Newpharma

Newpharma is an online pharmacy founded in 2008 by pharmacist Laurent Detry and internet specialist Olivier Mallue. They launched the platform in Liège, Belgium, to anticipate the authorization of online sales for non-prescription medicines. Initially, the website only offered parapharmacy products, but following a Royal Decree on January 21, 2009, Newpharma became the first Belgian online pharmacy to sell over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

The company operates by selling non-prescription drugs and a wide array of parapharmaceutical products, including cosmetics, vitamins, and baby care items. Its business model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce, generating revenue by selling these products online. All orders are prepared and controlled by pharmacists from a physical public pharmacy in Liège, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Newpharma serves customers in several European countries, with Belgium and France being its primary markets. The platform offers a catalog of over 47,000 products from 1,700 brands and provides 24-hour delivery within Belgium.

In 2017, Colruyt Group and its family's investment firm, Korys, acquired a majority stake in Newpharma. By July 2021, Colruyt Group increased its ownership to 61%, and together with Korys, they now own 100% of the company. This acquisition is part of Colruyt Group's broader strategy to invest in health-related services and expand its e-commerce leadership. Following the acquisition, the company has continued to invest in automation and logistics, including the construction of a new distribution center in Liège to support its growth.

Keywords: online pharmacy, parapharmacy, e-pharmacy, over-the-counter medicine, healthcare products, e-commerce, cosmetics, dietary supplements, European delivery, Belgian startup, Colruyt Group, Laurent Detry, Olivier Mallue, direct-to-consumer, pharmaceutical retail, health and wellness, beauty products, non-prescription drugs, vitamin sales, baby care