Pharmacies grow 11.4%

Brazilian pharmacies and drugstores totaled R$ 66.4 billion in sales in the first half of 2020, against R$ 59.6 billion in the same period last year, according to an IQVIA study. The amount represents growth of 11.4% and already corresponds to 55% of the revenue of R$ 121 billion recorded throughout 2019. The volume of units sold increased by 10.3%, from 2.9 billion to 3.2 billion. According to the survey, the 2020 indicators are not only associated with the demand on account of Covid-19. In January and February, the sector's revenues reached R$ 20 billion and exceeded the amount obtained last year by 8%. However, the month of March reached a revenue of R$ 13.2 billion. In the semester, e-commerce totaled R$ 18.4 billion in revenues, 28% of the total marketed in pharmacies. Online sales of pharmacies gained prominence, especially, from March. Considering the physical and digital channels, consumer health was the segment with the best performance in the sector, with revenues in excess of R$ 15.5 billion and an evolution of 27%. Demand for vitamins, minerals and supplements grew 71% in the period, driven by low price brands linked to prevention and increased immunity. Perfumery products and prescription-free medicines increased by 4.5%, while the prescribed drugs sector remained stable.