Celebrating OTC Excellence and Innovation - Winners Annouced

from IPN 2022 April

CPD: Emergency Contraception

The OTC pharmacy market in Ireland continues to thrive. An ageing population and the increased prevalence of diseases has supported an expansion in the OTC industry markets. There have been challenges, especially more recently with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic but there have also been many opportunities for growth and innovation.

Consumer interest in preventative healthcare continues to deepen, reflected in strong growth recently in the demand for vitamins and dietary supplements. Today’s consumer health landscape focuses firmly on that of self-care as more people become attuned to their own wellbeing needs.

Pharmacies are the leading distribution channel for consumer health, the most turned to and trusted source of advice and information. The pandemic may have accelerated the trend for e-commerce but pharmacy remains at the heart of the community. It is therefore vital OTC companies work hand-in-hand with the profession with regards to product education, training and marketing.

The OTC & Retail Pharmacy Product Awards are the only industry awards that specifically recognises and rewards the companies and their products within the OTC market, acting as a celebration and showcase of product innovation, marketing and value to its customer.

These Awards are reviewed by an independent panel comprised of over 40 judges from across the community pharmacy sector, representing both multiple and independent pharmacies, buying groups, wholesalers and industry. Once again, the quantity and quality of the submissions surpassed previous years and across many categories it was a tough call.

The categories this year included Best Baby Skincare and Best Baby & Children’s Supplement to Best Marketing and Best Launch of the Year.

Originally launched in 2008, these Awards are designed to recognise product development and innovation in the pharmacy sector, applaud the investment by these companies, both large and small, into product development, training, marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns. The winners across our categories were contacted by the IPN team with the news and feedback. Over the following pages we feature all the winners and details on product selection from members of the judging panel.

Best Cough, Cold and Flu Product

**Fiona Clancy, Senior Brand Manager, Perrigo**

“A product that completely sells itself. Tried and tested, and proven effective that customers love.” This is how one of the judges described Bronchostop, winner of the Best Cough, Cold and Flu Product 2022.

Bronchostop is used for the relief of any cough based on traditional use. If consumers don’t know what type of cough they have or if their cough changes from one to another, Bronchostop takes the hassle out of finding a solution. The unique combination of ingredients in Bronchostop is traditionally used for the relief of any cough such as chesty coughs and dry, tickly, irritating coughs and phlegm.

The judges added, “Bronchostop is a great addition to the cough, cold and flu market as it has the unique selling point of being effective in the treatment of dry and chesty coughs. It is also alcohol free, non-drowsy and available in a pastille .The company have invested greatly in advertising and they are prompt to react when advertising material is requested.”

“This unique product has been a great option to recommend in the pharmacy. The syrup and pastille formulations offer a good variety and are both very popular. Brand loyalty and awareness and the marketing materials/support received are all very strong” - Judges comments

Best Natural Product

**Shane Kilboyle, Brand Manager, Wholefoods**

A.Vogel Menoforce Sage Tablets won the Best Natural Product for 2022.

This product is a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of menopausal hot flushes and excessive perspiration exclusively based on longstanding use. Sage works to rebalance sweat regulation and therefore resolve menopausal sweats and flushes without any hormonal activity.

The judges stated that with ‘clear clinical evidence behind this well-established product, there is strong customer loyalty to the brand. Women with menopausal symptoms often present to the pharmacy with symptoms such as hot flushes and there are limited products available with such strong clinical backing in this area. The fact it doesn’t interact with HRT is a huge consideration and with continued education to HCPs and marketing, I see huge potential for this product.”

“A well-known brand with a great selling point. Tried and tested, fantastic brand support. High in value to customers.” - Judges comments

Best Immunity Product

Kelkin Zinc & Vitamin C Effervescent scooped the Best Immunity Product. One of the judges commented as to how, when combined with clinical information learned throughout the pandemic, it delivers to pharmacy an ‘indispensable product.’

Kelkin great tasting food & supplements have helped to bring joy and energy to generations of families for over 40 years. With a story that began when husband and wife team Ken and Liz Kinsella, set out on a journey to make wholesome food available for everyone to enjoy, their passion for healthy living continues to inspire the team behind Kelkin to bring delicious food & supplements that fuels an appetite for life.

Kelkin Effervescent Zinc & Vitamin C provides 1,000mg Vitamin C and 15mg zinc in one convenient effervescent tablet.

“A really great product with two fantastic components – Zinc and Vitamin C, especially during the Pandemic. Very handy packaging, you can throw it in your handbag and have it on the go. I like the Irish husband and wife roots and great value for money product getting more than your NRVs, for each component”

Judges comments

Best Irish Pharmacy Product

**Stephen Kean – Area Sales Representative, Revive**

With a range of unique selling points that keeps customers buying time and time again, Revive Active won the category for Best Irish Pharmacy Brand Product, with one of the judges commenting, “It is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, diabetics and is gluten free which is great as the market can often forget about these specific dietary requirements when creating products. Overall, one of the best products marketed to all ages.”

Revive Active is an award-winning super supplement with 26 active ingredients working together, helping put back what life takes out. This Irish super supplement is delivered in powdered format and contains a comprehensive combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in one convenient daily powdered sachet.

Revive Active is designed for active people balancing work, home and family life while maintaining a healthy immune system, heart health and energy.

“A gold-standard product! This is our top recommended product with incredible feedback given by those who take it.”

Judges comments

Best Baby and Children Supplement

**Stephen Moloney, the Customer Business Manager & Sales Manager at Valeo Healthcare holding the award for ‘Best Children and Baby Supplement 2022’, which was won by Shield BabyVitD3 Pump**

BabyVitD3 Pump by Shield Health won the Best Baby and Children’s Supplement Product Award for 2022.

BabyVitD3 is an Irish brand which has been on the market for over 10 years. It was one of the first Baby Vitamin D brands to come to the market from Shield Health. BabyVitD3 Pump are pure Vitamin D in the Cholecalciferol form. BabyVitD3 has no preservatives, no parabens no artificial colours, no flavourings, no peanut additives, no sugars or lactose and no gluten.

“The two unique selling points of this product is that the pump makes this product an allround winner you can use it for multiple children and also as part of the companies package, they send emails out to parents reminding them of Vitamin D towards the end of their pregnancy so they can be prepared for the new-borns arrival. Essential for every baby in Ireland,” commented the judges.

“BabyVitD3 is still the most popular in its category in our pharmacy. The pump is unique and preferred option for convenience of use and administration” - Judges comments

Best Mens Product

**Orla O’Connor, Viagra Connect Marketing Manager, Viatris**

A highly anticipated launch last year, Viagra Connect has won the Best Men’s Product at the 2022 OTC & Retail Pharmacy Product Awards.

Viagra Connect is the first over-the counter treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) for men age 18 years and older to be launched in the Republic of Ireland. A very successful focused consumer campaign, based on research carried out by Viatris with Irish men where men indicated they were embarrassed to discuss ED but welcomed the idea of an OTC treatment being available in pharmacies, included TV, radio, digital and the Public Relations campaign.

Commented one of the judges, “Outstanding performer since becoming OTC – this product is widely recognised and support from Viatris is best in its class. Brand investment and in-store support superb. Definite winner of this category.”

“As a Pharmacist, I have no problem giving full marks to this product. The huge investment behind the product is extremely noticeable and they have been highly supportive to Pharmacists in terms of training and additional material for patients. I think it was a great development and brings men into the Pharmacy who may be too embarrassed to talk to their GP. While they are in store, they tend to ask about different ailments that they need advice on. Well done Viatris” - Judges comments

**ZinCuFlex Ginger and Curcumin Complex**

Best Eye Care Product

**Patrick Hensey, Business Development Manager, Scope**

Best Eye Care Product for 2022 was awarded to HYLO-FORTE ® with the judges listing it as an ‘excellent product with very strong medical recommendations. Brand highly regarded and very strong customer loyalty. A definite winner of this category,” they added.

HYLO-FORTE ® is an eye-drop that provides intense lubrication and long-lasting relief from symptoms of dry eye disease. HYLO-FORTE ® contains 0.2% sodium hyaluronate (SH) and provides patients with a preservative free & phosphate free formulation that is gentle on sensitive eyes.

It is contact lens compatible making it convenient for patients and remains sterile for up to 6 months once opened. It is suitable for adults and children of all ages and can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

“It’s full marks from me on this product. It is my goto recommendation to the increasing number of patients presenting to the Pharmacy with dry eye complaints. The fact it is preservative-free, multidose and suitable to contact lens users, it’s no wonder that HYLO-FORTE is the market leader and in my opinion, will continue to strive in this field.”

Judges comments

Best Womens Product

**Lorraine Keane, Menomin Brand Ambassador**

Cleanmarine ® MenoMin ® have won the 2022 OTC & Retail Pharmacy Product Award within the Best Women’s Product category.

This Irish Brand offers a unique all-in-one Omega 3, Phytonutrient and Vitamin blend, formulated specifically to give extra nutritional support for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Cleanmarine ® MenoMin ® is rich in Omega-3 with Phospholipids, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and D3, as well as Rosemary Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Folate and Biotin.

“This is a very popular product in the pharmacy,” stated one of the judges. “It has an extremely loyal customer base with feedback relaying that it is an effective product - they notice results. The packaging is attractive and we have great support from the supplier and reps on training and product awareness.”

“Cleanmarine is a very wellrespected brand within the supplement category in Pharmacies. The fact it is an Irish brand, known for their high quality products puts Cleanmarine MenoMin at the front of the pack for me” - Judges comments

Best Pain Relief Product

**Bryan Dunne, Customer Business Manager, GSK**

Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel won Best Pain Relief Product at the 2022 OTC & Retail Pharmacy Product Awards.

One of our esteemed members of the judging panel commented that this product ‘is very well-known due to the brand investing well in marketing, advertising and POS show material within pharmacies. Customers are loyal to the brand and usually ask for it by name at the pharmacy counter.’

Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a low systemic exposure, meaning a reduced risk of systemic side effects and drug–drug interactions. That includes a reduced systemic side-effect risk vs oral NSAIDs (e.g. gastrointestinal events).

Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel has a unique formulation to help the anti-inflammatory ingredient get through the skin. It contains a permeation enhancer for increased delivery of diclofenac through the skin.

“Voltarol is a great topical treatment that has a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with effective analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. They have a good TV ad campaign and provide good training materials to pharmacy staff. The packaging is nice, and the new easy-open cap is proven to be more intuitive, easier to open and preferred by patients, who may suffer from pain in their hands which is very important and a lovely feature” - Judges comments

Best Beauty Product

**Andra Rooney, Area Sales Representative, Revive**

“This is an innovative product and part of the Revive range, which is hugely popular and sought after by customers,” stated one of our judges within the Best Beauty Product which went to Beauty Complex by Revive Active for 2022.

The judges added, “Well placed advertising has boosted sales and the product itself is attractively presented and of a very high quality.”

Beauty Complex contains a distinctive combination of eight active ingredients including Marine Collagen, Phytoceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Biotin. It was designed by experts to compensate for declining collagen, ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the body.

“The branding of this product is in keeping with the branding that people have grown to associate with Revive products. The packaging contains lots of information regarding the ingredients and their uses, thereby, allowing customers to make informed decisions before purchasing. The Beauty Complex formula is unique in that it contains all the ingredients needed to obtain and maintain healthier hair, skin and nails. This will improve compliance and therefore, results for customers” - Judges comments

Best Launch of the Year

**Luke Hynes, Customer Marketing Manager, OTC (Pain, Respiratory & Skin), GSK**

Best Launch of the Year for 2022 went to Volatrol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel 100g.

The 100g-pack launch combined all the existing benefits of Voltarol Emulgel Extra Strength 2% w/w Gel with a new easy-open cap that is proven to be more intuitive, easier to open and preferred by patients, who may suffer from pain in their hands. The larger pack also provides greater value for patients, with one 100mg tube equivalent to 72 x 200mg tablets of ibuprofen.

Commented the judges, “This is an excellent product in that it is the only one of its’ strength available on the market. Good pharmacy point of sale materials are also provided. This is a reputable brand and reliable product. My customers are delighted to be able to get this high strength product over the counter.”

“Great brand extension and identification of additional consumer needs. Loyalty to the brand already established. Better consumer experience created through range extension and brand support through pharmacies” - Judges comments

Best Pregnancy/ Fertility Product

**George Walsh Chief Financial Officer, Solvotrin**

Best Pregnancy/Fertility Product went to Active Iron Pregnancy Plus, which the judges described as ‘a fantastic product which, when first appearing on the market, provided pharmacy staff with a product they could recommend to patients unable to tolerate iron supplements due to their GI side effects.’

Active Iron is an Irish iron supplement brand that is clinically proven to increase iron levels while helping to avoid the negative gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with iron.

Award winning Active Iron Pregnancy Plus is the complete nutritional solution for mum and baby throughout pregnancy, containing three key components:

- Non-constipating Active Iron capsule, clinically proven to increase iron.

- Specially formulated to enhance absorption, a complete multivitamin tablet with 20 essential vitamins and minerals including folic acid as L-methylfolate and vitamin D.

- 100% sustainably sourced omega-3 DHA fish oil capsule.

Solvotrin Therapeutics CFO George Walsh said, “We are delighted that Active Iron Pregnancy Plus has been recognised as the best pregnancy supplement in the market. The combination of Active Iron’s clinically proven formula with a specially formulated multivitamin and omega 3 makes Active Iron Pregnancy Plus the optimum pregnancy product and we are delighted to hear that pharmacists all around the country continue to recommend it.”

“With 21 essential nutrients to provide complete nutritional support to mum and baby throughout pregnancy I think this is an excellent product. They provide product awareness by attending national midwife events, webinars, courses and tools for midwifes and also samples. They also have great digital marketing and provide excellent training to pharmacy staff. Packaging is great and sends out a clear message to the customer of what the product is providing” - Judges comments

Best Baby Skincare Product

**Mark Darby, Marketing Activation Manager, Gardiner Family Apothecary**

“Elave is a well-known and trusted brand name; it is often asked for by customers and is one I feel comfortable recommending regularly.” This was just one of the judges comments on Elave Baby Bath ECOCERT Organic which won the category for Best Baby Skincare Product.

The judge added, “There are no harsh chemicals within their products, and you can be confident they will be suitable for sensitive skin. This is especially important in the case of newborns and babys’ delicate skin.”

Since 1934, when Joseph Gardiner founded the first family apothecary in Ireland, the Gardiner family have been creating sensitive skincare solutions which combine their expertise in traditional formulations with the latest dermatological advances to provide expert, cruelty-free, sustainable, safe sensitive skincare.

“This brand is a well-loved Irish brand that is trusted in the market, especially with parents. Elave as a brand always supports with investment; and have increased their social media presence over the last 12-18 months which is driving the brand awareness” - Judges comments

**Attitude Baby Leaves 2 in 1 Shampoo & Body Wash**

Best Marketing/ Training Campaign

Viagra Connect won the Best Marketing/Training Campaign Award for 2022 with one of the judges stating that its launch ‘has been exceptional and has led to more awareness of erectile dysfunction and men being more forth coming to seek treatment.’

They added, “The support to our pharmacy was invaluable with the Essential Guidelines and Consultation Guide being posted out. In addition, the webinar was very helpful to consolidate the information and hearing from a pharmacist in Northern Ireland about his experience with selling Viagra Connect really gave me the confidence in my ability to provide the product.”

Viagra Connect is the first over-the counter treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) for men age 18 years and older to be launched in the Republic of Ireland. The Viagra Connect educational campaign for pharmacists was initiated prior to Viagra Connect being available to purchase in the pharmacy – providing guidance on ED and relevant medical issues relevant for their patients.

“Having this product on the market for customers has made the topic of erectile dysfunction more normalised. The campaign has really opened the doors to allow people not to feel like they are on their own. The company has also provided continued support to pharmacists” - Judges comments

Best VMS Product

The Best VMS Product Award for 2022 went to Zest Active.

Zest Active is an innovative super supplement from Irish Supplement company Revive Active. It is scientifically formulated with 25 active ingredients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and Wellmune ® , all carefully selected to support energy, the immune system, brain, and muscle function.

“Zest Active is a really good seller within our pharmacy and is a product people ask for by name,” commented one of the judges. “One of its unique selling points is that it is marketed as having all the ingredients needed to maintain a busy lifestyle and/or combat fatigue. Great product information supported with market leading branding and pharmacy support.”

Zest Active contains no caffeine, binders or fillers and is Informed Sport approved, giving both professional and amateur athletes confidence to use. With a refreshing orange flavoured blend, Zest Active delivers the daily nutrients you need, to help you unlock your true potential.

“Super product, Great USP and Irish. Tastes good and easy for on the go. Great competitor to existing energy products. Again once tried great repeat sales” - Judges comments

Best Digestive Product

**Jamie O’Leary, Product Specialist and Shirley O’Regan, Marketing Manager Ireland**

Alflorex ® - the leading probiotic for IBS, a condition that affects up to 1 in 7 people in Ireland every day, scooped the Best Digestive Product 2022.

This probiotic is taken daily to manage and prevent recurrence of IBS symptoms. The unique 35624 ® culture in Alflorex is a naturally occurring bacterial strain found in the human gut. This Bifidobacterium longum culture is part of the family of bacteria given by mother to baby at birth. The main longterm aim for Alflorex is to strive to have all IBS patients in Ireland take Alflorex for 1 month.

For one of our judges, Alflorex is one of their favourite products in the pharmacy. “IBS is such a common presentation to the pharmacy and undiagnosed in many cases as they are symptoms that some people are too embarrassed to present to the pharmacy with. The research behind this product is exemplary and the support from Pamex as witnessed is first-hand and is second-to-none,” they add.

“The product that started the new tempo of digestive aids in Ireland. Though the bar has since gotten ever so slightly higher, this would not have happened but for Alflorexs’ original formula. Excellent product” - Judges comments

Best Baby & Children Product

Nelsons Teetha won the category for Best Baby and Children’s Product within the 2022 OTC & Retail Pharmacy Product Awards.

Teetha ® Teething Granules is a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething which are sore and tender gums, flushed cheeks and dribbling. Containing Chamomilla 6c, Teetha granules are packed in super convenient sachets and are quickly dissolving.

“Teetha has been loved by Irish Mums for years. One of our judges commented, “Nelsons teetha is a well-known and wellused product in the market - one of the top sellers for teething babies over 3 months. The product works well and once the consumer tries it, they are usually loyal to brand.”

“A go-to product for all parents of young infants. They’re easy to use and the individual sachets mean they can be kept in multiple rooms/bags/pockets so parents always have something close to hand when needed to provide relief to their teething infants” - Judges comments

**Calpol ® Infant Suspension Sugar-Free**

Best Skincare Product

The Best Skincare Product for 2022 went to Elave Daily Defence, a brand that our judges say is synonymous with protecting the skin.

“This brand’s experience in producing traditional apothecary products like their Silcock’s Base, Aqueous Cream and Emulsifying Ointment has enabled them to leverage dermatological advances.” remarked a judge. “Elave can be recommended for those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, whose skin can be further irritated by perfumes found in many moisturisers and sun creams.”

One of the judges commented, “This well-known and trusted brand has great clinical packaging and fantastic repeat sales, which is evident as once customers find something that truly works for their skin they will continue to use it.”

“Elave Daily Defence SPF45 is a really superb, market leading product from a well-known and highly trusted brand” - Judges comments

Best Oral Health Product

**Caroline Finucane, Commercial Marketing Manager and Aoife Wallace, Brand Manager, Ocean Healthcare**

TePe Interdental Brush was voted as the winner of the Best Oral Health Product for 2022.

The Interdental Brush is a special brush by TePe designed to clean even the smallest gaps between the teeth where a regular toothbrush is unable to reach, giving gums and teeth a fresh and clean feeling - every day.

A functional design with an ergonomically shaped handle and a flexible neck guarantee optimal access to the hardest-to-reach areas / Ideal for braces, implants, crowns as well as natural teeth. TePe Interdental Brushes come in a range of sizes, designs, and filament types.

“TePe interdental brushes have been around a long time and have a very loyal customer basis,” stated one of the judges. “Pharmacists and dentists know the value and effectiveness of using these brushes and so we often recommend them. They have an excellent product range, particularly reputable and sought after by customers.”

“This is a hugely effective product; this brand dominates the category”

Judges comments

Best Sleep/ Stress Relief Product

Nytol One-A-Night won the Category Award for Best Sleep/ Stress Relief Product.

Nytol One-A-Night is available over the counter in pharmacy only. Nytol One a Night can help with all round sleep cycle support; helping consumers to drift off gently, improve quality of sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

“The brand loyalty has been exceptional with this product,” stated one of the judges. “It is a unique product in the category.” Another added, “This is an invaluable product to have in store; to actually be able to offer a customer an effective solution to regain their sleep pattern without having to visit their GP. Customers ask for the product by name with many saying they were recommended it by a friend who found it helped to regulate their sleep cycle. The company are extremely supportive with the training and advertising material that they provide in store. They have also made massive investment in their TV advertising while also thinking outside the box by using Programmatic Audio – a unique element of the campaign, allowing consumers to listen to the Nytol Ad via online platforms like Spotify.”

“Great marketing campagin around this – definitely the driver in this category” - Judges comments

Celebrating OTC Excellence and Innovation - Winners Annouced

Next Article

CPD: Emergency Contraception

Best Cough, Cold and Flu Product

Best Natural Product

Best Immunity Product

Best Irish Pharmacy Product

Best Baby and Children Supplement

Best Mens Product

Best Eye Care Product

Best Womens Product

Best Pain Relief Product

Best Beauty Product

Best Launch of the Year

Best Pregnancy/ Fertility Product

Best Baby Skincare Product

Best Marketing/ Training Campaign

Best VMS Product

Best Digestive Product

Best Baby & Children Product

Best Skincare Product

Best Oral Health Product

Best Sleep/ Stress Relief Product

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Topic Team Training – Sleep Disorders

This article is from:

IPN 2022 April