Vaping boom! Russia’s e-cigarette market is thriving

According to relevant data, the e-cigarette market in Russia may reach $280 million by 2016.

Among the country's 147 million citizens, about 1.5 million are e-cigarette users. Additionally, 55 million smokers provide a large pool for the future expansion of vaping.

Even though other economic research institutions do not hold such a high opinion of Russia, the e-cigarette market will thrive in the country. In Russia, there are about 1,000 vape shops and 200 online stores selling vaping products. Russian e-cigarette users also enjoy "vape cafés," which are somewhat like bars where people can sit down and try their hardware or e-liquids. According to vapemap.ru, there may be close to 240 vape cafés.

In an interview with Courrier de Russie, Igor Samborski shared his thoughts on the success of e-cigarettes in his country. Igor has contributed to the development of vaping in Russia and believes that part of his success can be attributed to the high smoking rate of about 39%. Another part of the success is due to the popularity of hookahs, a product very similar to e-cigarettes.

The sales points for e-cigarettes also benefit from Russian e-cigarette users adopting open systems, box-style e-cigarettes with atomizers, at the price of disposable e-cigarettes. The lack of specific regulations is another reason for the market's expansion in a politically strict anti-smoking environment.