On April 5, Malaga, Spain will usher in the new tobacco exhibition EVO NXT. As the official cooperative media of the exhibition, 2FIRSTS will pay attention to the whole process and provide key reports. Less than a month before the launch, Two Supremes conducted an exclusive interview with the organizer of the exhibition, aiming to present the current status of the Spanish new tobacco market and the basic situation of the exhibition to exhibitors and readers in advance.
The following is the content of the interview:
2FIRSTS: Please briefly introduce the EVO NXT exhibition, including its history, purpose and scale.
EVO NXT: EVO NXT is an event for the Next Generation Tobacco Products (NGP) industry, characterized by being modern, innovative and experiential. Unlike traditional trade shows, it sets new standards as a business festival, uniquely combining high-profile exhibitors and infotainment through inspiring brand displays and compelling supporting programming. Last year's successful debut proved the concept and was actually the first time the industry had tried the format.
2FIRSTS: What plans and strategies does EVO NXT have to promote the sustainability and growth of the e-cigarette market? How does EVO NXT ensure high-quality exhibitor and participant participation?
EVO NXT: We are supported by experienced partners in the industry, including associations such as the Global Atomization Alliance and companies such as Tobacco Asia, Tobacco Intelligence and Next Tröber Europe. Their industry expertise adds to the preparation and delivery of EVO NXT, both as exhibitors and content contributors, and they play a key role in delivering great programs and top speakers on site. This high level of expertise attracts other top exhibitors and numerous interested trade visitors, making the event an ideal platform for partners to showcase their products and business to a wide audience.
2FIRSTS: What is the current status of the European NGP market? How do you assess the growth of the European NGP market over the past few years and the changes in consumer behavior?
EVO NXT: The importance of NGP in the European market is gradually increasing, and both smokers and non-smokers are increasingly preferring this type of product. This growing acceptance and usage reflects strong demand for alternatives to traditional tobacco products and is a clear indication of significant changes in consumer behavior. The diversity of product categories attracts more consumers, with a variety of flavors, nicotine strengths and designs meeting customer needs and expectations. As a result, the European NGP market has achieved strong growth. Although the industry still faces some challenges, especially in terms of regulations, we are optimistic about the future and expect significant growth in the European market and a more diversified product range in the coming years. This was confirmed by the inaugural EVO NXT Festival, and a peek at the current exhibitor list and support plans for the upcoming show certainly confirms it.
2FIRSTS: Regarding NGP, what are the main regulatory and policy changes in European countries?
EVO NXT: The NGP industry is in a state of constant change, with new trends and innovations flooding into the market at an alarming rate, and as a result, policymakers are currently gearing up to roll out a raft of regulations. Mainly related to consumers and consumer protection, which we naturally welcome.
A typical example is the Tobacco Products Directive TPD3, which has attracted much attention and includes multiple regulations on hookah tobacco, e-cigarettes and related products, including requirements for production traceability. Manufacturers must adapt their products to these new requirements and provide detailed information to the relevant authorities. Similar regulations are currently being rolled out rapidly, such as the UK government's recent ban on disposable e-cigarettes and measures to limit their consumption among young people. This includes restrictions on flavor types, plans for standardized packaging and regulations for the display of related products in stores. The UK government is also working to ban the sale of tobacco products to people born after January 1, 2009, in a bid to make an entire generation smoke-free.
The Spanish government has previously decided to adjust regulations on heated tobacco to be in line with existing laws on traditional cigarettes from April 2024, including a ban on flavors and seasonings. Similar warning labels will also become mandatory, similar to those in force in Germany from October 2023. However, these measures do not apply to e-cigarettes.
2FIRSTS: From an EVO perspective, what are the noteworthy trends in product innovation in the European NGP market? Given the latest technology and market trends, what are your predictions for the development of the NGP market in 2024?
EVO NXT: 2FIRSTS’ “2024 Atomization Industry Product and Technology Trends” report summarizes the biggest global trends in 2024: Now more than ever, there is more focus on aligning consumer needs with new regulatory requirements, which requires innovation. Europe's major NGP markets are currently pushing to move away from disposable e-cigarettes favored by consumers. There is an increasing focus on sustainable, durable materials and products. Easy-to-use open pod systems and powerful e-cigarettes are expected to capture a significant share of the market as a result. Customers also want more and better flavors. In addition to e-cigarettes, EVO NXT’s four zones also provide a platform for other exciting trend products, such as the Green Zone, which focuses on cannabis. The impending legalization of cannabis in Germany is a clear sign that the industry could be seeing real growth in this area. The O-Zone also encompasses all products for oral and nasal consumption, as consumer interest in products such as nicotine pouches has increased significantly in the country. These two trends also figure prominently in support plans, and also address issues such as the protection of minors and sustainability.
2FIRSTS: As regulations and public health demands increase, how do you think the industry will adapt and evolve?
EVO NXT: Currently, the tobacco industry is undergoing a profound transformation, significantly shaped and driven by NGP. Despite increasing regulatory requirements, the industry sees these challenges as an opportunity to reshape the market. Here, policymakers play a key role, as they must create a balanced framework that both protects consumers and promotes innovation. Of course, the protection of consumers and minors is very important. However, the interests of the manufacturer must also be taken into account. Therefore, regulatory measures should be based on scientific evidence and should not restrict the development and commercialization of NGP too much. At the same time, it can be expected that the imposition of a ban on the popular NGP will aid the black market in such products. This would cause significant harm to policymaking and the industry itself, and therefore cannot be a target of regulation.
2FIRSTS: What market challenges may affect the development of the NGP industry?
EVO NXT: The challenges that will shape the industry in the future are multifaceted, and the development of the industry in the next few years will be affected by various factors. This includes the government regulations discussed earlier. Secondly, consumer behavior is constantly changing due to general trends such as increased health and environmental awareness, as well as new opportunities that NGP offers consumers. In addition, technological innovation, fierce competition and new scientific discoveries will also have an impact on the industry. All of this requires a high degree of flexibility on the part of the business. Only those businesses that can adapt to these challenges and provide the right solutions will remain successful in the long term.