Industry · municipality
Pharmacy in Haugesund: Industry Overview and Outlook
A data-driven analysis of the pharmacy sector in the municipality of Haugesund, Rogaland county
Executive Summary
Pharmacy in Haugesund is a stable and growing sector with 9 registered companies, employing 123 people and generating NOK 230.1M in sales revenue. Key players include Apotek 1, Boots Apotek, and Vitusapotek, with operations spanning multiple locations in the municipality. The industry shows resilience, with sales increasing by 10.7% year-over-year in 2025 and employee numbers stabilizing at 118 in 2026. Notably, all companies are structured as AS (public limited liability companies), indicating a formalized business approach.
Economic Overview
Economic Trends
| Year | Sales (NOK) | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 275.1M | 99 |
| 2026 | 275.1M | 118 |
Pharmacy companies in Haugesund have experienced significant sales fluctuations, with a sharp drop in 2017 (-69.7%) followed by strong recovery (+270.4% in 2018). By 2025, sales reached NOK 275.1M, reflecting a 10.7% increase from 2024. Employee numbers have shown volatility, peaking at 120 in 2020 before declining to 99 in 2025, but rebounding to 118 in 2026. This suggests a dynamic market with periodic adjustments in workforce and revenue.



Companies in the Industry
Key Companies in the Industry
- Apotek 1 Amanda (Longhammarvegen 27) – 26 employees, NOK 58.0M in sales, EBITDA NOK 4.3M
- Apotek 1 Løven Haugesund (Haraldsgata 90) – 26 employees, NOK 38.7M in sales, EBITDA NOK 2.8M
- Vitusapotek Amanda (Longhammarvegen 27) – 7 employees, NOK 23.6M in sales, EBITDA NOK 1.5M
All companies are registered as AS, a legal structure that provides high levels of liability and liquidity. A unique observation is Apotek 1 Spannavegen (Spannavegen 148), which reports 0 sales and 0 employees, which may indicate a closed or inactive operation.
Business Geography
Geographic Distribution
All 9 pharmaceutical companies in Haugesund are located in the Haugesund area, with a focus on central addresses such as Haraldsgata, Longhammarvegen, and Karmsundgata. The only district with activity is Haugesund itself, with 123 employees and NOK 230.1M in sales. This demonstrates a clear concentration of services in the municipality's main town.

Operational Efficiency and Dynamics
Operational Efficiency and Bankruptcy Statistics
None of the 9 pharmaceutical companies in Haugesund are registered as bankrupt, indicating a stable industry. However, data shows that Apotek 1 Spannavegen has 0 sales and 0 employees, which may serve as a warning for new entrants about potential challenges in maintaining operations. EBITDA margins range between 6-7%, indicating good cost control in the most profitable companies.
Outlook
Outlook for Entrepreneurs
For new entrants in the pharmaceutical sector in Haugesund, there are both opportunities and challenges. The stable number of companies (9) and growing sales (10.7% in 2025) indicate a robust market. However, competition is strong, with established players such as Apotek 1 and Boots Apotek. New companies should consider focusing on specialized market segments, as demonstrated by Vitusapotek's 9% sales growth in 2025. SmartGrunder can help identify strategic addresses in Haugesund with high potential for natural growth.
Outlook for the Crafts Sector
Comparison with the Crafts Sector
The broader crafts sector (crafts) in Haugesund has 13 companies, 148 employees, and NOK 313.7M in sales in 2025 – a growth of 10.8% compared to the pharmaceutical sector. Peer companies in the crafts group include Synsam Haugesund Amanda (NOK 13.4M in sales, EBITDA NOK 2.5M) and Optiker Hedegaard As (NOK 19.0M in sales, EBITDA NOK 1.7M). While the pharmaceutical sector has higher EBITDA margins (6-7%), the crafts sector has more companies and a more varied organizational structure.



Other companies in håndverk (not in pharmacy)
| Company | Industry | Address | Sales | Employees | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synsam Haugesund Amanda | medical/orthopaedic goods store | Longhammarvegen 27, 5536 Haugesund | NOK 13.4M | 13 | NOK 2.5M |
| Optiker Hedegaard As | medical/orthopaedic goods store | Haraldsgata 143, 5527 Haugesund | NOK 19.0M | 10 | NOK 1.7M |
| Synsam Haugesund Sentrum | medical/orthopaedic goods store | Haraldsgata 142, 5527 Haugesund | NOK 6.0M | 7 | NOK 1.1M |
| Esa Optikk Holding As | medical/orthopaedic goods store | Sørhauggata 111, 5527 Haugesund | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
Conclusion
Pharmacy in Haugesund is a stable and growth-oriented industry with established players and strong economic performance. With 9 companies, 123 employees, and NOK 275.1M in sales in 2025, the sector shows potential for further development. At the same time, new entrepreneurs should be aware of the competition and consider differentiating themselves through specialization or innovation. Compared to the crafts sector, the pharmaceutical industry has higher EBITDA margins but fewer companies. SmartGrunder can help identify strategic addresses and market segments in Haugesund.