FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Telephone: Fax: Email: Dan Weil Online News Coordinator (212) 972-3131 (212) 983-1382 [email protected] Consumers can keep over-the-counter medicine affordable by using store brands NEW YORK – Over-the-counter healthcare costs can be a burden on the average American consumer. However, a new survey of store brand over-the-counter products aimed at treating various ailments from the common cold to diabetes, can offer significant savings for those consumers. The research, conducted by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, assembled a market basket which focused on over-the-counter healthcare products, including those essential for treatment of pre-diabetes and diabetes. These products – according to the American Diabetes Association – include blood glucose testers, pulse oximeter, and circulatory socks. All are available as a national brand, but the store brand alternative can save shoppers more than 40%. For example, according to the survey, the national brand blood glucose test cost $19.99 while the store brand offering was only $9.99. The store brand alternative doesn’t just offer great savings but, in some cases, products like latex gloves, finger protectors, and needle dispensers are solely provided by a store brand. According to a 2013 study by the American Diabetes Association, individual costs to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. With 30 million Americans living with diabetes and another 86 million diagnosed as prediabetic – according to the Center for Disease Control – the savings with store brands can multiply. (more) 630 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 ● Telephone: (212) 972-3131 Fax: (212) 983-1382 Website: www.plma.com Consumers can save with store brands healthcare products 2 Typical Store Brand vs. National Brand Market Basket Comparison Diabetic Supplies Blood Glucose Test Blood Glucose Strips Circulatory Socks Pulse Oximeter Latex Gloves Finger Protectors Needle Dispenser AVG MARKET BASKET TOTAL National Brand Unit Price $19.99 $38.79 $10.99 $77.49 N/A N/A N/A $147.26 Store Brand Unit Price $9.99 $22.99 $3.99 $49.99 $9.29 $5.79 $6.99 $109.03 In addition to diabetic supplies, the study also examined other products consumers need to maintain and improve their health, such as nicotine gum for smokers trying to quit which shows a store brand savings of 20%; store brand blood pressure monitors can save consumers 22%; even acne treatments can save consumers 27% if they switch to the store brand offering. For every category in the study, a leading national brand product was compared to a similar store brand product and prices were adjusted to account for all known discounts, coupons and promotions available for each of the four shopping visits in the study. Typical Store Brand vs. National Brand Market Basket Comparison Health & Beauty Supplies Acetaminophen Acne Lotion Acne Pads Adhesive Bandages Adult Diapers Air Vaporizer Antacid Anti-Bacterial Cream Anti-Itch Cream Aspirin Aspirin (81mg) Blood Pressure Monitor Body Lotion Cane Tips Cold Remedy (pill form) Cough Drops National Brand Unit Price $7.99 $7.29 $6.49 $10.99 $14.24 $22.79 $5.79 $6.99 $9.99 $6.99 $7.49 $99.99 $13.29 $5.99 $9.29 $1.99 (more) Store Brand Unit Price $6.49 $4.99 $4.99 $8.79 $11.99 $18.49 $4.49 $5.79 $7.99 $2.49 $6.29 $77.49 $10.79 $4.49 $6.79 $1.57 Consumers can save with store brands healthcare products (cont’d) Cushioning Insoles Ear Thermometer Electric Tooth Brush Eye Drops Gel Cushioning Insoles Hearing Aid Batteries Heat Wraps Laxative (pill form) Mouthwash Nicotine Gum Oral Thermometer Petroleum Jelly Shaving Gel Sinus Spray Sleep Aid Stomach Med Vitamin C (1000mg) AVG MARKET BASKET TOTAL National Brand Unit Price $5.49 $55.99 $30.76 $5.29 $18.49 $10.99 $7.29 $7.29 $7.99 $55.99 $15.39 $4.59 $5.79 $7.11 $10.99 $7.49 $13.29 $507.81 3 Store Brand Unit Price $3.79 $30.49 $23.79 $3.99 $13.79 $7.99 $5.79 $5.49 $4.59 $44.99 $13.99 $3.59 $4.19 $5.49 $8.49 $5.99 $9.29 $379.65 Prices shown are averages based on weekly shopping trips conducted over a 4-week period from 2/15-3/15. All prices are net after known discounts, coupons and/or promotions. The Private Label Manufacturers Association is the industry trade association devoted exclusively to store brands. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 3,300 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products. The products supplied by PLMA members include food, beverages, snacks, health and beauty aids, over-the-counter drugs, household cleaners and chemicals, outdoor and leisure products, auto aftercare and general merchandise. ### For information about store brands or to arrange an interview with PLMA President Brian Sharoff, contact PLMA’s press representative at (212) 972-3131.
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