Beyond the ban | In focus: Smoking and next-gen
The UK smoking market is evolving with a ban on disposable vapes driving shifts to refillable systems and growth in heated tobacco, while traditional cigarettes decline.Summary
The UK vaping and tobacco market underwent significant changes in 2025, largely driven by the ban on single-use disposable vapes. This ban, intended to reduce waste and youth uptake, led to a surge in demand for refillable pod systems and rechargeable devices, though some loopholes emerged. While the disposable vape ban caused a decline in overall vape category sales value, the market remains substantial. Simultaneously, heated tobacco products, led by IQOS, are experiencing growth, albeit from a smaller base. Traditional tobacco continues to decline due to regulatory pressures and shifting consumer preferences, with value brands and smaller pack sizes gaining popularity due to the cost-of-living crisis. Convenience stores are seeing a decrease in tobacco-led footfall but benefit from higher margins on next-generation products like vapes and nicotine pouches, necessitating adaptation to maintain profitability in the evolving nicotine landscape.
(Source：Talking Retail)
