The curtains have closed on VapeCon 2023 in South Africa, and the buzz is all about a shift in vaping trends. The star of the show? Closed pod systems, stealing the limelight from the once-dominant disposable vapes.
Over 100 Exhibitors, but a Notable Dip in Attendance An impressive lineup of over 100 exhibitors, including big names like MYLE, ANYX, and MOTI, graced the event. However, the crowd was noticeably thinner – a drop by half, to be exact. Interestingly, vaping giants VUSE and RELX were missing in action.
Tax Talk: A Twist in the Vape Tale From June 1, 2023, South Africa’s vaping market faced a new challenge: an excise tax of ZAR 2.90 per milliliter on nicotine alternatives. With the average South African earning around 770 USD, it’s no surprise that cost-effective, large-capacity vapes are becoming the new norm. Big news here – large-capacity closed pod systems are the future trend.
The Shift: Traditional Vapes Out, Closed Pods In Exhibitor insights revealed a waning interest in traditional vape brands, with closed pod systems becoming the new darling of consumers and dealers alike. MYLE’s META BOX, a disposable vape boasting 5000 puffs, made waves, but it’s ANYX’s MAX PLUS that stole the show. This closed pod system delivers a whopping 8,000 puffs, powered by their innovative SENSIT COIL technology.
Lee from ANYX puts it best, “ANYX MAX PLUS is a game-changer for diverse vapors, offering quality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, unlike disposable vapes.”
Consumer Speaks: Meet Ruffro, the Night Shift Vaper Ruffro, a stylish attendee, raves about the ANYX PRO kit. “The SENSIT COIL is dope,” he says, “but the MAX PLUS, with its 8000 puffs, is exactly what I need for my long nights!”
Tax Worries: A Cloud Over Vaping’s Future? The new tax could make e-cigarettes pricier than regular cigarettes, potentially pushing people back to smoking. Asanda Gcoyi of VPASA warns of the impact on small businesses and the rise of an unregulated market. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The key lies in finding the sweet spot between regulation and harm reduction, a challenge that will shape South Africa’s vaping landscape.
The Verdict: Closed Pod Systems, the Smart Choice for Tomorrow Considering the policy shifts and market reactions, large-capacity closed pod systems are poised to be the go-to choice for vapers. It’s not just about staying in line with regulations; it’s about understanding what the consumer wants and needs.
VapeCon 2023: A Snapshot of Vaping’s Evolving Journey VapeCon 2023 may have ended, but it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the vaping world. Stay tuned, stay updated, and keep vaping smart!
