Sick and Tired? South Africa’s New Wave of Combo-Action Cough, Cold, and Flu Products

As the chill sets in, both global and South African Cough, Cold, and Flu markets are mixing it up this winter season, embracing combination products that tackle multiple symptoms in one convenient solution. This combo-cure trend, fuelled by consumers' demand for comprehensive relief, is shaping the future of the market with a flurry of innovative product launches worldwide and locally. ?

Insight Survey’s latest South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies Industry Landscape Report 2024, carefully uncovers the global and local Cough, Cold and Flu market, based on the latest intelligence and research. It describes the latest global and local market trends, innovation and technology, drivers, and challenges, to present an objective insight into the South African Cough, Cold and Flu industry environment and its future.

In 2024, the global Cold and Cough Remedies market (also referred to as the Cough, Cold and Flu market) is estimated to achieve a revenue of approximately US$42.7 billion in 2024. Furthermore, the market is forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.2%, to reach a value of approximately US$57.7 billion by 2029, as illustrated in the graph below.

This global growth is also reflected in the South African market, where the Cough, Cold, and Flu Remedies market saw an 8.5% year-on-year increase in retail value from R7.2 billion in 2022 to R7.8 billion in 2023. The market is anticipated to continue this upward trajectory, with a forecast CAGR of 8.3% from 2024 to 2028.

On the global stage, the trend towards combination or multi-symptom relief products is gaining momentum. Consumers, who often experience a variety of symptoms during a bout of Cough, Cold, or Flu, are increasingly favouring products that offer comprehensive relief in a single dose. This demand has prompted pharmaceutical companies to innovate, developing products that combine multiple active ingredients to address a broad spectrum of symptoms.

For instance, in September 2023, Perrigo launched Solpa Cold & Flu Multi Relief, a product designed to tackle all Cold and Flu symptoms with one solution, reflecting the growing consumer preference for convenience. Similarly, in December 2023, Haleon introduced Cold and Flu Nurse Capsules, which combine ingredients such as paracetamol, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine hydrochloride to alleviate a range of symptoms, including aches, coughs, sore throats, and congestion. Mucinex followed suit in January 2024 with Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max? Kickstart Severe Cold & Flu, a menthol-flavoured liquid that provides fast-acting, multi-symptom relief.

In South Africa, the trend towards multipurpose products that provide all-in-one relief for Cough, Cold, and Flu symptoms is gaining traction. These products often include natural or organic ingredients, offering a holistic approach to symptom management, and are becoming increasingly popular amongst consumers seeking convenient and effective solutions.

For example, Cepacol? launched its new Cough & Cold Syrup in July 2023, which is designed to relieve coughs, congestion, and sore throats in one dose. This product's unique formula, containing ivy leaf and pelargonium, not only soothes coughs but also offers antibacterial and antiviral properties to combat Cold and Flu symptoms. Cepacol? also introduced Cepacol? Plus Cough & Cold Syrup, aimed at nighttime relief, combining ivy leaf, pelargonium, and valerian extract to soothe coughs and promote restful sleep.

Further innovation in the local market came from Bronchostop in April 2024, with the launch of Bronchostop Nite, a product designed to alleviate dry and nighttime coughs, as well as early Cold symptoms. This product includes natural extracts such as marshmallow root, ribwort plantain leaf, and lime flower, offering a comprehensive, natural solution for cold-related symptoms.

Vicks South Africa also introduced its Vicks? Xtra Strong range, which includes three new products; Vicks? Acta Plus Xtra Strong, Vicks? VapoLozenges Xtra Strong Honey Menthol Blast, and Vicks? VapoRub Xtra Strong. These products are designed to offer more potent relief from a variety of symptoms, including coughs, sore throats, blocked noses, and body aches.

Finally, in May 2024, Linctagon? further expanded into the local market with the launch of Linctagon?-C Plus NAC200 Effervescent. This product combines vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), to offer broad-spectrum immune support and symptom relief, with additional antiviral and antibacterial benefits.

The South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies Industry Landscape Report 2024 (108 pages) provides a dynamic synthesis of industry research, examining the local and global Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies industry from a uniquely holistic perspective, with detailed insights into the entire value chain – market sizes and forecasts, industry trends, latest innovation and technology, key drivers and challenges, as well as a manufacturer and distributor overview, retail and pricing analysis.

?Some key questions the report will help you to answer:

·??????? What are the key market dynamics of the global and South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies industry?

·??????? What are the latest global and South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies industry trends, innovation and technology, drivers, and challenges?

·??????? What is the South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies market size value and volume trends (2018-2023), and forecasts (2024-2028), as well as channel distribution?

·??????? Which are the key manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies industry?

·??????? What is the latest company news for key players in terms of products, new launches, and marketing initiatives?

·??????? What are the prices of popular OTC Cough, Cold and Flu Remedy brands/products across South African retail pharmacies?

Please note that the 108-page full report is available for purchase for R40,000.00 (excluding VAT). Alternatively, individual sections can be purchased for R25,000.00 (excluding VAT). For more information, please email [email protected], call our Cape Town office on (021) 045-0202 or Johannesburg office on (010) 140- 5756.

For a full brochure: South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies Industry Landscape Brochure 2024

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