman of the Australian Self-
Medication Industry (ASMI).
Sargent gave an overview of
the industry, with the largest
contribution to growth in 2015
coming from vitamins and
supplements which grew a
whopping 37% on the prior year.
There was also strong growth in
skin care, up 17%, and analgesics,
which saw sales growth of 7%.
Some of the drivers include
offshore demand for Western
consumer health brands within
China, with Australia reaping the
benefit of a strong reputation as
well as a large Chinese community.
Previously focused on infant
formula, last year demand
expanded into “other categories
where trust is critical,” Sargent said,
such as complementary medicines,
baby and personal care products.
Key issues on the agenda for ASMI
include prescription to OTC switch
of products, which helps grow
front of shop sales by creating new
categories, as well as expanding the
role of pharmacists.
He highlighted recent NZ
switches of oral contraceptives
and sildenafil which were both
pharmacy-led, as well as the move
in Australia of naloxone to S3 which
was championed by Melbourne
pharmacist Angelo Pricolo.
ASMI also believes there’s a more
active role for pharmacy in the
treatment of minor ailments, and
Sargent suggested that the 6CPA
Pharmacy Trial program is “ideal for
a minor ailment pilot”.
“This is an exciting time for
pharmacy...there are several
opportunities for innovative
delivery of primary health services
which will improve healthcare
outcomes for consumers and
contribute to sustainable pharmacy
front of shop growth,” he said.
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