Interview with German distributor FEAL: Europe's disposable vape market is declining, while pod-base

In an exclusive interview with the German distributor FEAL, it was revealed that the disposable e-cigarette market in Europe is declining.

[Reported by Two Above from Dortmund] At the Inter-Tabac tobacco exhibition held in Dortmund, Germany, on September 14, the German e-cigarette distributor FEAL stated that the market share of disposable e-cigarettes in Europe is decreasing, while many companies are beginning to shift towards pod-based e-cigarette businesses.

FEAL sales manager Nick Schonfelder told Two Above that the company's main market focus is Europe; however, due to the UK's e-liquid regulations and e-liquid capacity restrictions making market competition relatively difficult, the company has decided to concentrate more efforts on the German and Austrian markets.

Dortmund booth of the German e-cigarette distributor DISTRIBUTOR | Image source: Two Above  

Nick Schonfelder mentioned that the most popular product the company represents is “187 Strassenbande.” When discussing sales strategies, he stated that the company plans to collaborate with well-known bands and promote products at concerts and events. He also emphasized that the company has chosen not to use vending machines to sell products.
It is worth mentioning that when Two Above asked Nick Schonfelder whether there is a downward trend for disposable e-cigarettes in the European market, he candidly stated that the decline in market share for disposable e-cigarettes in Europe is not a trend but rather the current situation.
He further explained that by 2026, Europe is expected to implement restrictions on disposable e-cigarette batteries, which can be seen as a rejection of disposable e-cigarettes. Therefore, many companies are actively preparing to shift towards pod-based e-cigarette businesses.

When asked whether the German e-cigarette market has a guiding role in the European e-cigarette market, Nick Schonfelder stated that the German market is unique and does not play a guiding role in the European market, nor is it influenced by other European markets.