Haleon To Build Oral Care Manufacturing Site in Shanghai

Haleon will build a new oral health manufacturing site in Shanghai, China. The facility will support the expansion of its oral care portfolio, including global brands Sensodyne and Parodontax, into China’s fast-growing tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

The £65 million investment will strengthen its manufacturing footprint in the country and put it in place to capture long-term growth in the dynamic market, said Haleon.

China’s gum health market is the largest in the world, valued at approximately £860 million, according to Haleon. With more 70% of adults in China experiencing some form of gum issue and rising awareness of symptoms such as bleeding, redness and tenderness, there is significant opportunities for clinically proven gum health products.

Formulation and Packaging for the Local Market

According to Haleon, Parodontax, Haleon’s fastest-growing oral health brand, is one of the first toothpastes in China clinically proven to target the root cause of bleeding gums by breaking down stubborn plaque, which is a leading cause of gum disease. However, the toothpaste has a distinctive sensory profile, driven by its key active ingredient (sodium bicarbonate), which differs from local toothpastes that tend to have sweeter or more floral flavor profiles. To ensure the product resonates with Chinese consumers, Haleon’s R&D team worked with local sensory scientists to adapt the flavor with sweeter, more fragrant notes and a foamier brushing experience.

To ensure the product resonates with Chinese consumers, Haleon’s R&D team worked with local sensory scientists to adapt the flavor with sweeter, more fragrant notes and a foamier brushing experience.

Haleon said premium packaging further highlights its therapeutic, clinically proven benefits in an increasingly sophisticated oral care aisle, according to the company.

Multi-Channel Retail

Haleon said it is also adopting a multi-channel retail strategy to expand access to parodontax across China. In addition to e-commerce platforms, it plans to expand Parodontax distribution to 30 cities by the end of 2027, bringing the brand within reach of more than 250 million people. The cities are said to be home to a rising middle class with increasing disposable income and appetite for trusted international brands. Haleon said it will also maintain a strong presence in retail pharmacies, both in-store and online, supported by a network of dental professionals who regularly recommend its products.

 “China is a strategic priority for Haleon,” said Brian McNamara, chief executive of Haleon. “ Building on our established R&D capabilities and strong local team, this investment reflects our long-term commitment to bringing the very best of our global science and innovation to improve the health and wellbeing of Chinese consumers. By combining our world-class research expertise with deep local insights and on-the-ground manufacturing and R&D capabilities, we are delivering high-quality, science-backed products that improve everyday health in China.”

In June 2025, Haleon also completed the full acquisition of its TSKF joint venture with an investment of approximately £700 million, taking direct control of its OTC business in China.