Frontpage Investors Oriola as an investment Operating environment In the first quarter of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic amplified in Finland and Sweden, which significantly impacted Oriola’s operating environment. In the second quarter, these pandemic effects were smaller and market started to recover. In the third quarter, the pandemic situation continued to improve in both Sweden and Finland and most of the government restrictions were removed by the end of the quarter. The volume demand for pharmaceuticals and other health and wellbeing products recovered and nearly reached 2019 levels. Oriola estimates that a majority of the market impacts related to pandemic will be temporary, with the exception of accelerated channel shift to online. In the Swedish pharmacy market, e-commerce is a fast growing area with tight competition of market shares. Price attraction and significant online marketing spend are typical mechanisms to grow market shares in e-commerce. Moreover, the pandemic has increased the societies’ need to be better prepared for emergency conditions, for instance through enhanced pharmaceutical reserve. Also the need for high-quality pharmaceutical availability compliant with regulations, and particularly expertise in cold chain management, has increased during the pandemic. The pandemic has also further strengthened the overall interest towards and appreciation of the purpose and societal role of companies. This is clearly visible in Oriola’s industry, and it is an asset for the companies in retaining and recruiting talent. As the pandemic situation is recovering, the overall competitive situation and competitive pricing return as key focus points in Oriola’s operating environment and in all Oriola’s business areas. Also, other long-term trends like ageing population and growth in speciality pharmaceuticals are re-emerging in both of Oriola’s operating countries. Oriola Contact us Follow us Linkedin Facebook Log in to digital services About us Services Products Investors Sustainability Career Newsroom Privacy policy Copyright (C) 2006-2021