OTC Products - India

India

Highlights

In India, the revenue in the OTC Products market is estimated to reach INR US$27.47bn by 2024.
It is anticipated that the revenue will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 5.32%, resulting in a market volume of INR US$35.61bn by 2029.
When compared globally, China is expected to generate the highest revenue in the OTC Products market, reaching INR US$74.91bn in 2024.
In terms of per person revenues, in India is projected to generate INR US$19.06 in 2024.
The demand for OTC products in India is surging, driven by increasing awareness of self-care and the availability of affordable healthcare solutions.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The OTC Products (Pharmacies) market in India is experiencing significant growth and development.

Customer preferences: Consumers in India are increasingly turning to over-the-counter (OTC) products for their healthcare needs. This shift in consumer behavior can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a growing awareness and emphasis on self-care and preventive healthcare. Consumers are becoming more proactive in managing their health and are seeking OTC products that can help them address common ailments and minor health issues. Secondly, the convenience and accessibility of OTC products in pharmacies have made them a preferred choice for consumers. With the expansion of organized retail chains and the increasing number of pharmacies across the country, consumers have easy access to a wide range of OTC products.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the OTC Products (Pharmacies) market in India is the rising demand for herbal and natural products. Consumers are increasingly opting for products that are perceived to be more natural and have fewer side effects. This trend is driven by a growing interest in traditional and alternative medicine, as well as a preference for products with natural ingredients. As a result, there has been a surge in the availability and variety of herbal and natural OTC products in pharmacies across the country. Another notable trend is the increasing adoption of e-commerce in the OTC Products (Pharmacies) market. Online pharmacies have gained popularity in recent years, offering consumers the convenience of ordering OTC products from the comfort of their homes. This trend has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a surge in online shopping across various sectors. Online pharmacies are leveraging technology and digital platforms to provide a seamless shopping experience, with features such as personalized recommendations, easy product comparison, and doorstep delivery.

Local special circumstances: India has a large and diverse population, with varying healthcare needs and preferences. This diversity is reflected in the OTC Products (Pharmacies) market, where a wide range of products catering to different consumer segments are available. For instance, there are specialized OTC products targeting specific age groups, such as children or the elderly. Similarly, there are products tailored to address the healthcare needs of women, such as prenatal vitamins or menstrual pain relief. The availability of such specialized products in pharmacies contributes to the overall growth of the OTC market in India.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: Several macroeconomic factors are driving the growth of the OTC Products (Pharmacies) market in India. Firstly, the country's rising middle class and increasing disposable incomes have led to a higher demand for healthcare products and services. As consumers become more health-conscious and willing to spend on self-care, the demand for OTC products is expected to grow. Additionally, the government's focus on promoting affordable healthcare and improving access to essential medicines has created a favorable environment for the OTC market. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana, which aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices, have contributed to the growth of the OTC market in India. In conclusion, the OTC Products (Pharmacies) market in India is witnessing significant growth and development. This can be attributed to changing customer preferences, including a growing emphasis on self-care and preventive healthcare, as well as the convenience and accessibility of OTC products in pharmacies. The market is also characterized by trends such as the rising demand for herbal and natural products and the increasing adoption of e-commerce. Local special circumstances, such as the availability of specialized products, further contribute to the growth of the market. Overall, the OTC market in India is driven by underlying macroeconomic factors such as the rising middle class and government initiatives to promote affordable healthcare.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on offline and online spending by consumers, including VAT. Not included are B2B and B2G sales, or other pharmaceutical sales through hospitals or retail stores such as supermarkets.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use industry associations, third-party studies and reports and survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as healthcare expenditure per country, consumer healthcare spending, GDP and internet penetration. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, forecasts are based on historical developments, current trends, and key market indicators, using advanced statistical methods. For forecasting digital trends such as the online-pharmacy sales share we use exponential trend smoothing and the s-curve method. The main drivers are healthcare expenditure per country and consumer healthcare spending.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.