RB has “the complete answer for cold and flu relief”, providing “must stock” brands that give effective relief to sufferers and strong returns for retailers, says the company. Kate Sweeney, senior brand manager, commented: “RB, with its Nurofen, Lemsip, Strepsils and Gaviscon brands, literally has winter ‘all wrapped up’ for the retailer: leading brands that customers want, with direct to consumer TV, online, social media and outdoor campaigns to the value of over £12 million.”

The campaigns, which begin in October and will run until spring 2015, will support the launches of RB’s two new products: Lemsip Mucus Cough Sugar and Colour Free Syrup and Lemsip Cough Max for Chesty Cough & Cold Powder For Oral Solution, as well as the Strepsils range of medicated sweets for sore throat relief, Nurofen’s Cold and Flu range and Nurofen for Children.

Nurofen, Lemsip and Strepsil are also supporting the PAGB’s ‘Treat Yourself Better’ campaign and its ‘no appointment necessary’ initiative, which promotes self treatment of colds and flu and drives customers into pharmacies with the message that antibiotics will not kill these viruses and do not require a visit to the GP.