World Vape Show Dubai 2024 is the fourth edition of the world's biggest b2b vape event and is set to be even bigger and better than before.
With events across the globe, including South America, Europe, Asia, the UK and the Middle East, the largest international vape event in the world, The World Vape Show, returns to Dubai in June 20204. The flagship event will draw record numbers after the huge success of 2023, which attracted hundreds of global exhibitors, thousands of brands and products, 15k+ attendees and 30+ world-renowned speakers. This year also sees the launch of the GlobalVape forum, a stand-alone conference separate from the expo hall.
NEW FOR 2024
? 40,000 SQM of Exhibition Space
(Across 10 NEW halls)
? All NEW Global Vape Forum conference
? Record number of Global Brands and brand new exhibitors for 2024
? More Countries are represented than ever before
(96 Countries represented in 2023)
? Record number of like-minded professionals set to attend
? NEW show features, onsite entertainment to be revealed on the day and much more
The only B2B expo in the Middle East dedicated to the thriving vape industry is BACK!
Come and test, sample and explore the latest products, trends and technologies the vape industry has to offer from our 300+ exhibitors at World Vape Dubai, 12-14 June.
2025 will do doubt be the year the drinks industry truly feels the repercussions of the global and UK economic climate, political turbulence at home and away, and the duty hikes threatened for such a long time coming into play. While inflation has seen a gradual reduction over the last 18 months, the increase in interest rates and the knock-on effect this has on household expenditure will continue to be a theme as we head into 2025. We may see some prosper, but for many, it will be a year of adaptation, change and resilience. However, as an industry, we innovate, shape tastes and trends, strive to deliver world class drinks to the on-trade and retailers, and find ways to drive pockets of growth.
2025 will not be easy, but it will be interesting and there are areas of growth shaping the industry during the year ahead.
In the Bag (In Box)
The conditions for this still-emerging format are ripe for success, with producers, brand owners and retailers investing in quality of liquid, innovative packaging and campaigns that educate the shopper on the format’s virtues. However, there is still some way to go and in 2025 we’ll see the industry invest more in communicating the quality and longer shelf life of bag in box wines, their value to cash conscious shoppers and how they meet the needs of those moderating alcohol consumption.
The industry, brands, press and influencers are waxing lyrical about bag in box wines, and slowly but surely the format is shaking off its reputation as a ‘cheap’ alternative.
Data shows that consumers are switching on to wines in this format, so we must embrace what they offer; recyclability, affordability, and longer lasting wine. New consumers to the bag-in-box category realise the benefits in terms of convenience, freshness, quality and some environmental benefits to glass, such as lower CO2 emissions.
Kingsland Drinks expanded its Campaneo range with the addition of new, convenient 2.25L Bag in Box (BiB) format recently, which extends the offering into new parts of the market. In anticipation of demand, the employee-owned drinks firm also upgraded its overall filling capacity to 180 million litres on its production lines, spanning various sizes from 187ml up to 3L, formats such as bottles, cans and boxed wines, and liquids ranging from no and low, spirits, and red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
Go low
Volume sales of low alcohol drinks almost doubled in 2023 and IWSR expects considerable growth over the next few years (particularly driven by low-alcohol beer but across the category).
The rise in duty has ensured it’s in everyone’s best interests to bed in low and no alcohol brands for the long term. It’s good news for the industry, who have responded with a wave of innovation that excites consumers. Importantly, this segment is getting better all the time. In the last 12 months we’ve seen wine and spirits producers up their game and elevate the taste the credentials of the liquid.
In the year ahead, we’ll see this segment continue to soar, as lower and no abv wines and spirits earn their place on fixtures and consumers respond by integrating into their shop. However, quality will be key – in the year ahead it’s important style, substance and price work hard together to nurture growth in this segment and ensure it reaches its potential.
Andrew Peace has worked tirelessly to craft wines at 11% abv which give consumers a great tasting wine while maintaining a great value price point. We’ve seen a considerable number of listings at 11% abv and lower, but some haven’t hit the mark in terms of quality. The new additions to the Andrew Peace range have helped to drive seen significant market share growth up 22.6% value and 17.6% volume, in a backdrop of 7.3% volume decline in the Australian category in the latest 12 months (up to 2nd September).
Kingsland Drinks started packing non-alcoholic wines and spirits in 2019 and is now responsible for developing and launching some of the market’s leading brands. The company currently blends and bottles non-alcoholic gin, rum, whisky, tequila, and still and sparkling wines, using world class technology and controls to ensure the highest possible quality assurance standards.
Mind the gap
Mindful drinking is making its way into the mainstream, with consumers sustaining a ‘drink less but better’ mindset. In 2025 we can expect this will clash with an increasingly price sensitive shopper, who will search for brands that meet their needs on all fronts: budget, status, taste, quality, format and social currency.
Lesser-known becomes bigger business
Consumers are already taking a leap into the unexpected and branching out in their wine buying, with Eastern Europe in particular getting the recognition it deserves for the region’s wine quality, craftmanship and winemaking credentials.
This year we expect Eastern European wines to become much more prevalent in the UK, and demand for Bolgrad from Ukraine, Bediani from Georgia, and Salcuta, a Moldovan Feteasca Negra to sustain their play to consumer interest in lesser-known varietals. The wines from these producers were recognised by retailers for their authentic, distinctive, credible, well-made properties in 2024, and really demonstrate the breadth of wines available Eastern Europe.
Greece will continue to be celebrated in 2025. Kingsland Drinks was proud to launch Athlon Nemea into the UK with Aldi UK in 2024, which was met with much excitement from shoppers. Aldi is known for its quality wines from emerging and up and coming regions, and has a shopper that is open to trial new experiences from sources – like Aldi – that they trust.
Our advice for retailers in 2025 is to seriously consider the path less trodden in your range. Wines from the Mediterranean, central and Eastern Europe and beyond across all quality levels and price ranges, will be a real point of interest in the year ahead.
What’s your flavour
It was clear throughout Christmas 2024 that our customers wanted drinks with more flavour profiles to offer shoppers than before. For example, some retailers went from one or two mulled wines on shelf to six or seven. It’s a sign that consumers continue to experiment with flavours - perhaps as a result of experimentation within RTDs - and throughout 2025 we expect a continuation. Shoppers will continue to expand their flavour repertoire, open to trying new profiles.
Jo Taylorson
We have an on-site NPD lab that is best in class at developing spritz drinks, no and low spirits and made wine - we work alongside brand owners and customers to develop drinks in alcoholic and non-alcoholic formats. The team constantly researches and tests new flavour combinations, profiles and liquids. Our insights team expects to see fruit flavours such as pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry and mango come to the fore in 2025, along with drinks containing herbal and botanical flavours such as rosemary and wormwood, and the resurgence of drinks with tomato juice, such as the bloody mary.
Tins to go
Innovation in RTDs has slowed a little, with focus on sustainable, considered, longer-term growth. In 2025 we expect efforts to go towards targeting urbanites and those seeking simplicity and convenience at an affordable price point. Therefore, getting the product right is key as we move into spring and leverage summer, cementing RTDs in shopping baskets and on shelves in convenience stores.
Rum do
In 2025, rum will still be the darling drink and consumer preference will shift towards golden and darker rum expressions, with a warmer, spicier flavour profile.
Rum sales in the UK surpassed £1 billion this year, overtaking whisky, and it’s a category that brings something for everyone – from dark, decadent rums, to spiced variants, through to lighter, smooth easy drinking white rums. While many consumers continue to enjoy the sweet vanilla and caramel flavours of spiced rums, there is also exploration into more nuanced options, such as golden rum as it brings a well-balanced cross between white and dark expressions, aged in oak barrels to give it its signature amber colour and mellow flavour.
Kingsland Drinks partnered with Co-op to launch the retailer’s first Fairtrade golden rum. A show of what’s trending in 2025, and also proof that consumers want to buy into brands and liquid with a social conscience. It’s a Bourbon Barrel Aged Fairtrade Rum, which is a Caribbean coast blend from the Dominican Republic, Barbados and Venezuela. It really shines in a long drink with cola and lime, with ginger beer, and in a long rum old fashioned, a mule and a mojito.
Agave drinks have grown rapidly in retail, but from a small base. It’s still a small market in the UK and growth is plateauing slightly. However, the opportunity remains with the WSTA reporting that 11k hls were sold over the last 12 months (+5 percent) to the tune of £37m (+11 percent) (WSTA October 2024).
Going green
Sustainability continues to be a key focus for us as brands and consumers become more environmentally conscious. Climate change, sustainability and care for the planet are topics that need to stay in the mainstream conversation and remain high on the agenda of all businesses and brands. Consumers are ever more aware of the crisis and informed about actions being taken and changes required.
We’ll see even more developments and a doubling down on alternative formats. We can expect to see more canned wines, bag in box wines, paper-based bottles, and light-weight glass on shelf in the very near future.
No type of packaging is the silver bullet in terms of sustainability, but openly discussing the pros and cons of each packaging format and make the most educated and best decisions possible will bring the biggest environmental and economic benefits in 2025.
At Kingsland Drinks, our commitment to being environmentally sustainable is intrinsic to who we are and how we operate, but we have expanded our wider sustainability work across economy, society and environment both inside and outside the business as a strategic priority. As a result, we launched our Thirsty Earth sustainability strategy which seeks to create a better society and drinks industry for all, now and in the future.
For years, convenience stores were the underdog of retail—handy, sure, but not exactly glamorous. Today, they are the unsung heroes of British life, adapting to seismic shifts in consumer behavior, economic realities, and global trends.
With the ease of flexibility and personal touch, it is safe to say some of them are even better than the nearest supermarket giant.
The recent years have proven to be a turnaround time for convenience stores.
Smashing the projected threats first from supermarkets and then from quick delivery apps, the convenience channel continues to grow at its own pace. It is projected to touch a market value of £48.6 billion by 2025.
The future is certainly bright with predictions of a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) around 2.6 per cent between 2022 and 2025. According to Statista, by 2026, the convenience market value would exceed £50 bn.
It’s not just about the numbers—it’s how people shop.
With hybrid working sticking around, people are shopping differently. The convenience store isn’t just for emergency milk runs anymore; it is more of a community hub where shoppers can find their favourite hot meal solutions, fresh produce, and even online order pickups.
Forecourt stores are also evolving. Parfetts’ new commuter-focused symbol format is a sign of things to come. Expect more niche formats tailored to specific lifestyles, whether it’s busy commuters, fitness enthusiasts, or eco-conscious shoppers.
And if the crystal ball for 2025 is accurate, convenience stores are set to shine even brighter. Let’s dive into the big trends and changes shaping the year ahead.
Shift in consumption habits
The popularity of hot and spicy flavours within the crisps, snacks and nuts category will continue in the new year, with this profile ranking as the third largest flavor within branded snacks.
As shared by Matt Collins, Sales Director at KP Snacks, taste remains the top category driver, He said, “Our portfolio taps into the demand for bold, innovative flavours with a range of products – from classic Nik Naks Nice ‘N’ Spicy to our KP Nuts Thai Chilli Coated Peanuts.
“Our McCoy’s brand, the UK’s number one ridged crisp, also caters to the demand for bold, punchy flavours, delivering exciting NPD including McCoy’s Epic Eats Flamin’ Fajita.”
The PMP format has seen significant growth in recent years and will remain popular in 2025, offering consumers great value for money and clear pricing which reassures them that they’re getting a good deal.
PMPs are driving the snack category, giving shoppers a sense of value and retailers a surefire way to boost impulse purchases. Did you know 57 per cent of impulse shoppers choose PMPs?
The £1.25 PMP format, now worth £321.9m, is proving particularly popular, growing at 4.1 per cent annually. The £1.25 PMP format is especially important for Independent and Symbol stores, representing 50 per cent of CSN sales in this channel.
Health-consciousness is now the new normal, but let’s not kid ourselves—people still want their treats. The key? Snacks that feel indulgent but don’t come with a side of guilt. Enter protein bars disguised as chocolate, air-popped crisps, and plant-based jerky.
Consumers now are more conscious than ever about how food makes them feel, with a growing demand for high-protein and vitamin-packed options.
The trend towards wellness doesn’t just stop at physical health – it’s also extending into mental health. Brands that can address how food can support overall wellbeing should be able to stand out.
According to Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends report, the focus will be on food and drink brands streamlining health messaging and clearly communicating the nutritional value of their products.
The report basically explores the paradoxes that influence people’s behaviors toward food.
First is the ‘fundamentally nutritious’ trend which recognises how consumers have become more knowledgeable about diet and attach value to nutrition claims. In reaction, we see more on-pack nutritional claims and advice about healthy eating and ultra-processed food from businesses and influencers.
Coinciding with this is an increased awareness of weight loss drugs. Europe is currently behind the US in terms of uptake, but the potential is clear- 46 per cent of UK under-35s say they’d be interested in using them.
Gone are the days when “healthy” meant tasteless rice cakes and sad salads. In 2025, health and indulgence will coexist beautifully. Expect a continued boom in plant-based eating, functional foods, and beverages that do more than quench thirst.
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Mental health is the next frontier for food innovation. Products designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, or boost focus are gaining popularity. Think adaptogen-packed teas, mood-enhancing snacks, and even “calm chocolates.”
Functional foods are also gaining traction. Products infused with probiotics, adaptogens, or omega-3s are no longer limited to specialist stores—they’re becoming staples in the convenience sector. Expect more “gut-friendly” yogurts, mood-boosting drinks, and brain-health snacks on shelves by 2025.
Today’s consumers are not only more health-conscious, they are becoming more aware and somewhat finicky over the source of their food. Shoppers are demanding healthier snacks, organic produce, and products that cater to specific dietary needs.
As a response, retailers are expanding their vegan ranges, with brands like Aldi’s Plant Menu and Tesco’s Wicked Kitchen leading the charge. Convenience stores must adapt by stocking high-quality plant-based options that appeal to a diverse audience.
Local sourcing is more than a trend; it’s becoming a necessity. Brexit-related challenges have made imports pricier, but consumers are embracing the shift. They’re drawn to farm-fresh eggs, artisanal cheeses, and craft beers that reduce food miles and support local producers.
But this isn’t just about patriotism. Local sourcing reduces food miles, aligns with sustainability goals, and helps retailers hedge against global supply chain issues. It’s a triple win, and we’ll see more of it in 2025.
For convenience stores, they prove to be cherry on the top. Retailers like Kaual Patel have taken the idea of local miles ahead by collaborating with a local brewery to come up with a own-branded beer line.
While Patel’s initiatives spoke volume of what can be done, highlighting local line of products is something convenience retailers can easily do to have a unique line of products.
Consumers are showing a strong preference for local and seasonal products, which are perceived as fresher and more sustainable. This shift is particularly evident in travel hubs, where 60 per cent of consumers express interest in regional delicacies, claims Lupa Foods’ UK Food Market Trend Report: 2024-2025.No wonder, businesses that emphasize local sourcing and sustainable practices are likely to see increased customer loyalty.
Food and convenience retail expert Scott Annan is a huge fan of proprietary fresh food. He has been advocating retailers to stock this line to combat competition, legislative complexities and thin margins on conventional branded products.
The Grab-and-Go Goldmine
While city-center convenience stores took a hit during the lockdowns, the resurgence of commuting has reignited the food-to-go market. Rising demand for food to go pumped growth into convenience stores last year, as the channel enjoyed a 5 per cent rise in value.
According to the Convenience Market Report 2024 by Lumina Intelligence, hybrid work patterns were fuelling the need for quick and convenient food-to-go options during commuting and work-from-home days.
Time-poor shoppers were also increasingly turning to their local convenience stores for dinner solutions, the report added, highlighting the opportunity for a diverse chilled and frozen range.
The channel saw wholesalers and symbol groups ramp up their food-to-go offer to cater for demand over the past year. The report said meal deal offers, including those stemming from loyalty programs, have helped provide convenience shoppers with affordable choices to meet their food-to-go needs.
The trend is only expected to gain momentum in the coming years.
2025 will see a growing demand for premium on-the-go meals, especially at breakfast and lunch. Bidfood’s 2025 Food & Drink Trends Guide highlights the popularity of dishes like stacked sandwiches, acai bowls and poke or energy salad bowls. These on-the-go, nutritious options are perfect for busy consumers who still want to make healthy choices.
Consumers are also looking for dishes that contain ingredients associated with gut health e.g. beans and pulses, nuts and seeds. From a cuisine perspective, Bidfood expects Cajun, Creole, soul food dishes, fondues, sauces like Piri Piri or chimichurri, kofte kebabs, pide pizzas and Greek salads to gain more momentum.
According to IGD, the UK food-to-go market is anticipated to see positive market growth over the next few years and by 2028 is expected to increase in value by almost 40 per cent on 2019 levels, emphasizing the importance for retailers to offer quick, quality meal solutions.
Retailers like Co-op, and Spar are leading the way, offering everything from grab-and-go sandwiches to premium coffee to even home-made hot Indian snacks like samosas.
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To stay competitive in 2025, convenience stores must offer transparent, health-focused options that cater to the specific dietary needs and tastes of their customers.
The “fakeaway” trend, where consumers opt for high-quality, ready-to-eat meals instead of traditional takeaways, is also gaining momentum. Premium products like gourmet pizzas are driving this trend, offering restaurant-quality experiences at home.
Drinks will be having a moment in 2025. On the hot side, premium hot chocolates with toppings like roasted marshmallows or caramel drizzle will be stealing the show. Think chocolate chai and deluxe s’mores hot chocolate—indulgent, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for the season.
Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council predicts a rise in hydrating ready-to-drink beverages in 2025.Consumers will continue to seek out hydration solutions with added benefits and enhanced flavours, like sparkling coconut water and protein-infused drinks.
Consumers are also seeking bold, exotic flavours in their hydration choices. As the lines between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages blur, sodas with sophisticated, muted sweetness and more complex flavours are expected to be in demand. Even nostalgic flavours, like old-school sodas and root beers, are making a comeback as more people explore low or no-alcohol options.
Irish whiskey, Guinness, Bourbon and Portuguese wine will be growing in popularity. Out of beers, lager is the most engaged drink, and out of wines, white wine, red wine and prosecco are leaders in this market and will continue to grow in popularity.
In fact, the cream liqueurs category has grown by nearly 20 per cent compared to a year ago and is set to rise in popularity in 2025. This coincides with the growing Chocolicous trend as cream liqueurs will be advantageous when creating innovative chocolate drinks and desserts.
Furthermore, Bacardi’s 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends report states that in 2025, cocktails will act as a conduit for connection – bringing people closer to new interests, new knowledge, new experiences.
The love for cocktails continues at home too. Retailers can take on the role of educator here, advising the shoppers on pairing and proportions. Bacardi’s top 10 global cocktails for 2025 are Mojito, Margarita, Spritz, Piña Colada, Gin & Tonic, Rum & Coke, Whisky & Coke, Dry Martini, Vodka Lemonade and Vodka Soda. All of these are easy to create at home.
Low-alcohol volume sales almost doubled in 2023and considerable growth is expected over the next few years, particularly driven by low-alcohol beer. Many beer and wine brands are lowering their alcohol content (ABV) to take advantage of the UK’s new excise duty regime, although this is poised to bring renewed challenges for wine in particular when more changes are introduced during 2025.
Buzzing and trendy
Things are also buzzing at the wholesale side. A new brand new buying group will be launched on Jan 1 2025, bringing together the members of Confex and Fairway Foodservice. Titled as The Wholesale Group, the new buying group is already being touted as “the buying group for the future” as it promises to offer logistics efficiency via central distribution as well.
In terms of footfall, the retail sector will likely see minimal change in 2025, though consumer behavior will shift toward even more price-driven decisions.
With households becoming more conscious of their spending, value and affordability will be the primary factors influencing purchasing choices. This trend may benefit discount supermarkets and those offering competitively priced private-label products.
Vegan wave is on the rise among confectionery shoppers to so make sure that the store has a line to flaunt that feature, especially when Veganuary is around.
Swizzels is increasing production to meet the growing demand for vegan sweets in time for Veganuary 2025.Popular products like Variety Bags, Drumstick Choos, and Refreshers Choos are among Swizzels’ vegan sweets anticipated to see a significant rise in popularity as consumers continue to seek plant-based options from established brands.
Ah, sustainability—the buzzword that’s no longer just a buzzword. Consumers are no longer just asking for eco-friendly options; they’re demanding them.
To keep itself ahead of its time, Mondelēz International’s Cadbury core sharing bars, manufactured in Bournville and Coolock and sold in the UK&I, will be wrapped in 80 per cent certified recycled plastic packaging.Starting from 2025, in a phased approach, the project aims to cover approximately 300 million sharing bars across the UK&I Cadbury core tablet portfolio.
Retailers should opt actively to ditch plastic, source locally, and reduce food waste.
Expect more refill stations, where shoppers bring their own containers for pasta, grains, and even cleaning products. Tesco and Sainsbury’s are already piloting these initiatives, but the big challenge will be scaling them up.
After all, convincing a nation hooked on convenience to remember their jars and bottles is no small feat. Yet it is something that only convenience stores can achieve owing to the short distance and being in vicinity.
Brace for the impact
The year 2025 will be marked by a sea of legislative changes finally coming into effect. Many of these changes directly impact convenience stores and their shoppers so it is better to have a quick revision here.
From October 2025, children will no longer be exposed to TV adverts for unhealthy food products as under the new law set out on Dec 3, advertisements of unhealthy food products on television will only be allowed past the 9pm watershed. The advertising restrictions will also include a ban on paid online unhealthy food adverts.
Also, from Oct 1, 2025, the restriction of HFSS products by volume price will come into force, affecting multibuy promotion and promotion that indicates that an item – or any part of an item – is free. The restrictions will apply to medium and large retailers (with 50 or more employees).
Another ban that will greatly impact the convenience stores is the disposable vape ban, coming into effect from June 2025, marking a major change for thousands of retailers that currently stock these products.
From June 1 2025, only chargeable and refillable will be legal to sell. Anyone selling disposable vapes from June 1 2025 could get a £200 fixed-penalty notice, followed by further enforcement action if they continue to break the law. Better to keep yourself informed and updated so as not to fall on the wrong side of the law here.
As stated by ACS chief executive James Lowman, it is important that any retailer selling vapes not only prepare themselves for the change but also communicates with customers on the implications of the ban to avoid any potential confrontations or flashpoints in store.
Moreover, from March 31, 2025, under the new recycling legislation, businesses will be required to separate their dry recycling and food waste from their general waste by law. Under the law, businesses in England of 10 employees or more producing more than 5 kg of food waste per week must arrange for its separate collection by a licensed waste carrier.
Another legislative change that will impact the sector, albeit indirectly, is new packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, businesses will bear the cost of packaging waste collection and sorting, with heavier packaging materials like glass facing higher levies.
The new tax, set to be introduced in 2025, threatens to drive up prices for consumers and could lead to brands shifting away from using glass products.
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Amid this sea of restrictions, bans and changes, what retailers urgently need is a concrete action to tackle retail crime, a thorn in the side of the convenience sector.
The government’s proposed Crime and Policing Bill offers some hope. New measures include specific offenses for assaulting retail workers and ensuring that theft under £200 is investigated.
Multiple ministers have reiterated the same outline though concrete plans are expected to be revealed in 2025. So fingers crossed there!
The economy is the elephant in the room, and it’s stomping its way through 2025. The financial landscape for convenience stores is set to become more challenging.
The current 75 per cent discount on business rates, due to expire in April 2025, will be replaced by a 40 per cent discount, up to a maximum of £110,000. This reduction means many businesses will see their rates nearly double.
Moreover, employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are slated to rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent in April 2025. The threshold at which businesses start paying NICs will also decrease from £9,100 to £5,000, further increasing operational costs. The collective cost to the convenience sector next year is estimated by ACS at £397m (increase of £85m).
To top it all, From April 2025, the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 while 18-20 National Minimum Wage will rise by £1.40 per hour to £10 - the largest increase on record, marking the first step towards a single adult rate. The two are collectively expected to cost £513 million extra to the convenience sector next year, according to ACS.
For a convenience store like Tenby Stores and Post Office, everything is going to cost "about £23,000 extra a year”, as told by retailer Fiona Malone.
Happy New Year, Nevertheless
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that the British shopper loves a good bargain. Inflation may have cooled slightly, but shoppers are still feeling the pinch. With even high-end retailers like Waitrose expanding their budget-friendly offerings, expect the private-label boom to continue.
On the flip side, premiumisation remains a countertrend. Shoppers are willing to splurge on small indulgences—think fancy chocolates
a balancing act, and convenience retailers will have to tread carefully to keep both ends of the spectrum happy.
Having a loyalty scheme on board is a great way to attract the shoppers. Lets not forget that most Brits (91 per cent) are now actively involved in loyalty programmes.
According to a survey, conducted over 1,000 UK consumers and insights from 36 GCVA member organisations, 94 per cent of those aged 66 and over are engaged in at least one scheme, alongside 81 per cent of young adults between 18 and 25. Schemes also appeal to those on both high and low incomes, with 96 per cent of those with a household income of over £75,000 actively involved in such schemes.
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Some retailers are doing it on a small scale like offering £1 for an otherwise £1.49 for a coffee.Jisp, Shopt and LocalLoyalty by ShopMate are some of the great options to choose from.
2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for convenience stores. Yes, there are hurdles—rising costs, new regulations, and shifting consumer expectations. But there are also incredible opportunities to innovate, connect with customers, and redefine the meaning of convenience.
Retailers who embrace trends like functional foods, local sourcing, and sustainability will be able to ride the wave efficiently. Whether it’s launching their own product lines, collaborating with local producers, or doubling down on health-conscious snacks, the possibilities are endless.
And for the industry as a whole, 2025 represents a chance to redefine what it means to be “convenient” in an ever-changing world.
British convenience stores have evolved far beyond being places to pick up milk or bread; they have become community hubs where lives intersect, stories are shared, and memories are created.
Nestled in the charming Northamptonshire village of Kislingbury, Kislingbury Village Store is a shining example of this evolution—a living, breathing symbol of resilience and community spirit.
The site itself has been standing for about 133 years now, proving to be a live testament of the key yet underrated role that convenience stores play in British country life.
Fast forward to today, and the store has been infused with a new sense of purpose, thanks to the vision of its current owner, Vidur Pandya. Since acquiring the store in February 2022, Pandya has embarked on an inspiring journey to transform this age-old relic into a vibrant hub of community activity—without losing an ounce of its charm or heritage.
Speaking with Asian Trader, Pandya shared how a strong sense of purpose brought him to Kislingbury and shaped his approach to business.
“Kislingbury Village Store was originally established as a Co-op in 1891. We acquired the store in February 2022 when we moved from London.
“It’s an old structure. Being part of a conservation zone, only its insides can be changed. The outsides cannot be altered. So even today if looked at from a certain angle, one can spot the old Co-op signs above the window beams. Obviously it's been painted over it, but the signs can be seen on a sunny day,” he said.
The store’s previous owner held the reins for 35 years, but by the time Pandya and his family arrived from London, it was in dire need of modernisation.
“It wasn’t run down, but it was out of touch. We wanted to breathe life back into it—and I think we’ve succeeded to some extent,” he said.
For Pandya, moving to Kislingbury wasn’t just a business decision; it was a lifestyle overhaul.
“My parents and I were looking for a place to call home, somewhere we could make a difference,” he shared. “Owning a store in a village like this allows us to contribute directly to the community, plus we can see and feel the impact every day.”
Beyond offering the essentials of a convenience store, Kislingbury Village Store has gained a reputation for its fresh produce, local bakery bread, and a thoughtfully curated alcohol section. Being the only store in the village, it also stocks stationery, greeting cards, and other necessities.
The store caters to food-to-go lovers as well, with a wide range supplied by Country Choice.
“It is a one stop shop for the community; we make sure no one is forced to leave the village to get their essentials,” Pandya told Asian Trader.
In addition to running the store, Pandya operates a local Post Office branch, making it an indispensable lifeline for the village and nearby areas.
Kislingbury Village Store is far more than just a retail outlet. This store is a place where the residents hang out, socialise, talk, celebrate festivals together, share problems and discuss local issues apart from being able to shop, withdraw and deposit cash, send, collect and return parcels without having to leave the village.
The store’s community focus goes beyond retail.
For example, Pandya is currently spearheading a fundraiser to refurbish a run-down playground of Kislingbury village and provide it with a new set of equipment. The store also installed a bleed control kit outside—yet another way it prioritises community welfare.
Pandya continued, “Every year, we run programs to educate school children the importance of cash and the real world dealings. Like, they come in with a small amount to buy a product and sort of calculate the change without relying on any gadget or calculator. They also learn about sending letters through the post office.”
The store also supports local clubs and the church by supplying essentials for a morning club for over 50s as well as to the local church. The store also donates to the food bank in the village as well as one in the neighborhood village.
Late last month, when the village experienced heavy rains and a flood-like situation, Pandya emerged as a savior for many.
He revealed, “We got a cry for help at 11:00 pm. We gathered all the required emergency supplies and took it down to the village hall where the rescuers were. There were close to 400 people who needed refreshments.”
At the moment, the store is in the middle of a refit which will take months to finish as it is being done in phases. Additionally, the store has joined Simply Fresh, but Pandya decided to keep the front signboard as it is.
He explained, “I consciously decided to remain independent as I wanted to let the store name remain as it is, as an ode to its heritage and legacy.”
Inside, however, the store boasts the full experience of a Simply Fresh outlet, along with offering an expanded range that includes Co-op products. This thoughtful addition evokes nostalgia for older residents, further strengthening their connection to the store.
Clearly, Kislingbury Village Store is no ordinary shop—it’s the heart of its community.
“Since taking it over, we are pushing hard to make it even more of a lifeline. We have taken the approach of community retailing and try to do things accordingly. Our store is about more than selling products and services; it’s about bringing the community together and providing a hub for those who need it,” he concluded.
Season of indulgence is here. It is the season when we forget diets and calorie counting; it is the time when crisps, snacks, and nuts come into their own, much like the glittering baubles we dust off every December.
Convenience stores know this better than anyone. December transforms these everyday items into must-haves, with shoppers piling their baskets high with everything from festive-flavored crisps to honey-roasted nut mixes that pair perfectly with a glass of mulled wine. After all, everyone craves a good crunch during Christmas movies or as we gather with friends and family.
For community convenience stores, the opportunity is ripe and delicious. The festive period is the perfect time to showcase creative displays of snacks that not only catch the eye but stir the imagination.
After all, what’s Christmas without a bowl of crisps? These little bites might not make the Christmas card, but they’re undeniably part of the magic.
PepsiCo is quick to back up the crunch-love with numbers.
A spokesperson points out that salty snacks in independent and symbol stores now clock in at a hefty £631.6million, growing at a rate of +18.0 per cent. Within this, Crisps, Snacks, and Nuts dominate, accounting for a jaw-dropping 94.1 per cent of value sales in total savoury snacks.
Matt Collins, Sales Director at KP Snacks, is excited about the Christmas boom.
“Treat occasions grow in the Convenience and Impulse channel over the festive season as friends and family seek out their favourite snacks to boost enjoyment of Christmas occasions,” he says, adding, “From parties to festive movie nights, Crisps, Snacks, and Nuts are a staple of Christmas get-togethers, creating a critical opportunity for retailers to bolster sales.”
Tash Jones, Commercial Director at Fairfields Farm, sees even more reason to be cheerful.
Jones says, “The snacking market overall is – and always has been – robust. The make-up of this can change, with interest in better-for-you increasing and more flavour discovery, but fundamentally the British public will always be looking for snacks, and more often than not this will be an impulse decision in a convenience location. As ‘meal’ occasions become less rigid, the opportunities in this category are only going to grow.”
Snacks anyway rule the convenience channel.
Tayto’s spokesperson points out the hard facts: in the convenience channel, savoury snacks are a £1bn category, growing at 5.1 per cent, outpacing the major mults’ +4.5 per cent. That makes them a key driver of footfall and a golden goose for independent retailers this festive season.
Crunching Into Christmas with bestsellers
If there’s one thing that unites the nation during the holidays, it’s the sheer joy of family time spent at home (accompanied by snacking).
Christmas is all about creating those “small, happy moments” with friends and family, and snacks are the unspoken heroes of these occasions. In fact, 45 per cent of shoppers say they find happiness in these little moments, which makes your snack aisle as critical as Santa’s workshop.
A PepsiCo spokesperson puts it plainly, “As consumers come together to connect at home this Christmas, many will also be looking for larger pack sizes of their favourite savoury snacks that they can enjoy together.”
“Sharing formats are now the largest segment within the Salty Snacks Category, making up 69.4 per cent of it. Stocking a variety of formats will help cater to different need states and therefore help drive sales.”
Shoppers look for elevated snacking options to share with friends and families during holiday celebrations. This leads to them increasing their savoury snacking spend by 36 per cent over the Christmas period, presenting a huge opportunity for retailers.
A name to bank upon here is KP Snacks.
As a leading snacks manufacturer, KP Snacks offers a broad portfolio of tasty products perfectly positioned to create value and generate demand by meeting all consumer needs this Christmas.
Brand is the most important factor influencing product choice and KP Snacks delivers iconic and trusted brands including KP Nuts and Tyrrells to help drive retailer sales.
Collins says, “KP Nuts leads the segment as the UK’s number one Nut brand, worth £100.2m and growing in value +2 per cent. At nearly four times the size of the nearest branded competitor, KP Nuts holds 18 per cent share of the Nuts segment.”
With iconic flavors like Original Salted, Dry Roasted, and Honey Roast, KP Nuts prove to be quintessential pairing for everything from festive movie nights to a cheeky mulled wine. Better yet, their 375g Nut Cuddies and large Sharing bags tick both the indulgence and health-conscious boxes, as they are naturally packed with protein and fiber.
Over the festive season, shoppers are willing to spend more on higher quality CSN products to bring extra flavour and excitement to Christmas occasions. KP Snacks’ premium hand-cooked crisp brand Tyrrells is perfect for tempting shoppers to trade up.
With 92 Great Taste Awards to the brand’s name, Tyrrells is well-known for its delicious flavours and high quality. Delivering classic consumer favourites, including Mature Cheddar & Chive, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar and Lightly Sea Salted, Tyrrells 150g Sharing packs are a great choiceas it pairs perfectly with wines and gins to add a touch of elegance to festive celebrations.
Not to forget the nation’s favourite popcorn brand Butterkist.
Collins points out, “The importance of the popcorn category shouldn’t be underestimated within the sharing occasion. Ideal for cosy family nights in spent watching films or casual family get-togethers. Butterkist delivers family favourite popcorn flavours Sweet & Salty, as well as more indulgent Toffee, perfect for those festive sharing occasions with family and friends.”
While KP Snacks is proficient in fulfilling CSN needs, plaids comes in handy for shoppers seeking savoury biscuit options.
pladis UK & Ireland’s savory biscuit range, led by Jacob’s Savours Selection, has seen double-digit growth and sales of £178m in 2023, proving that a cheese board just isn’t complete without the perfect crunch.
Aslı Özen Turhan, Chief Marketing Officer at pladis UK & Ireland, says, “Looking at Savoury Biscuits, the picture last year was similarly positive. Savoury seasonal assortments, like Jacob’s Savours Selection (+148 per cent) helped pladis increase its seasonal market share to almost a quarter (24 per cent).
“With shoppers still facing high prices across a number of aspects of everyday life, we’re expecting these patterns to continue into Christmas 2024 as shoppers bring more of their festivities in-home and look to their favourite snacking brands to make these feel special.”
Noteworthy here is that shoppers are looking to elevate in-home occasions with special snacks that are both readymade for sharing and that offer the added indulgence they seek at Christmas time. McVitie’s Victoria Chocolate Creations delivers exactly that with its mix of deluxe, fully coated white, milk and dark chocolate biscuits, wrapped up in special gifting packaging.
It was a top choice for shoppers seeking premium options last year, recording sales of £1.2 million, say Turhan.
Turhan adds, “Our Jacob’s Christmas Caddies are a case in point, and we’re working to sustain last year’s double-digit growth (+13.9 per cent) by bringing a brand-new flavour to this year’s line-up. Already a big hit – having reeled in an additional +£3.7m in sales (+43.3 per cent) – Jacob’s Crinklys Cheese & Onion will drive further appeal for this festive-favourite format.”
For those looking for a even savorier kick, consider stocking pork snacks, the fastest-growing segment. This strong demand shows just how much consumers love the unique taste of pork scratching. With over 40 per cent of consumers buying or eating pork snacks, retailers that are not stocking them are really missing out on this highly profitable sector.
Growth of more contemporary pork snacks has been even stronger, with Mr. Porky Crispy Strips up 28 per cent YoY as consumers look for a lighter bite with all the taste of a scratching.
As the category leaders (64 per cent share), Tayto are continuing to drive awareness and interest in the category through our biggest ever campaign – sponsoring TV coverage of PDC darts tournaments on Sky Sports.
Whilst sharing PMPs are the core of a strong snacks offer, independent retailers shouldn’t ignore impulse snacks, as they are a key footfall driver with over 22 million “entry-point snacks” sold in the past year. Golden Wonder plays a key role in this segment through its combination of great taste and great value with its ever-popular Tangy Toms, Spicy Bikers and Oinks and their added value of a multi-buy on-pack offer to drive sales.
There is much talk about HFSS with further restrictions coming into force in October 2025. Consumers understand that snacks are a treat, and they expect them to taste great – even the healthier ones.
Tayto has taken millions of calories and extra salt out of its portfolio - but only where it doesn’t compromise on taste with lines such as with Golden Wonder Tangy Toms and Spicy Bikers.
Snack, Sell, Celebrate Newbies
As festivities kick in, snacks are expected to fly off the shelves so make sure the store is well stocked with not only the bestsellers but also with new launches and limited-edition packs.
With enjoyment remaining the number one driver of choice for consumers when purchasing crisps, taste-led NPD and limited-edition flavours can help retailers maximise sales during this period.
To help retailers tap into the biggest snacking moment of the year, Pepsico has launched two limited-edition festive flavours across its premium Sensations brand.
Sensations Honey Glazed Roast Ham flavour hit shelves back in October, alongside the return of Sensations King Prawn & Marie Sauce flavour for another festive season. The limited-edition flavours are set to provide retailers with premium, non-HFSS SKUs that encourage consumers to trade up during this period.
Sensations King Prawn & Marie Sauce flavour was a crowd-pleaser last year, generating over £1.2m in value sales. Additionally, seafood flavours experienced an increase of 19 per cent average weekly sales within Total Savoury Snacks during the two weeks leading up to Christmas in 2023, with meaty flavours having experienced 27.8 per cent higher average weekly sales.
Walkers, Britain’s most loved crisp brand, is also helping retailers tap into the biggest snacking moment of the year with the launch of two limited-edition festive flavours across its premium Sensations brand.
Sensations celebrates Platinum Jubilee with limited-edition flavourswww.asiantrader.biz
In addition, Walkers has released festive-themed packaging across sharing bags and large multipacks of selected Walkers and Sensations year-round favourites. The activity is set to be supported by a multi-brand marketing campaign across PepsiCo’s Walkers, Walkers Sensations and Doritos brands.
Wayne Newton, Senior Marketing Director at Walkers, comments, "With new shoppers entering the category and existing customers buying more in preparation for the holiday season, Christmas is a crucial opportunity for retailers to be driving theirsavoury snacking sales. During this time, shoppers look for extra special snacking options that will elevate their celebrations, such as limited-edition flavours.
“Our festive reskins will support retailers in offering consumers’ familiar, much-loved snacking favourites with a festive look and feel, while also introducing premium seasonal flavours through our new Sensations Honey Glazed Roast Ham flavour and the return of the much-loved Sensations King Prawn & Marie Sauce flavour. These limited-edition options are set to meet the demand for bold and exciting festive treats, ensuring there's something special for everyone this Christmas."
The Walkers and Sensations festive packaging and Sensations limited-edition flavours are available now across the grocery, convenience and wholesale channels. Sensations Honey Glazed Roast Ham and King Prawn & Marie Sauce flavours are available in 150g sharing formats, with an RRP of £2.50.
PepsiCo’s multi-brand Christmas campaign will span OOH, digital and social media. With Walkers being the number one crisp brand, alongside Doritos as the category’s number one tortilla chip product range, the campaign aims to help retailers provide a wide range of crowd-pleasing snack options for everyone this Christmas.
Furthermore, the launch of Marmite Snacks has been a major success. The launch created significant press coverage given the country’s love-hate relationship with Marmite. Strong sales have followed with Marmite Crisps.
Matt Smith, Marketing Director for Tayto UK explains, “The response to Marmite snacks has been fantastic. The new range ignited consumer excitement with ‘lovers’ taking to social media about the great Marmite taste.
“We’ve seen strong Marmite Crisps sales across all channels, including PMP in the Convenience sector. The launch of Marmite Tortillas has opened up the brand to younger consumers with sales ahead of our expectations. The good news is that we have further NPD in the pipeline for 2025!”
As the category leaders in Pork Snacks (64 per cent share), Tayto are continuing to drive awareness and interest in the category through its biggest ever campaign.
Savour the Season with tips and tricks
Retailers need to be on top of their game, knowing every shift and trends among shoppers. Its the golden quarter after all, a perfect time for not only boosting sales but also in creating and elevating the store’s brand value.
Jones from Fairfields Farm points out how around Christmas, there’s a noticeable increase in demand for premium snacks, as customers are more willing to spend on quality when gathering with family and friends.
“Retailers should tap into this trend, recognising snacking as an essential part of holiday celebrations.
“Independents have the beautiful gift of flexibility – they can jump on trends quicker and use their experience to break out of a planogram to create a shopping environment for snacks, biscuits and savouries that varies from the norm and which encourages discovery. They also have the benefit of being able to merchandise differently and make use of till-adjacent space and aisle ends for high rate-of-sale items in these categories.
Exploring what works best in convenience, Jones says Freshfields Farm’s 150g sharing packs are ideal for big gatherings with family and friends during the social festive period.
Jones adds, “Bundling products through occasion-led marketing is a great way to boost in-store sales. By grouping festive items and offering incentives, retailers can encourage customers to buy more than the one item they originally came in for. Creating one-stop displays for these occasions helps customers quickly find everything they need, reducing decision time and increasing sales.
“This year, we’ve seen a strong increase in the demand for sweet and spicy combinations, alongside a comeback of the ‘swavoury’ trend, where sweet meets savoury. We also recommend that retailers stay informed by reading industry magazines, to keep up to date with the latest snacking trends, and by attending free-entry trade events where they can sample new products and see what else is out there.”
Bowing to popular demand, Freshfields Farm is bringing back Maple Glazed Ham flavour. Available in 150g sharing size with an eye-catching gold foil finish, this vegan and gluten-free option adds a premium touch to Christmas snacking.
Price marked packs (PMPs) continue to be a must-stock for independent retailers within Snacks - accounting for 79 per cent of sales. In the fight to attract and retain value-focused shoppers, PMPs remain essential in giving those shoppers confidence they are still getting great value when shopping locally.
With the decline in impulse pack sales and the continued trend to stay in rather than have a big night out, Sharing PMPs have become the dominant segment but this has slowed as many brands have moved above £1. In contrast, Golden Wonder has remained at £1 and continues to outperform sharing PMPs, showing just how important “value” when household budgets remain under pressure.
Smith from Tayto UK explains Golden Wonder’s success, “We know how important the £1 price point is to both consumers and retailers. By sticking to this key price point we have continued to deliver great tasting, great value snacks with strong retailer margins.
"A highlight is our Transform-A-Snack £1 PMPs, which are outperforming the market with 22 per cent growth, helped by the on-pack promotion in partnership with the Transformers ONE movie.”
With 64 per cent of consumers willing to switch brands for a lower price, the opportunity to profit from Golden Wonder’s £1 PMP has never been greater.
Independents are perfectly placed to cater to a variety of shopper missions for their seasonal purchases. Convenience stores are likely to be in accessible locations, making them the ideal destination for top-up shops in the run up to Christmas, as it’s easy for shoppers to pop into their local c-store to stock up on the Christmas classics in between larger weekly shops.
Turhan points out that although the core ranges should be every independent retailer’s number one priority, convenience stores are also a hotspot for impulse purchases, so it’s important to leave shelf space for novelty products and festive NPD – like McVitie’s Gingerbread Digestives – to encourage shoppers to pick up an extra treat on a whim.
“Alongside the bestsellers, novelty products and premium assortments are hugely popular among shoppers searching for last-minute gifts – a need which convenience stores are well placed to cater to thanks to their opportune locations. Ready-to-gift, fun, festive products from household-name brands work well here.”
Retailers need to stock products like McVitie’s Jaffa Pole and McVitie’s Jaffa Tree, which ranked in the top three for seasonal NPD last year. Shoppers in a rush will instantly recognise the Jaffa Cakes name and feel they can rely on these products to make for a well-received, ready-to-gift treat, Turhan adds.
As a nation, we are especially busy during the festive period, so it’s essential to make the shopping experience as seamless as possible. We recommend that clear signage is key.
Independent retailers should create a dedicated festive snacking fixture in-store and spotlight shopper-favourite brands and Christmas classics on fixtures with POS materials, like barkers, and by dedicating off-shelf features to the bestselling brands within staple festive snacking categories, like Savoury Biscuits, Turhan adds.
Munching Merry Christmas
Christmas parties and gatherings are synonymous with a bounty of snacks. Whether it's a relaxed evening at home with the family or a larger festive bash, crisps, snacks, and nuts are not just options—they're expectations.
Shoppers often pick up these munchies on impulse, which is why it's crucial for local convenience stores to have prime shelf space decked out with all the best-selling flavours. As the bells of the festive season ring louder, convenience stores have a golden opportunity to shine as the go-to destination for Christmas snacking.
Creative displays, bold signage, and tempting bundles—like crisps paired with dips or nuts alongside festive beverages—are your keys to capturing the magic. Use window posters or social media to alert customers to your festive snack promotions, drawing them into the store. Highlight snacks from local brands to create a community feel and offer unique options shoppers can’t find elsewhere.
Don’t just stock snacks; celebrate them! Dedicate an aisle or end cap to the "Snack Wonderland," filled with festive flavours, novelty treats, and sharing packs. Highlight the indulgence of premium options while keeping value-driven price-marked packs front and center. Shoppers are looking for quality that doesn’t break the bank, and convenience stores are perfectly positioned to meet that sweet spot of luxury and affordability.
So, let’s make this season a munching merry Christmas! Let the crunching commence!
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Single-use disposable vapes are displayed for sale on October 27, 2024 in London, England
Perhaps the first item of business is the disposable vapes ban, scheduled to come into force on 1 June next year, and almost universally regarded by those within the industry as counter-productive, perhaps even encouraging ex-smokers to take up the weed again.
But such is the power over politicians of “being seen to act” that they can easily ignore negative, second-order consequences such as that, or encouraging an explosion in the illegal trade (with all the organised crime and lost tax revenue it implies).
Don’t be indisposed
But while many vapers will now be looking around to choose a pod system, a heat-not-burn device, or a nic pouch to replace the “fire-and-forget" devices, there is still a six-month period until the ban arrives. Until then, it is fair weather sales for disposables, so retailers should make the most of it.
“That’s why we recommend that retailers continue to stock a wide range of leading disposables in the short-term,” says Andrew Malm, UK Market Manager at Imperial Brands, whose blu bar 1000 is the latest disposable, fully compliant device, boasting a removable battery to aid in safe disposal, and with a translucent mouthpiece to reveal the remaining liquid. The blu bar 1000 offers up to 1,000 puffs (hence the name) and is available in popular flavours including Blueberry Ice, Strawberry Ice, Watermelon Ice, Banana Ice, Mint, Grape, Tropical Mix and Blueberry Cherry.
There are very many disposable brands available, the single-use format having taken over vast areas of the market. In 2022 Philip Morris Ltd (PML) launched its own disposable vape, VEEBA – a “premium, responsible, and sustainable” device, available in nine flavours, with liquid made from pharma-grade nicotine and food-grade flavourings that passed rigorous scientific and quality assessments to ensure they deliver a consistent taste every time.
VEEBA’s liquids guarantee a nicotine level of 20 mg/ml, with each production batch receiving a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and subject to regular – and randomised – checks to ensure devices have the correct liquid composition and nicotine content. PMI’s commitment to quality extended from the liquid used to the product build, with VEEBA’s compact and ergonomic aluminium design able to be used and then recycled.
Photo: iStock
This was typical of the great care producers lavished on their high-quality disposables. From the start, vape producers placed a laser-focus on ensuring the standards of their e-cigs, and acted with consummate responsibility in only supplying to adult smokers and ex-smokers.
VEEBA, for example, was not commercialised with flavour descriptors that could have appealed to youth, such as images or descriptions of candies or desserts, or brightly coloured or flashy devices on the packaging. Instead, subtle colours and functional flavour descriptors worked together with PML’s youth-access prevention programme, to focus on providing access only to existing adult nicotine users and smokers.
Unfortunately, that didn’t stop other consumers littering with the discarded disposable devices, or using the enormous number of illicit vapes suddenly appearing to take advantage of the exploding demand. Neither did it dissuade some unscrupulous sellers from placing the one-time vapes – popular and practical because of their lower cost, no doubt – into the hands of minors.
“It’s clear that the disposable segment within the e-vapour category is growing exponentially for adult tobacco and nicotine users in the UK," External Affairs Director at PML, Duncan Cunningham, said at the time. “PML is responding to the immediate need for a smoke-free offer to be commercialised responsibly, and that is sustainable, trust-worthy, and reliable. By doing so, we aim to increase adult smokers’ and nicotine users’ access to responsible, disposable e-vapour devices that actively contribute to reducing the harm from smoking – while limiting the appeal and use among unintended audiences, particularly youth.”
In the end, it wasn’t enough, and the ban will arrive on time.
On to the pod
For those who recall the pod-mod revolution of a few years back, it was somewhat ironic that single-use e-cigs (which were the original vapes way back when), experienced a resurgence after pods had started to become so dominant.
Why did this happen, and thus unfortunately attract the attention of anti-vape campaigners and government? Paradoxically, the disposable e-cig made its reappearance so widely because the vape sector itself was growing so strongly: as the user-base expanded, disposables disproportionately attracted new vapers.
“The vape market has been growing over the past few years and the category value of vaping in the UK is forecast to almost triple from £930 million to almost £3 billion in 2025," says Malm, exposing just how energetic the vape market is, and its extraordinary mass appeal in sweeping up ex-smokers.
Those ex-smokers were naturally looking for something that most closely resembled a tobacco cigarette – smoke and discard – and were getting into the vape scene to quit tobacco and improve their health. Disposables were the perfect introduction for them. (Let’s hope the ban will not send them back to their smokes again ...)
And to ensure that doesn’t happen, it will soon be time to turn again to the promise of the pod!
"To give consumers choice as they seek out compliant devices, even ahead of the expected ban, retailers should also stock pod systems,” says Malm. “Our new blu bar kit, for instance, is becoming a popular option. The rechargeable vaping device uses replaceable pods to deliver a market-leading 1,000 puffs [average] of intense flavour per pod.”
It is a sleek and lightweight device that offers the easy use and portability of a disposable device, while the rechargeable 550mAh battery and USB-C charging port enables repeated use. It has launched with four flavours including new, intense Cherry as well as intense Pineapple and features blu Flavour Tech mesh coil technology to deliver strong bursts of flavour, Malm explains. “E-liquid level visibility means users can easily see when their pods need replacing, and with pod safety a priority, a security lock ensures the device is fully protected when not in use.”
The blu bar kit is available with an RRP of £5.99, which includes the rechargeable device and one pod, in either Cherry or Pineapple. Also available, with an RRP of £5.99 are blu bar pod packs, which include two pods per pack in Cherry, Pineapple, Blueberry Sour Razz, or Watermelon Ice.
ELFBAR, who were huge in the disposable vapes field (the ELFBAR 600 disposable was the perfect all-day vape, and the range expanded with the super-slim Cigalike and the ELFBAR T600), have pivoted brilliantly and announced two NPD to beat the ban.
The ELFBAR 4-in-1 Prefilled Kit is an innovative “big-puff” pod device, featuring a 1500mAh rechargeable battery that delivers between 2400 and 3200 puffs. With its "4 pods in 1" design, it is simple to twist to switch between flavours. Each 2ml pod features a QUAQ mesh coil, providing enhanced flavour and consistent vapour.
It is available in 27 flavours and delivers 20mg/ml Nic Salt, includes four prefilled pods, and is equipped with a robust 1000mAh battery (a maximum power output of 30W), providing power for extended vaping sessions. Refilling is easy with a top-fill design. It comes with a dual mesh pod, offering versatility for both MTL (Mouth To Lung) and RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) vaping styles “whether you prefer a tight or an airy draw".
ELFBAR launches its first 4-in-1 pod kit
The market is now re-gearing itself ahead of June 2025. ICCPP Group, the parent company of Voopoo, has introduced ArgusBar Prime, a pod system with fast charging and a detachable battery, available in 20 flavours.
Vaping company Lost Mary has launched its 4-in-1 pod kit, the brand’s first. Again, delivering up to 3,200 puffs, the reusable and rechargeable pod kit holds four 2ml prefilled pods, offering the choice of four flavours.
Lost Mary believes that flavours remain integral in encouraging adult smokers to quit cigarettes and adopt vaping, as noted by the Royal College of Physicians. To that end, the Lost Mary 4-in-1 supports the demand and important role flavours play while strengthening the brand’s market leadership with reusable products, the first of which was introduced in late 2023 – long before the single-use ban was proposed, they say. It come in 16 flavours including favourites such as Pineapple Ice, Strawberry Ice, and Blueberry Sour Raspberry.
In July Vapes Bar announced the upcoming nationwide launch of its new Angel 2400 (puffs) device, which also combines four 2ml tanks into one rechargeable device offering the flexibility of four flavours and “significant” cost savings for consumers, while reducing waste.
PML also adapted by launching the pod system vape Veev One (echoing the VEEBA sound of its established disposable), featuring advanced heating technology and premium e-liquids made from high-quality nicotine and food-grade flavourings to ensure consistency of taste.
Since its launch less than a year ago in Europe, Veev One has emerged as the leading closed pod vape system in both Italy and Czechia.
“We’re excited to introduce Veev One to the UK market at such a transformative time for the e-cigarette industry,” John Rennie, commercial director at PML, said in August. “The closed systems market has grown 35 per cent since January, with millions of adult smokers and nicotine users seeking new alternatives.
“As the UK market evolves, Veev One stands out as a premium, responsible, and recyclable, e-cigarette, with proven success across Europe.”
Veev One launches in the UK with a recycling programme, rewarding consumers for returning pods and devices for recycling and responsible disposal free of charge. Participants receive a £5 reward toward their next purchase from the IQOS online store.
Veev One comes in 12 flavours spanning three taste categories—Aromatic, Cooling & Crisp, and Warm.
Nic pouch paradise
For several years now pouches, in which nicotine-impregnated material is held in the mouth to release its effects, have been making extraordinary progress in the market. Retailers love them because they are easily displayed, take up little room around the counter and offer great margins. Consumers adore them because they can be used in all the places that cigarettes and vapes cannot, meaning complete freedom to indulge because nobody can tell you are doing it.
All the big players have their brands and placements – PML has Zyn, BAT has VELO, JTII has Nordic Spirit, and now STG has its XQS.
Asian Trader talked to Prianka Jhingan, Head of Marketing at Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK, to find out how this newest entrant is finding the world of nic pouches.
“There’s no doubt UK nicotine pouch sales are really taking off now, with our latest data showing the category is worth just over £110m in annual retail sales and this figure doesn’t include sales taking place online,” she says, adding that it reflects year on year growth of 88 per cent in volume terms, offering clear evidence to its growing popularity and consumer demand.
“And of course, with the upcoming disposable vape ban coming in June next year, this is likely to mean many consumers will be looking for alternative next gen products, so nicotine pouches like our own XQS are likely to see a further surge in sales as they offer consumers a very credible and attractive alternative due to their exciting flavours, discreet nature and ease of use. It’s also worth reminding retailers that nicotine pouches offer attractive profit margins in general, but I’m pleased to confirm that XQS offers one of the highest margins of all pouch brands, which is yet another reason to ensure you are well-stocked.”
Jhingan says that it is still early days for the brand but notes that after just four months post-launch, XQS had already become the sixth biggest-selling pouch brand, and for two reasons. First is STG’s customary commitment to quality – and with pouches that means flavour that lasts.
“Secondly,” she says, “it would be the uniquely smaller-sized pouches which ensure a perfect and delicate fit under the lip.” This was probably a first in the category and suggests further innovations that could enable brands to differentiate themselves.
Jhingan says that STG recently visited a number of wholesalers including Bestway, Parfetts and Dhamecha in locations across the UK to promote its XQS pouches to all the visiting retailers, telling them why it’s such a hot option to stock right now, and giving them a chance to enter a competition to win £500 worth of vouchers.
“I think in general it’s sensible to stock a mixture of both established brands and new pouch brands as they bring excitement and interest to the category. It’s also worth noting that nicotine pouches tend to be consumed by a mix of customers. Almost certainly the largest group will be transitioning smokers who are moving away from tobacco and into the next gen nicotine category. But there are also other groups who are enjoying nicotine pouches too, whether they be young urban professionals, trend setters or more socially conscious young adults.”
Heating up
Believe it or not, Philip Morris has just celebrated the tenth anniversary of its IQOS heat-not-burn (HNB) device, now called IQOS Iluma. The progress of HNB in the market has not been as parabolic as pods or e-cigs, although the sales have consistently grown with the increasing availability of the products, which typically were first trialled at limited outlets and in certain areas only – it was a wholly new tech after all, and perhaps more expensive than others on sale to vapers, so careful groundwork had to be laid down before wider release.
Now though, HNB is mainstream, with sales to match, and has proven particularly popular with ex-smokers who truly adore tobacco, because (treated) tobacco is still used, although it is not actually ignited, eliminating the vast majority of harmful chemicals that would otherwise be released in normal cigarette smoke.
The launch of IQOS proved to be a breakthrough moment toward achieving the PMI’s commitment (PML in the UK) to a future without cigarettes.
“With the debut of IQOS, we launched PMI’s vision of a smoke-free company, creating an opportunity to solve the problem of smoking,” PMI chief executive Jacek Olczak said.
In Japan – the first market where IQOS was launched in 2014 – newly released public health data by the National Health and Nutritional Survey (NHNS), an annual survey conducted since 1948 by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, revealed a 46 per cent decrease in cigarette-smoking prevalence since 2014, dropping from 19.6 per cent of all adults to 10.6 per cent in 2022 – almost halving.
This decline correlates with the introduction of heated tobacco products and their subsequent widespread adoption by millions of adults who smoke in Japan. IQOS now generates over £8bn of PMI’s annual net revenues and the product is available in over 70 markets worldwide, with 30.8 million estimated users.
JTI's Ploom device, meanwhile, was re-designated as Ploom X Advanced last year when it added two key improved features, namely an optimised HeatFlow system, with higher vapour volume during initial puffs offering an enhanced user experience, and faster charging, taking less than 90 minutes to achieve full charge.
Alongside launching Ploom X Advanced, the EVO tobacco sticks range added a new Gold variant, alongside improved blends for the existing Bronze and Amber flavours.
Ploom X Advanced won a Product of The Year Awards 2024 in January, and with 86 per cent of shoppers more likely to buy a product that has won, retailers who stock Product of the Year winners can really increase their sales.
"In response to consumer feedback, we made some positive changes when we launched Ploom X Advanced, and the brand has gone from strength to strength with device sales doubling and EVO tobacco stick sales tripling year on year," said Mark McGuinness, Marketing Director at JTI UK.
"With the Heated Tobacco category continuing to grow at a rapid rate, this award shows not only the success of our product, but the clear consumer interest in the category and Ploom.”
With the category currently worth £105 million in traditional retail and growing 20.5 per cent YOY, Heated Tobacco now offers a huge opportunity for retailers.
Meeting the ban
Finally, as the expected ban is on the horizon, it is also worth retailers checking up – or refreshing their memories – on CitizenCard’s No ID No Sale Guidelines, Malm cautions. The guidelines also list out staff training advice – an element that is critical in making sure teams are correctly handling age-restricted products and are recording any denied sales via the Refusals Register.
“As well as this, the free retail packs offered contain POS merchandise such as Statutory Tobacco Notices and Age-Related posters along with ‘Scan Me’ and ‘No ID No Sale!’ badges and shelf wobblers,” he adds. “We also strongly advise retailers to check their supply sources rigorously and to continue to be wary of potential suppliers offering products which may be illicit.”
The banning of disposables means of course that the ex-users will be looking for other vaping, pouching or HNB products to replace their e-cigs. That gives retailers an opportunity to merchandise the approved products, and STG’s Prianka Jhingan suggests retailers should be inventive and bold.
“The display of next-gen products is really important, which is why to really maximise sales of XQS, we believe it is best suited in multiple locations due to it being a new product in the category that consumers may not be aware of," she advises. “We currently offer three different display solutions to accommodate different store space availability and to ensure maximum visibility to those entering the store.”
"We’d recommend having a strong visual display of next-gen products, positioned away from the main gantry where possible, with clear information on pricing to enable customers to browse at their leisure without the need to handle and inspect products,” says Imperial Brands’ Andrew Malm. “If you only have limited space, a small countertop unit can help achieve this, especially if it is organised and fully stocked. Positioning the unit in a well-lit part of the counter will also help increase the visibility of the products.”
He notes the importance of the growing trend of retailers proactively engaging with customers to understand their purchasing preferences.
“This valuable customer intelligence will help retailers to offer product ranges at a store level," he says. “Different consumers in different areas will want different things – having these conversations will allow retailers to know which specific products are best for them.
Malm concludes that retailers should also regularly review their range to ensure it meets customers' needs: “Smart retailers are also taking proactive measures to monitor stock levels to ensure that popular products are consistently available. This not only keeps customers satisfied and loyal but also reduces the risk of them seeking alternatives.
All in all, despite the ban, it’s clear that if you look after your vapes, they will look after you.