According to data from analysts of the operating company of the Honest Labeling System (CRPT), the number of e-cigarette shops increased by 78% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, the Russian Nicotine Federation reported.
In addition, according to CRPT’s analysis, the number of stores that legally sell alternative tobacco products (ATPs), such as hookah tobacco, cigars and cigarillas, also grew by 32% during the same period, from 82,000 to 109,000. At the same time, the number of shops legally selling traditional tobacco products (cigarettes) increased by 25%, from 250,000 to 313,000.
Reva Yusupov, deputy general manager of CRPT, said: “Since the implementation of the Honest label, the number of legal points of sale of e-cigarettes has increased rapidly, almost doubling. This is a clear sign that the industry has moved away from the black market and is beginning to strictly comply with legal requirements. Those “underground” shops that went unnoticed in the past now realize that they must operate in legitimate areas. Other tobacco markets are gaining legitimacy.”