According to the Russian vaping alliance report, data from analysts at the operating company of the honesty label system (CRPT) shows a 78% increase in the number of e-cigarette stores in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Furthermore, according to CRPT’s analysis, during the same period, the number of stores legally selling alternative tobacco products (ATP) such as shisha tobacco, cigars, and cigarillos also increased by 32%, from 82,000 to 109,000. At the same time, the number of stores legally selling traditional tobacco products (cigarettes) increased by 25%, from 250,000 to 313,000.
Reva Yusupov, Deputy General Manager of CRPT, stated, “Since the implementation of honest labeling, the number of legally authorized e-cigarette sales outlets has increased rapidly, almost doubling. This clearly indicates that the industry has moved away from the black market and is now strictly adhering to legal requirements. Previously overlooked ‘underground’ shops are now realizing the need to operate within the legal framework. The legitimacy of other tobacco markets is also steadily improving.”
