Aboca

What Aboca does

Aboca is an Italian healthcare company founded in 1978 by Valentino Mercati that develops, manufactures, and distributes 100% natural and biodegradable health products, including dietary supplements, medical devices, and cosmetics. The company operates a vertically integrated model spanning 1,700 hectares of organic farmland cultivating 60+ medicinal plant species, a 40,000 square-metre Factory 4.0 in Pistrino built to cGMP pharmaceutical standards, and a proprietary scientific research program grounded in Systems Biology, Metabolomics, and clinical studies that has produced 21 patents and over 1,000 scientific publications. Its product portfolio of 81+ SKUs covers gastrointestinal health (Colilen IBS, NeoBianacid, Lenodiar, Sollievo PhysioLax, MeliLax, Libramed), respiratory health (Grintuss, Fitonasal), immune support, sleep and stress (Sedivitax Advanced), oral care, metabolic health, women's health, and eye care, sold under multiple sub-brands.

The company's commercial model is a selective direct-to-pharmacy channel strategy. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales distributed via 41,526 pharmacies, 1,816 parapharmacies, and 1,531 herbalists in Italy, complemented by the Apoteca Natura branded network of over 1,100 independent pharmacies across Italy, Spain, and Portugal, and 22 directly operated AFAM municipal pharmacies in Florence. A field sales force of 308 direct agents and 56 technical-scientific informants regularly visits 16,641 doctors, supported by international scientific seminars ('The evidence behind naturals') held in 30+ European cities. Aboca reports €270 million of revenue in 2022 (37% growth versus the prior year, up from €228 million in 2019) with an estimated €40 million of pre-tax profit, exports to 24 countries via foreign affiliates in Argentina, Belgium, and Poland, and operates with 1,600+ employees under Benefit Corporation and B Corp status.

Name

Aboca

Legal name

Aboca S.p.A. Società Agricola

Website

https://aboca.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Aboca is an Italian vertically integrated manufacturer of evidence-based 100% natural health products (dietary supplements, medical devices, cosmetics), serving health-conscious consumers through 41,000+ pharmacies and the Apoteca Natura network across 24 countries, with €270M revenue in 2022.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Natural Health Products

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Probiotics & Digestive Health Supplements (CRADAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Vitamins & Minerals (Single Nutrients) (CRADAGAB), Natural, Organic & Health Foods Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAAAK)

Keywords

• Natural health products
• Herbal pharmaceuticals
• Botanical supplements
• Medical devices herbal
• Organic nutraceuticals

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Aboca generates revenue through the sale of 100% natural and biodegradable health products including dietary supplements, medical devices, and cosmetics. Products are distributed through pharmacies, parapharmacies, and herbal shops, with 2019 turnover of €228 million. In 2022, Aboca achieved revenue of €270 million euros, representing 37% growth year-over-year.
2. Pharmacy Network Distribution: Revenue is generated through distribution via the Apoteca Natura network of over 1,000 independent pharmacies and 22 AFAM municipal pharmacies in Florence. Products are also sold through 41,526 pharmacies, 1,816 parapharmacies, and 1,531 herbalists and health food stores.
3. International Export: Aboca exports products to 24 countries worldwide including 17 countries with established distribution networks. Foreign affiliates operate in Argentina, Belgium, and Poland, with additional distribution partnerships in Estonia, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Aboca manufactures and sells 100% natural and biodegradable health products including dietary supplements, medical devices, and cosmetics derived from natural molecular complexes extracted from medicinal plants. The company operates a fully vertically integrated supply chain spanning 1,700 hectares of organic cultivation, cGMP pharmaceutical-grade Factory 4.0 production, scientific research, and distribution through pharmacies, parapharmacies, and herbal shops across 24 countries. Products address gastrointestinal, respiratory, metabolic, immune, sleep, oral, and women's health needs.

Product overview

Aboca is an Italian healthcare company that develops and manufactures 100% natural and biodegradable health products. The product portfolio spans multiple health categories including gastrointestinal health (Colilen IBS, NeoBianacid, Lenodiar, Sollievo PhysioLax, MeliLax, Libramed), respiratory health (Grintuss, Fitonasal), immune system support (ImmunoMix), sleep and stress (Sedivitax Advanced), oral health (Golamir, Propolgemma, Oroben), metabolic health (Metarecod, Adiprox Advanced, Lynfase), women's health (Menovamp), eye health (Fitostill Plus), and general wellness (Natura Mix Advanced, Vitamin C Naturcomplex). The company operates through a vertically integrated supply chain from organic farming to scientific research and distribution via pharmacies, parapharmacies, and herbal shops under brands like Apoteca Natura.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Colilen IBS: Product for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Fitonasal
• Golamir 2ACT
• Lenodiar
• Libramed
• Melilax
• Metarecod
• NaturaMix
• NeoBianacid
• Propolgemma
• Sedivitax Advanced
• Apoteca Natura
• Aboca Edizioni
• Aboca Museum

Products and services

• Colilen IBS Natural product for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), available in capsule form (60 and 96 capsules). Targets adult consumers seeking natural digestive health support.
• Fitonasal Product line for nasal congestion, irritation, and hygiene, including BioOintment, Concentrated spray, Nebulizer, and Pediatric variants. For consumers with respiratory congestion.
• Grintuss Product line for cough and respiratory health in Adult Syrup, Pediatric Syrup, tablets, and herbal tea formats. For consumers seeking natural cough remedies.
• MeliLax Product for constipation relief available as micro-enemas (adult and pediatric) and suppositories. For consumers with bowel irregularity.
• NeoBianacid Product for heartburn, acid reflux, and digestive difficulties, available as sachets of granules and tablets including pediatric formulation. For consumers with gastric discomfort.
• Lenodiar Product for diarrhea relief in Adult capsules and Pediatric formulations. For consumers with acute diarrhea management needs.
• Libramed Product for weight control and metabolism of fats, available in tablet and single-dose granule sachet formats. For consumers seeking weight management support.
• Sedivitax Advanced Product for sleep disorders and stress management, available in capsules, drops, herbal tea, night tablets, and syrup formats. For consumers with sleep difficulties.
• Sollievo PhysioLax Product for constipation relief available in tablet (27, 45, and 90 count) and syrup formats. For consumers seeking regular bowel function support.
• Golamir Product for sore throat and oral cavity relief, available as alcohol-free spray, Extra Strength spray, and tablets. For consumers with throat irritation.
• Propolgemma Product for sore throat and oral cavity containing propolis, available as orally dispersible tablets (adult and children) and sprays. For consumers seeking throat and oral care.
• Metarecod Product for altered metabolic parameters and metabolic syndrome, available as single-dose sachets of granules. For consumers with metabolic concerns.
• ImmunoMix Product line for immune system support, available as Advanced capsules and syrup, Plus capsules and syrup, Nose Defence, and Oral Defence. For consumers seeking immune support.
• Natura Mix Advanced Product line for general wellness available in Mind (mental well-being), Support (reconstituent), and Energy (tonics) variants as capsules, concentrated fluid, and orodispersible sachets. For consumers seeking overall vitality.
• NeoFitoroid Product for hemorrhoids available as BioOintment, capsules (opercoli), and cleansing cream. For consumers with hemorrhoidal discomfort.
• Adiprox Advanced Product for weight control available as capsules, concentrated fluid, and herbal tea. For consumers seeking body weight management.
• Coligas Fast Product for intestinal gas and bloating, available as capsules (30 and 50 count), drops, and herbal tea. For consumers with digestive discomfort.
• Menovamp Product for menopause support, featuring black cohosh. For women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
• Oroben Product for oral health including mouth ulcers, gingivitis, and minor lesions, available as mouthwash and oral gel. For consumers with oral cavity issues.
• Fitostill Plus Product for red and irritated eyes. For consumers experiencing eye irritation.
• Vitamin C Naturcomplex Reconstituent product for general wellness, available in 14 and 30 tablet formats. For consumers seeking daily vitamin supplementation.
• Lynfase Product for metabolism of fats available as concentrated fluid and herbal tea. For consumers seeking metabolic support.
• GastroDiger Product for intestinal gas and bloating available as syrup. For consumers with digestive discomfort.

Quantifiable outcome

• €270 million revenue in 2022, representing 37% year-over-year growth
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.

• Confindustria Dispositivi MedicistrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAboca partnered with Confindustria Dispositivi Medici (Italian association of Medical Device Companies) to organize the conference 'Medical Devices Made of Substances: An Opportunity for Innovation in the Healthcare Sector' in Florence.
• National Biodiversity Future CenterstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAboca's 2025-2030 Biodiversity Strategy was developed in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Future Center, a project funded by the European Union's NextGenerationEU initiative, focusing on protecting and promoting biodiversity from a 'One Health' perspective.
• International Research Centers, Universities, and HospitalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAboca collaborates with numerous research centers, universities, and hospitals both nationally and internationally to study the action of products, their efficacy and safety, and to assess the impact of treatments on patients' quality of life. Studies are published in journals such as The American Journal of Gastroenterology, Frontiers, Nutrients, and Scientific Reports of Nature.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Haleon: London-listed consumer health spinoff from GSK operating brands like Centrum, Caltrate, and Voltaren in addition to growing natural ranges. A broad incumbent competing for the same health-conscious pharmacy consumer as Aboca.
• Perrigo: US-headquartered consumer healthcare company producing store-brand OTC and natural products sold through pharmacies and retailers globally. Comparable scale and pharmacy distribution model, though broader and less differentiated in naturals.
• Bayer Consumer Health: Global consumer health incumbent that has expanded aggressively into natural and plant-based product lines (e.g., Berocca, Bepanthen). Represents the broad competitive threat facing Aboca in pharmacy distribution with vastly larger marketing budgets.
• Sanofi Consumer Healthcare (Opella): Sanofi's consumer health unit (recently partnered with CD&R for a stake), marketing brands like Dulcolax and Enterogermina in digestive health — directly adjacent to Aboca's core categories. Broad incumbent competitor in European pharmacy shelves.

Direct peers

• A. Vogel / Bioforce: Swiss manufacturer of fresh plant-based herbal medicines and supplements sold through European pharmacies and health food stores. Closely mirrors Aboca's botanical-based product philosophy and pharmacy distribution approach.
• Schwabe Group: German family-owned manufacturer of phytopharmaceuticals and natural health products, similar size to Aboca, also sold through pharmacy channel with strong clinical evidence base. Comparable across product category, distribution, and family-owned structure.
• Weleda: Swiss manufacturer of natural cosmetics and anthroposophic pharmaceuticals, also distributed through pharmacies and health stores with vertically integrated biodynamic farming. Highly comparable on natural positioning, pharmacy channel, and vertically integrated model.
• Boiron: World leader in homeopathic medicines, distributing through pharmacies globally with a similar natural/plant-based positioning. Closest direct comparable by product category, channel, and therapeutic scope.
• PiLeJe: French laboratory specializing in natural health solutions (micronutrition, phytotherapy, probiotics) distributed through pharmacies. Comparable on natural positioning, European pharmacy channel, and emphasis on clinical evidence.

Emerging players

• Erba Vita Group: Italian manufacturer of herbal supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices distributed through pharmacies and herbalists. Comparable in product range and Italian pharmacy channel focus, though smaller scale than Aboca.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abocagroup
• Xx.com/abocait

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aboca