Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Consumer body warns of ‘misperception epidemic’ on vaping

Consumer body warns of ‘misperception epidemic’ on vaping
Photo: iStock
Getty Images

As World No Tobacco Day (31 May) approaches, consumer body World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) has expressed concern about the rampant ‘misperception epidemic’ surrounding tobacco harm reduction.

With recent research by Ipsos for the think tank ‘We Are Innovation’ reveals that 74 per cent of smokers worldwide wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking, the organisation noted that this “dangerous” misconception, fueled by misinformation, is preventing millions from switching to a scientifically proven, less harmful alternative.


“The WHO has turned World No Tobacco Day into a propaganda day. Sweden is about to become smoke-free thanks to alternative nicotine products. The WHO needs to stop fighting alternative nicotine products and start backing them as keys to a smoke-free future,” Michael Landl, director of the WVA, said.

“The WHO’s false claims are fueling a deadly misperception epidemic. Smokers deserve the truth: vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. Accurate knowledge could save millions of lives.”

The WVA added that this stance is supported by recent research and statements from public health authorities such as the UK’s National Health Service, highlighting the guide to ‘Vaping Myths and Facts’ published by the NHS, debunking significant misconceptions about vaping to help smokers access high-quality information.

“However, misinformation from influential bodies like the WHO perpetuates false beliefs, hindering smokers' access to life-saving alternatives,” the WVA said.

The WVA will be organising a protest in front of the WHO headquarters on World Vape Day, 30 May, in Geneva, aiming to compel the WHO to listen to consumers and acknowledge the scientific evidence supporting vaping, nicotine pouches, and similar products as valid harm-reduction tools.

The UN agency has last week released a report accusing the tobacco industry of trying to hook a new generation on vapes, and claiming that there is insufficient evidence vapes help people quit smoking.

However, experts criticised the report, saying its claims “do not accurately reflect current evidence on e-cigarettes”.

More for you

Glenshire Group appoints Dan Arrandale as property director

Glenshire Group appoints Dan Arrandale as property director

Scottish business conglomerate Glenshire Group has hired Daniel Arrandale as its new Property Director.

Starting in the newly created role last week, Arrandale brings a wealth of industry experience to the business, including his most recent position as Acquisitions Manager for Asda and his previous position as Development Manager at EG Group.

Keep ReadingShow less
Carlsberg Zero
Competition watchdog begins Carlsberg, Britvic merger probe
Competition watchdog begins Carlsberg, Britvic merger probe

Carlsberg shifts marketing focus as drinkers choose cheaper beer

Brewer Carlsberg is shifting some of its marketing focus to cheaper brands, it said on Thursday (31), as consumers in major markets bought cheaper beer and in reduced quantities.

The maker of Kronenbourg 1664, Tuborg and Somersby said beer sales volumes fell by 1.3 per cent in the third quarter, noting declines in China, France and the United Kingdom. Premium sales fell 0.5 per cent in the quarter."In Western Europe, there's no doubt that the average consumer is holding back," CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen told Reuters.

Keep ReadingShow less
sustainability, zero waste store, refil lzone
Photo: iStock
Photo: iStock

Consumers value ethics though 'sustainability needs to be competitively priced'

Consumers now want a greater commitment from retailers in cutting food waste, refilling stations, sustainable packaging, and partnering with social purpose organisations, states a recent research, which also highlights that a good majority (69 per cent) of younger consumers are more likely to shop with what they see as socially responsible retailers though price sensitivity still plays a crucial role.

According to the findings, published in Vypr’s Consumer Horizon Report, reducing food waste is the most important factor for the majority of UK consumers (29 per cent), especially for Gen Z women aged 18-24 (38 per cent). More than a third (37 per cent) of men aged 18-24 said they needed food storage advice. A similar number of women aged 18-24 (33 per cent) want meal kits with the exact amount of ingredients included for them to cut down on food waste.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sugro-Wn-News.png
Sugro UK
Sugro UK

Sugro UK unveils new B2B digital enhancements to empower members, retailers

Sugro UK, the number one buying and marketing buying group*, in partnership with b2b.store, is thrilled to announce a further expansion of its existing E-Loyalty scheme programme, which has proven to be very popular with its members and retailers, by introducing E-Loyalty Extra Compliance and Execution scheme as well as E-Coupons.

The E-Loyalty Extra is aimed to boost compliance and execution at retail store level to drive new product launches, core range compliance, some exciting fixture trials with its supply partners and more! It will be available to all member owned and member affiliated retail stores within the group.

Keep ReadingShow less
Paulig acquires Panesar Foods

iStock image

Paulig acquires Panesar Foods

Expanding its footprint in the World Foods category, Paulig has acquired Panesar Foods, a prominent UK-based producer of sauces and condiments.

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Tipton, Panesar Foods is a family-owned business with three production facilities, employing 308 staff and achieving a turnover of £59 million in the 2023 fiscal year.

Keep ReadingShow less