The Hellenic Competition Commission has published the results of its mapping exercise in the veterinary pharmaceutical products sector for sheep and goats, focusing on vaccines, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, and antiparasitic products. The study forms part of the Commission’s broader strategy to examine the agri-food value chain and complements previous work on animal feed production and trade. The reference period for the analysis covers January 2019 to June 2024.
The research highlights that most vaccines, antibiotics, and antiparasitic products for sheep and goats marketed in Greece are imported by subsidiaries of multinational pharmaceutical groups, mainly from the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, and France. Sales structures remained largely stable between 2019 and 2024, with off-patent products representing the majority of imports. Importers primarily sell to pharmaceutical warehouses, veterinary offices, private clinics, and pharmacies, while direct sales to cooperatives and farms remain limited.
The study notes a moderate market concentration in antibiotics and antiparasitics, and a high degree of concentration in vaccines. Certain product categories display monopoly characteristics, with importers’ market shares mirroring those of their suppliers. Importers and warehouses reported increasing turnover during 2020–2023, with importers achieving significantly higher profit margins, averaging around 32%, compared to approximately 10% for warehouses.
The Commission also identified several structural issues affecting competition. These include a fragmented regulatory framework, potential conflicts of interest arising from veterinarians’ dual role as prescribers and sellers of medicines, and strict limitations on online sales of prescription veterinary drugs. Moreover, parallel imports remain almost non-existent due to language and labelling requirements and the small size of the Greek market.
The Commission’s findings provide valuable insight into the structure and functioning of the veterinary pharmaceuticals sector and are expected to inform future policy initiatives aimed at improving competition and market efficiency.