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Popularity and the market place
The homeopathy market
Homeopathy has never been so popular; currently 15% of the population of Britain trust it.1
The over-the-counter market in homeopathy currently stands at around £40million in the UK, based on the last market figures published by Mintel, which estimated in 2007 it was worth £38million but projected to reach £46million in 2012.2
Over 30 million people in Europe use homeopathic medicine and 50% of the French population are regular users.3 Turnover of all homeopathic products is €1.77million, an average consumption of €4 per head; approximately 1% of the whole pharmaceutical market and approximately 7% of the over-the-counter market.
There has been a 60% growth in the homeopathic market in Europe over 10 years (1995-2005); from €590million to €930million. 90% of homeopathic products are consumed by France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, UK and Poland. Relative to population, France and Germany have highest consumption – 59%. France’s average spend per person in 2005 was €7.4
High-profile support
MPs
Homeopathy enjoys a high level of support from politicians. In 2007, 206 MPs signed an Early Day Motion welcoming the contribution of homeopathy to NHS healthcare.
Celebrities
Paul McCartney, David Beckham, Twiggy, Caprice, Susan Hampshire, Tina Turner, Louise Jameson, Gaby Roslin, Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Nadia Sawalha, Richard Branson and Meera Syall, as well as The Queen are all users of homeopathy.
Complementary medicine in general
An estimated 5.75million people a year in the UK go to see a complementary practitioner for treatment and it has been estimated that one in four members of the public would like to access complementary medicine on the National Health Service.5
According to Mintel, the complementary medicines market in the UK was worth an estimated £147million in 2004, showing a 44 per cent growth since 1999.2
People with long-term chronic illness are most likely to use CAM,6 but the most common ailments seen in CAM are musculoskeletal problems, stress relief, anxiety and depression and the maintenance of good health.7,8
One third of cancer patients in Europe are using complementary medicine, a random survey of 1000 patients suggests.3
References:
1. Global TGI Barometer, January 2008; Issue 33.
2. MINTEL, Complementary Medicine, Market Intelligence, April 2004
3. Molassiotis A, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey. Annals of Oncology, February 2005, Manchester University
4. ECHAMP’s Facts & Figures, 2nd Ed, 2007.
5. Thomas K & Coleman P. Use of complementary or alternative medicine in a general population in Great Britain. Results from the National Omnibus Survey. Journal of Public Health 2004; 26(2): 152-157
6. Ernst E. Complementary Medicine. PDS Information sheet FS35. Parkinsons Disease Society, 2003
7. Thomas K et al. Use and expenditure on complementary medicine in England: a population-based survey. Complementary therapies in medicine 2001; (9):21-11
8. Ong C-K & Banks B. Complementary and alternative medicine; the consumer perspective. The Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health, 2003.