Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay

Fever) Remedies in China

Euromonitor International
September 2023
COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY FEVER) REMEDIES IN CHINA Passport i

LIST OF CONTENTS AND TABLES

KEY DATA FINDINGS.................................................................................................................. 1
2023 DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................................................................... 1
Cough, Cold And Allergy (hay Fever) Remedies Shows A Positive Trend Due To End Of
Zero-COVID Policy ................................................................................................................... 1
Systemic Antihistamines/allergy Remedies Has Great Growth Potential .................................. 1
Combination Products Outperforms The Market Thanks To National Endorsement ................ 2
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES......................................................................................... 2
Return To Slower Growth Expected For Cough Remedies And Pharyngeal Preparations ....... 2
Paediatric Cough, Cold And Allergy Remedies Has The Strongest Growth Potential .............. 2
CATEGORY DATA ....................................................................................................................... 3
Table 1 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by
Category: Value 2018-2023 ......................................................................... 3
Table 2 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by
Category: % Value Growth 2018-2023......................................................... 3
Table 3 NBO Company Shares of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever)
Remedies: % Value 2019-2023 ................................................................... 4
Table 4 LBN Brand Shares of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever)
Remedies: % Value 2020-2023 ................................................................... 5
Table 5 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by
Category: Value 2023-2028 ......................................................................... 6
Table 6 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by
Category: % Value Growth 2023-2028......................................................... 7

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COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY FEVER) REMEDIES IN CHINA Passport 1

COUGH, COLD AND ALLERGY (HAY

FEVER) REMEDIES IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
▪ Retail value sales grow by 9% in current terms in 2023 to CNY65.1 billion
▪ Medicated confectionery is the best performing category in 2023, with retail value sales
growing by 17% in current terms to CNY2.8 billion
▪ CR Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co Ltd is the leading player in 2023, with a retail value
share of 8%
▪ Retail sales are set to increase at a current value CAGR of 5% (2023 constant value CAGR of
2%) over the forecast period to CNY81.5 billion

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Cough, Cold And Allergy (hay Fever) Remedies Shows A Positive Trend
Due To End Of Zero-COVID Policy
Even though cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies recorded over 40% current value
growth in 2022, it is anticipated that the category will continue to achieve high single-digit growth
in 2023. Starting from late 2022, the end of the zero-COVID policy led to a significant
resurgence of cases of the virus in China. In 2023, as people have gradually returned to their
pre-pandemic lifestyles, with the gradual removal of masks and increased social interactions
and travel, there have been successive waves of large-scale COVID-19 outbreaks. In addition,
outbreaks of influenza have raised the likelihood of individuals experiencing colds and fevers.
Consequently, the frequency of using cough and cold remedies has remained high, resulting in
increased consumer demand. While the growth of cough and cold remedies, which provide a
milder approach compared with analgesics, which directly alleviate fever symptoms, is expected
to be slightly lower, these remedies remain a staple for Chinese consumers, ensuring the
continued stable growth of this category.

Systemic Antihistamines/allergy Remedies Has Great Growth Potential

Systemic antihistamines/allergy remedies experienced dynamic current value growth in 2022,
and the projection is for high single-digit expansion in 2023. Despite a post-pandemic landscape
in which mask-wearing habits persist amongst many, the lingering effects of COVID-19 have
exacerbated allergic reactions amongst some individuals. In the aftermath of COVID-19, many
people have reported more frequent and severe allergy symptoms. This direct correlation has
led to increased frequency of the utilisation of antihistamines/allergy remedies. In addition,
during the pandemic, a higher number of people adopted pets, which increased their exposure
to allergens. These scenarios have collectively contributed to the progressive rise in demand for
allergy remedies. Furthermore, over time Chinese consumers have been gradually improving
their understanding of allergic reactions and potential treatments, and they now exhibit a
stronger willingness to use allergy remedies. This trend has laid the foundations for the growth
of systemic antihistamines/allergy remedies.

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Combination Products Outperforms The Market Thanks To National

Endorsement
Throughout the pandemic, the popularity of Lianhua Qingwen capsules, endorsed by the
national health authorities, not only resulted in remarkable individual sales growth, but also
catalysed the expansion of other combination products primarily formulated with herbal
ingredients. Remarkably, this trend has endured even after the zero-COVID policy was
implemented. As a consequence of these developments, combination products - cough, cold,
and allergy (hay fever) remedies is poised to sustain double-digit current value growth in 2023,
building on its impressive growth rate of nearly 50% in 2022. This can be attributed to the
extensive historical use of herbal components in Chinese pharmaceuticals, coupled with the
endorsement of their efficacy by national authorities, providing consumers with added
confidence. Due to the surge in COVID-19 and influenza cases in early 2023, it is anticipated
that this category will continue its positive growth trajectory.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Return To Slower Growth Expected For Cough Remedies And

Pharyngeal Preparations
With the normalisation of consumers’ lives after the pandemic in 2023, the current value
growth trends for pharyngeal preparations and cough remedies are expected to slow
significantly compared with 2022, and it is expected that they will maintain only low single-digit
growth rates in the forecast period. On the one hand, while post-COVID-19 and influenza
sequelae may continue to present as coughing and throat discomfort, these symptoms usually
do not persist indefinitely in most cases. Patients are therefore likely to reduce their dependence
on the corresponding medications. Meanwhile, the pandemic has led to lifestyle changes, with
people becoming more health-conscious and careful about their diet. Many have reduced the
consumption of irritants such as spicy foods, and decreased or stopped smoking. In addition,
there is a growing preference for traditional Chinese remedies, including the consumption of
foods such as snow pears and loquats, which are known for their benefits to the throat.
Nevertheless, considering the increasingly diverse product formats and improved flavours of
pharyngeal preparations and cough remedies, it is anticipated that these categories will continue
to experience steady current value growth at low single-digit rates throughout the forecast
period.

Paediatric Cough, Cold And Allergy Remedies Has The Strongest

Growth Potential
While China’s birth rate has been consistently declining, the cost of raising children has been
steadily increasing. Parents are becoming more meticulous in their approach to child-rearing,
and this is reflected in their choice of pharmaceutical products. Parents now have a stronger
willingness to invest in specialised paediatric medications, even at higher price points. This
trend is particularly pronounced in China, where there is a general understanding amongst
consumers that pharmaceuticals, while treating illnesses, can also impose a certain burden on
the body. Given that children are in a critical phase of growth and development, the selection of
milder medications with low side-effects is deemed essential, even if it means a higher unit cost.
It is evident that an increasing number of pharmaceutical companies are going beyond mere
adjustments to recommended dosages for children. They are showing a willingness to introduce
products specifically designed for children. These products often feature child-friendly flavours

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or formulations, catering to the needs of younger consumers. Consequently, this approach is

expected to stimulate higher purchases amongst parents.

CATEGORY DATA
Table 1 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category: Value
2018-2023

CNY million
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

- Antihistamines/ 1,479.8 1,541.8 1,492.3 1,551.0 1,768.6 1,896.5

Allergy Remedies
(Systemic)
- Paediatric Cough, 4,253.3 4,570.7 3,112.7 4,389.7 6,360.0 6,929.3
Cold and Allergy Remedies
-- Paediatric Allergy - - - - - -
Remedies
-- Paediatric Cough/ 4,253.3 4,570.7 3,112.7 4,389.7 6,360.0 6,929.3
Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - 18,959.4 19,889.5 18,642.4 19,593.2 29,123.7 32,213.4
Cough, Cold and Allergy
(Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies 7,114.8 7,470.6 5,345.9 6,974.2 9,938.5 10,486.3
-- Nasal Sprays 799.0 899.7 956.4 1,038.1 1,192.0 1,265.4
-- Oral Decongestants 247.8 259.8 261.9 274.8 313.5 328.5
-- Inhalant Decongestants 13.4 14.0 14.1 14.6 16.4 17.0
-- Decongestant Rubs - - - - - -
-- Nasal Decongestant 12.6 13.1 13.2 13.6 15.5 16.1
Drops
-- Nasal Decongestant - - - - - -
Plasters
- Decongestants 1,072.7 1,186.5 1,245.6 1,341.1 1,537.5 1,627.0
- Medicated Confectionery 1,812.2 1,915.5 2,030.4 2,140.7 2,393.0 2,802.5
- Pharyngeal Preparations 5,779.6 5,986.2 5,484.0 5,963.0 8,824.0 9,175.8
Cough, Cold and Allergy 40,471.9 42,560.7 37,353.2 41,952.8 59,945.4 65,130.8
(Hay Fever) Remedies
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

Table 2 Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category: % Value
Growth 2018-2023

% current value growth

2022/23 2018-23 CAGR 2018/23 Total

- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic) 7.2 5.1 28.2

- Paediatric Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies 9.0 10.3 62.9
-- Paediatric Allergy Remedies - - -
-- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies 9.0 10.3 62.9
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and 10.6 11.2 69.9
Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies 5.5 8.1 47.4
-- Nasal Sprays 6.2 9.6 58.4
-- Oral Decongestants 4.8 5.8 32.6

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-- Inhalant Decongestants 3.7 4.9 27.0

-- Decongestant Rubs - - -
-- Nasal Decongestant Drops 3.6 5.1 28.0
-- Nasal Decongestant Plasters - - -
- Decongestants 5.8 8.7 51.7
- Medicated Confectionery 17.1 9.1 54.6
- Pharyngeal Preparations 4.0 9.7 58.8
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies 8.7 10.0 60.9
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

Table 3 NBO Company Shares of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies: %
Value 2019-2023

% retail value rsp

Company 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

CR Sanjiu Medical & 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.6

Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Shijiazhuang Yiling 3.2 7.0 4.5 5.1 4.9
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Nin Jiom Medicine Mfy 3.4 1.7 2.4 2.4 2.5
(HK) Ltd
Shanghai Johnson & 2.4 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4
Johnson Pharmaceutical Ltd
Guangxi Golden Throat 2.4 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Guilin Sanjin 2.4 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.2
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Guizhou Bailing 2.2 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Renhe Pharmacy Co Ltd 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.7 1.8
GSK Consumer Healthcare 1.5 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.6
Sunflower Pharmaceutical 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.5 1.6
Co Ltd
Cadbury (China) Food Co 1.8 2.2 2.1 1.5 1.5
Hainan Asia Medicine Co Ltd 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.4
Jilin Xiuzheng 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Guilong Pharmaceutical 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2
(Anhui) Co Ltd
Jilin Wutai Gankang 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.2
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Harbin Pharmaceutical 0.9 1.4 1.0 1.0 1.0
Group Sanjing Pharm Co Ltd
Guangzhou Pan Gao Shou 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0
Pharm Co Ltd
Xiangxue Pharmaceutical 0.7 1.1 0.9 0.9 0.9
Co Ltd
Guangzhou Baiyunshan 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Wellso Pharmaceutical 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8
Holding Co Ltd
Boehringer Ingelheim 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals
Co Ltd
Harbin Pharmaceutical 0.7 0.3 0.6 0.5 0.5
Group Co Ltd

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Shanghai Schering-Plough 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.5

Pharm Co Ltd
CR Jiangzhong 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5
Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd
Xian Janssen 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4
Pharmaceutical Ltd
Guizhou Yibai Pharm Co Ltd 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4
Fortune Pharmacal Co Ltd 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4
Hebei Hengli Pharm Co Ltd 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3
Guangzhou Wanglaoji 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Taiji Group 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3
Others 55.7 53.8 55.6 56.0 55.9
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources

Table 4 LBN Brand Shares of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies: % Value
2020-2023

% retail value rsp

Brand (GBO) Company (NBO) 2020 2021 2022 2023

999 (China Resources CR Sanjiu Medical & 6.0 5.9 6.0 6.1
Enterprise Ltd) Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Lianhua Qingwen Capsule Shijiazhuang Yiling 7.0 4.5 5.1 4.9
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Nin Jiom Nin Jiom Medicine Mfy 1.7 2.4 2.4 2.5
(HK) Ltd
Golden Throat Guangxi Golden Throat 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3
Lozenges (Guangxi Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Golden Throat Group)
Watermelon Frost Guilin Sanjin 2.6 2.4 2.3 2.2
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Tylenol (Kenvue Inc) Shanghai Johnson & - - - 1.8
Johnson Pharmaceutical Ltd
Sunflower (Sunflower Sunflower Pharmaceutical 1.1 1.4 1.5 1.6
Group) Co Ltd
Halls (Mondelez Cadbury (China) Food Co 2.2 2.1 1.5 1.5
International Inc)
Goodbaby (China CR Sanjiu Medical & 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5
Resources Enterprise Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Ltd)
Kesuting Syrup Guizhou Bailing 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Quike (Sichuan Hainan Asia Medicine Co Ltd 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.4
Goldstone Orient New
Material Equipment Co
Ltd)
Xinxiu Jilin Xiuzheng 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Man Yan Shu Ning Guilong Pharmaceutical 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2
(Reckitt Benckiser (Anhui) Co Ltd
Group Plc (RB))
Gan Kang Jilin Wutai Gankang 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.2
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
You Ka Dan Renhe Pharmacy Co Ltd 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2
Sanjing (Harbin Harbin Pharmaceutical 1.4 1.0 1.0 1.0
Pharmaceutical Group Group Sanjing Pharm Co Ltd

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Co Ltd)
Pan Gao Shou Guangzhou Pan Gao Shou 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0
(Guangzhou Pharm Co Ltd
Pharmaceutical
Holding Ltd)
Antiviral Oral-Liquid Xiangxue Pharmaceutical 1.1 0.9 0.9 0.9
(Guangzhou Xiangxue Co Ltd
Pharm Co Ltd)
Hua Su Pian Wellso Pharmaceutical 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8
Holding Co Ltd
New Contac (Haleon plc) GSK Consumer Healthcare - - 0.6 0.7
Flonase (Haleon plc) GSK Consumer Healthcare - - 0.6 0.6
Renhe Renhe Pharmacy Co Ltd 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6
Mucosolvan Boehringer Ingelheim 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6
(Boehringer Ingelheim Shanghai Pharmaceuticals
GmbH) Co Ltd
Hu Tong Harbin Pharmaceutical 0.3 0.6 0.5 0.5
Group Co Ltd
Rhinocort Nasal Spray Shanghai Johnson & - - - 0.5
(Kenvue Inc) Johnson Pharmaceutical Ltd
Clarityne (Bayer AG) Shanghai Schering-Plough 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.5
Pharm Co Ltd
Jin Gan Guizhou Bailing 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Jiangzhong (China CR Jiangzhong 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5
Resources Enterprise Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd
Ltd)
Ban Lan Gen Guangzhou Baiyunshan 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
(Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Pharmaceutical
Holding Ltd)
Hismanal (Kenvue Inc) Xian Janssen - - - 0.4
Pharmaceutical Ltd
Tylenol (Johnson & Shanghai Johnson & 1.5 1.6 1.8 -
Johnson Inc) Johnson Pharmaceutical Ltd
Rhinocort Nasal Spray Shanghai Johnson & 0.7 0.7 0.5 -
(Johnson & Johnson Inc) Johnson Pharmaceutical Ltd
Hismanal (Johnson & Xian Janssen 0.6 0.5 0.4 -
Johnson Inc) Pharmaceutical Ltd
Flonase GSK Consumer Healthcare 0.9 0.8 - -
(GlaxoSmithKline Plc)
New Contac GSK Consumer Healthcare 0.4 0.4 - -
(GlaxoSmithKline Plc)
Others Others 56.5 58.4 58.6 58.6
Total Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research,
store checks, trade interviews, trade sources

Table 5 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category:
Value 2023-2028

CNY million
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

- Antihistamines/ 1,896.5 1,959.1 2,015.9 2,067.7 2,113.3 2,153.9

Allergy Remedies
(Systemic)
- Paediatric Cough, 6,929.3 7,320.9 7,708.9 8,094.3 8,474.7 8,830.6
Cold and Allergy Remedies

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-- Paediatric Allergy - - - - - -
Remedies
-- Paediatric Cough/ 6,929.3 7,320.9 7,708.9 8,094.3 8,474.7 8,830.6
Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - 32,213.4 32,747.1 33,264.5 33,761.8 34,254.8 34,737.7
Cough, Cold and Allergy
(Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies 10,486.3 10,916.2 11,331.0 11,727.6 12,100.4 12,451.4
-- Nasal Sprays 1,265.4 1,304.6 1,343.6 1,382.5 1,421.3 1,459.3
-- Oral Decongestants 328.5 333.8 338.8 343.2 347.0 350.4
-- Inhalant Decongestants 17.0 17.3 17.5 17.7 17.9 18.1
-- Decongestant Rubs - - - - - -
-- Nasal Decongestant 16.1 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.6
Drops
-- Nasal Decongestant - - - - - -
Plasters
- Decongestants 1,627.0 1,671.9 1,716.3 1,759.9 1,802.7 1,844.5
- Medicated Confectionery 2,802.5 2,913.0 3,016.5 3,112.9 3,202.4 3,293.6
- Pharyngeal Preparations 9,175.8 9,304.2 9,415.9 9,500.6 9,576.6 9,641.7
Cough, Cold and Allergy 65,130.8 66,832.4 68,468.9 70,024.8 71,524.9 72,953.4
(Hay Fever) Remedies
Source: Euromonitor International from trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews,
trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

Table 6 Forecast Sales of Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies by Category:
% Value Growth 2023-2028

% constant value growth

2023/2024 2023-28 CAGR 2023/28 Total

- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic) 3.3 2.6 13.6

- Paediatric Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies 5.7 5.0 27.4
-- Paediatric Allergy Remedies - - -
-- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies 5.7 5.0 27.4
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and 1.7 1.5 7.8
Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies 4.1 3.5 18.7
-- Nasal Sprays 3.1 2.9 15.3
-- Oral Decongestants 1.6 1.3 6.7
-- Inhalant Decongestants 1.4 1.2 6.2
-- Decongestant Rubs - - -
-- Nasal Decongestant Drops 1.1 0.7 3.4
-- Nasal Decongestant Plasters - - -
- Decongestants 2.8 2.5 13.4
- Medicated Confectionery 3.9 3.3 17.5
- Pharyngeal Preparations 1.4 1.0 5.1
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies 2.6 2.3 12.0
Source: Euromonitor International from trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews,
trade sources
Note: 2023 data is provisional and based on part-year estimates

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