According to TheGroceron August 6, Philip Morris International (hereinafter referred to as “Philip Morris International”) in the UK launched a new change-type electronic cigarette Veev One, set price 8.99 pounds. The replaceable e-cigarette has been launched in Italy and the Czech Republic over the past year, and the company said the Veev One has “surpassed other e-cigarette brands” in the local market to become the first in its type of e-cigarette.
It is reported that the relevant data shows that since January this year, change-type electronic cigarettes (users can put a disposable nicotine liquid into the cartridge into the rechargeable device) has increased by 35%.
Veev One currently offers 12 flavors of smoke bombs, covering three taste categories: aromatic, cool and warm. These flavors include watermelon, blueberry, mint blue, blueberry Raspberry, strawberry, mango and tobacco.
John Rennie, commercial director of Philip Morris International UK & Ireland, said:
“We are very excited to bring Veev One to the UK market at a critical time of change for the e-cigarette industry.”
“As the UK market grows, Veev One will stand out as a premium, responsible and recyclable e-cigarette, building on its success in the European market.”
To coincide with the launch, Philip Morris International has also launched a take-back programme where customers can return used bombs and devices to receive a £5 bonus on their next purchase in the IQOS online store.
According to PMI, the Veev One differs from conventional equipment in that its ceramic heating technology provides a consistent taste and is equipped with a low level detection system to prevent the burning smell caused by exhaust fumes.
The launch comes a few weeks after Imperial Brands unveiled its “newly improved” Blu Bar cartridge changer device, which is similar to the Veev One and can provide 1,000 cartrits per cartridge. Yawer Rasool, Director of Consumer Marketing, UK & Ireland, Imperial Brands, said:
“As consumers seek a more intense taste experience, more convenient delivery methods and competitive pricing, we believe the Blu Bar kit provides a significant sales opportunity for wholesalers and retailers, as well as a new revenue stream for the upcoming single-use e-cigarette ban.”
In January, the Conservative government announced that the UK would ban single-use e-cigarettes, which are enclosed, non-refillable or rechargeable types of devices. The government has pointed to single-use e-cigarettes as a major factor in the sharp rise in underage smoking. According to figures from Action on Smoking Cessation and Health (ASH), the use of single-use e-cigarettes by minors aged 11 to 17 has increased nearly nine-fold in the past two years.
Under this government, there have also been proposals to restrict flavours specifically aimed at children’s markets and to ensure that manufacturers produce “plainer, less visually appealing” packaging. At the same time, the government is focusing on the way e-cigarettes are displayed in stores, keeping them away from children and products (such as candy) that appeal to them.
As the ban on disposable devices has been phased in, major disposable brands (such as ElfBar and SKE) have designed new products to operate outside the regulations. Despite the inevitable impact of the ban, disposable devices still account for 88% of e-cigarette sales in the UK.