The 29th edition of Cosmofarma Exhibition closes at BolognaFiere with 28,284 registered attendees, confirming the event’s role as one of Italy’s key platforms for pharmacy, healthcare and innovation in pharmaceutical retail.
The 2026 edition, developed around the claim ReGeneration/NewGeneration, brings together 400 companies, 150 conferences and 280 speakers, addressing themes related to the transformation of community pharmacies, service digitalization and generational transition.
AI and digital pharmacy at the centre of Cosmofarma 2026
One of the most relevant topics emerging from the event is the role of Artificial Intelligence in the management of contemporary pharmacies and in the evolution of healthcare services.
The Business Conference “Beyond the present: pharmacy in a changing world” hosts a keynote by Alec Ross, author and international innovation expert, formerly senior advisor for innovation during the Obama administration.
In his speech, Ross describes AI as a tool capable of increasing efficiency and productivity, while emphasizing the need to preserve the human relationship between pharmacist and patient.
Technology and the value of human relationship
Cosmofarma also presents data from the Assosalute-Censis report, which analyzes the relationship between citizens, digital health and healthcare services.
- 77.6% of Italians consider certified information on over-the-counter medicines essential;
- 65.8% would like official and certified platforms for remote consultations;
- 77.9% still consider the human relationship with doctors and pharmacists irreplaceable.
The picture that emerges is that of a sector open to technological innovation, but attentive to preserving the relational dimension of Italian pharmacy.
Growth of the pharmaceutical retail market
According to IQVIA data shared during the event, the pharmacy sector’s full-channel retail market reaches 33.8 billion euros in 2025, with 4% growth.
The evolution of the sector is driven by:
- digitalization of services;
- development of telemedicine;
- prevention;
- nutraceuticals;
- new organizational models;
- integration of territorial healthcare services.
In this scenario, the pharmacy is progressively evolving from a traditional point of sale into an integrated healthcare hub, increasingly focused on services and professional advice.
New generations and the transformation of the profession
Generational transition is one of the main focuses of Cosmofarma 2026.
Andrea Mandelli, president of FOFI, highlights the importance of supporting new generations of pharmacists through training, innovation and the transfer of professional skills.
Marco Cossolo, president of Federfarma, also points to the need for sustainable organizational models capable of guiding the evolution of pharmacies within the territorial healthcare network of the National Health Service.
Among the themes addressed during the event are:
- management of chronic conditions;
- prevention;
- telemedicine;
- human resources management;
- territorial healthcare integration;
- evolution of the pharmacist’s professional role.
Cosmofarma as a platform for the healthcare sector
According to the organizers, Cosmofarma continues to act as a connection platform for companies, professionals, institutions and the academic world.
Francesca Ferilli, CEO and General Manager of BOS, underlines how the theme ReGeneration/NewGeneration generated participation and debate around the new challenges of contemporary pharmacy, strengthening the event’s role as an observatory on the evolution of the healthcare sector.
The event also confirms the growing importance of digital technologies applied to pharmacy, while keeping professional expertise and the relationship of proximity with citizens at the centre.
Cosmofarma Exhibition 2027 dates
The 30th edition of Cosmofarma Exhibition will take place from 16 to 18 April 2027 at BolognaFiere, while Health Ability Experience will be held at the same time on 17 and 18 April.