AS Watson says global health business rose 10%

• AS Watson marked World Pharmacists Day 2026.
• The company said its global health business rose 10% in 2025.
• Its global network includes more than 1,770 pharmacies.

AS Watson marked World Pharmacists Day 2026 by highlighting the role of more than 3,300 pharmacists and nearly 10,000 health specialists across its global pharmacy network. The company said that network spans more than 1,770 stores worldwide.

AS Watson says global health business rose 10%

The retailer said its global health business grew 10% in 2025. It linked that to rising customer interest in preventive health and self-care.

Peter Macnab, international commercial director at AS Watson, said healthcare is shifting “from treatment to prevention”. He said the company supports customers with trusted expert advice, personalised healthcare solutions and its O+O model.

Global health research

AS Watson also published Global Health Research conducted by WISE, its customer experience insights unit. The survey covered more than 11,000 respondents in 10 markets across Europe and Asia.

The research found health concerns were a key driver in choosing health products, cited by 43% of respondents. Expert health advice followed at 41%, while advice from family and friends was 32%.

Customers also used both online and offline research. The survey put online research at 82%, consultation with health experts at 49% and in-store product experience at 44%.

When buying, respondents weighed price and promotions at 56%, brand trust at 48% and product benefits or results at 45%.

Macnab said the future of healthcare is moving toward prevention, personalisation and greater access. He said AS Watson aims to make preventive healthcare easier to access and more connected to customers.