Nothing to sneeze at
ShelfLife looks at the latest over-the-counter products and category trends, highlighting the key lines retailers should have front and centre in store
Print23 October 2026
With consumers continuing to seek convenient and affordable ways to manage everyday health concerns, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines remain an important category for retailers. Cold and flu remedies, pain relief and allergy treatments are key year-round essentials, while vitamins and immune-support products continue to attract strong interest.
Following a particularly wet and unsettled winter in Ireland in 2025/26, with Storm Bram bringing strong gales on 9 December and Storm Chandra bringing widespread heavy rainfall and storm-force winds on 27 January, preparation for the colder months ahead remains essential.
The 2025/26 winter flu season also highlighted the importance of being prepared for increased seasonal illness, reinforcing the need for retailers to ensure adequate availability of cold and flu remedies, pain relief and other winter healthcare essentials. With consumers looking for accessible and affordable ways to manage symptoms, retailers have an important role to play in helping communities prepare for the winter season.
Berocca Hydrate launches in Ireland as new research reveals a clear hydration gap
Berocca Hydrate Mango Passionfruit flavour
Berocca Hydrate natural Grapefruit flavour
- New research reveals 87% of Irish adults believe hydration is important, yet only 47% feel well hydrated on a typical day.
- Over half of Irish adults regularly feel tired or low in energy, while many do not always connect everyday feelings such as tiredness, sluggishness or brain fog as symptoms associated with mild dehydration.
- New Berocca Hydrate combines essential electrolytes with B-vitamins and magnesium to deliver “Hydration with Benefits”
Berocca, a trusted heritage wellness brand, has announced the launch of Berocca Hydrate in Ireland — a food supplement designed to support hydration and energy as part of a balanced lifestyle.
The launch comes as new research conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Berocca reveals a clear hydration gap in Ireland: while almost nine in 10 adults say staying hydrated is important for their overall health and wellbeing, fewer than half feel well hydrated on a typical day.
The research also found that everyday feelings such as tiredness, sluggishness and brain fog are common, yet many people do not always recognise these as signs that they may not be adequately hydrated. This highlights a disconnect between knowing hydration matters and taking consistent action to support it.
Hydration matters beyond thirst
Hydration plays an important role in how people feel and function day to day. However, busy routines, warm weather, travel, exercise and long days can all make it harder to maintain good hydration habits.
According to the research, many Irish adults still fall short of recommended fluid intake, with the average adult drinking an average of five glasses of water per day versus the recommended six to eight. Meanwhile, when feeling tired or low in energy, people most commonly reach for water, coffee or a snack – suggesting an opportunity for simple, convenient hydration support that fits naturally into everyday routines.
Colief Infant Drops: Trusted support for infant colic
Colief Infant Drops
Infant colic affects up to one in five babies and can be a distressing experience for parents. Colief Infant Drops contain a natural lactase enzyme that helps break down lactose in breast milk or formula, supporting easier digestion and helping to reduce colic symptoms associated with temporary lactose intolerance. Backed by clinical studies and trusted by parents for over 25 years, Colief Infant Drops offer a simple, proven solution for families navigating the challenges of infant colic.
ThermaCare the pioneers of heat cell technology
ThermaCare range
ThermaCare Heat Wraps are 100% drug free treatments for effective and targeted relief of muscle / and or joint pains in the Knee, Lower Back and Hip and Neck, Shoulder and Wrist.
ThermaCare Lower Back and Hip and Knee have unique closure systems, are very discreet and comfortable to wear.
ThermaCare Clinical trials show that ThermaCare Heat Wraps are more effective than the maximum daily dosage of either Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for long lasting pain relief.
The brand highlighted that it is very pleased to announce that it has a new addition to the ThermaCare family.
Clinically proven ThermaCare Knee Wraps are recommended for people suffering from knee pain associated with the following: • Osteoarthritis • Strains and sprains • Muscle tension • Hyperextension (Excessive Movement)
Clinically proven ThermaCare Lower Back and Hip Wraps (LBH) for: Effective and targeted relief of muscle and/ or joint pains associated with the following:
- Osteoarthiritis
- Strains and sprains
- Muscle tension
- Hyperextension (excessive movement)
Clinically proven ThermaCare Heat Wraps for Neck, Shoulder and Wrist (NSW) for: Effective and targeted relief of muscle and / or joint pains associated with the following:
• Arthritis
• Strains and sprains
• Muscle tension
• Overexertion.
It is prudent to ensure that the heat wraps you purchase are clinically proven.
Do not use:
• If heat cell contents leak and / or wrap is damaged or torn or if packaging is damaged.
• With topical preparations.
• On unhealthy, damaged or broken skin.
• On areas of bruising or swelling that have occurred in the last 48 hours.
• On people unable to follow all use instructions or unable to remove the product.
• With 55 years of age, wear under light clothing.
Read instructions carefully.
In partnership with the ISCP For further information visit: www.thermacare.co.uk / www.thermacare.ie
Kelkin Vitamins: Daily nutritional support for immune health
The Kelkin vitamin range offers convenient nutritional support for adults seeking to maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Products include Vitamin C, Zinc & Vitamin C, and Vitamin B Complex in chewable, tablet and effervescent formats.
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Kelkin’s effervescent options, including 1000mg Vitamin C and Zinc & Vitamin C tablets, are available in orange and forest fruit flavours, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional tablets and convenient daily nutritional support throughout the year.
Vitabiotics: Supporting immune health at every life stage
With 50 years of innovation, Vitabiotics offers targeted nutritional support for the whole family through trusted brands including Wellwoman, Wellman, Ultra D, Pregnacare and Wellkid.
Immune health is central to the range. Wellwoman provides vitamins D, B6 and B12, selenium and zinc to support normal immune function and energy release. Wellman contains vitamins C, D, B6 and B12 to support immunity and men’s health. Wellkid provides essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C and D and zinc, to support growing children.
Panadol: The most trusted brand in pain relief
For generations, Panadol has been a trusted name in pain relief across Ireland, providing convenient solutions for headaches, cold and flu symptoms, muscular aches and everyday pain.
As demand for accessible healthcare and self-care products grows, grocery retailers have an opportunity to meet shoppers’ everyday wellbeing needs. Panadol’s broad portfolio, including Panadol Extra and Panadol Actifast, offers recognised solutions for different pain relief occasions and consumer preferences.
Strong brand recognition and shopper trust help drive purchasing decisions, while clear shelf navigation and consistent availability support category performance. Seasonal peaks, particularly during winter cold and flu periods, also create opportunities to increase visibility through secondary displays and relevant healthcare promotions.
Panadol remains an important brand in the analgesics category, supporting shopper confidence and everyday pain relief needs.
Voltarol: Helping shoppers return to the joy of movement
As consumers prioritise active lifestyles and wellbeing, Voltarol provides targeted topical pain relief solutions for muscle, joint and back pain, helping shoppers manage discomfort and maintain daily activities.
From exercise and physical work to gardening and everyday movement, consumers increasingly seek convenient self-care options. Voltarol’s established reputation makes it a recognised choice within the topical pain relief category.
For retailers, merchandising products around specific needs, including back pain, muscle strains, sports-related injuries and joint discomfort, can simplify shopping and improve category navigation.
With continued focus on mobility and quality of life, Voltarol and VoltaHeat are well positioned to support category growth by offering convenient solutions for shoppers seeking to stay active and enjoy everyday life.
Tonstix Pops: Award-winning Irish innovation creating new opportunities for grocery retailers
Tonstix Pops Honey & Apple, Honey & Strawberry and Honey & Orange flavours
With proven success in pharmacy, grocery and travel retail, Irish children’s health and wellness brand Tonstix Pops is bringing innovation and new sales opportunities to retailers.
Developed and manufactured in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Tonstix Pops was founded by Irish entrepreneurs Sinéad Crowther and Denise Lauaki, who identified a gap in the market for innovative, child-friendly health and wellness products. The range includes Tonstix Throat Pops, designed to soothe children’s sore throats and coughs, and Tonstix Travel Pops, developed to help with travel sickness and ear discomfort when flying. Suitable for children aged two and over, Tonstix Pops are honey-based jelly lollipops manufactured using a patented process. Throat Pops contain Vitamin C and Zinc, while Travel Pops combine honey and ginger.
With over 400,000 units sold, Tonstix has established a growing presence across pharmacy, grocery and travel retail, with listings including Tesco Ireland, SuperValu, Boots UK and Holland & Barrett, alongside international airline partnerships.
Recent recognition at the Irish Parenting Product Awards, where Tonstix Throat Pops received Bronze in the Child Cough, Cold & Congestion category, further validates the brand’s appeal to parents.
With established pharmacy sales demonstrating consumer demand, Tonstix presents grocery and convenience retailers with an opportunity to capture incremental sales in children’s health and wellness, a category traditionally dominated by pharmacy.
As consumer demand for innovative, convenient children’s wellness products continues to grow, Tonstix offers retailers a differentiated, Irish-made range with year-round sales opportunities, from seasonal coughs and sore throats to family travel. For further information, visit: www.tonstix.com
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Berocca launches Berocca Hydrate in Ireland →
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