Vaping Products Surge: In a noteworthy trend, vaping products have once again emerged as the fastest-growing category in UK grocery sales for the second consecutive year in 2023. Industry data reveals a substantial rise in the value sales of vaping products, reaching an impressive £897.4 million ($1.15 billion), while sales of traditional cigarettes, cigars, and loose tobacco experienced a sharp decline.
The government’s proposal in October to ban younger generations from purchasing cigarettes, coupled with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s call to address youth vaping, reflects the evolving landscape of smoking alternatives. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) added its voice to the discourse, urging governments to treat e-cigarettes similarly to tobacco and advocating for a ban on all flavors, challenging tobacco companies’ investments in smoking alternatives.
According to data published by market researcher NIQ and The Grocer on Saturday, the Lost Mary brand, owned by Chinese vaping firm Heaven Gifts, emerged as the UK’s fastest-growing product, with sales soaring by £310.6 million compared to the previous year.
In addition to value sales, vaping products demonstrated growth on a volume basis, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences. Meanwhile, the sales value of cigarettes, cigars, and loose tobacco collectively plummeted by £849.1 million and £393.1 million, respectively.
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Another noteworthy uptrend was observed in the sales of sport and energy drinks, witnessing a surge of £390.1 million. Prime Hydration, a brand endorsed by YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul and distributed by Congo Brands, contributed significantly to this growth.
The impact of inflation was evident in some of the fastest-growing grocery categories, with value sales of milk, cheese, fresh meat, and poultry experiencing notable increases, albeit masking volume declines. Conversely, sales of bagged snacks, chocolate, and sweet biscuits saw a decline on a volume basis.
Intriguingly, meat-free products faced a marked decline, witnessing a £34.8 million drop in value sales and a decrease on a volume basis.
A significant observation by NIQ was the 12.8% increase in own-label sales, indicating that consumers sought value by opting for non-branded items amid rising costs associated with branded products. This nuanced shift in consumer behavior underscores the dynamic nature of the grocery market and its response to evolving trends and economic factors.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the slang for vape?
The Electronic Cigarette, commonly referred to as the E-Cigarette, E-Cig or vape kit, is a device that allows users to inhale vaporized nicotine or flavored liquids. This alternative to traditional smoking has gained popularity in recent years due to its perceived health benefits and lack of harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. The device typically consists of a battery, heating element, and a cartridge or tank to hold the liquid. Users can choose from a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths to customize their experience.
Are vapes unhealthy?
Breathing in harmful chemicals can lead to permanent lung damage and disease. A comprehensive study conducted by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine in January 2018 reviewed more than 800 studies and concluded that using e-cigarettes poses health risks. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with inhaling harmful chemicals and take steps to protect your health.
What are the 3 main types of vapes?
Before purchasing a vape, it’s important to understand the different types available. In this article, we’ll delve into three popular options: disposable vape devices, vape pens, and vape mods. Each type offers its own unique features and benefits, so it’s crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the various vaping devices and be able to make an informed decision.
What are the short term effects of vaping?
Although vaping may seem harmless, it has already been linked to several negative short-term effects. These include coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, nausea, and vomiting, which could be signs of a vaping-related lung illness. It’s important to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to protect your health.