Outnumbered smokers cut spend on cigs
British vapers now exceed smokers in number, leading to decreased spending on cigarettes and a rise in alternative nicotine products.Summary
New figures reveal that vapers in Britain now outnumber cigarette smokers, with the proportion of smokers reaching an all-time low of 9.1%. This shift has negatively impacted the cigarette and cigar sector, with many brands experiencing significant declines in both value and volume. The popularity of vapes, coupled with rising excise duties and cost of living pressures, has driven consumers towards lower-cost alternatives, including illicit cigarettes which now account for a quarter of the market. Operation Machinize, a national policing initiative, seized millions of illicit cigarettes and vapes. While single-use vapes were banned in June, leading to sales losses, closed-system brands have gained traction. Notably, sales of nicotine replacement products are booming, with brands like Velo and Terea outselling traditional options like Nicorette, and nicotine pouches are experiencing rapid growth, though facing potential regulation. A new brand, No Saint, is entering the market with a focus on safety and stylish design.
(Source：The Grocer)
