More consumers seeking smoke-free products this New Year, research reveals

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More consumers are looking for smoke-free products as part of New Year’s resolutions to move away from cigarettes, new research reveals.

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A survey by KAM Media, on behalf of Philip Morris Limited (PML), shows 59% of retailers surveyed believed that in the past few years, more of their customers have been looking for less harmful alternatives to cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. More than a third (38%) of the retailers expected a further increase in their customers seeking better alternatives to cigarettes in 2021, versus half that number (18%) who were expecting those numbers to fall.

The research shows that 70% of retailers felt that their store was ‘very prepared’ for a New Year spike in demand for better alternatives, while 60% felt staff knowledge or training on the smoke-free alternatives available was very important.

Kate O’Dowd, head of commercial planning UK & Ireland at PML, said: “Without question quitting tobacco and nicotine usage completely is the best option any smoker can make. Of those that cannot or will not quit, the New Year offers adult smokers an opportunity to make a better choice.

“With over a third of retailers expecting demand for smoke-free products to increase in 2021, stocking a range of alternatives, like IQOS – the UK’s number one smoke-free product – will be key in helping adult smokers move away from cigarettes for good.”