This is its highest sales level ever and its profit increased to more than RON6.1 million, according to publicly available data. Ducfarm, a business established by four entrepreneurs two decades ago, is currently employing 202 people.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected sales of pharmacies, one of the few businesses that kept operating during the lockdown. People stocked up on drugs and supplies at the start of the health crisis, but as the authorities announced new restrictions or relaxations, sales of pharmacies varied.
Ducfarm numbers 22 pharmacies, covering Cluj County (14 pharmacies in Cluj-Napoca, one in Turda and one in Floresti), Salaj (3) and Bihor (3). It also has a presence in Baia Mare where it is a partner in a pharmacy.
The largest retail pharmacy chain in Romania is Catena, held by entrepreneur Anca Vlad, with more than 850 pharmacies. Second largest is Sensiblu, 710, followed by HelpNet, 413, Dona and Ropharma.
There are about 8,100 pharmacies in Romania, some 30% or 2,400 held by the top five chains by number of pharmacies.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)