The beginnings of the Zuellig Pharma story date back to 1901 when Frederick E. Zuellig sailed to Manila in search of a career in international business. In 1912, Zuellig joined Lutz y Cía, a firm owned by a Swiss family who started to trade in the Philippine Islands in the 1850s. Zuellig became a partner in this firm, subsequently acquired full ownership and incorporated it in 1922. In its early years, F. E. Zuellig, Inc. operated as a general merchant, agent, distributor, manufacturer, exporter and importer in diverse fields, such as textiles, insurance, shipping and transport, consumer goods, healthcare products, household appliances, commodities, industrial chemicals and machinery.
In 1938, Zuellig organized a Drug Department to specialize in the importation, marketing and distribution of healthcare products. After the devastation of World War II, the founder’s two sons rebuilt the business and expanded their enterprises beyond traditional trading activities into a dynamic transnational group of companies. Over the years, Zuellig Pharma developed into an autonomous operation and became one of the flagship businesses of the Zuellig Group.
Accessibility is one of the biggest challenges facing Asia’s healthcare industry. Market fragmentation, structural underdevelopment and limited sources of good information restrict the ability of companies and providers to effectively reach and treat patients. While a lack of awareness, education and financial means can deter patients from seeking or keeping to treatment regimes.
Zuellig Pharma plays an important role in making healthcare more accessible – and we are committed to achieving this goal. Whether we are safely distributing our clients’ products to remote areas with greater frequently thanks to our innovative last-mile distribution solutions; improving patient adherence and addressing affordability issues with our patientcare solutions; supporting the development and growth of new innovative products and treatments; or working with our partners to make healthcare delivery more efficient. Our 10,000 people across the region are always working to make healthcare more accessible in Asia.
