Consolidation of pharmacy retailing in Latin America to generate investment opportunities
23-Mar-15, Global Health Intelligence
Latin American pharmacy chains are expanding both in terms of geography and breadth of services. In Chile, Colombia and Peru, over 75% of pharmacy retailing is controlled by no more than 3 or 4 large players. As these markets consolidate around a handful of dominant chains, foreign giants are likely to take note and show interest to enter the region.
Image: Global Health Intelligence
Modern chains such as Super Farmacias Guadalajara in Mexico or Drogaria Araujo in Brazil have more in common with small supermarkets (or convenience stores) than they do with their roots as single-purpose drugstores. Today, their outlets typically carry a range of products such as dairy, snacks, home care products, personal care items, and non-perishable foods. They also offer convenient services such as cell phone top-ups, bus cards, and payment of utility bills, and even some basic banking and government services.