THROAT LOZENGES MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Market Size and Trends

Global throat lozenges market is estimated to be valued at USD 4.59 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.80 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

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Rising prevalence of common cold and flu is expected to drive the market growth. Changing lifestyle and increasing pollution levels have made population more prone to respiratory illnesses. Busy work schedules leave little time for proper rest and recovery, and this boosts demand for quick relief products such as throat lozenges. Moreover, growing health consciousness among consumers has shifted the focus from cure to prevention. Many consumers prefer using throat lozenges on signs of sore throat to curb the growth of infection. Manufacturers are leveraging these trends by introducing throat lozenges with added vitamins and natural ingredients that claim overall throat protection. Product innovations such as fast dissolving and flavored lozenges targeted at pediatric demography can also drive the market growth.

Market Driver – Growing Prevalence of Cough and Cold

 The instances of cough, cold, sore throat and flu increases drastically across all regions of the world during winter season. As people spend more time indoors due to dropping temperatures, various airborne viruses easily spread among individuals. Children and elderly are more vulnerable to such seasonal illnesses during this time frame. Throat lozenges provide instant relief to patients suffering from cough, cold or sore throat. The candy like lozenges coated with medicated ingredients soothe the throat and suppress the cough. Many brands offer a wide variety of flavors catering to all age groups. With effective ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus oil, throat lozenges have become the go-to remedy for common winter illnesses without any side effects. Increased marketing and promotion by lozenges manufacturers raises awareness among general public regarding the benefits of these products. Growing self-medication trend coupled with easy availability across multiple retail channels boosts demand for throat lozenges healthcare ecosystem.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Increasing adoption of organic growth strategies such as product launches by key market players is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in May 2022, Procter & Gamble, a consumer goods company, launched Tulsi flavored lozenges. This new flavor ‘Tulsi’ strengthens Vicks Cough Drops’ pocket-sized portfolio which relieves soreness in the throat.

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One of the major factors hampering the growth of throat lozenges market is the potential side effects associated with medicated lozenges. Many throat lozenges contain active ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil or benzocaine, which are meant to temporarily relieve sore throat symptoms. However, these ingredients can potentially cause mild to moderate side effects in some individuals. For example, menthol is a decongestant and topical anesthetic that may irritate the throat, if overused. In 2021, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians,  prolonged use of benzocaine lozenges causes injuries to the esophagus in rare cases. Eucalyptus oil, while effective against cough and congestion, may cause nausea or gastrointestinal upsets, if consumed in large quantities.

Market Opportunity – Product innovation in flavors and ingredients

Product innovation in flavors and ingredients can offer significant opportunities for the global throat lozenges market growth. Consumers are increasingly looking for more diverse and interesting flavor options when it comes to throat lozenges. Standard flavors like mint are commoditized while unique and exotic flavors can help products differentiate. Companies can explore flavors inspired from regional cuisines of different parts of the world. For example, flavors using ingredients like tulsi, turmeric, ginger which are common in Indian cuisine but not widely used in lozenges globally. This can tap into demand from diverse consumer groups including ethnic populations.

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Product Type segment is sub-segmented into hard candy lozenges, soft lozenges, and compressed lozenges. Hard candy lozenges sub-segment is estimated to hold 44.8% of the market share in 2024, owing to strong consumer preferences. Hard candy lozenges are highly favored by consumers due to their perceived effectiveness and pleasant taste. The hard texture of these lozenges allows them to remain in the mouth for an extended time, continuously releasing medicine and soothing irritated throat tissues. This promotes a longer lasting relief from sore throat symptoms as compared to softer lozenges that dissolve quickly. Many popular hard candy lozenge brands have also marketed their products as all-natural and sugar-free options, resonating well with health-conscious consumers. The crisp and fruity flavors of hard candy lozenges makes them a more enjoyable oral pharmaceutical as compared to syrups or tablets.

Insights, By Indication: Hospital prescriptions drive growth in sore throat segment

Indication segment is sub-segmented into sore throat, cough and cold, throat diseases. Sore throat sub-segment is estimated to hold 38.4% of the market share in 2024 Sore throat is typically the most common symptom, prompting patients to seek medical advice at outpatient clinics or emergency rooms. Physicians frequently prescribe lozenges to these walk-in sore throat cases as these are a convenient and low-risk form of treatment that can provide quick relief without major side effects. Lozenges for sore throat also offer practical benefits like portability and the ability to suck frequently without interrupting daily routines. This makes them preferable over syrups or tablets in many cases. The advice of doctors carries significance in influencing medication purchase decisions, thus, supporting strong sales of lozenges specifically targeted to alleviate sore throats.

Insights, By Distribution Channel: Retail self-care drives sales through pharmacies

Distribution Channel segment is sub-segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies. Hospital pharmacies sub-segment is estimated to hold 33.1% of the market share in 2024 due to a culture of self-treatment. Retail pharmacies are the most popular channel for purchasing throat lozenges as people commonly resort to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals for minor ailments like occasional sore throats and coughs. Convenience of location and longer operating hours as compared to hospitals or clinics makes retail pharmacies the preferred first stop for immediate symptom relief through throat lozenges bought without a prescription.

Regional Insights

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North America remains the dominant region in the global throat lozenges market and is estimated to hold 34.9% of the market share in 2024. Several leading throat lozenges brands originate from the U.S. and have established a strong distribution network within Canada as well. Along with extensive domestic availability, North America also imports throat lozenges from European countries to meet demand. Changing lifestyles with increased work pressure and pollution have led to rising incidence of throat infections in North America. This has boosted sales of throat lozenges as consumers increasingly rely on over-the-counter medications for quick relief. Leading brands have also improved formulation and introduced new flavors to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Aggressive marketing campaigns coupled with a huge health-aware urban population makes North America an attractive market for throat lozenges companies.

Asia Pacific region has emerged as another significant and fast-growing market for throat lozenges globally. China dominates the Asia Pacific throat lozenges market due to its enormous population size and rapid economic expansion in recent decades. Rising disposable incomes have improved spending ability on healthcare products. This trend, along with increasing awareness about throat infection treatment options, has boosted demand for throat lozenges in the region. Countries like India and Indonesia are major contributors to the throat lozenges market growth in Asia Pacific. Their large young demographics and improving access to affordable medicines are drawing both international and local throat lozenges manufacturers. Leading players from Western markets are setting up manufacturing facilities in Asia to capitalize on the opportunities. This has made throat lozenges widely and economically accessible, meeting the needs of price-sensitive consumers. Rapid urbanization and changing consumer health habits also drives the Asia Pacific throat lozenges market growth.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In August 2022, Novartis, a biopharmaceutical company, spun off its generic and biosimilar division, Sandoz, to establish a new independent publicly traded firm. This strategic move aimed to maximize shareholder value while allowing Novartis shareholders to fully benefit from the potential future growth of both Sandoz and Novartis Innovative Medicines.
• In November 2021, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, a pharmaceutical company, launched Mucinex InstaSoothe, a new product line inclusive of lozenges and spray designed to numb, soothe, and relieve sore throat pain. The new products include: Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Soothing Comfort Lozenges, Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Cough Relief Lozenges, Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief Spray

*Definition: Throat lozenge, also known as a cough drop or pastille, is a small medicated tablet designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. It is used to temporarily alleviate symptoms like sore throat, throat irritation, or cough by providing a cooling sensation and increasing saliva production. Throat lozenges may contain ingredients such as benzocaine, eucalyptus oil, zinc gluconate glycine, pectin, dextromethorphan, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint, or honey. These lozenges aim to soothe irritated throat tissues, particularly in cases of sore throat, strep throat, or common cold.

Market Segmentation

•  Product Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hard candy lozenges
  • Soft lozenges
  • Compressed lozenges
•  Indication Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Sore throat
  • Cough and Cold
  • Throat diseases
•  Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • OTC
  • Prescription
•  Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Novartis AG
  • Cipla
  • Procter & Gamble
  • GSK plc
  • Sanofi
  • Lozen Pharma
  • Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd.
  • Honibe
  • Ricola 
  • Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
  • Traditional Medicinals, Inc
  • Mondelēz International
  • Inova Pharmaceuticals
  • Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
  • Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC