Over the counter, never far away!
We round up some of the newest and most useful over-the-counter medicinal products that will help customers get through the long winter months
Print14 October 2015
A trip to the doctor is a stressful and expensive solution to common complaints. Over-the-counter medicines are often all that is required to reduce a fever, reduce pain or provide other relief. In grocery, the vitamins and minerals market is worth approximately €8.5m*, incorporating multivitamins, nicotine patches, painkillers and pain relief and more. According to Mintel, 57% of adults always have a supply of cold and flu products; furthermore, half of all adults would treat a flu with a slight temperature without consulting a doctor. As well as self-medication, the vitamins and minerals category thrives though a desire by adults to improve their general health and wellbeing. As well as the market leaders, cut-price generic brands provide a range of choice for consumers on the shelf.
*(Source: Nielsen Scan track, 18 May 2014)
An effective tradition
Fisherman’s Friend Honey & Lemon is the brand’s most popular variety
October marks the start of the cold weather in Ireland, ushering in the season of colds and coughs, and there is no better quick remedy for symptoms than consumer favourite Fisherman’s Friend.
Developed by pharmacist James Lofthouse in 1865, Fisherman’s Friend is so named because its original purpose was to relieve respiratory problems experienced by fishermen working in the extreme conditions of the North Sea. 150 years later, Fisherman’s Friend is known to all for its power in soothing sore throats and fighting colds.
Known for its refreshing properties, Fisherman’s Friend contains natural ingredients including menthol, and is available in four distinctive flavours: Original Extra strong, Aniseed, Blackcurrant, and Honey & Lemon flavour. Honey & Lemon is the most popular flavour within the cough sweet market, making it an excellent addition to the range and a great opportunity for extra sales. All Fisherman’s Friend products are gluten free and Original, Blackcurrant and Honey and Lemon are available in sugar free SKUs.
Fisherman’s Friend has a traditional and loyal consumer base, with newer flavours Blackcurrant and Honey & Lemon recruiting younger consumers to the brand. The company advises retailers to make sure to have the Fisherman’s Friend range available to meet all consumer needs at this key selling season.
A new beginning
A recent joint venture between GSK and Novartis OTC has led to the new-look GSK Consumer Healthcare becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of over-the-counter products, with more than €8bn of sales. The company has strong presence in pain relief and respiratory relief, is the number one in specialist oral health and is also a market leader in skin health, nutrition and gastro intestinal relief.
The two businesses forming into one has created a unique portfolio of trusted brands that includes Sensodyne, Panadol, Aquafresh, Corsodyl, Maxi, Voltarol, Otrivine, Nicotinell, Excedrin and Savlon. Together, these brands offer a heritage of over 160 years and a commercial footprint spanning more than 100 countries.
GSK Consumer Healthcare Ireland will be headed up by Dave Barrett, country manager, who agrees that the new GSK Consumer Healthcare brings together the best of both businesses. “We have a great opportunity with our expanded portfolio to provide even greater benefit to our customers,” he said. “We intend to continue to do what GSK does best: combining our core strengths in science and business with years of FMCG experience, product insights and category management.
“We have exciting plans for our entire portfolio,” Barrett added, “and believe that we have all the key ingredients required to drive business growth for our customers, the categories and the brands.”
Attractive packaging drives OTC sales
Pfizer Paracetamol and ParaExtra’s distinctive packaging attracts repeat customers
Pfizer Paracetamol and Pfizer ParaExtra have been a big hit with Irish consumers since their launch almost two years ago. They were developed following extensive consumer research by the company, which is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
The research revealed that two-thirds of respondents expressed a liking for the product’s packaging. In fact, an impressive 80% of those surveyed said they were likely to buy the product, and half of those said they were positively influenced by the branding. The on-shelf impact is compounded by the fact the Pfizer range is presented in recyclable cardboard display trays, enhancing standout and assisting with ease of selection for consumers.
Furthermore, the range is attractively priced, ensuring that customers will be pleased in today’s value-led environment. Advertising on TV will also help to drive sales for retailers.
A water-free solution
Tipol’s Junior variety comes in 250mg sachets
A new product has arrived for administering paracetamol to children and adults who find medicines and pharmaceuticals difficult to swallow. Tipol 500mg Granules in Sachets Paracetamol and Tipol Junior 250mg Granules in Sachets Paracetamol are designed for oral use without water; consumers simply “tip on the tongue” and swallow.
This unique and innovative administration format is flavoured, and comes in a range of options for age groups. The 250mg sachets are designed for children 4-8 years, while the 500mg sachets are for children 8-12 and adults.
Children over 8 and adults should use the 500mg option
Tipol Granules Paracetamol can be used on-the-go, making them ideal for use by students and sports people, while also eliminating the need for spoons, water and doing away with the hassle of spillage and picky kids. Tipol granules are also ideal for elderly people, avoiding the need to “crush” tablets for administration.
For more information on this new and innovative product, contact Carysfort Healthcare in Dublin on 01-288-2332, Aquilant Medical Ltd, 01-404-8330 or Blackhall Pharmaceutical Distributors, 01-840-5071.
Fans 0
Followers