Herbal Products - Supply and Demand Trends in the Target Market - Assignment Example

Report on Herbal Products Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code and Name: University: Date of Submission: Report on Herbal Products 1. Analysis of Supply and Demand Trends in the Target Market It is essential to analyze the key supply issues and demand trends of the three markets that include Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar, where the formed joint venture wants to establish its target market. Notably, with regard to the supply and demand market issues and analysis, the joint venture has enabled the business to acquire a strategic, competitive advantage. This has been driven due to the fact that the joint venture business is now in a position to pool its resources together, thereby enhancing an effective analysis which consequently results to highly reliable outcome. Such resources includes use of human resource, who have unique professionalism and expertise on market research from both companies under the joint venture agreement; use of higher financial resources, which enables the accomplishment of a more comprehensive research and analysis; and also enables the use of other capital resources that are essential in actualizing a highly reliable market analysis results. a. Supply Analysis The production of herbal products by the joint venture between Getz and Herbion companies mainly relies on the supply of specific, distinguished types of plants parts, which are considered to be the key raw material in the processing of various herbal products. The UAE market in particular, the supply of raw materials for herbal products production is adversely affected by some regulatory issues with regard to importation of herbal materials, for instance, fruits, vegetables, roots, bark, seeds, among other parts and also the herbal products (Barkla, 2010). These regulations entail the compliance of certain standards, especially with regard to the chemical levels of those plant materials (Zaman, 2012). Herbal materials imported from foreign countries to the Dubai market have to be ensured total compliance on the set chemical levels. Failure to compliance results to confiscation and destruction of such shipment. The three markets, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, remains significantly affected by the unfavorable weather conditions experienced in various producing countries. Also, plant diseases affecting the production of herbal materials has adversely impacted to the supply of the raw materials for the production of herbal products. For example, there has been considerably weak supply of herbal and plant materials from Jordan, Oman, Syria, and Lebanon, which are highly relied upon by the three countries (Barkla, 2010). Consequently, this has resulted to a drastic price rise on these materials. Notably, the Saudi Arabia and Qatar countries do not have stringent regulations with regard to herbal materials chemical level compliance as opposed to the Dubai market. Moreover, Saudi Arabia enjoys substantially higher and more plentiful supply of herbal and plant materials from a range of countries including Spain, South Africa, Kenya, Jordan, Turkey, Syria, and Egypt. Though Saudi Arabia still remains affected by inadequate supply of herbal products due to unfavorable weather conditions and certain plant diseases, the prices of herbal materials in this country is considerably fair as compared to Qatar and Dubai markets (Barkla, 2010). Therefore, the joint venture can establish a production plant in Saudi Arabia for it is the highly suitable strategic location with regard to the cost of raw materials and also it is geographically adjacent to Dubai and Qatar. b. Demand and Supply of Herbal Products Based on a study done by the W.H.O, there is a significant increase of consumer demand for herbal products in Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This has been highly influenced by the increased cautiousness on the use of pharmaceutical products, which have been said to contain some dangerous chemicals that can cause adverse effects to an individual in the long run – such as cancerous effects, though they high effective in curing numerous diseases (Benutzer, 2012). This has made a large number of populations to shift to the consumption of herbal products, which have been proved to having no such chemicals that could lead to severe implications to the body. Therefore, the demand for herbal product is significantly high in the three markets (Organisation Mondiale De La Santé 2005, Pp. 67-71). This shows that the plan for the joint venture to establish their market operations in these markets is highly appropriate as there is market potential. Nonetheless, due to the high demand of herbal products experienced in these markets, this situation has attracted many enterprises in the herbal products industry, both domestic and international. This has substantially increased the supply of the herbal products in these three markets. However, a warning has been made by the W.H.O for consumers to be cautious upon purchasing poor quality, counterfeit, or substandard herbal products from the international markets, which can seriously threaten the safety and health of the consumer (Gulf Times, 2012; Zaman, 2012; World Health Organization 2005). Fortunately, the government regulators in the three target markets are responding promptly upon the development of herbal medicines laws and regulations. This is further enhanced by the establishment of traditional or herbal products national research institutes. Lack of adequate regulation actions by the relevant government health agencies could subsequently result to high supply of scams and fake herbal products in the market. This could affect the herbal products market severely as many consumers would lose confidence on the validity and reliability of all brands of herbal products (Gulf Times 2012; Zaman 2012). This is unless a company in the industry has established a distinguished brand position based on high quality standards compliance. The herbal products coverage already in the market of these three countries includes herbal calming and sleeping products, herbal digestive remedies products, herbal child-specific supplements on dietary products, herbal smoking cessation aids products, herbal skin care products, herbal medicinal teas products, herbal analgesics products, cold and allergy remedies products, herbal tonics products, and bottled nutritive drinks products (Amira 2012). 2. Detailed segmentation of international and local products For successful penetration and superior market performance within a short time after entering the three markets, the joint venture should use the following criteria to segment the Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia herbal product market and identify the most viable target segment. Measurability: The size, profile, and the purchasing power of every identifiable market segment should be objectively quantifiable. Accessibility: All the market segments should be easy to access. Substantiality: Every market segment should be considerably large and profitable enough to sustain itself. Actionability: Every segment should be in a position to hold effective marketing programs. Growth: Every segment should have growth potential. Structural Attractiveness: Segments that have numerous, strong and aggressive competitors should be avoided. Company Objectives and Resources: The joint venture’s objectives and available resources should be given high consideration upon market segmentation practice (Chitale & Gupta 2011). Based on the above criteria, the most viable target segment identified to be served by the joint venture is the middle to high income women in the three countries as the immediate target segment. This segment has a market size of $413 million, and it is highly growing at an annual rate of 20%. Explanation of the Segmentation Process: Level 0 Segmentation: Users/Non-users of herbal products Level 1 Segmentation: Income The population of each of the three countries that uses herbal products was divided into the wealth and middle class users and others. The use of herbal products in these markets does not necessarily rely on the levels income. Nevertheless, only the wealthy and middle class were taken as the target market for the joint venture because it is would position itself as a premium brand. Level 2 Segmentation: Gender It was found that a substantially higher proportion of women, 49%, than men, 37%, is identified to consume herbal products and is, therefore, identified as a key target market. Level 3 Segmentation: Age Women who are below the 15 years of age are categorized as children and thus not included as the key target segment for their health consideration vary from that of older women. Level 4 Segmentation: Geography All the main towns and cities in the three target nations would be given a high consideration upon marketing the herbal product brands of the joint venture. This is highly because; they are heavily populated as compared to the countryside or remote areas. Taking into account that the joint venture has already established distribution offices in various locations among the three countries, it would now be easier for the joint venture to penetrate into these geographical markets more effectively. Additionally, in a two years time the joint venture should expand its product line with a focus of including herbal healthcare products to the children segment, which has got a market size of $30 million. This would be strategically essential for the current target segment, women, are the principal decision makers in the purchase of these herbal products to the children segment. 3. Ten Years Historic volumes and values, company and brand market shares Over the past ten years, the market performance of the players in the herbal products industry has been experiencing a remarkable growth across the world. This favorable trend also includes the Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia market. This has been highly influenced by the increased cautiousness on the use of standard pharmaceutical products, which have been said to contain some dangerous chemicals that can cause adverse effects to an individual in the long run – such as cancerous effects, though they high effective in curing numerous diseases (Benutzer 2012). This has made a large number of populations to shift to the consumption of herbal products, which have been proved to having no such chemicals that could lead to severe implications to the body (D’Souza 2012). Therefore, the demand for herbal product is significantly high in the three markets. Consequently, the trend has caused a considerable, continuous rise in market performance in terms of the sales volumes on retail values amongst the players in the Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai markets as shown in the figure 1. The increased use of herbal products has raised questions about their safety, quality and efficacy over the years. To achieve an overall, integrated strategy on the production and consumption of herbal products, the World Health Organization began an extensive task of reviewing the scientific literature in relation to herbal products worldwide, with an aim of promoting global harmonization of herbal health industry. There has been increased development and production of new products in the market, ranging from the use of single herbs, to a combination of herbs, and also top herbs with extracts (World Health Organization 2005). Herbion Company has been highly innovative in the development of new and effective herbal products brand. Since its formation in 1983, the company has been making a substantial difference to peoples’ lives across the world through continuously developing, developing, and providing more innovative plant based medicines, for more customer satisfaction. The company also started distribution and marketing its products in 1997 in the Independent States commonwealth, including the Soviet Union and Pakistan. Its brands includes; Linkus, Insty, Verona, Intellan, Bonjigar, Evica, Entoban, Alfagin, Fiberlax, Vivabon, Neemplast, and Nutragemz. These product brands have acquired a substantially strong brand position among the consumers it serves in its established markets. It operating about twenty countries, and caters for the satisfaction of the needs of consumers in a range of therapeutic segments with over forty four formulations. Its sales and marketing team network is highly spread over four regions across three continents, which includes; Asia, North America, and Europe. It serves the following countries Mongolia, USA, Singapore, Canada, Russia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Pakistan. In these countries, it has a significant market share of an average of 21% overall and has managed to have a significantly reputable brand in those markets (Herbion International Inc. 2012). Figure 1. Illustration of the sales performance of Herbion and Getz over the last ten years Source: Euromonitor International statistics, trade press, trade associations, and trade sources. 4. Seven years forecasts of market trends and market growth    The global market size of the herbal products is forecasted to have reach five trillion dollars by the year 2050. The herbal products for ailments remedies are expected to become increasingly crucial, particularly in the developed and developing countries. Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar with their biodiversities have a tremendous advantage and potential in this emerging market (World Health Organization 2005). The range of herbal product on offer in the Dubai market is projected to continue widening during the forecasted seven year period, thereby increasing the awareness among the consumers. Chemists that deals with herbal products are expected to enjoy high performance in the forecasted period as the consumers will increasingly perceive this channel as highly most trustworthy. The area that is expected to have a significant potential growth over a long term would be herbal sleeping and calming products. This would be influenced by the increasing stressful lifestyles and sleeping difficulties among the prospective consumers. It is also anticipated that there will be a shift by the consumers from the standard sleeping products to the herbal counterparts, for the consumers are increasingly believing on the healthier nature of the herbal products (Benutzer 2012). Herbal products are projected to move further into the main stream in the forecasted seven year period, in the Saudi Arabia market. The consumers will increasingly be attracted to these products due to their natural ingredients and gentle effects. In addition, the forecasted growth of herbal product sales is seen to be supported by intensified distribution and an improved recognition the benefits associated with consumption of herbal products among consumers, pharmacists and doctors (Benutzer 2012; Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre 2012). This would result to frequent recommendations of herbal products. In the Qatar market, the market forecast seems to be similar to its Saudi Arabia and Dubai counterpart. There is increasing preference of safer and more effective remedies on minor ailments, which is consequently expected to drive the demand of herbal products over the forecasted seven years period. The herbal companies, especially the local players, are projected to heighten their investment on research, in an effort to develop more herbal products alternatives in key categories, including cold and cough, allergy, and skin care remedies. This is because of inadequacy of herbal products options available in the Qatar market currently (Amnesia 2012). Moreover, as shown in the figure below, the growth of the health product market in Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia is anticipated to decelerate in the coming years as the market matures, though it will continue to have a growing direction until the market matures. Figure: 2 Illustration of a market forecast in the herbal products industry in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar markets. Country Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Dubai Expected Growth 20% 20% 15% 13% 10% 6% 3% Market size (000) 213238 255886 295269 332524 365776 378499 389203 Saudi Arabia Expected Growth 21% 20% 17% 14% 11% 7% 4% Market size (000) 300104 354288 395098 430633 458722 467231 478953 Qatar Expected Growth 19% 18% 13% 9% 6% 3% 1% Market size (000) 191562 248200 280182 300687 319774 320765 321800 Source: Euromonitor International statistics, trade press, trade associations, and trade sources. 5. Market Research done In-Country in the Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Dubai Markets The established joint venture between Getz and Herbion companies’ calls for an exhaustive research in the target markets that would enable them design a highly competitive marketing strategy that would consequently enable it to attain a competitive advantage in those new target markets. In addition, this is highly essential for gaining knowledge of the target markets as it is increasingly becoming competitive and increasing its market potential at the same time (Chitale & Gupta 2011). Therefore, this part outlines the results of a market research that aimed at accomplishing the objectives below: i. The Market Size of Herbal/Traditional Products in Target Countries ii. The main Brands in Target Country iii. The Popular traditional products iv. The other main Brands in Target Countries v. The Availability of Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine products in Target Countries This market research will heavily rely on the literature review and will enable fill the gaps in the available published data per company and market, generate a harmonious view of the structure, size and strategic direction of the product category, target markets, and the joint venture, access the year-in-progress data when the published literature sources are outdated, and ultimately evaluate the views and opinions of the expert with regard to current market trends and developments. a) The Market Size of Herbal/Traditional Products in Target Countries In the global context, the total global herbal product market is of size 62 billion dollars, whereby the Middle East countries only account for 19%. The herbal products market size in Qatar is considerably high and still growing. This is because it a sales growth of 22% in retail value was posted in 2011. This was an increase compared to the 2010’s sales growth that was 20.5%. It has a market size of 184,970 prospective consumers, which marks an increase when compared to the previous year’s 168,400. This drastic increase was mainly attributed by the changing consumer taste and preference, who are now increasingly shifting to the use herbal products as they consider them as safe for treatment and health growth. This significantly increases the trend of high herbal products consumption in Qatar. In addition, there is high increase of medical practitioners advocating for the use of herbal products, which they claim that these products gives similar benefits as the standard medicines and has no risk of some adverse side effects for they contain no toxic chemicals (Euromonitor International 2011). The increasing preference amongst the Qatar nationals who are aiming for safe and effective health remedies is also expected to enhance the demand of herbal products in the coming future before the market matures. More companies, especially the local players are projected to increase their investment in research and development. This is in an attempt to develop more herbal alternative products in the key categories like, cough and allergy, cold, analgesics, skin care remedies (State of Qatar 2012). In the Dubai market, herbal products have continued to serve an essential role in the health market of consumers. The market is becoming fairly mature. A sales growth of 23% was posted in the year 2011, which was a little decrease as compared to the last year’s sales growth of 26%. It has a market size of 188,405 prospective consumers, which is an increase as compared to the previous year’s 159,210. Additionally, the increasing consumption of herbal products has caused the government to emphasize on encouraging the trade of packaged herbal products instead of the unpackaged ones. The herbal products are a highly fragmented category in Dubai, and these products are entirely imported (Euromonitor International 2012). Many brands do not have a constant distribution system across the country. In the Saudi Arabia market, there is an increasing demand of consumer demand on herbal products as identified in this study. Many consumers are at an increasing rate being attracted to consume these products for they consider the herbal products in the market as natural, safe, as well as having a gentle image. This has caused the increase of the potential market size of these products. A sales growth of 24% was posted in the year 2011, which was a little decrease as compared to the last year’s sales growth of 27%. It has a market size of 199,680 prospective consumers, which is an increase as compared to the previous year’s 174,070 (Euromonitor International 2012). In addition, more awareness on consumption of herbal products has been has intensified, especially due to widening product distribution and heightened new product development. The other main cause of the increase in the market size potential is that consumers are increasingly getting sophisticated with regard to their health and are thus increasing their scrutiny upon the side effects related to the standard products (Lebling & Pepperdine 2006, Pp. 206). b) The main Brands in Target Country The main brand names in Dubai are The Mentholatum Co. Ltd and The Procter and Gamble Co. Both of them are the leading companies in the Dubai market. They have a market share of 13% and 12% respectively. The main brand names in the Saudi Arabia and Qatar markets are Cadbury Adams and Nattermann International. They were the leading market players in the market in the year 2011 and accounted for 12% and 11% value market share respectively. These two players offers herbal cough, allergy and cold remedies, and they are the dominant product category that account for 59% of the overall value of herbal products in 2011. The product brand that is strong in the Saudi Arabia market is Halls brand, which offers medical confectionary. It is closely followed by Bronchicum and Melrosum brands that offer specific cough remedies to children. These brands have a strong distribution network in the market thus enhancing their high availability (Euromonitor International 2012). Also, they are perceived to be of high quality, thereby enhancing their brand reputation and strength. c) The other main Brands in Target Countries Besides the above main herbal products brands in the target market, there are other various main brands in the three target markets. These products can be categorized into ten groups. These categories include; new products, digestive products, women teas, seasonal product, smooth move products, healthy beverage teas, tonic teas, just for kids teas, green teas, and calming teas (Euromonitor International 2011). These brands under various categories can be outlined as follows: i. New Popular Brands The Organic Lemon Balm The Organic Hibiscus The Organic Fennel The Organic Burdock The Organic Linden Flower ii. Women’s Tea Organic Mother’s Milk Pregnancy Tea Cran-Aid Female Toner PMS Tea iii. Digestive Popular Brands The Golden Ginger Organic Gas Relief Everyday Detox Weightless Cranbery The Danderion Root The Organic Aid iv. Smooth Move Product Brands SENNA Capsules Smooth Move Peppermint Fibre Capsule Chocolate v. Seasonal Products Throat Coat Echinacea Plus Herbal Pastilles Herba Tussin vi. Healthy Beverage Teas Organic Spearmint vii. Tonic Teas Pau d’Arco Organic Nettle Leaf Organic Prostate Tea with Nettle Root Organic Prostate Tea with hawthorn viii. Calming Teas Relaxation Herb Organic Nighty Night Organic Easy Now Organic Chamomile ix. Green Teas Organic Golden Green Tea Organic Golden Green Tea with Ginger x. Just For Kids Teas Organic Cold Care Organic Tummy Comfort Organic Throat Coat (Euromonitor International 2011). d) The Availability of Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine products in Target Countries The view towards the Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic in the three target countries; Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, is changing favorably as more and more residents are seeking health remedies for a range of body ailments either absolutely from the Chinese medicine or in conjunction with the mainstream standard medicine. The change of perception is highly enhanced by stringent licensing procedures of traditional Chinese medicine. This has resulted into qualified practitioners and enhanced treatment outcomes, thereby increasing the consumers’ confidence on consumption and effectiveness of these traditional medicines. These procedures were aimed at streamlining the distribution, sales and consumption of the complementary medicine, also referred to as the traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM). It affected ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, homoeopathy, naturopathy, and Unani medicine among others (State of Qatar 2012). In the UAE market in particular, there has been a remarkable growth on the number of consumers who are increasingly opting to use Ayurvedic therapies on a regular basis. Although it was initially dismissed and considered as a fad, recently it has been found that consumers are gaining a better understanding of the concrete and substantial benefits of alternative medicines, particularly ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In Qatar, the practice of ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine distribution, sales and consumption was approved in early 90’s. A significant number of consumers in Qatar relied on ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine even earlier and many would purchase these medicines from the country of origin (Sand 2012). Notably, a substantial number of healthcare establishments in Qatar have began to incorporate ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine in their institutions. In the Saudi Arabia market, growth in the consumption of these medicines can be attributed to the perception the consumers have upon the alternative medicines are more health effective and have more to offer as compared to the standard conventional medicine. In addition, the increased immigrants of Chinese nationals in the market have also caused increased consumption, migration, and also transmission of traditional medicines such as ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, among others, from foreign countries of origin. The factors affecting the favorable change in perception to the TCAM’s may be influenced by various reasons including the growing emphasis upon chronic illnesses and lifestyle related changes, and also the overall approach in regard to treatments. Since the year 2009, there has been found to be an increase of above 30 per cent of new patients visiting the health care centers that have incorporated TCAM’s in their institutions (Alternative Medicine 1.Com 2012). This illustrates that the there has been an increased general benefit awareness on the consumption of ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines. In this regard, the increased consumption of ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines in the three target markets forms a substantial source of competition as these medicines are major substitutes of the herbal products to be offered in the market by the Joint venture between Getz and Herbion. It has been found that ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines are substantially established in the market and have increasingly positioned themselves in the three target markets (Ann’s Remedy 2005). Therefore, it is highly essential for the Getz and Herbion joint venture to develop and design an effective marketing strategy which would enable it gain a competitive advantage in the three target markets, particularly with regards to curbing the competition brought about by ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines. This is because, ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines forms a higher significant source of competition more than the standard convectional medicines, and thus the situation calls for a suitable strategy to be put in place to enhance the market performance of the Getz and Herbion joint venture business. e) The Popular Traditional Products There are various popular, traditional products that are increasingly being used in the Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar markets. These traditional herbal products include; Traditional herbal digestive remedies products Traditional herbal medicinal teas products Traditional herbal child-specific supplement on dietary products Traditional herbal calming and sleeping products Traditional herbal, medicated skin care products Traditional herbal tonics and bottled nutritive drinks Traditional herbal smoking cessation aids products Traditional herbal cough, cold and allergy remedies products Traditional herbal analgesics products (Lebling & Pepperdine 2006, Pp. 164-190). As indicated by the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research, the traditional herbal, dietary supplements products is the largest category that is consumed by hundreds if not thousands of consumers in the target market as well as the global market. These consumers mainly include the wealth and middle class women and children market segments. The most representative and popular supplement at the global level includes a 25% combination that consists of 15% ginseng, 5% ginkgo biloba, and 5% garlic. In addition, there has been increasing awareness on the use and preference of safer and more effective remedies on minor ailments. This has been highly influenced by the increased cautiousness on the use of pharmaceutical products, which have been said to contain some dangerous chemicals that can cause adverse effects to an individual in the long run – such as cancerous effects, though they high effective in curing numerous diseases. This has made a large number of populations to shift to the consumption of herbal products, which have been proved to having no such chemicals that could lead to severe implications to the body (Benutzer 2012). Therefore, the demand for herbal product is significantly high in the three markets. Also, there have been warnings against the consumption of child specific standard types of drugs in cough, cold, analgesics, and allergy remedies, and also digestive remedies, due to their adverse, long term effects. This has caused many parents, guardians and patients to shift their purchases and consumption to safer alternatives on herbal products that have rapidly grown since 2005. The herbal, medicated skin care products recorded a robust growth rate of 11% in retail value term, which derived highly from the sales of antifungals across the globe. In addition, the cardiovascular benefits of omega -3, -6, and -9 fatty acids have now been supported by the scientific evidence (Hotfrog 2012; Balch 2002, Pp. 238). Subsequently, the rising demand arises from a widening recognition amongst the medical practitioners, both traditional and the convectional practitioners. The popular herbal products that Herbion company has been offering to the market includes; Linkus, Insty, Verona, Intellan, Bonjigar, Evica, Entoban, Alfagin, Fiberlax, Vivabon, Neemplast, and Nutragemz (Herbion International Inc. 2012). Getz is an established distributor that mainly specializes in distribution of herbal products through contract agreements with various producers. This means that, upon the joint venture between the two companies, the joint venture business would easily penetrate in the three target markets as Herbion would enhance sufficient and effective production and supply of quality herbal products. On the other hand, the Getz Company would specialize in the effective distribution of these herbal products, in the three target markets, as the company is highly rich in experience with regard to distribution of herb products. The facts that the target market competition is yet to mature, and the availability of a substantial potential for market growth and forecasted favorable market conditions in the herbal products industry as indicated by D’Souza (2012), this indicates there is a grand opportunity for the joint venture business as it would be easy for it to establish and position itself strongly. This would be only be achieved if suitable market strategies are put in place, which would enable it attain a unique, competitive advantage and consequently superior market performance. List of References Alternative Medicine 1.Com, 2012, Alternative Medicine Suppliers of Ayurvedic Medicines in Saudi Arabia, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.alternativemedicines1.com/alternative-medicine-suppliers/saudi-arabia/ayurvedic-medicines.html Amira A., 2012, Ancient Medicine, New Patients, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/heritage-culture/ancient-medicines-new-patients-1.1033138 Amnesia, 2012, Herbal Infusion Enchant Qatar, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?28,3336 Ann’s Remedy, 2005, Ancient Herbal Traditions of the Middle East, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.anniesremedy.com/medicinal_plants_middleeast.php Barkla C., 2010, Market News Service Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs Middle East, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Exporters/MNS/MNSMiddleEastDec_2010.pdf Balch P., 2002, Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. Avery Pub. Group Benutzer, H. G., 2012, Herbal Products Along with Supplements Perform To create Much better People's Health and fitness, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://getzwiki.kevin.dr2o.eu/index.php/Benutzer:HughsGaspard387 Chitale, A. K., & Gupta, R., 2011, Product policy and brand management: text and cases, New Delhi, PHI Learning. Department for Scientific and Industrial Research, n.d, Global Herbal Market, http://www.dsir.gov.in/reports/ittp_tedo/ism/ISM_AS_Market.pdf Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, 2012, Hand in Hand for your Well-being, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.dubaihtc.com/ D’Souza C., 2012, More Patients seeking alternative Medicine, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/health/more-patients-seeking-alternative-medicine-1.1088365 Euromonitor International, 2012, Herbal/Traditional Products in the United Arab Emirates, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.euromonitor.com/herbal-traditional-products-in-the-united-arab-emirates/report Euromonitor International, 2012, Herbal/Traditional Products in the Saudi Arabia, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.euromonitor.com/herbal-traditional-products-in-saudi-arabia/report Euromonitor International, 2011, A Global Overview of Herbal-Tradition Products, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.scribd.com/doc/98305034/A-Global-Overview-of-Herbal-Traditional-Products Gulf Times, 2012, SCH Warning on Herbal Products, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.gulftimes.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=512951&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16 Herbion International Inc., n.d, Herbion Products, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.herbion.com/herbionwebsite/Products.aspx Herbion International Inc., n.d, Herbian Core Strengths, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.herbion.com/herbionwebsite/CoreStrengths.aspx Hotfrog, 2012, Herbs – Page 6, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.hotfrog.in/Products/Herbs/6 Lebling, R. W., & Pepperdine, D., 2006, Natural remedies of Arabia. Riyadh, Al-Turath. Organisation Mondiale De La Santé, 2005, WHO global atlas of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine, Kobe: WHO centre for health development. Sand H., 2012, Ayurveda in Dubai, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/bodyandmind/features/32151-ayurveda-in-dubai#.UIAdQV1HJkh Saudi Aramco World, 2006, Natural remedies of Arabia, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200605/natural.remedies.of.arabia.htm State of Qatar, 2012, Supreme Council of Health: Pharmacy and Drugs, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://www.sch.gov.qa/sch/En/scontent.jsp?smenuId=78 World Health Organization (WHO), 2005, National policy on traditional medicine and regulation of herbal medicines: Report of a WHO global survey, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s7916e/s7916e.pdf Zaman S., 2012, Warning over use of Herbal Products, Oils in UAE, Date Retrieved: October 18, 2012. From: http://m.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/health/warning-over-use-of-herbal-products-oils-in-uae-1.1049705 Read More