The market of pharmacies - Germany (2023)

1.1 Scope of the study

Pharmacies are companies in the healthcare sector that trade in medicines or manufacture them themselves and sell them to private customers or supply them to other companies in the healthcare sector. The core tasks include supplying the population with medicines, providing advice on medicines and medicine, as well as pharmaceutical services and solving problems related to drug therapy.

The market for pharmacies is highly fragmented and includes small family businesses through to chains and groupings. With the deiwlization of online commerce, some pharmacies have focused on their online presence and online shipping.

Globally, the market for pharmacies and pharmaceuticals is in steady growth. Between 2001 and 2021, the market has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR ) of 6.25%[IQVIA]. The United States represents the largest market for pharmaceuticals, followed by emerging economies such as Brazil, India, Russia. Europe is in third place in terms of annual sales[Astrazeneca].

In Germany, the market is also in steady growth. Since 2010 until 2021, German pharmacies have been able to generate an average annual sales growth of 3.44% (CAGR) [Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekenverbände]. However, the number of public pharmacies has decreased by 2980 pharmacies between 2010 and 2021[Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekenverbände].

The following market study deals with the market development of pharmacies, as well as with an analysis of the market structure and the competitive situation. From this, insightful information can be gained.