EU consumer health care firms need to prepare for changes in retail channels

According to the findngs of a new survey covering 18 major countries, over-the-counter consumer health care companies will need to prepare for significant changes to retail channel management in Europe.

In 2007, European consumers are expected to purchase nearly $4.0 billion worth of non-prescription OTC medicines for self-medication representing around 36% of world demand.

Yet, unfolding regulatory issues combined with intensifying competitor activities among major pharmaceutical distributors as well as the ambitions of international supermarket and health and beauty discounters to get a share of this high margin sector are heralding large structural changes along the supply chain - responses to which will need to rise up the strategic agenda.