Herbal remedies take centre stage in South Africa’s Cough, Cold and Flu market

Insight Survey’s latest South African Cough, Cold and Flu Industry Landscape Report 2025 carefully uncovers the global and local Cough, Cold and Flu market, based on the latest intelligence and research. It describes the latest global and local market trends, innovation and technology, drivers, and challenges, to present an objective insight into the South African cough, cold and flu industry environment and its future.

In 2025, the global Cold and Cough Remedies market (also referred to as the Cough, Cold and Flu market) is expected to achieve revenue of approximately $44.6bn. Moreover, the market is forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% to reach approximately $55.9bn in 2030, as illustrated in the graph below.

Source: Statista | Graphics by Insight Survey

This global growth is also reflected in the South African market, where the Cough, Cold, and Flu Remedies market category increased by 9% year-on-year in retail value. The market is expected to continue this upward trajectory, with a forecast CAGR of 9.4% for the period 2025 to 2029.

Innovation is playing a crucial role in driving this growth, with global players expanding herbal and plant-based offerings to meet consumer demand. For example, New Zealand-based Comvita has introduced an improved formula for its Mānuka Honey Lozenges, leveraging honey’s antibacterial and soothing properties to support immune health.

Similarly, Sootheez lozenges are marketed as an immune-boosting herbal alternative, appealing to consumers who prioritise clean labels, botanical extracts, and holistic relief. In addition, Boiron, a global leader in homoeopathic medicines, introduced the ThroatCalm Spray, which uses plant-based active ingredients such as echinacea HPUS and plantago major, as well as a mint herbal flavour.

In South Africa, leading players are also embracing herbal innovation. Vital Health recently introduced a herbal cough syrup with ivy leaf and elderberry to naturally soothe throat irritation, reduce mucus, and open airways. Free from alcohol and artificial colourants, it is positioned as a gentle, family-friendly remedy.

Likewise, Woods South Africa extended its trusted range with the launch of its new Herbal Cough Syrup featuring a triple-action formula to relieve cough, soothe the throat, and support immunity. The non-sedative syrup is positioned as a natural remedy for the entire family, including young children, making it a versatile option for households.

Further local innovation includes Koflet-EX Syrup, a non-drowsy remedy that liquefies mucus and supports respiratory comfort, and is suitable for those seeking a natural, everyday cough remedy without sedating effects. In addition, Andolex has entered the market with its Soothing Relief Lozenges, formulated with herbal ingredients and available in new flavours, offering on-the-go relief for throat discomfort.

The South African Cough, Cold and Flu Industry Landscape Report 2025 (97 pages) provides a dynamic synthesis of industry research, examining the local and global Cough, Cold and Flu industry from a uniquely holistic perspective, with detailed insights into the entire value chain, market sizes and forecasts, industry trends, latest innovation and technology, key drivers and challenges, as well as a manufacturer and distributor overview, retail and pricing analysis.

Some key questions the report will help you to answer:

• What are Porter’s Five Forces shaping the South African Cough, Cold and Flu market?

• What is the STEEP analysis of the South African Cough, Cold and Flu market?

• What are the latest global and South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies industry trends, innovation and technology, drivers, and challenges?

• What is the South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies market size value and volume trends (2019-2024), and forecasts (2025-2029), as well as channel distribution?

• Which are the key manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the South African Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies industry?

• What is the latest company news for key players in terms of products, new launches, and marketing initiatives?

• What are the prices of popular OTC Cough, Cold and Flu Remedy brands/products across South African retail pharmacies?

For more information, and to view the brochure, click here: South African Cough, Cold and Flu Industry Landscape Report 2025.

If you require further assistance, please email az.oc.yevrusthgisni@ofni, call our Cape Town office on (021) 045-0202, or Johannesburg office on (010) 140- 5756.