Effective Distribution Networks Are Key to Penetrating Western European Market

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Skin integrity products (SIP) offer undeniable advantages to hospitals, healthcare workers (HCW) and populations at high risk for skin breakdown. Advantages include cost and time saving, improved operational efficiency and enhanced quality of life for affected individuals. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan,Skin Integrity Products Market in Western Europe, finds that the market earned revenues of $428.8 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach $605.1 million in 2018. The research covers cleansers, moisturizers and moisture barriers, adhesive removers and odour control segments. A rapidly ageing population pool is expanding the applicable customer base for SIP. The increasing incidence of bowel cancer as well as of pressure ulcers and dermatitis is also driving the uptake of SIP products. “Currently, the majority of product sales in the SIP market is direct – online and mail order sales,” notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Beulah Devadason. “Though skin integrity products are used in hospitals, a large portion of the customer base is made up of community care settings and home users.” In order to effectively penetrate the western European SIP market, companies need to have an extensive and dependable logistics solution in terms of direct distribution or third party distribution. Manufacturers have to invest in direct distribution to keep costs down and meet the business requirements of the installed customer base in the best possible way. This has posed a significant entry barrier for non-European manufacturers. “The logistics of direct sales and established distribution networks are the key competitive factors for manufacturers in this market,” explains Devadason. “They have responded to this challenge through the adoption of several strategies, including the strengthening and expansion of their distribution networks.” Varied government policies related to reimbursement, prescription requirements, and CE mark requirements, have further contributed to the challenges of non-European competitors entering the market. In addition, high entry barriers for non-European manufacturers have, interestingly, had a detrimental effect on local manufacturers. Limited competition has stunted market growth, even while dampening aggressive marketing and awareness raising activities. “Aggressive marketing and proactive product promotion will encourage patients to explore all available solutions,” advises Devadason. “Product innovation will be necessary to accelerate market growth.” Skin Integrity Products Market in Western Europe is part of the Advanced Medical Technologies Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets:Custom Procedure Trays and Packs Move Towards Standardisation, Western European Patient Prepping Products Market and Hand Hygiene Champions the Cause of Infection Control. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure. — The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision,innovation and implementation. — The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organisation prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?