Since its founding in 2003, Ocean Healthcare has grown from a small start-up into one of Ireland’s leading players in the consumer healthcare sector.
Headquartered in Sandyford, Dublin, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality products, market insight, and genuine partnership to pharmacies across the country.
The Ocean Healthcare Sales Team
At its core, Ocean Healthcare is a brand-building company with a clear mission: to be the go-to partner in consumer healthcare in Ireland. With a dedicated, strategic approach, the company operates across Prescription (RX), Over-the-Counter (OTC), and Front-of-Shop (FOS) categories—bringing trusted international names to Irish consumers while helping new brands find their footing.
The company’s values— openness, collaboration, energy, accountability, and nimbleness—guide its daily operations and long-term decisions. These principles don’t just hang on the office wall; they define Ocean’s relationships, drive its culture, and are embedded in how the business delivers results for partners and customers alike.
From Start-Up to Market Leader
Ocean Healthcare was established in a time when the Irish pharmacy market was undergoing significant change. The early 2000s saw a shift toward increased regulation and a growing role for pharmacies as community health hubs.
Founder and CEO Graham Stafford recognised a gap in the market for a company that could do more than just distribute products—one that could actively manage, grow, and position brands for long-term success.
With that vision, Ocean Healthcare began with a modest offering and a small team. But through a combination of strategic foresight, strong relationships, and an unwavering focus on brand success, the company quickly gained traction. Its ability to identify niche opportunities— such as in fertility supplements or dental care—has helped it expand steadily while remaining agile in a dynamic market.
Today, the company’s portfolio includes Proceive, E45, TePe, Bio-Oil, Lamisil, and Foster Grant, among others. Each brand is supported with bespoke marketing campaigns, extensive in-store education, and tailored sales strategies designed to boost sell-through and brand loyalty at the pharmacy level.
Ireland’s Community Pharmacy Sector: A Unique Advantage
One of the unique aspects of Ocean Healthcare’s success lies in its deep understanding of Ireland’s community pharmacy landscape. Unlike many other European countries, Ireland’s pharmacies often serve as trusted local health advisors, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Consumers frequently turn to their pharmacist for first-line advice on minor ailments, skincare, nutritional supplements, and wellness products.
This trust creates a valuable platform for OTC and FOS brands—and Ocean Healthcare is ideally positioned to leverage it. Through a network of territory managers who visit 70% of Irish pharmacies every eight weeks, the company ensures strong connections on the ground. These visits focus not just on orders and displays, but on product education, training, and supporting pharmacists in making confident, informed recommendations.
“We see our pharmacy customers as true partners,” says Stafford. “Their trust in our brands is built on consistency, quality, and support— not just pricing or promotions.”
Brnad- Building, Not Just Distribution
What makes Ocean Healthcare different is its laser-sharp focus on brand development. Unlike many distributors that offer a wide but shallow range of products, Ocean works with a carefully selected portfolio—ensuring each brand receives tailored attention.
This includes:
• 360° brand support spanning trade marketing, consumer awareness, and HCP engagement
• Category leadership positioning based on market research and trend analysis
• Local market expertise, helping international brands adapt their messaging for Irish consumers
A standout example is the development of Proceive, Ireland’s leading preconception supplement. When Ocean identified a gap in the fertility supplement market, its sister company Affirm Health undertook several years of R&D to develop a comprehensive range designed for both men and women. Today, Proceive has become the go-to product in its category, thanks in large part to Ocean’s brand-building framework.
Future-Forward: E-Commerce, Preventative Health, and Expansion
Looking ahead, Ocean Healthcare is preparing for the next wave of transformation in the pharmacy and consumer health space. Two major shifts are already underway:
1. A growing focus on preventative health –Consumers are becoming more invested in long-term wellness, driving demand for vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and immune-support products.
2. The rise of digital health retail – While still nascent in Ireland, online pharmacy channels are expected to gain traction rapidly. Ocean is actively planning for this evolution, investing in omnichannel support strategies and digital marketing to stay ahead of the curve.
The company is also expanding its footprint. With the business and team continuing to grow, Ocean moved into a larger headquarters in 2021—and is already preparing for another move in 2026 to accommodate further expansion.
Leading with Sustainability and Responsibility
Ocean Healthcare also recognises its role in addressing environmental challenges in the healthcare sector. The company prioritises recyclable and biodegradable packaging, partners with sustainable manufacturers, and reduces emissions through responsible supply chains.
TePe, one of Ocean’s key partners, exemplifies this approach. Their production facility in Malmö, Sweden, has run on 100% renewable electricity since 2016 and maintains a rigorous emissions reduction roadmap. Ocean proudly aligns with such environmentally focused brands to ensure its impact extends beyond commercial success.
A Culture That Empowers People Culture is another cornerstone of Ocean Healthcare’s success. With an emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and shared purpose, the company fosters an environment where people can thrive professionally and personally.
Team development is more than a perk—it’s a priority. From tailored training to company-wide strategy days, Ocean invests in its people as much as it does in its brands. Employees regularly attend specialist courses, such as the Mini MBA in Marketing by Mark Ritson, while team-building events create a close-knit and motivated workforce.
“We’re growing as a business because we’re growing as a team,” says Stafford. “Our people are our greatest asset—and we’re building something meaningful together.”
Ocean Healthcare’s journey is far from over. With a proven model, strong values, and a clear vision, the company is not just participating in the Irish healthcare market—it’s helping to shape its future.
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