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Consumer health in 2024: The big picture
Consumer health in South Africa continues to record a positive performance in value growth terms, driven by the impact of inflation on unit prices, with the latter experiencing a further rise in 2024. South Africa remains challenged by various several factors, including inflationary pressures, high interest rates (to combat the elevated level of inflation), and the continual burden of loadshedding on the local economy, which places pressure on consumers’ disposable incomes.
2024 key trends
Vitamins and dietary supplements remains a solid performer post-pandemic, as some consumers continue to adopt a preventive approach to their health in an attempt to support their immune systems. This is particularly driving demand for vitamin C and probiotic supplements, due to the increasing awareness of the link between gut health and the immune system.
Competitive landscape
The competitive landscape of consumer health in South Africa remains fairly fragmented, with only leading player Adcock Ingram Holdings Ltd holding double-digit retail value share overall. The player benefits from a wide product portfolio, with a particularly strong presence in major OTC categories such as analgesics (Panado, Adco-dol), cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies (Allergex, Corenza C), and digestive remedies (Citro-Soda, Freshen).
Retailing developments
Pharmacies remains the leading distribution channel for consumer health in South Africa. As many local consumers remain financially challenged, they are unable to afford a consultation with a doctor.
What next for consumer health?
Over the forecast period, the outlook for consumer health in South Africa is fairly optimistic, as many local consumers are likely to remain under financial pressure until the economy improves. Therefore, they are likely to remain reliant on over the counter medication, as many of them will not be able to afford to consult a doctor and will be more reliant on pharmacists for advice.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Consumer Health industry in South Africa with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Analgesics
- Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies
- Digestive Remedies
- Dermatologicals
- NRT Smoking Cessation Aids
- Sleep Aids
- Eye Care
- Wound Care
- Vitamins
- Dietary Supplements
- Weight Management
- Sports Nutrition
- Herbal/Traditional Products
- Paediatric Consumer Health
If you're in the Consumer Health industry in South Africa, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Consumer Health in South Africa report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Consumer Health in South Africa?
- Which are the leading brands in Consumer Health in South Africa?
- How are products distributed in Consumer Health in South Africa?
- How has the regulatory and operating environment for Consumer Health changed in South Africa?
- How are considerations such as stress, self-medication and shifting consumer lifestyles shaping demand for Consumer Health
- How significant are wider health concerns and consumer awareness in determining sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Consumer Health in South Africa
Consumer health in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retailing developments
What next for consumer health?
Table 1 Consumer Expenditure on Health Goods and Medical Services: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Life Expectancy at Birth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales of Consumer Health by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales of Consumer Health by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 NBO Company Shares of Consumer Health: % Value 2020-2024
Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Consumer Health: % Value 2021-2024
Table 7 Penetration of Private Label in Consumer Health by Category: % Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Distribution of Consumer Health by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 9 Distribution of Consumer Health by Format and Category: % Value 2024
Table 10 Forecast Sales of Consumer Health by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 11 Forecast Sales of Consumer Health by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
OTC registration and classification
Vitamins and dietary supplements registration and classification
Self-medication/self-care and preventive medicine
Switches
DISCLAIMER
DEFINITIONS
Summary 1 Research Sources
Analgesics in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Analgesics remains popular for treating various ailments in South Africa
Affordability of generics and private label during a time of inflationary pressure
Pharmacies remains as dominant distribution channel for analgesics
Consumers to seek analgesics that target specific pain points
Albeit from low base, sales of online analgesics set to grow
Analgesics can benefit from wider distribution in South Africa
Table 12 Sales of Analgesics by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 13 Sales of Analgesics by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 14 NBO Company Shares of Analgesics: % Value 2020-2024
Table 15 LBN Brand Shares of Analgesics: % Value 2021-2024
Table 16 Forecast Sales of Analgesics by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 17 Forecast Sales of Analgesics by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Sleep Aids in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
High stress levels and exposure to blue light contribute to growth of sleep aids
Herbal/traditional sleep aids drive demand due to natural perception
Mental health issues contribute to rising demand for professional support
Adopting healthy lifestyles to potentially reduce reliance on sleep aids
CBD set to gain traction and shelf space in popular retailers
Regulation around OTC sleep aids aims to reduce misuse
Table 18 Sales of Sleep Aids: Value 2019-2024
Table 19 Sales of Sleep Aids: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 20 NBO Company Shares of Sleep Aids: % Value 2020-2024
Table 21 LBN Brand Shares of Sleep Aids: % Value 2021-2024
Table 22 Forecast Sales of Sleep Aids: Value 2024-2029
Table 23 Forecast Sales of Sleep Aids: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Long flu season boosts category sales in 2024
Consumer trust in herbal/traditional cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies
Price-sensitive consumers shift towards more affordable options
Consumers favour bulk purchases when on promotion
Antihistamines/allergy remedies (systemic) used as alternative sleep aids
South Africans willing to spend more money on paediatric cough/cold remedies
Table 24 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 25 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 26 NBO Company Shares of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 LBN Brand Shares of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 29 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Dermatologicals in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Nappy (diaper) rash treatments remains essential product for local parents
Price-sensitive consumers seek alternative solutions
Consumers rely on pharmacists when seeking dermatologicals
Lines between dermatologicals and dermocosmetics are blurring
Vaginal antifungals remain taboo to purchase in South Africa
Visits to a dermatologist unaffordable for many consumers
Table 30 Sales of Dermatologicals by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 31 Sales of Dermatologicals by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 32 NBO Company Shares of Dermatologicals: % Value 2020-2024
Table 33 LBN Brand Shares of Dermatologicals: % Value 2021-2024
Table 34 LBN Brand Shares of Hair Loss Treatments: % Value 2021-2024
Table 35 Forecast Sales of Dermatologicals by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales of Dermatologicals by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Digestive Remedies in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Reliance on dining out is catalyst for digestive issues in South Africa
Rising sales of herbal/traditional digestive remedies
Price-sensitive consumers attracted to more affordable alternatives
Interesting packaging and formats attract consumers’ attention
Pharmacists’ advice influences purchases of digestive remedies
Further growth potential for herbal/traditional options due to natural perception
Table 37 Sales of Digestive Remedies by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 38 Sales of Digestive Remedies by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 39 NBO Company Shares of Digestive Remedies: % Value 2020-2024
Table 40 LBN Brand Shares of Digestive Remedies: % Value 2021-2024
Table 41 Forecast Sales of Digestive Remedies by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 42 Forecast Sales of Digestive Remedies by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Eye Care in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Prolonged exposure to blue light stimulates growth for standard eye care
Demand for allergy eye care continues to rise in South Africa
Local consumers of eye care remain brand loyal
Players should consider collaborations with optical goods stores to drive sales
Importance of ensuring wider visibility in pharmacies and advertising channels
Private label offers attractive option for price-sensitive consumers
Table 43 Sales of Eye Care by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 44 Sales of Eye Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 45 NBO Company Shares of Eye Care: % Value 2020-2024
Table 46 LBN Brand Shares of Eye Care: % Value 2021-2024
Table 47 Forecast Sales of Eye Care by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 48 Forecast Sales of Eye Care by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
NRT Smoking Cessation Aids in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
NRT smoking cessation aids remains a small category within consumer health
Limited awareness and brand visibility for NRT smoking cessation aids
Johnson & Johnson (Pty) Ltd retains dominance of competitive landscape
Rising popularity of vaping in South Africa to offer further competition
Implementation of alternative schemes in South Africa to reduce smoking rate
Lack of accessibility to NRT smoking cessation aids to limit overall reach
Table 49 Number of Smokers by Gender 2019-2024
Table 50 Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 51 Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 52 NBO Company Shares of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids: % Value 2020-2024
Table 53 LBN Brand Shares of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids: % Value 2021-2024
Table 54 Forecast Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 55 Forecast Sales of NRT Smoking Cessation Aids by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Wound Care in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Wound care in South Africa remains a small consumer health category
Wound care considered non-essential by many local consumers
Elastoplast retains lead of highly consolidated competitive landscape
Future growth potential over forecast period despite lack of innovation
Consumers seek more affordable wound care options
Table 56 Sales of Wound Care by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales of Wound Care by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 NBO Company Shares of Wound Care: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 LBN Brand Shares of Wound Care: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Forecast Sales of Wound Care by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 61 Forecast Sales of Wound Care by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Sports Nutrition in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Sports nutrition purchased by niche target audience in South Africa
Sports protein powder remains most popular option as it expands its reach
Consumers are brand loyal when it comes to a specific sports nutrition product
Optimistic outlook as sport nutrition expands to wider audience
South Africans increasingly seek convenient packaging and formats
Table 62 Sales of Sports Nutrition by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 63 Sales of Sports Nutrition by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 64 NBO Company Shares of Sports Nutrition: % Value 2020-2024
Table 65 LBN Brand Shares of Sports Nutrition: % Value 2021-2024
Table 66 Forecast Sales of Sports Nutrition by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 67 Forecast Sales of Sports Nutrition by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Dietary Supplements in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Demand for dietary supplements rises despite prioritising of budgets
Dietary supplements remains a highly fragmented competitive landscape
E-commerce helps drive brand visibility
Slowing growth for dietary supplements as consumers continue to prioritise expenditure
Opportunities for more affordable alternatives
New product development and innovation still likely
Table 68 Sales of Dietary Supplements by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 69 Sales of Dietary Supplements by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 70 Sales of Dietary Supplements by Positioning: % Value 2019-2024
Table 71 NBO Company Shares of Dietary Supplements: % Value 2020-2024
Table 72 LBN Brand Shares of Dietary Supplements: % Value 2021-2024
Table 73 Forecast Sales of Dietary Supplements by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 74 Forecast Sales of Dietary Supplements by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Vitamins in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Post-pandemic demand for vitamins remains high but growth is low
Consumers seek vitamins as part of holistic skin care routines
Vitamins predominantly bought by consumers following doctor’s recommendation
Vitamins to remain popular among a niche target audience
Holistic approach to health and wellness likely to pose competition
Table 75 Sales of Vitamins by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 76 Sales of Vitamins by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 77 Sales of Multivitamins by Positioning: % Value 2019-2024
Table 78 NBO Company Shares of Vitamins: % Value 2020-2024
Table 79 LBN Brand Shares of Vitamins: % Value 2021-2024
Table 80 Forecast Sales of Vitamins by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 81 Forecast Sales of Vitamins by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Weight Management and Wellbeing in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Demand for weight management and wellbeing mainly driven by more affluent consumers
South Africans increasingly prioritise active lifestyles, reducing reliance on weight management
Rising interest in alternative weight loss methods for lower-income consumers
Despite price pressures, weight management and wellbeing still offers further growth potential in South Africa
High-income consumers make use of alternative weight management methods
Direct selling and pharmacies to remain as leading distribution channels
Table 82 Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 83 Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 84 NBO Company Shares of Weight Management and Wellbeing: % Value 2020-2024
Table 85 LBN Brand Shares of Weight Management and Wellbeing: % Value 2021-2024
Table 86 Forecast Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 87 Forecast Sales of Weight Management and Wellbeing by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Herbal/Traditional Products in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Herbal/traditional products appeal to consumers due to natural positioning
Increasing number of players invest in herbal/traditional products
Private label expands herbal/traditional offerings for more affordable options
Positive outlook for herbal/traditional products in South Africa
Affordability still remains a significant concern for many South Africans
Table 88 Sales of Herbal/Traditional Products by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 89 Sales of Herbal/Traditional Products by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 90 NBO Company Shares of Herbal/Traditional Products: % Value 2020-2024
Table 91 LBN Brand Shares of Herbal/Traditional Products: % Value 2021-2024
Table 92 Forecast Sales of Herbal/Traditional Products by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 93 Forecast Sales of Herbal/Traditional Products by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Paediatric Consumer Health in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Willingness to spend on paediatric consumer health despite inflationary pressures
Nappy (diaper) rash treatments remains a stable category despite falling birth rate
Brand loyalty is notable in paediatric consumer health products
Paediatric consumer health to benefit from parents having dedicated budget for their children’s needs
Immune support to drive strong performance predicted for paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements
Omnichannel approach to sales likely to prevail
Table 94 Sales of Paediatric Consumer Health by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales of Paediatric Consumer Health by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 96 NBO Company Shares of Paediatric Consumer Health: % Value 2020-2024
Table 97 LBN Brand Shares of Paediatric Consumer Health: % Value 2021-2024
Table 98 Forecast Sales of Paediatric Consumer Health by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 99 Forecast Sales of Paediatric Consumer Health by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Consumer Health
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- Adult Mouth Care
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-
-
- Adult Acetaminophen
- Adult Aspirin
- Adult Combination Products - Analgesics
- Adult Diclofenac
- Adult Dipyrone
- Adult Ibuprofen
- Adult Ketoprofen
- Adult Naproxen
- Adult OTC Triptans
-
- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Combination Products - Analgesics
- Diclofenac
- Dipyrone
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Naproxen
- OTC Triptans
-
- Topical Analgesics/Anaesthetic
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- Sleep Aids
-
- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
-
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies
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- Nasal Sprays
- Oral Decongestants
- Inhalant Decongestants
- Decongestant Rubs
- Nasal Decongestant Drops
- Nasal Decongestant Plasters
- Medicated Confectionery
- Pharyngeal Preparations
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- Medicated Shampoos
- Topical Antifungals
- Vaginal Antifungals
- Hair Loss Treatments
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Antiparasitics/Lice (Head and Body) Treatments
- Antipruritics
- Cold Sore Treatments
- Haemorrhoid Treatments
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
- Topical Germicidals/Antiseptics
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-
- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Diarrhoeal Remedies
- IBS Treatments
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- Antacids
- Antiflatulents
- Digestive Enzymes
- H2 Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Laxatives
- Motion Sickness Remedies
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- Emergency Contraception
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Standard Eye Care
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- NRT Gum
- NRT Inhalators
- NRT Lozenges
- NRT Patches
- Other NRT
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- First Aid Kits
- Gauze, Tape and Other Wound Care
- Sticking Plasters/Adhesive Bandages
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- Protein/Energy Bars
- Sports Protein Powder
- Sports Protein RTD
- Sports Non-Protein Products
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-
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- Combination Dietary Supplements
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- Aloe
- Combination Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Cranberry
- Echinacea
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- St John's Wort
- Other Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
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- Co-Enzyme Q10
- Combination Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Eye Health Supplements
- Fish Oils/Omega Fatty Acids
- Glucosamine
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- Calcium Supplements
- Mineral Supplements
- Probiotic Supplements
- Protein Supplements
- Other Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
- Tonics
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- Multivitamins
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- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Other Single Vitamins
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- Meal Replacement
- OTC Obesity
- Slimming Teas
- Supplement Nutrition Drinks
- Weight Loss Supplements
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- Herbal/Traditional Topical Analgesics
- Herbal/Traditional Sleep Aids
- Herbal/Traditional Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Digestive Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Dermatologicals
- Herbal/Traditional Paediatric Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Tonics
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
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-
- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
-
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
-
- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
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