Is the First Oceania International Vaping Expo worth attending?

 　　Since their invention, vaping products have taken the Northern Hemisphere by storm. The reason for emphasizing the Northern Hemisphere is that the major markets for vaping products are concentrated in the United States, China, and Europe. Compared with the boom in the Northern Hemisphere, the other side of the globe has seemed somewhat slower to catch on, especially Oceania on the far side of the Pacific.

  　　There has been considerable debate over whether Oceania, led by Australia and New Zealand, is suitable for the development of vaping products. Although Australia has introduced many policies unfavorable to the growth of vaping, in the editor’s view, vaping has enormous potential in Oceania, especially in New Zealand, for the following reasons:   　　Policy support   　　To achieve its smoke-free goal, the New Zealand government has strongly encouraged vaping products as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. The Ministry of Health has even issued a statement saying it “believes electronic cigarettes will contribute to the 2025 smoke-free goal.”   　　At present, the New Zealand government has realized that vaping will be an important part of this process. After considering research and recommendations from institutions such as the Royal College of Physicians and the British Medical Association, the government decided to welcome vaping products in the hope of saving many lives otherwise lost to smoking-related illnesses.   　　In addition, earlier this year, New Zealand Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox proposed allocating more tax revenue to smoking cessation efforts in New Zealand, especially by subsidizing vaping products, in order to achieve the government’s “Smoke-Free 2025” target. New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said he was open to the idea.   　　Even IQOS-type products, which face restrictions in many countries, have received corresponding support in New Zealand. Some time ago, a court in Wellington dismissed a case brought by the country’s health authorities, allowing Philip Morris International to sell its heated tobacco product IQOS in the country. This ruling also showed the world New Zealand’s supportive attitude toward vaping products.   　　As Lawrence, president of the Electronic Cigarette Trade Association, said, a revolution is taking place in New Zealand. More and more smokers are switching to vaping products to reduce their health and financial burdens, and New Zealand has the potential to become a second UK market.   　　Market advantages   　　In addition to policy support, Oceania—especially New Zealand—also has a sizable consumer market. According to statistics, New Zealand’s per capita GDP is US$40,795, indicating strong purchasing power and a large market size. The combined advantages of supportive policy and market demand will drive the rapid development of vaping products in New Zealand and across Oceania.   　　At present, Vape shops in New Zealand can freely sell nicotine liquids, making the switch from smoking to vaping quick and simple. As a result, the New Zealand market is growing rapidly, with new stores opening every month.   　　Another sales channel in New Zealand is non-vape stores, such as convenience stores and supermarkets. These types of stores have now begun selling vaping products as well, helping more mainstream smokers transition to vaping products.   　　A more relaxed environment   　　Driven by factors such as policy support and favorable market conditions, vaping companies now have more room to operate and innovate.   　　Some time ago, New Zealand media company MediaWorks aired the first radio advertisement across Auckland for NZVAPOR.com. The first radio ad broadcast in New Zealand marked an important milestone in the development of the vaping industry.   　　Historically, it had been very difficult for advertising providers in New Zealand to run or publish vaping ads on radio, television, and in print media, and in many cases it was completely prohibited.   　　The vaping industry’s recent focus on advertising shows that, despite many obstacles, the market is still moving forward and is ready to take the next step toward becoming mainstream.   　　Finally, here is a summary of why it is both necessary and feasible to expand into the New Zealand and broader Oceania markets:   　　1. New Zealand leads the Oceania vaping market.   　　Compared with New Zealand’s welcoming stance toward vaping, Australia, Oceania’s big brother, is much more cautious. Under Australian national legislation, the commercial supply of nicotine for use in vaping devices is currently prohibited. In addition, several Australian state governments have proposed vaping bans that prohibit use in public places. Therefore, although the Oceania Vaping Expo is being held in New Zealand, its impact on Australia’s vaping industry will still be significant. This event is sure to attract the attention and attendance of Australian vaping companies and buyers.   　　2. Overseas consumers are more receptive to vaping as a tobacco alternative.   　　Taking New Zealand as an example: there are 550,000 daily smokers in the country, and in Western societies, domestic demand for “smoking cessation” and “tobacco replacement” products far exceeds demand in categories such as weight loss or anti-cancer products. As smokers and the general public become more health-conscious, as social pressure in interpersonal settings increases, and as governments continue to intensify anti-smoking campaigns, the “quit-smoking consumption” category is becoming increasingly mature. Chinese-made vaping companies will be able to use this expo to gain a foothold in the market.   　　3. As long as Chinese products are of high quality, the prospects in the Oceania market are immeasurable.   　　New Zealand is a high-welfare capitalist country. If vaping products are to enter Oceania’s gift channels, then compared with existing male-oriented gifts such as cigarettes, spirits, ties, and razors, vaping products—associated with green values, health, technology, and fashion—have held unique advantages from the moment they were introduced. This gives them the potential to take a leading position in the gift market. Vaping products also align well with Western holidays such as Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Thanksgiving. If attractively designed gift sets are developed, they could become a distinctive business option for exploring Oceania’s blue-ocean market.   　　The first Oceania International Vaping Expo will be held on December 1–2, 2018, organized by CECMOL at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, New Zealand. Booth sales are currently strong, and confirmed exhibitors already include European exhibitors such as ReVIEpro BV, Southeast Asian exhibitors such as VCMY ENTERPRISE PLT, and local New Zealand exhibitors such as Vapourium and E-Juice Bar. It is fair to say that the Oceania International Vaping Expo has attracted the attention of vaping companies worldwide.   　　This Oceania expo will be an excellent opportunity for vaping exhibitors from around the world to enter the Oceania market. The organizers aim to present each exhibition to the highest standards of “premium quality, professionalism, and authority.” On December 1–2, 2018, let us set foot in Oceania and witness the history of the Oceania vaping industry. #p#Page Title#e#