The newest ranking of pharmacy chains associated with Abrafarma demonstrated the consolidation of large pharmaceutical retail. Without many changes in position, the major brands in the sector showed growth above the market average.
While pharmacy revenue as a whole grew by around 8%, the networks that make up the entity registered an increase of 13.5% in 2023, totaling R$91.3 billion in sales last year.
The study was organized by FIA-USP and was based on data sent monthly by the 22 associated economic groups, which manage the 29 flags.
“The ranking brings together companies from different corners of Brazil, which account for 53% of medication dispensing even with around 10% of the number of pharmacies in the country. This highlights the sustainability of these large networks and their growing role as health and convenience channels for the population”, analyzes Sergio Mena Barreto, CEO of the entity.
Ranking of pharmacy chains: leaders remain in charge
The brand changes, the performance doesn’t. For the 13th consecutive year, RD Saúde, previously known as Raia Drogasil, led the ranking in revenue and number of stores.
The podium is also completed with old acquaintances – the DPSP Group, which brings together Drogaria Pacheco and São Paulo; and Farmácias Pague Menos, which also encompasses the Extrafarma operation.
In terms of revenue, DPSP is vice-leader, but exchanges position with Pague Menos in terms of the number of stores.
The giants from the south of the country, Farmácias São João and Panvel, close the top 5 on both questions.
Northeast and Rio concentrated back and forth
Speaking of revenue, the ranking of pharmacy chains shows musical chairs starting at 12th place. Redepharma, from Paraíba, saw Drogarias Globo, from Piauí, ask for passage and take “chair” number 12.
Another northeastern company to advance during the period was Farmácia Permanente, from Alagoas. The pharmacy chain surpassed Grupo Tapajós, from Amazonas, and now occupies 14th position.
In 18th place, we move down the map of Brazil to the Southeast and witness the dispute between Rio’s A Nossa Drogaria, which gained ground, and Drogaria Moderna, which took a step back.
Dance also took place in the ranking by stores
With growth of 7.4% in total linked POS, Abrafarma closed 2023 with 10,395 pharmacies. Just like in billing, it is in the core where we see the changes.
Drogal, which operates in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, surpassed the traditional Minas Gerais chain Drogaria Araujo and is now seventh in the ranking.
The Tapajós Group was also surpassed in the number of stores, losing 14th position to Drogaria Venancio from Rio.
Returning to the “coffee with milk” dispute between São Paulo and Minas Gerais, this time the neighbors above did better. Drogaria Minas-Brasil is the new 18th place, after surpassing Drogão Super in the number of POS.
