Market Trends of Asia-Pacific E Cigarettes Industry
Demand for Nicotine-free Products
In recent times, a significant number of consumers are turning to vaping, instead of traditional cigarettes, in the region in an attempt to decrease the vulnerability to health hazards. Moreover, vaping attracts even non-smokers to try e-cigarettes, as there are flavors without any nicotine content. The nicotine content is generally very less in e-liquids, as compared to cigarettes. The emergence of nicotine-free e-liquids has created a new market for non-smokers in Asia-Pacific. Doozy Vape Co., Zeus Juice, Elf Bar, Vampire Vape, and various other brands are available as nicotine-free options in the market. Over the past few years, flavors have gained more importance in this segment, as they provide a much better and more satisfying experience to the users who choose to vape, without nicotine content. In November 2022, according to the Japanese Government, around 83% of people aged 18 and older in Japan find tobacco smoke unpleasant which might push the market for nicotine-free products in the country.
E-liquids are also less expensive than tobacco products and come in a variety of price ranges which makes them more affordable. Furthermore, vaping has the potential to assist smokers in quitting smoking, making e-liquid an effective smoking substitute. The rising prices of traditional cigarettes have increased global demand for e-liquids and e-cigarettes, driving the market. Technologically advanced e-cigarettes are gaining market popularity, increasing the demand for various e-liquids to enhance the vaping experience. For instance, In February 2019, Japan Tobacco International introduced a new line of Ploom devices. The company launched three products at the same time. Smokers can choose between Ploom Tech vaporizers, the Ploom Tech,+ and the Ploom S. The brand is highlighting the fact that these devices do not emit any tobacco odor.
Online Retail Drives the Retail Sector
The continuous restriction in the market has led to a decline in the offline retail of e-cigarettes in the region, however, the online retail channels are still experiencing extensive growth in countries such as Indonesia, New Zealand, and others. In February 2020, JUUL halts the offline retail of e-cigarettes in Indonesia, however, online retail is still allowed in Indonesia and the Philippines with no age verification. Thereby, catering to the online retail of e-cigarettes in the region. The rising number of online retailers is also witnessed in the Asia-Pacific market, which drives the market studied. In addition, rising internet penetration in the Asia-Pacific region has promoted the market for e-cigarettes through online channels, since manufacturers are advertising their products on various social media platforms. For instance, in 2020, according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 90.2% of the Japanese population uses the internet which might increase the sales of e-cigarettes in the country.
Furthermore, with the rise of e-commerce, manufacturers are either selling their products on third-party websites or launching their online stores. The growing possibility of selling these products via e-commerce has promoted the key players to improve the security and dependability of their online purchases which might shape the market for e-cigarettes in the Asia Pacific region. Conversely, owing to the restriction imposed by the government of some of the countries in the region, the advertisement of e-cigarettes on the web, further restrain the market.
