The parapharmacy market - Spain

The parapharmaceutical market encompasses all care, hygiene, cosmetic, nutritional and preventive products sold without a prescription. Since its emergence in the 1980s, this sector has undergone rapid development, thanks in particular to the democratization of parapharmaceutical product consumption. Today, these products are available via a number of distribution channels: traditional pharmacies, specialist retailers, independent parapharmacies and, above all, the rapidly expanding online channel. worldwide, the pharmaceutical market - including parapharmacy - has been growing steadily for several years.Spain boasts a high density of pharmacies, with 42 outlets per 100,000 inhabitants, well above the European average (32 per 100,000). This dense network ensures easyaccess to parapharmaceutical products and supports the sector's growth momentum. In Spain, parapharmacy benefits from the growth of the cosmetics and perfumery market, which is a key driver. According to Stanpa, average consumption per person is €150 per year, 9.5% higher than the European average (€137/year/person). The average Spaniard uses 6 to 8 cosmetic products a day, reflecting theimportance attached to personal care and image in local culture. Furthermore, e-commerce is profoundly transforming consumer habits. Today, 25% of Spaniards say they have bought cosmetics and skincare products online in the last 12 months, compared with 16% for other parapharmacy products. This trend towardsonline purchasing, reinforced by the search for convenience and competitive prices, represents a strategic growth lever for players in the sector, who are called upon to adapt to an increasingly connected and demanding clientele.