About Omega Pharma Netherlands
Omega Pharma Netherlands is part of the Omega Pharma group. Since its inception in 1987, Omega Pharma has grown into a multinational group with over 2,000 employees directly operating in some 35 countries, mainly in Europe.
The focus of the Omega Pharma group is on prescription-free health and care products, such as dietary supplements, skin care products, medical devices and other self-care products.
Omega Pharma Netherlands carries brands such as Davitamon, Biodermal, Bional, Predictor, Tantum, Prevalin, Dermalex and XL-S Medical.
Our history
1933
Establishment of Chefaro SA
In 1933, NV Chefaro was founded by Mr. Kleijn. Under his leadership, the company begins producing articles specifically intended for sale by druggists. Painkillers based on paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid are the first form of articles produced and sold. During World War II, when it is impossible to obtain raw materials, the company is kept going with the production of sweetener tablets.
“40 -” 60
Growth through product expansion and acquisitions
Immediately after the war, production and trade resumed in 1945 and Chefaro grew not only through the continuous expansion of the number of products, but also through acquisitions of other companies. For example, in 1964, through the acquisition of the company van de Akker, the products Abbey syrup, Akkertjes and Kloosterbalsum were added to the product range.
“70 -” 80
Chefaro grows into a specialist in self-care medication
In the 1970s, Chefaro merges successively with Koninklijke Zwanenberg Organon and Algemene Kunstzijde Unie, creating the organization AKZO. Organon’s self-care products are thus transferred to Chefaro, including the Davitamon and Azaron brands.
Chefaro then continues to grow as a specialist in self-care medication. In the early 1970s Predictor, the first home pregnancy test, is introduced. From the outset, this introduction is a great success. In two years, this product is introduced in twelve countries, including America.
“90 -” 00
Chefaro largest organization within Dutch self-care market
In 1994, Akzo Nobel is formed by AKZO’s acquisition of Nobel Industries. Several years later, in 1999, Akzo Nobel decides to divest Chefaro, after which it is acquired by Omega Pharma in 2001. Omega Pharma also acquires Samenwerkende Apothekers, Tendem, Biodermal and Bional and places them under the responsibility of Chefaro. This makes Chefaro the largest organization within the Dutch self-care market and with the acquisition of Biodermal it also becomes a player in the cosmetics market.
2011
Chefaro becomes Omega Pharma Netherlands
As part of the Omega Pharma group, on June 1, 2011, Chefaro Nederland BV was renamed Omega Pharma Nederland B.V. In the following years, the product range continued to expand, including Lactacyd, Zantac and XL-s Medical.
2015
Acquisition by Perrigo
With the sale of the entire Omega Pharma group to the American pharmaceutical company Perrigo, a new phase has begun. While this acquisition has no direct effect on operations in the Dutch market because Perrigo was not yet active in the Netherlands, it does offer opportunities to expand the product range.
