Abstract
The cough and throat remedies market has undergone significant fluctuations during 2002-07, due mostly to the relative severity of annual cold/flu seasons. Yet, another cause of volatility came in 2007 and 2008 as the industry faced strong challenges from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the efficacy and safety of children' s remedies, which resulted in a late 2007 voluntary recall of infant' s cough formulas. In addition, the market waits further decisions from the FDA about formulas for children aged 2-6 years, as well as impending legislation seeking to curb abuse of remedies based on dextromethorphan (DXM), the passing of which will certainly affect sales in the coming years. Beyond a detailed analysis of these factors, this report also addresses:
- the impact on remedy sales of population growth among children, women, and the elderly
- possible strategies for turning the negative publicity surrounding children' s products into marketing advantages
- the competitive context for manufacturers, including brand qualities that set the leading players apart from the rest of the market
- detailed exploration of usage of cough and throat remedies, as well as attitudes and motivations among respondents to Mintel' s exclusive consumer survey and analysis of the Simmons NCS
- new product trends, including the rise of natural/drug-free/homeopathic or otherwise alternative remedies
- Furthermore, this report highlights trends that will set the pace for the future of the industry, and identifies methods for remaining competitive in this dynamic market.
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