Sales in pharmacies have $ 13.5 billion in 1st half

São Paulo-sales in drugstores reached R $ 13.5 billion in the first half of 2013 according to the Brazilian Association of Pharmacies and Drugstores (Abrafarma). The number represents 12.04% growth compared to the same period last year.
The result shows slowing growth rate. In 2012, sales in the first half had grown 18.38% compared to the same months of the previous year.
Between the different categories of products sold, the most significant was the growth of the non-category medicines, including hygiene items, perfumery and cosmetics. According to Abrafarma pharmacy networks reached r $ 4.3 billion in sales of these items in the first half, an increase of 16.82% in comparison with 2012.
"Increasingly, the Brazilian consumer sees the channel farma as an attractive option for purchases of products of hygiene and beauty and convenience," he said in note Sérgio Mena Barreto, Chief Executive Officer of Abrafarma. "This is a global trend," he said.
Already revenues from drugs in the period was r $ 9.2 billion, representing 9.9% growth. Generics corresponded to R $ 1.6 billion of total revenue with medicines and had 11.93% growth in sales compared to last year.
The Abrafarma brings together some of the major drugstore chains and drug stores of Brazil, as the streak Drogasil, the Brazil Pharma, the DPSP and pay less, in addition to the supermarket pharmacies Walmart. The entity also reported that the number of stores of its members came to 4.858 million, an increase of 7.5%.