Buy the full study
Summary of our market study
The global pharmacy market has witnessed significant growth, particularly influenced by COVID-19 and the rise in emerging markets. In 2021, the market experienced a sharp increase exceeding $1,400 billion, largely driven by COVID vaccine sales, especially in Europe and North America. The United States persists as the dominant player, encompassing 40.8% of global sales, while Western Europe and China follow with 14.7% and 11.9%, respectively. Pharmaceutical spending continues to expand, with an increase of 7.79% from 2020 to 2021, reaching about $1,493 billion.
Spanish pharmacies demonstrate growth trends, with medicine sales ascending to 10.7 billion euros in 2021 and the healthcare system reimbursements for pharmacy prescriptions reaching 11.7 billion euros. The Spanish market shows a high concentration of pharmacies, with 22,198 establishments in 2021, and an escalating demand with 1,023 million prescriptions dispensed in 2021. Online pharmacies in Spain are gaining traction, generating 296 million euros in 2021, with personal care products leading sales.
Pharmaceutical Market Dynamics and Consumer Trends in Spain
Spain's pharmaceutical market has been exhibiting a significant uptrend, mirroring the increasing necessity for medications and healthcare products, particularly against the backdrop of an aging population. The demand for pharmaceuticals is evident, with a palpable surge in the number of prescriptions dispensed at pharmacies, illustrating a growing dependency on such products. Between 2013 and 2021, Spanish pharmacies have seen an escalation in dispensed prescriptions, ascending from a ballpark of 850 million to over 1000 million. Equally, the spending patterns reflect the burgeoning market size. Spanish healthcare system reimbursed prescriptions have swelled sharply. The boost in spending on pharmaceuticals aligns with the global uptick, with worldwide spending rising by approximately 7 to 10 percent in just one year. The Spanish market has gravitated towards nervous system medications, digestive system drugs, and cardiovascular medicines as principal sales drivers, together constituting more than half of all pharmaceutical sales. This skew hints at prevalent health concerns amongst Spaniards and potential areas of focus for pharmaceutical endeavors. Geographically, regions like Extremadura and the Principality of Asturias lead in per capita pharmaceutical spending, whilst Madrid and Catalonia exhibit lower public expenditure, ranging from about 190 to over 300 euros per inhabitant.
The parapharmaceutical market, although broad and challenging to encapsulate, is another flourishing segment in Spain. Estimates suggest a valuation of around 5 billion euros. Beauty and skincare products, as a subset, boast a robust consumer base with millions engaging in the regular purchase of varying product types. The consumer profile for pharmacies skews towards a female demographic, predominantly active and middle-income brackets, with an average age of 45. While pharmacies remain the paramount channel for purchases, consumers are gradually indulging in multi-channel buying behaviors. This shift has been significantly catalyzed by the internet, with at least one-fourth of Spaniards seeking online information or purchasing beauty and skincare products. In the grand landscape of the Spanish pharmaceutical market, macro-trends suggest a swiftly evolving ecosystem. Aging demographics, heightened healthcare spending, increased prescription dispensing, and burgeoning multichannel consumer behaviors point towards a market ripe with opportunities for both established players and emergent startups alike. The call for strategic adaptation, digital transformation, and customer-centric service innovations rings louder than ever for stakeholders looking to capture value in this expanding industry.
Key Players Shaping the Pharmaceutical and Pharmacy Landscape in Spain
The Spanish pharmaceutical and pharmacy market is a vibrant and dynamic field with numerous key players that actively shape its landscape. Among the notable companies, several stand out due to their significant influence within the industry.
- Sanofi is a global giant in the pharmaceutical industry, known for its broad range of medicines and vaccines. Sanofi's presence in Spain underscores its commitment to delivering healthcare solutions that cater to a spectrum of medical needs.
- Novartis is another titan in the global pharmaceutical sector, with an expansive portfolio that includes cutting-edge treatments and therapies. Its operations in Spain reflect its global strategy of innovation and healthcare improvement.
- Pfizer has established itself as one of the most recognized names in pharmaceuticals worldwide. With a strong foothold in Spain, Pfizer has been instrumental in driving pharmaceutical advancements and improving patient outcomes.
- Johnson & Johnson, renowned for its diverse healthcare products, continues to make a substantial impact in Spain through its pharmaceutical division, offering innovative and trusted treatments.
- Roche is synonymous with pioneering healthcare solutions. In Spain, Roche's contribution to the pharmaceutical sector is marked by its commitment to research and development, striving to improve the lives of patients.
- On the pharmacy group front, Sanifarma, Redfarma, Farmactiva, Farmacias Trébol, Farmàcies Ecoceutic, and XarxaFarma are among the main Spanish pharmacy groups that play a pivotal role in the distribution of pharmaceuticals in Spain. They represent a significant part of the pharmacy network, providing the public with access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
- In terms of drug manufacturing, Instituto Grifols is a major player specializing in pharmaceuticals derived from plasma, while Bioibérica focuses on the production of biomolecules for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes.
- When it comes to pharmaceutical wholesalers and laboratories, companies like Cofares, Bidafarm, and Alliance Healthcare are key distributors ensuring the supply of medications across the nation. They act as crucial intermediaries between manufacturers and pharmacies, maintaining the efficiency of Spain's pharmaceutical distribution chain.
- Evolving within the digital space, LUDA Partners represents a new generation of startups aiming to bridge the gap between pharmacies and the digital realm. By creating networks that facilitate medicine location and online sales, this innovative company reflects the burgeoning digital transformation within the pharmaceutical sector.
to understand this market
Detailed content of our market study
Inforamtion
- Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update :
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Definition and presentation
Pharmacies are physical outlets that sell medicines, but also hygiene and care products. Pharmacies are often sales intermediaries, but they can also play an important role in providing advice, and even in preparing products.
Worldwide, the pharmacy market is largely dominated by North America, which accounts for almost half of global sales. Europe ranks second with around a quarter of the total, ahead of the Asia-Pacific region. In Europe, Spain has the largest number of pharmacies (over 22,000), ahead of France (21,200), Germany (19,400) and Italy (18,900).
In Spain, pharmacy sales remain relatively small due to the relatively high fragmentation of the market, with an average of just over 900,000 euros per establishment. By 2022, more than two-thirds of sales will come from the sale of medicines, with the remainder generated by the consumer health segment. Eight autonomous communities account for 80% of national sales. Andalusia remains the leading national market, ahead of Catalonia and Madrid. Among the most dynamic products, anti-diabetic products and antithrombotic agents have seen their volumes rise sharply. [IQVIA]
1.2 The global market
Size of the global pharmaceuticals market :
In ****, the global drug market grew at a steady pace, driven by dynamic sales in many emerging markets (***) and, to a lesser extent, in Europe.According to IQVIA, it will grow by over **% in ****, to exceed $*,*** billion. This sharp acceleration is due to the marketing of Covid vaccines, particularly in Europe and North America. [***]
The Globe News Wire study entitled"Pharmaceutical Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis Report By API Type" estimated the industry's CAGR (***) at *. **% up to ****. We can then propose a projection for the size of the global market. The global pharmaceutical market is expected to grow rapidly until ****, reaching $**** billion.
Global drug market size World, ****-****, in billions of dollars Source: ****
Market share and geographical distribution of global drug sales :
Geographical distribution of worldwide drug sales World, ****, % (***) Source: ****
The United States remains the world's leading drug market(***). [***]
Global pharmaceutical industry market spending:
Indeed, spending in the global pharmaceutical industry continues to rise. In March ****, the IQVIA institute, published a report entitled"Global Medicine Spendings and Usage Trends". In ****, spending amounted to $**** billion, excluding tests and vaccinations. And in ****, taking into account spending on tests, vaccinations and, more broadly, all COVID-related expenditure, spending reached ...
1.3 The Spanish market
Market size trends :
Growth in pharmacy drug sales Spain, ****-****, in millions of euros Source: ****
Sales of medicines in Spanish pharmacies have been rising in recent years, reaching **.* billion euros in **** nationwide.
Spending trends in the Spanish healthcare system Spain, ****, in millions of euros Source: ****
Spanish health system reimbursements for pharmacy prescriptions are also rising sharply, reaching **.* billion euros in **** .
Sales of pharmaceutical companies in Spain Spain, ****-****, in millions of euros Source: ****
In ****-****, sales by Spanish drug manufacturers are on the rise again, following a decline over the period ****-****.
Pharmaceutical sales value by segment :
Spain, ****, in millions of euros
Source: ****
The parapharmaceutical market: It is difficult to estimate the size of the parapharmaceutical market, as it encompasses a very broad spectrum of product types. However, according to the latest estimates from various sources, the Spanish parapharmacy market is worth around * billion euros. [***]
1.4 Foreign trade
International trade:
Concerning international trade, we consider data provided by UN Comtrade for commodity code **** "Pharmaceutical products". As shown in the graph below, imports and exports of pharmaceutical products have increased in recent years.Imports reached a value of **.* billion USD in **** and exports amounted to **.* billion USD in ****. The coverage rate fluctuates around **% and **%, showing a very high trade balance.
Pharmaceutical imports and exports Spain, ****-****, in millions and % Source: ****
Focusing on imports, Spain mainly imports from Germany, which accounts for **.*% of the pie, the USA, with *.*%, and Ireland, with *.*%. The other countries concerned are Hungary (***).
Import origin Spain, ****, in Source: ****
In terms of export destinations, Spain exports over **.*% of its pharmaceutical products to the USA, and *.*% to Germany. Other important destinations are Portugal (***).
Main export destinations Spain, ****, as % of total Source: ****
2 Demand analysis
2.1 Drug consumption in Spain
Demand trends :
Total number of prescriptions dispensed in pharmacies Spain, ****-****, in millions Source: Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social Between **** and ****, the number of prescriptions dispensed in pharmacies rose sharply, illustrating a growing need for medicines and pharmaceutical products, particularly in view of Spain's ageing population. In ****, **** million prescriptions were dispensed in pharmacies, compared with *** million in ****.
Sales breakdown :
Breakdown of pharmacy drug sales by type Spain, ****, in Source: ****
The top-selling drugs in pharmacies are those for the nervous system (***) and those for the cardiovascular system. These three types of drugs alone account for over **% of sales.
Geographical breakdown :
Source: ****
CC. AA. with the highest per capita spending on pharmaceuticals are Extremadura and the Principality of Asturias. Madrid and Catalonia are the autonomous communities with the lowest public spending on pharmaceuticals. Expenditure ranges from *** to *** euros per inhabitant.
2.2 Spaniards and pharmacy
This section presents the pharmacy consumption habits of Spaniards.
Average pharmacy consumption per capita Spain, ****-****, in euros Source: ****
In ****, the average Spaniard will spend *** euros on drugs and *** euros on healthcare products per year, up from **** .
Average ticket value Spain, ****-****, in euros Source: ****
The average pharmacy bill in **** will be **.* euros, up *.*% on ****.
Average number of pharmacy visitors per month Spain, ****, in numbers
On average, a pharmacy will receive **** visitors per month in ****, up *.*% on ****.
Ranking of the ** pharmaceutical companies with the best reputations Spain, ****, reputation index Source: ****
In ****, the laboratory with the best corporate reputation in Spain was the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
Second on the list was Novartis International AG, one of the world's highest-volume multinational pharmaceutical companies.
2.3 Demand for parapharmaceutical products sold in pharmacies
Beauty and skincare products, which account for a large proportion of parapharmacy products, are widely used among the Spanish population. In ****, for example, there were an estimated **.* million regular buyers of oral care products, **.* million regular buyers of hair care products, and **.* million regular buyers of bath and shower products.
Number of buyers by product type Spain, ****, in millions Source: ****
It's also interesting to consider not only the number of users, but also the frequency of use of beauty and skincare products. Indeed, the higher the frequency of use, the higher the number of purchasing acts per year, and the higher the value of annual sales.
However, it is important to bear in mind that the range of parapharmacy products on offer is very broad, making it difficult to obtain a precise overview of consumer habits for all products. We have therefore chosen to focus on a few product types in order to gain an overview of consumption trends for this type of product.
For the two product types selected (***), the overall trend is towards an increase in the number of users, particularly in the higher frequency ranges.
Indeed, the number of men using face cream once a day grew by ...
3 Market structure
3.1 The French pharmaceutical industry value chain and drug production
Drug industry value chain :
Source: ****
Source: ****
Source: ****
3.2 Pharmacies in Spain
Number of pharmacies in Spain :
Growth in the number of pharmacies Spain, ****-****, in number Source: ****
In ****, there will be ***** pharmacies in Spain, ** more than in ****. Spain currently has the most pharmacies in Europe.
Geographical distribution of pharmacies in Spain :
Source: ****
The regions with the highest number of pharmacies are Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid, which are the most densely populated.
3.3 Drug manufacturing in Spain
Key figures for the drug manufacturing sector in Spain:
The number of companies manufacturing drugs in Spain is fairly constant (***).
Trend in the number of drug manufacturing companies in Spain Spain, ****-****, in numbers Source: ****
Number of employees in drug manufacturing companies Spain, ****-****, in numbers Source: ****
Main companies :
Instituto Grifols and Bioibérica are the two leading drug manufacturing companies in Spain in **** (***).
Ranking of leading drug manufacturers by sales Spain, ****, in millions of euros Source: ****
3.4 Drug distribution
A fairly concentrated market:
Sales by pharmacy group Spain, ****, in Source: ****
The top **% of pharmacies in Spain account for **% of sales, while the **% smallest account for just **%.
Main companies :
Leading pharmaceutical wholesalers Spain, ****, in millions of euros Source: ****
This chart represents a ranking of the leading Spanish companies engaged in pharmaceutical wholesaling in ****. This year, Cofares S. Coop topped the list of leading companies in this sector, with sales valued at around *.* billion euros in ****. Bida Farma ranked second on the list, with figures reaching around *.* billion euros.
The different drug distribution channels:
Distribution of drug and health product sales by channel Spain, ****, in Source: ****
almost all sales of medicines and consumer health products take place in physical pharmacies (***).
3.5 Investment and R&D
High spending :
Trends in pharmaceutical R&D expenditure Spain, ****-****, in millions of euros Source: ****
This statistic shows the annual evolution of R&D investment by the pharmaceutical industry in Spain from **** to ****. According to the results of Farma Industria's R&D survey, the Spanish-based pharmaceutical industry will have invested around €*,*** million in R&D projects by ****.
Number of employees working in pharmaceutical research :
Trend in the number of people employed in pharmaceutical R&D Spain, ****-****, in numbers Source: ****
The pharmaceutical industry will employ around *,*** people in R&D in ****.
4 Offer analysis
4.1 Prices
Price trends :
Average drug prices have been rising in recent years, by *.*% in February **** compared with February ****, and by *.*% from February **** to February ****.
Evolution of average drug prices over one year Spain, ****-****, in Source: ****
Prices by drug type:
The most expensive drugs are antineoplastics and immunomodulators. The least expensive are, on average, drugs for the nervous and locomotor systems, dermatology and sensory organs.
Average drug price by therapeutic group Spain, ****, in euros Source: ****
4.2 Supply trends: towards digitalization of the business
Experts and pharmacists experienced in the digital development of pharmacy shared online business strategies at a webinar organized by Ágora Sanitaria in ****. According to consulting firm IQVIA, the online pharmacy market in Spain generated *** million euros in ****, with personal care products leading the way.
The pandemic has stimulated the use of the online channel for purchasing products, so it's necessary to work on the digitization of pharmacies. The advantages of e-commerce include the ability to expand the product catalog, develop omnichannel sales and marketing strategies, measure the success of actions taken and establish a rapid connection with other sales channels. Logistics and means of payment are key aspects to consider, as is knowledge of the legal framework and the importance of an appropriate human team. At the digital round table, various pharmacists shared their experiences and strategies in e-commerce, including category specializationgories, integrative models, omnichannelity, the use of social networks and pharmaceutical advice as a differentiation and loyalty factor.
Numerous start-ups are emerging in the online pharmacy sector, such as LUDA, a Spanish start-up that aims to have more than *,*** pharmacies on its network by ****.the company, created by and for pharmacists, was founded in **** with the aim of helping the ...
5 Regulations
5.1 Drug regulations
Medicines and active ingredients:
Medicines are regulated throughout their life cycle. All medicines used in Spain require a marketing authorization issued by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (***). Once their quality, safety and efficacy have been favorably assessed, any modifications must also be authorized or notified to AEMPS. These assessments ensure that a positive benefit-risk ratio is maintained throughout the life cycle of the drug on the market.
Medicinal products regulated by AEMPS include products as diverse as chemical or biotechnological drugs, plasma derivatives, vacciness, vaccines, herbal medicines, homeopathic medicines, radiopharmaceuticals and cell therapies.
Where can I find out whether a drug is authorized or not?
To find out whether a drug is authorized or not, you can consult the AEMPS online Drug Information Center (***), available on the AEMPS website, which offers constantly updated information on all AEMPS-approved medicines.
Medical devices intended to be placed on the market and put into service in Spain must bear the CE mark. Exceptions :
Custom-made products Products intended for clinical investigations In vitro diagnostic medical devices intended for performance evaluation do not bear the CE mark.
conformity assessment :
The manufacturer is responsible for declaring the product's conformity to all requirements. He must prepare ...
5.2 Cosmetics regulations
Cosmetic products are regulated at European level by :
Regulation (***) No. ****/**** of the European Parliament and of the Council of November **, **** on cosmetic products. Commission Regulation (***) n° ***/**** of July **, **** establishing common criteria with which claims made on cosmetic products must comply. Commission implementing decision of November **, **** on guidelines concerning Annex I of Regulation (***) No ****/**** of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products.
In addition, at national level, they are regulated by:
Royal Decree **/****, of February **, regulating cosmetic products. Royal Legislative Decree */****, of July **, ****, approving the revised text of the law on the guarantee and rational use of medicines and medical devices.
Facilities:
The activity of manufacturing these products must be carried out in facilities that have implemented a quality system that complies with good manufacturing practices.
These facilities are also subject to a responsible declaration system, declaring under their own responsibility that they meet the requirements set out in current regulations for starting up their activity.
AEMPS verifies these declarations and orders the necessary inspections.
The responsible person is the one who must guarantee product safety and compliance with legal requirements, and his or her name and address must appear on product labelling.
Product marketing :
Legislation lays down a ...
5.3 Regulations for personal care products
Personal care products require an exclusive marketing authorization for Spain, issued by AEMPS. These products are regulated by Royal Decree ****/****, of October **, which regulates cosmetic products.
Facilities :
The activity of manufacturing these products must be carried out in facilities that have set up a quality system and are subject to a system of responsible declaration, declaring under the supervision of the competent authorities.they are responsible for declaring that they comply with the requirements set out in current regulations before commencing their activity.
Responsible declaration instructions and forms :
There are instructions and forms for submitting the responsible declaration for the manufacture and/or import of personal care products, which provide information on how to carry out this procedure.
Product marketing :
Product marketing authorization is valid for * years, after which it can be revalidated if you wish to continue marketing the product.
To apply for authorization, modification or revalidation, there is a document entitled "Instructions and forms: application for marketing authorization for personal care products."
Source: ****
6 Positioning the players
6.1 Segmentation
- Sanofi Aventis
- Novartis
- Hygie 31- Laf Santé Lafayette
- Johnson & Johnson
- Pfizer
- Roche Groupe
- Cofares S.c. Farmaceutica Española
- Grupo Bidafarma S.c. Andaluza De Segundo Grado
- Alliance Healthcare España Sociedad Anonima
- Hermandad Farmaceutica Del Mediterraneo S.c.l.
- Grupo Unnefar S.c.
- Janssen Cilag Sa
- Merck Sharp & Dohme De España Sau
- Almirall
All our studies are available online in PDF format
Take a look at an example of our research on another market!
Choosing this study means :
Access to more than 35 hours of work
Our studies are the result of over 35 hours of research and analysis. Using our studies allows you to devote more time and added value to your projects.
Benefit from 6 years' experience and over 1,500 industry reports already produced
Our expertise enables us to produce comprehensive studies in all sectors, including niche and emerging markets.
Our know-how and methodology enable us to produce reports that offer unique value for money.
Access to several thousand articles and paid-for data
Businesscoot has access to all the paid economic press as well as exclusive databases to carry out its market research (over 30,000 articles and private sources).
To enhance our research, our analysts also use web indicators (semrush, trends, etc.) to identify market trends and company strategies. (Consult our paying sources)
Guaranteed support after your purchase
A team dedicated to after-sales service, to guarantee you a high level of satisfaction. +44 238 097 0676
A digital format designed for our users
Not only do you have access to a PDF, but also to a digital version designed for our customers. This version gives you access to sources, data in Excel format and graphics. The content of the study can therefore be easily retrieved and adapted for your specific needs.
Our offers :
the pharmacy market | Spain
- What are the figures on the size and growth of the market?
- What is driving the growth of the market and its evolution?
- What is the positioning of companies in the value chain?
- Data from several dozen databases
5 reports pack (-15%) ES Spain
- 5 reports at €75.6 excluding VAT per study to choose from our Spanish catalogue for 12 months
- Save 15% on additional studies purchased
- Choose to be refunded any unused credit at the end of the 12-month period (duration of the pack)
See the terms and conditions of the pack and the refund of unused credit.
Our customer references
They have consulted our studies
Discover the opinions (+500)
Malcolm Vincent
Astoria Finance
Gregoire de Castelnau
Stags Participations
Timothé Huignard
PWC
Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff
BCG
Aymeric Granet
Publicis Consultant
interviews & case studies
All interviews and case studies (45)
