The homeopathy market - France

The global homeopathy market has experienced strong growth and is set to continue expanding, rising from US$6.20 billion to US$19.78 billion between 2020 and 2030. The European market, spearheaded by France, leads the way in homeopathy consumption. North America and Asia lag behind, but are experiencing significant growth, particularly in Asia due to the arrival of major Asian homeopathic laboratories.

The French homeopathy market, despite the challenges posed by the total withdrawal of homeopathic remedies from the social security system 2021, is showing signs of recovery, with the Boiron group announcing a remarkable 17% increase in sales by 2022, after a 50% drop in sales due to the delisting. The importance of homeopathy in France is also evidenced by the high level of consumer use. Exports of homeopathic products from France have remained stable in value terms, totaling 16.4 billion euros in 2022, with the USA and Belgium being important markets, while Germany, Ireland, the USA and Switzerland account for over 50% of French imports.

Despite the delisting of homeopathic treatments and a change in consumer behavior due to the health crisis, complementary care strategies incorporating homeopathy are being explored, and consumer interest in alternative medicine remains strong.

An overview of consumer preferences and industry changes

The French market has long been a bastion for homeopathic remedies. This widespread acceptance testifies to the country's openness to alternative medicines, and has created a solid consumer base that is both loyal and well-informed.

Despite this, the market faced challenges when the government decided to phase out reimbursement for homeopathic treatments, resulting in a significant drop in sales volumes in 2020 and 2021. However, since the delisting, the market has adapted. Leading homeopathic players, such as Laboratoires Boiron and Lehning, have diversified their offering to include probiotics, dietary supplements and health tests for influenza and Covid-19, leading to an increase in sales.

As far as consumer practice is concerned, although homeopathy use in France has plateaued since crossing the 50% user mark, the French continue to believe in the efficacy of homeopathy. The average French user has been taking homeopathic treatments for some twenty years, testifying to a deeply rooted confidence in this form of alternative medicine. However, restrictions linked to the health crisis and de-reimbursements have cast a shadow over the sector, leading to a significant drop in sales for the major companies.

Boiron, in particular, saw its sales fall by around 25% as a result of the delisting. However, the post-crisis period was marked by a gradual recovery, with the company recording a considerable increase in its financial results.

As far as healthcare providers are concerned, around 20,000 general practitioners prescribe homeopathy on a daily basis, but only a minority of them specialize in the field. Despite this, the practice is well integrated into the French healthcare system, with over 50 hospital consultations offering homeopathic treatments. The overall financial implications of homeopathic practices should not be overlooked. It is thought that increased use of homeopathy could reduce reliance on more conventional medicines, which in turn could lower healthcare costs. For specific health problems such as respiratory infections, musculoskeletal pain and psychological disorders, homeopathy could halve or even triple the use of conventional medicines. But the challenges are not without solutions. The market has reacted to the end of social security reimbursements with complementary health insurance companies.

Key players in the homeopathy market - Navigating the landscape beyond conventional medicine

The homeopathy market features a wide variety of established companies and new entrants, each offering unique products and services to meet the growing demand for alternative and complementary medicine. Within this complex tapestry, several key players dominate the scene as leading suppliers of homeopathic remedies, reflecting the market's preference for natural, holistic treatment options.

• Laboratoires Boiro is a titan in the homeopathic landscape. As the name that resonates most with consumers when it comes to alternative medicine, Boiron's long-standing reputation for quality and its wide range of products have cemented its place at the forefront of the industry. The company has mastered the art of blending tradition and modernity, offering remedies drawn from nature's bounty and formulated according to meticulous processes that underline the brand's commitment to homeopathic principles.
  
  
• Rocal homeopathy, part of the Lehning group, is another benchmark in the field of homeopathic treatments. As a subsidiary dedicated to raising the standard of natural medicine, Rocal's portfolio includes a wide range of preparations for a variety of ailments, from minor health problems to more specific conditions. Building on the strength of its parent company, Rocal targets consumers who trust in the power of nature to heal and maintain well-being.
  
  
• Weleda offers not only homeopathic remedies, but also a wider range of natural health and wellness products. Composed of organic and biodynamic ingredients, Weleda's offering is part of a lifestyle choice, combining the concept of homeopathy with the broader philosophy of holistic health. As such, the brand has gained a following among those who value sustainability and ethical production, as well as the healing prowess of homeopathic medicine.
  
  
• TP Santé (Cegedim Group) and Mon Conseil Pharma (Carte Blanche Partenaires Group) recognized the opportunity to support the sector with innovative solutions. These companies have focused their efforts on developing platforms and partnerships that facilitate access to homeopathic remedies, combining technology with healthcare to create easily navigable systems for patients and pharmacies.

Collectively, these major market players not only reflect homeopathy's enduring popularity among French consumers, but also demonstrate the industry's adaptability and resilience. Whether faced with regulatory challenges or changing market dynamics, these companies have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to offering alternative pathways to health and well-being, contributing to the diversity of homeopathic products in France.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 03/10/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Sales trends in the homeopathic market
• Trends in the French homeopathy market
• Export destination by country for item NC8 30049000
• Origin of imports by country for item NC8 30049000
• Trade balance
• Consumption of medical care and goods
• Assessing the French's relationship with homeopathy
• Trends in the consumption of homeopathic medicines in France
• Boiron group net income and net loss
• Assessing the gap between patients and doctors on the subject of homeopathy
• Evaluation of the French perception of alternative medicine
• Evaluation of homeopathic practice by healthcare professionals
• Assessing the value of homeopathy as supportive care in oncology
• Nature of active product by origin