Disposable E-Cigarettes Launch in Major Spanish Supermarkets

Carrefour Spain Launches Disposable E-Cigarettes for Sale:

Details on prices and flavors

Carrefour Spain's sales increased by 9.5%, but profits decreased by 24% to €289.8 million

Dr. Fernández Bueno: "The harm of electronic devices is less than smoking, but the health department doesn't even want to discuss it"

Carrefour has joined the trend of e-cigarette enthusiasts and has begun selling the product in some of its physical stores in Spain. In this way, the French chain becomes the first company in the industry to enter this market. The brand sold by Carrefour is Cool Vaps, with these e-cigarettes priced at €9.95.

As they are nicotine e-cigarettes, sales to individuals under 18 years of age are prohibited. The flavors available in Carrefour stores include mango, banana, apple, forest fruits, menthol, watermelon, jelly beans, papaya, and passion fruit, but they are not yet sold through their website.

The Cool Vaps disposable e-cigarettes sold by Carrefour contain 2 milliliters of flavored e-liquid. Additionally, these devices contain 2% nicotine. The battery capacity used in these devices is 550 milliamp hours (mAh), allowing for long-term use. These e-cigarettes can be puffed approximately 600 times, equivalent to about 40 traditional cigarettes.

Where to Buy?

Last October, the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) questioned whether tobacco companies' monopoly in tobacco sales extended to e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products, believing that these products "must have their own regulations and be adjusted according to their characteristics".

The agency, chaired by Cani Fernández, conducted a series of considerations on the draft law for the regulation of the tobacco and other related products market, which aims to expand the monopoly of tobacco companies to the sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The CNMC warned in its report that the current regulatory model for the tobacco market in Spain still imposes significant restrictions on competition, such as the national monopoly on tobacco retail distribution.

CNMC believes that applying tobacco product regulations to e-cigarette users is unreasonable. They argue that their regulations should be tailored to their specific characteristics. Therefore, the sale of these e-cigarettes is currently not regulated or controlled. In fact, a few months ago, some pharmacies in Spain also began selling disposable e-cigarettes both in physical stores and online. This trend has also been added to, such as vending machines, and now supermarkets.

Exhibition Dates: June 1, 2024 – June 2, 2024

Exhibition Location: Madrid International Exhibition Center

Exclusive Agent in China: Beijing Yingrun International Exhibition Co., Ltd.

The Spanish E-Cigarette Exhibition is the largest and most important e-cigarette exhibition in Spain. Since the first exhibition held in Bordeaux in March 2014, it has confirmed its leadership in international trade exhibition organizations and focuses on e-cigarettes and their participants. Previous Spanish e-cigarette exhibitions were held at the Crystal Pavilion of CASA DE CAMPO, with a total of 121 exhibitors.

With the rise of cross-border e-commerce in China, many Chinese e-cigarette brands are also increasing their presence in Spain, including ELFBAR, RELX, VOOPOO, SMISS, Geekvape, Innokin, SMOK, MOTI, and over 50 other well-known Chinese e-cigarette brands.

Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of smokers. According to the latest "European Barometer" survey on Europeans' attitudes towards tobacco and e-cigarettes, in 2021, the smoking rate among adults in Spain was 24%, slightly below the EU average of 25% at the time, and slightly higher than countries like Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the UK.

Flavor Trends in Spain

Unsurprisingly, fruity flavors are the most popular among Spanish e-cigarette enthusiasts. They are sweet and refreshing, perfect for cooling off and enjoying delicious food in the sun. Watermelon, strawberry, and peach are the most popular flavors, along with combinations like mint, lemon, or ice, creating original and stunning mixed flavors.

Another popular e-cigarette flavor is desserts like cake, cookies, or ice cream. Spanish e-cigarette enthusiasts prefer sweet and creamy flavors that remind them of their favorite desserts. This is not surprising, as who doesn't love the nostalgic taste of desserts? Interestingly, dessert flavors have less appeal in the UK!

Menthol and tobacco flavors are less preferred, as many e-cigarette enthusiasts seek to move away from the taste of traditional tobacco and try new flavors. However, some consumers prefer these flavors for their intensity and refreshing or relaxing effects.

Clear Winner in Nicotine Types

Regarding the types of nicotine in popular Spanish e-liquid, nicotine salts outperform freebase nicotine. This is because nicotine salts have higher bioavailability, meaning they are absorbed by the body faster and better. The sensations produced are closer to traditional cigarettes. Additionally, nicotine salts can be used in higher concentrations without irritating the throat, making them ideal for smokers looking to quit or reduce consumption.

Another reason nicotine salts are so popular is that they are compatible with reusable pods, which are small and simple devices that can be used with pre-filled or refillable e-liquid cartridges. These devices are very convenient and practical, as they require minimal maintenance.

Clear Winner in Popular E-Cigarette Types

Disposable e-cigarettes are currently the most popular product in the Spanish e-cigarette market. Even experienced e-cigarette users with advanced devices often choose to use disposable e-cigarettes because they are easy to use and portable. Disposable products can be carried around and used anytime without worrying about batteries or liquids. They are the perfect backup or alternative device when out and about.

Looking forward to seeing you in Madrid, Spain in 2024!

Spanish E-Cigarette Tax:

1. Value Added Tax (VAT): According to Spain's VAT law, e-cigarette products are subject to the standard VAT rate. The current standard VAT rate is 21%, but a reduced VAT rate may apply to certain specific categories of e-cigarette products, such as e-cigarettes for medical use.

2. Special Consumption Tax: Spain imposes a special consumption tax on certain specific consumer goods, including traditional tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. It is currently unclear whether a similar special consumption tax applies to e-cigarette products.