Operating environment

Oriola has identified solid long-term drivers supporting market growth such as ageing population, wellbeing and healthcare, online pharmaceuticals and growth of speciality products.

The challenges in the availability of pharmaceuticals have continued in Europe. Cost inflation has slowed down, with more stabilised energy prices while fuel prices have fluctuated.

Market environment – Pharmaceuticals 
The pharmaceutical distribution markets in Finland and Sweden are valued at around EUR 8.5 billion and have
historically been relatively stable during uncertain economic times. In the past three years, the average annual growth rate has been about 6% in value terms.

In Sweden, the value of the pharmaceutical distribution market at wholesale prices, measured in Swedish krona, grew by 7.3% (10.2%) in January-March (source: IQVIA). In Finland, the market value grew by 4.2% (4.3%) in January-March (source: Pharmaca Health Intelligence). According to Oriola’s estimate, the company’s share of the pharmaceutical distribution market in Sweden was approximately 42% (43%) in January-March. Oriola estimates that, the company’s share of the pharmaceutical distribution market in Finland was approximately 45% (44%) in January- March. 

In the dose dispensing business, Oriola offers pharmaceuticals and dose dispensing for private and public healthcare sector operators. The total market size for dose dispensing in Finland is approximately 110,000 (100,000) patients of which Oriola serves approximately 30,000 (30,000). 

Market environment – Health products
The consumer health markets in Finland and Sweden are valued at around EUR 1,5 billion. The historical market growth has been 3.1% (2018-2023 CAGR%) while growth is expected to be 3.2 % for 2023-2028 with significant differences between categories. In Sweden, the ongoing preventive health trend will continue driving demand for products such as vitamins, dietary supplements and sports nutrition, all of which are expected to benefit from increased demand. In Finland, consumers are expected to demand more natural and clean products with high-quality ingredients and available in easy-to-use formats. (Source: Euromonitor)

Consumer confidence has remained weak. Although the consumer confidence indicators both in Sweden and Finland have slightly improved from the earlier significant drop, they have still been below historical averages. 

As published in the Q1 2024 report on 25 April 2024.