Beijing International E-Cigarette Expo Appears at the 2015 U.S. Tobacco Show

According to Modern Life Network, on January 28, 2015, the 19th U.S. International Tobacco Show (TPC) opened grandly in Las Vegas. The exhibition not only brought together more than 300 tobacco companies from over 20 countries, but also attracted the participation of more than 100 well-known domestic companies in e-cigarettes, e-liquid, and hookah products.

According to Mr. Huang of Shenzhen Yixijia, this year marked the fourth time he had led his team to the United States. Compared with previous years, although the number of exhibitors increased by 30%, visitor attendance fell by 30% to 50% year-on-year. On the one hand, this reflects the rapid growth of e-cigarette companies; on the other, it also suggests that overseas e-cigarette markets are showing signs of weakness after a period of rapid expansion. In contrast, the “China (Beijing) International E-Cigarette Franchise, Distribution, and Experience Expo” made its debut in North America and immediately received strong support from overseas e-cigarette and e-liquid companies. Domestic e-cigarette companies also showed great confidence in the event, with companies such as Sigelei, Sibodi, Yixijia, and SMOORE signing agreements on site.

Mr. Liao of Sibodi said that holding domestic exhibitions would not only provide momentum for the development of China’s e-cigarette companies, but also accelerate product upgrades and usher in a new round of competition. Mr. Liu of SMOORE added: “Although China is the birthplace of e-cigarette manufacturing, most companies still focus primarily on exports. However, as competition in overseas markets becomes increasingly intense, major companies are turning their attention to the domestic market. Therefore, the Beijing e-cigarette expo will be an excellent opportunity for domestic companies to overtake competitors, transform, and upgrade. If companies make good use of this opportunity, they will further enhance their image and brand influence.”

China’s population size and number of smokers make it a highly promising consumer market, and the current gap in the domestic e-cigarette market presents a favorable opportunity for companies. Mr. Zhu, the head of the globally known e-cigarette brand Kang Er, said: “Whoever secures a place in the e-cigarette market first will have a stronger voice in future development. Therefore, this expo will surely accelerate the domestic influence of e-cigarette brands and expand room for corporate growth.” After learning that the Beijing e-cigarette expo (scheduled for July 23–25, 2015) had officially received government approval, Kang Er registered to exhibit immediately, demonstrating its determination to enter the domestic market.

Mr. Zhong, the head of Wulun Electronics, also said that the Beijing e-cigarette expo is both an exploration and an opportunity. Only by seizing the market can domestic companies achieve scale and strengthen their capabilities. Therefore, participation in this exhibition is essential for both larger companies and a new generation of emerging enterprises.

As a leading figure in the Shenzhen E-Cigarette Industry Association, Mr. Ou of Sigelei put it bluntly: “According to the association’s 2014 market research, domestic e-cigarette consumption began explosive growth in 2014, and 80% of China’s e-cigarette consumers are concentrated in northern China, mainly in the three northeastern provinces, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, as well as the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin. Therefore, the Beijing e-cigarette expo will rely on the fast-growing northern consumer market to further radiate nationwide and sound the rallying call for the rapid domestic development of e-cigarette companies.”