The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said on Friday that it was expanding its membership after another successful year representing the industry.
In a press note, the UKVIA, which has been in operation for three years, said it was being joined by UK-based ECig-Direct and Oxford Vapours, and its first overseas-based members, SMOK, Innokin and FlavorIQ.
Founded in 2008, ECig-Direct is a UK supplier of vaping devices and e-liquids, while Oxford Vapours offers e-liquids, vaping devices and spares to customers in the UK and Scandinavia through its retail stores and online service.
SMOK and Innokin, which are the first China-based members to join the UKVIA, are expected to bring an extensive knowledge of the global vaping market to the Association.
Formed in 2010, SMOK is a leading brand of e-cigarette manufacturer Shenzhen IVPS Technology, which is said to sell to its 80 million customers in 50 countries its e-liquids and vaping devices.
Innokin is said to have designed and manufactured several internationally-recognised vaping products at its base in China. Its products are available in more than 5,000 Vape shops in the US, which are serviced from its customer headquarters in California.
FlavorIQ, which is said to be one of Europe’s leading e-liquid suppliers, is joining the UKVIA as an associate member. The German manufacturer started in 2014 as a branch of Hertz Flavours, a key producer of tobacco flavors. Through this partnership, FlavorIQ can call on 60 years of experience in flavor design and brings this expertise to the e-cigarette market.
“As the leading trade body for the UK vaping market, we are delighted to welcome some of the most renowned vaping brands as members to the Association,” a UKVIA spokesperson was quoted as saying.
“The UKVIA has been working on the public health and policy frontlines for the industry with fantastic progress.
“We now look forward to working with new national and international members to achieve a real impact in harm reduction for smokers in the UK and worldwide.”