Market Forecast By Drug Type (Prescription Drugs, OTC Drugs), By Type (Community Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy, Compounding Pharmacy, Consulting Pharmacy, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, Others) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC036153 | Publication Date: Jul 2023 | Updated Date: Aug 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 70 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 5 | |
Report Name | Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market |
Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
Forecast size | USD 35 Billion – USD 44 Billion |
CAGR | 5.6% |
Growing Sector | Healthcare |
The Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market report thoroughly covers the market by drug type and by type. The report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the on-going market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
In 2024, the Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market is valued at approximately $ 35 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% over the next five years. Additionally, by 2030, the market is expected to reach around $ 44 billion. The healthcare sector holds significant position in the overall market.
The Italy pharmacies and drug stores market is a vital component of the country's healthcare sector, with pharmacies acting as primary points of contact for healthcare services. With an aging population, rising chronic disease prevalence, and increasing health-consciousness, the demand for pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter drugs, and health supplements is expanding. Pharmacies in Italy are increasingly offering a wider range of services, including vaccinations, health screenings, and consultations, driving growth in the market. The market is also benefiting from the ongoing trend of digitalization, where pharmacies are embracing e-commerce platforms for online drug sales and services. Despite challenges such as stringent regulatory standards and rising competition from online pharmacies, the Italian pharmacies and drug stores market remains resilient, with steady growth anticipated in the coming years due to the continued demand for healthcare products and services.
According to 6Wresearch, Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during 2025-2031. The growth of Italy’s pharmacies and drug stores market is driven by several key factors, including the country’s aging population, which leads to a higher demand for pharmaceuticals and healthcare services, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, the increasing adoption of e-commerce in the healthcare sector is boosting online sales of pharmaceutical products, offering greater accessibility and convenience to consumers. Another driver is the rising awareness of health and wellness, which fuels demand for over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and wellness products.
However, the Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores industry faces challenges such as stringent regulatory controls, reimbursement pressures, and the increasing prevalence of generic drugs, which put pricing pressures on pharmacies. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains, which may continue to affect drug availability. The competitive nature of the market, with a high concentration of pharmacy chains, further intensifies the challenges of maintaining profitability and market share.
Key companies in the Brazil Pharmacies and Drug Stores market include Raia Drogasil, a major player with a vast network of retail pharmacies across the country, offering both traditional pharmaceutical products and health services. Grupo DPSP, which operates the brands Drogaria São Paulo and Drogaria Pacheco, is another leading company in the market, known for its extensive footprint in Brazil's drugstore industry. Pague Menos is another significant player, focused on expanding its network of stores across Brazil, offering affordable healthcare products. Netfarma, an online pharmacy, is notable for capitalizing on the growing e-commerce trend in the pharmaceutical sector.
Additionally, Farmácias Pague Menos, with a focus on providing competitive pricing, and Panpharma, offering a wide range of pharmaceutical and wellness products, are contributing to the competitive landscape of Brazil's pharmacies and drug stores market. Additionally, some of these players hold majority of the Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market share. Moreover, these companies are leveraging both physical stores and online platforms to cater to the diverse needs of Brazilian consumers.
In Brazil, the pharmacies and drug stores market is regulated by several key authorities, with the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) being the primary body overseeing the sector. ANVISA ensures compliance with strict health and safety standards for the sale of pharmaceuticals, including regulations on the registration, distribution, and marketing of drugs. Pharmacies and drugstores are required to adhere to Good Pharmacy Practices (BPG), which include the correct storage and dispensing of medications, as well as the provision of guidance on their appropriate use.
Additionally, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) enforces regulations on the sale of controlled substances, ensuring that they are dispensed only with a valid prescription. Local regulations from the Brazilian Federal Council of Pharmacy (CFF) also influence the operation of pharmacies, including the professional qualifications needed for pharmacists and the mandatory provision of pharmaceutical care. Further, these initiatives have further boosted the Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market revenues. Furthermore, the Brazilian government has introduced policies to regulate the pricing of medicines, ensuring access to essential medications for the population while preventing price gouging.
The future of the Brazil pharmacies and drug stores market is expected to experience steady growth, driven by several factors including increasing healthcare awareness, an aging population, and the expansion of health insurance coverage. Digitalization will also play a significant role, as the rise of e-commerce and online pharmacies continues to grow, enabling greater access to medicines and healthcare products across remote areas. Additionally, the demand for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and generic medicines will increase as consumers become more conscious of cost-effective healthcare options. However, challenges such as regulatory complexities, price control measures, and supply chain disruptions may impact market dynamics. Despite these challenges, innovations in healthcare technology, such as telemedicine and digital health services, will enhance consumer access to pharmaceutical services, shaping the future landscape of the market.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, the prescription drugs category in Brazil's pharmacies and drug stores market is poised for significant growth due to increasing healthcare needs, a rising incidence of chronic diseases, and greater access to healthcare services. As the population ages and more individuals seek long-term treatments for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, the demand for prescription medications is expected to rise. Furthermore, the expansion of health insurance coverage and government healthcare programs will make prescription drugs more accessible to a broader segment of the population. Additionally, advancements in pharmaceutical research, the introduction of new therapeutic classes, and the growing preference for generic drugs will drive market expansion.
The hospital pharmacy segment within Brazil's pharmacies and drug stores market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, increasing hospital admissions, and the rising prevalence of complex medical conditions that require specialized pharmaceutical care. As the demand for advanced treatments, surgeries, and personalized medicine grows, hospitals are increasingly focusing on the efficient delivery of prescription medications. The shift toward more integrated and patient-centered care models, alongside government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, is also fueling this growth. Moreover, technological advancements in hospital pharmacy management, such as automated dispensing and inventory management systems, are enhancing operational efficiency, further supporting the growth of this segment. However, challenges such as high operating costs and the need to meet strict regulatory standards remain persistent.
The Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores market report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments -
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Overview |
3.1 Italy Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Drug Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
4 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.2.1 Increasing healthcare expenditure in Italy |
4.2.2 Aging population leading to higher demand for pharmaceuticals |
4.2.3 Technological advancements in pharmacy operations and services |
4.3 Market Restraints |
4.3.1 Stringent regulatory requirements for operating pharmacies |
4.3.2 Competition from online pharmacies and e-commerce platforms |
4.3.3 Price regulations impacting profit margins of pharmacies |
5 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Trends |
6 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market, By Types |
6.1 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market, By Drug Type |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Drug Type, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Prescription Drugs, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By OTC Drugs, 2021-2031F |
6.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market, By Type |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Community Pharmacy, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Hospital Pharmacy, 2021-2031F |
6.2.4 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Clinical Pharmacy, 2021-2031F |
6.2.5 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Industrial Pharmacy, 2021-2031F |
6.2.6 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Compounding Pharmacy, 2021-2031F |
6.2.7 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Consulting Pharmacy, 2021-2031F |
6.2.8 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021-2031F |
6.2.9 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021-2031F |
7 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Key Performance Indicators |
8.1 Average prescription fill rate |
8.2 Customer satisfaction scores |
8.3 Number of new drug approvals by regulatory authorities |
8.4 Percentage of revenue from value-added services offered by pharmacies |
8.5 Average wait time for customers in pharmacies |
9 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Opportunity Assessment, By Drug Type, 2021 & 2031F |
9.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Opportunity Assessment, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
10 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
10.2 Italy Pharmacies and Drug Stores Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |