News & Media

Orifarm employs several nurses. One of them is Camille Løve Andersen, who works as a Change Management Specialist in our Corporate People & Culture.  Camille’s background as a nurse hasn't just been a steppingstone but an indispensable resource in her current role at Orifarm, where she leverages both her professional expertise and human empathy to steer change management processes.   As a nurse, Camille has cultivated the ability to analyze situations with both a critical eye and a heart that understands the human aspect. This blend of analytical skills and empathetic insight is a gift, especially when faced with new and challenging situations where the need for change is urgent or demanding.  We’re proud to employ nurses like Camille who not only care but also lead and inspire change.

In spring, Orifarm's Data Community gathered for its 5th landmark event, a testament to Orifarm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of AI and machine learning innovation.   The event, attended physically and virtually by Orifarm employees across locations, served as a vibrant platform for unveiling the complex world of AI and Machine Learning and showcasing AI’s many abilities.  The Data Community Event is a quarterly initiative which started 2 years ago, engaging Orifarm employees working with data or interested in data. At its start 20 data enthusiasts were involved – a number that has since grown to over 120 participants.  Naturally so, a recurring theme of the event was the anticipation surrounding OriChat – Orifarm’s very own conversational genAI tool soon launched throughout the organization. The excitement led to a number of questions and discussions about the future capabilities and applications of OriChat within Orifarm. Given the interest, Orifarm is already planning the next stage of this initiative, promising to delve deeper into the practical applications of genAI. 

Following a satisfactory 2023, resulting in another record for both revenue and operating profit, Orifarm now prepares for further growth.  Highlights from the 2023 accounts: Revenue increased by 3.6% to €1.567,7 million, which is a new record for Orifarm.  The Pharma Trade unit, which among others includes parallel import of pharmaceuticals, sets a new revenue record for the seventh consecutive year.  The gross profit increased by 16.3% to €268.3 million, while the operating profit increased by 29% to €76.0 million.    2023 was characterized by optimizing internal processes as part of the integration process after acquiring over 100 products and two production sites from Takeda in 2020.  The high level of investments from the year before was maintained, meaning that Orifarm collectively has spent €90.8 million on improvements over the past four years.  The number of employees increased by 5% compared to the previous year to a total of 2,242 employees (average number of full-time employees)  Orifarm, one of Europe’s largest parallel importers of pharmaceuticals, Revenue increased by almost 4% to €1.567,7 million, which is the highest revenue yet in the family-owned business headquartered in Denmark, shows the company’s financial statement for 2023 released today along with the company’s ESG report. The operating profit increased by a staggering 29% to yet another record of €76.0 million. The result is achieved despite Orifarm in 2023 spending €28.0 million on restructuring and integration following the acquisition of products and production sites from Takeda in 2020 as well as expenses covering the closing of the impacted negatively from low currency rates in Sweden and Norway. However, only deeming the financial statement satisfactory is due to the annual profit after financial items decreasing by approximately 13% to €22.4 million. This is caused mainly by a significant increase in interest payments impacted by increasing inflation and the high interest rates derived. “2023 was characterized by a focused effort to serve our customers and patients while implementing internal improvements. We addressed the supply chain issues stemming from the acquisition in 2020, while also further optimizing and professionalizing our business,” says CEO of Orifarm, Erik Sandberg, commenting on the financial statement. Record revenue for the seventh consecutive year “I am particularly pleased that our parallel imports business has set another record for both revenue and gross profit for the seventh consecutive year. It is a fantastic result in a market with increased competition and price pressure. At the same time, our generic pharmaceuticals show progress after a period with supply issues following the acquisition of more than 100 products and two production sites in 2020. Those issues are now solved, and the coming years look promising,” says Erik Sandberg.   During 2023, Orifarm has invested more than €25.6 million in improving the company’s processes and systems as well as inaugurating a new building at its headquarters in Denmark, which houses approximately 700 of the company’s nearly 2,300 employees.  Collectively, Orifarm has invested more than €90.8 million in improvements preparing the company for further growth in the coming years. 2024 expectations For 2024, Orifarm expects its revenue to grow by up to 10%, while the operating profit is expected to increase by between 5 and 15%. Growth is to occur organically as well as through acquisitions. “Orifarm is in a good position focusing on further growth in a market permeated by tough price competition. We have a strong platform in the Nordics, where we want to strengthen our portfolio and the strong product brands, we acquired in 2020 further. We also see potential in our German business, which year after year performs very well, with room for further growth,” says Erik Sandberg about the expectations for 2024. Additional information  For additional information, please contact VP Corporate Communications in Orifarm, Kristian Lysgaard, on +45 2556 8561 or krlys@orifarm.com.   

As Orifarm grows to make healthcare accessible to as many as possible, so does cross-border collaboration and engagement in all parts of our company.   Recognizing the importance of effective communication in our multinational environment, where English serves as our corporate language, we have initiated a 12-week course for interested warehouse colleagues in Denmark. This course, comprising 12 sessions of 3 hours each, aims to equip our warehouse team with the necessary language skills to excel in their roles, serving Orifarm locations all over Europe.   The enthusiasm among our employees is evident and all participants are eager to master skills such as writing and reading emails in English and engaging in job-relevant conversations.  Here's to embracing new learnings.

Orifarm steps into the future of workplace innovation with the launch of our very own Artificial Intelligence tools.  Our new Orifarm Generative AI tools are set to revolutionize the way we work, empowering all Orifarm colleagues with support and efficiency in day-to-day tasks. The tools are designed to assist colleagues regardless of function, boosting productivity and freeing up valuable time for creativity and strategic thinking. Looking for opportunity has always been deeply rooted in the Orifarm DNA.  By embarking on the journey into the future of work with our own AI tools, we limit the risk of data leaks to outside parties; as with everything we do, we are committed to ensuring the highest level of safety. 

After relocating his family to Orifarm Norway in Oslo, Robin Lorvik learned valuable lessons navigating cultural differences and enhancing business interactions in Norway. Reflecting on notable aspects of his transition to Norway, Robin emphasizes navigating cultural differences:   “Compared to Denmark, Norwegians tend to be more humble and less direct, which has required me to adjust my communication style. Consulting with colleagues has been pivotal in refining our approach and strengthening relationships with our customers. So, although Denmark and Norway share many similarities, there are small differences as well,” says Robin Lorvik.  Throughout his time in Orifarm Norway, Robin has achieved significant milestones, including succesfully implementing Nycoplus floor displays in 465 pharmacies and leading various projects aiming to enhance visibility and customer navigation to provide healthier days for as many as possible.  “While adapting to life in Norway has presented challenges, embracing local activities like joining a football club has enriched my personal experience. Overall, I'm grateful for the opportunities and satisfaction this move has brought both personally and professionally, “Robin concludes. 

From stepping into Orifarm as a Student Assistant to now being the youngest manager in Norway, Thea Henie Tinderholt's time in Orifarm has been nothing short of transformative.  “In many ways, I’ve grown alongside Orifarm,” Thea Henie Tinderholt starts, when asked about her journey as part of Orifarm Norway.  Beginning her career at Orifarm in 2016, Thea initially dived into parallel imports and product research. Upon completing her studies in Administration and Management, she was offered a permanent role as Portfolio Coordinator for generics medicine and parallel imports.  From starting with a smaller portfolio and being part of a very small team in Norway during her student days to now being a team of 18 with a diverse and expansive portfolio, both Orifarm and Thea have flourished over the years. “I ended up in Orifarm almost by coincidence during my first year of university. Luckily so! It has been an exciting journey that has led me to my current role with responsibility for a large and quite broad portfolio,” says Thea Henie Tinderholt who continues:  “It's been an exciting adventure, and I'm eager to continue embracing new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”  We’re thrilled to be part of the professional development of young talents like Thea. Here’s to inspiring the next generation of female leaders!

Following the successful integration of assets and people from Takeda, Orifarm will now simplify the business model. “Since the acquisition of the Takeda assets almost three years ago, Orifarm has changed quite significantly. We have integrated new businesses, we expanded into new geographies, and we welcomed many new colleagues. The combined effort of everyone in Orifarm has taken us far, and today we have a strong platform for continuous growth,” says CEO Erik Sandberg. A significant change will be the merger of the two business areas, Health Access and Healthcare, as they will be combined into one business area. “In order to sharpen our profile and offering towards our customers will we merge our two commercial business units into one, ensuring that we face the customers as one unified commercial organization,” says Erik Sandberg. To match the new commercial set up, Orifarm has decided to combine supply chains into one business unit covering sourcing and supply chain. Finally, Orifarm will adjust the rest of the organization to match the commercial setup and ensure efficient processes and an agile organization ready to respond to customer’s need. “With this restructuring we would like to prepare Orifarm for future growth by ensuring one face to the customer and operating in a more agile and lean organization,” says Erik Sandberg. Changes to the Executive Management Group As a consequence of the new organizational structure, a few changes to the Executive Management Group have been implemented. The combined commercial business unit will be headed by Thomas Brandhof, who will assume the role as Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for the entire portfolio and markets. Thomas was previously Chief Commercial Officer in Orifarm´s Health Access business unit.. Thomas Hedegaard has been promoted and will assume the position as Chief Sourcing Officer. Thomas was previously Vice President of Procurement in Orifarm’s Health Access business unit. The role as Chief Sourcing Officer is new in Orifarm, and Thomas will play a vital role in leading and developing an end-to-end supply chain, covering both the former Health Access and Healthcare business units.  There will be no changes to support functions, except that Corporate Communications will move to Global People & Culture headed by Chief People Officer, Andreas Friis. Consequently, VP, Corporate Communication Kristian Lysgaard steps out of EMG. Unfortunately, the changes also mean that Chief Commercial Officer, Orifarm Healthcare, Dennis Dencher, will leave Orifarm as his position is terminated. “It is with regret, we have to say goodbye to Dennis. He has been deeply involved in integrating the assets we acquired from Takeda, including welcoming more than 600 people and ensuring a successful integration. Dennis can be immensely proud of his significant contribution, and I wish him all the best going forward,” says CEO Erik Sandberg. The new Executive Management Group Chief Executive Officer Erik Sandberg Chief Financial Officer Jacob Berg Lucassen Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Brandhof Chief Sourcing Officer Thomas Hedegaard Chief People Officer Andreas Friis Chief Information Officer Klaus Mortensen Chief Corporate Compliance Officer Birgitte Røddik Corporate Development Officer Ulrik Markussen

This weekend football talents from Denmark and abroad come together when the Christian Eriksen Cup kicks off just minutes from Orifarm’s headquarter.  “At Orifarm, we work every day to create healthy days for as many people as possible. As a National Partner, we have the opportunity to work toward that goal beyond Pharma. By promoting youth communities centered around sports, we support not only football talents but also an active community that fosters joy and health,” says Erik Sandberg, CEO at Orifarm.  Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/dDb5Jvs5