Key points to know:

• Disposables will be banned from April 2025
• Consumers are already buying fewer disposables - and switching to alternatives
• For consumers who predominantly sell disposable devices, it’s key to have a range of alternatives ready.

You probably already know that disposable vapes are being banned from next year. While the legislation was suspended during the General Election, and we haven’t heard much about a disposable ban since, it’s unlikely to be stopped.

Theoretically, retailers should have months to prepare for a ban, but in reality, trends are already changing before the ban comes in. The biggest disposable brands are now showing a fall in interest, despite introducing prefilled pod devices and e-liquids.

What are people buying now?

We originally thought that almost all disposable vapers would switch to prefilled pod systems, as these are the closest to disposable devices and are the simplest options to use.

It’s true that pod systems are growing in popularity, but many disposable users have surprised us by switching directly to refillable systems, and refillable systems continue to outsell prefilled pods.

Meanwhile, both single-use and reusable Big Puff devices (vapes with multiple pods) have recently surged in popularity.

As we get closer to the date of a ban on disposable devices, it’s going to be key to have a range of devices, including both refillable pod systems and big puff devices, in order to respond to changes in demand and trend.

What’s popular right now?

As ever, brand popularity is a fluid and shifting thing in the vaping world.

Lost Mary has been leading in the disposables game until recently, but leading the game with Big Puff vapes (and beating the trend in the fall of disposables) is the IVG 2400 single-use vape.

There's a good reason for this, as IVG devices have superior build quality.

Of course, the IVG 2400 is a disposable and won’t be available post April 2025. However, there are early signs that IVG Air 2-in-1 and 4-in-1 prefilled pod devices will continue the trend, especially as they are currently market leading in terms of both build quality and flavour.

In terms of refillable devices, Vaporesso continues to dominate with the superb Xros 4 and Xros 4 Mini devices, but there are a number of runners up that are well worth considering. Based on a combination of factors including search volume and sales data, these include:

1. Oxva Xlim Pro
2. Aspire Gotek X
3. Innokin Adept Zlide
4. Smok Nord 4
5. Vaporesso Luxe XR Max

E-liquid

The e-liquid market has also changed dramatically over the last few years.

Nicotine salts have overtaken freebase e-liquid as the most popular way to vape - although it’s still worth stocking key brands such as Wizmix and Halo Vapour Co.

Within the nicotine salts category, strong, often sweet flavours that resemble disposable devices are dominating. The most popular brands currently include Elfliq and Elux.

Wrapping up

If the vape industry has shown one thing, it’s that trends can change dramatically - and that many of these trends are driven by legislation.

It’s important to keep an eye on these trends so you can position your retail offering accordingly.

For advice on the best products for your store, do get in touch with us at info@orderlydistro.co.uk