Brazilian retail giant Assai announced Thursday it is stepping into the pharmaceutical world, unveiling its first pharmacy location in Sao Paulo state as part of a new in-store health venture called Assai Farma.
The expansion into pharmaceuticals was made possible by a newly enacted Brazilian law passed this year, which permits pharmacies to set up shop inside supermarkets, provided they occupy a separate space and have a licensed pharmacist on site.
As part of an initial pilot program, Assai has outlined plans to open 25 pharmacy locations throughout Sao Paulo state during the second half of 2026. The company says it will use that period to assess how the concept performs before deciding whether to roll it out to additional states.
Shoppers visiting Assai Farma locations can expect to find a broad range of products, including prescription medications, drugs for ongoing medical conditions, over-the-counter remedies, skin care and cosmetic products, vitamins, dietary supplements, and personal care items.
The pharmacies will keep the same business hours as the Assai stores they are located within. Beyond selling products, the locations will also offer basic health services such as blood pressure checks, glucose level testing, injections, and rapid diagnostic tests.
