DARMSTADT (Yosefardi) – In the first quarter of 2015, Merck’s Consumer Health reported sales of € 217 million representing 13% organic growth (excluding 7% growth based on currency effects) versus Q1 2014 (€ 180 million).
This strong performance was driven by 25% organic growth on last year in both Latin America and Asia/Pacific. Europe reported a solid performance of 3% organic growth, and Middle East/Africa2 7% organic growth year on year. Key brands driving these positive results were Neurobion, Dolo-Neurobion, Nasivin and Kytta.
In Indonesia, Merck faced significant challenges around value creation for the former prescription-driven Vitamin B supplement Neurobion®.
The Marketing team took a dual approach which combined the best of its direct-to-consumer knowledge, with continued engagement with Key Opinion Leaders.
Through re-branding, the creation of new packaging and a national Neuropathy Awareness Campaign, the brand became the largest multi-national company OTC brand in Indonesia for the first time. Sales significantly outstripped projections, supported by strong consumer uptake.