Tag: Elfbar

  • ElfBar, Lost Mary Sales Boost Supreme’s Profits

    ElfBar, Lost Mary Sales Boost Supreme’s Profits

    Credit: JIRSAK

    ElfBar and LostMary could be the ones to thank for Supreme’s favorable six months as the firm rings in the half-year mark with record revenues and profit growth.

    The ElfBar distribution alone contributed to £26.4 million ($33.3 million) of its £64.6 million revenue in the period, Supreme said today, alongside “strong organic growth” of £8.7 million in areas such as lighting, vaping, nutrition and wellness.

    Gross profits for the firm are up 63 percent, from £18.2 million to £28.5 million, according to media reports.

    The numbers come after the firm was chosen this summer as the master distributor for two leading UK vaping brands, ElfBar and Lost Mary, which it has begun to supply to major UK retailers such as Tesco, Morrisons and WHSmith Travel.

    The London-listed company said at the time it expected the partnership to generate revenues of £25 million to £30 million over the next fiscal year ending March 2024.

    In just four months since the partnership was announced, it’s reached over double the goal.

  • FDA Issues Civil Money Penalties to 22 Retailers

    FDA Issues Civil Money Penalties to 22 Retailers

    Credit: VetKit

    The retailers selling illegal flavored disposable vapes are under scrutiny. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued complaints for civil money penalties (CMPs) against 22 retailers for the illegal sale of Elf Bar/EB Design.

    The FDA previously warned each retailer in the form of a warning letter to stop selling unauthorized tobacco products, according to the agency. During follow-up inspections, the FDA observed the retailers had not corrected the violations, which resulted in the civil money penalty actions. 

    “The FDA has been abundantly clear that we are committed to using the full scope of our authorities, as appropriate, to hold those who break the law accountable,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). “These retailers were duly warned of what could happen if they failed to correct their violations. They chose inaction and will now face the consequences.”

    The complaints seek the maximum civil money penalty of $19,192 for a single violation from each retailer. While the FDA has issued civil money penalty complaints to retailers for selling unauthorized tobacco products in the past, this is the first time the agency is seeking CMPs for the maximum amount against retailers for selling illegal flavored disposable vapes.

    The retailers can pay the penalty, enter into a settlement agreement, request an extension of time to file an answer to the complaint or file an answer and request a hearing. Those that do not take action within 30 days after receiving the complaint risk a default order imposing the full penalty amount.

    Courtesy: US FDA

    In addition to the CMP complaints, today the FDA announced an additional 168 warning letters to brick-and-mortar retailers for illegally selling Elf Bar/EB Design products. These warning letters were the result of a coordinated nationwide retailer inspection effort conducted throughout the month of August, according to the agency.

    Warning letter recipients have 15 working days to respond with the steps they have taken to correct the violation and ensure compliance with the law. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as injunction, seizure or civil money penalties.

    “We continue to monitor closely all those in the supply chain, including retailers, for compliance with federal law,” said Ann Simoneau, director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement in the CTP. “This includes follow-up inspections and surveillance of those who have received a warning letter, and taking additional action, as appropriate, to enforce the law.” 

  • Supreme Shares Soar After ElfBar Distro Agreement

    Supreme Shares Soar After ElfBar Distro Agreement

    guy holding 88vape e-cigarette
    Credit: 88Vape

    UK vaping giant Supreme saw its shares rise shares five percent yesterday after the company announced it is now the “master distributor” for UK e-cigarette brands, although the company has reported weak annual profits.

    The firm has been chosen as the master distributor for two leading UK vaping brands, ElfBar and Lost Mary, which it will supply to major UK retailers such as Tesco, Morrisons and WHSmith Travel.

    The London-listed company expects the partnership to generate revenues of £25m to £30m ($38 million) over the next fiscal year ending March 2024, according to media reports.

    This comes amid a political crackdown on vape products – especially for those under-age.

    Sandy Chadha, CEO of Supreme, said the “sizeable” appointment will allow the group to “fully leverage its unique technical, regulatory, compliance and quality assurance capabilities within the vaping sector.”

    “We have seen a hugely positive response from both established and new retailers who view Supreme as an ideal partner to supply these products across the UK,” Chadha added.

    Supreme says their strong market presence, distribution network, and compliance capabilities provide ElfBar and Lost Mary with a “readymade blueprint” distribution strategy.

    The company will report its sales performance separately from the existing vaping category, which includes their own 88Vape brand.

    It comes as Supreme posted a record performance in their vaping division this morning, with nearly doubled revenues up to £76.1m from £43.6m last year, and an £8.6m increase in gross profit.

    £76.1 million (FY22: £43.6 million) and increasing gross profit to £28.1 million (FY22: £19.5 million)

    In 2023 they ramped up investment in M&A and capital expenditures by £7.5m to “support future growth”.

    “As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding our product set, both organically and via acquisition,” Chadha commented:

  • Elf Bar Maker Wants U.S. FDA to Reverse Red List Addition

    Elf Bar Maker Wants U.S. FDA to Reverse Red List Addition

    Imiracle, the manufacturer of Elf Bar, Lost Mary and EB Design vaping products, is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reverse the agency’s recent addition of Imiracle products to its import red list and “for coherent, clear and depoliticized regulation of the U.S. vaping market.

    IMiracle Shenzhen Technology Co. Ltd. issued a statement regarding the placement of its products on the FDA’s Import Alert # 98-06. The company said it is disappointed by the FDA’s decision to “abruptly and arbitrarily” add the company’s products to the FDA import red list.

    The company stated that it was given no notice regarding the decision and was provided no opportunity to address any FDA concerns before action was taken.

    “It is the job of the FDA to provide consistent and coherent regulatory clarity to the U.S. marketplace. This red list announcement fails to meet this responsibility and provides yet another example of FDA’s politicized decision-making,” a spokesperson for Imiracle stated. “The FDA is singling out IMiracle’s products, despite the fact that the company was working in good faith through the FDA’s PMTA process. At the same time, the FDA is failing to address the flood of products from manufacturers that have ignored and never attempted to comply with FDA regulations.

    “This decision also ignores the latest science on e-cigarette use and continues to prevent U.S. adults from accessing an entire category of nicotine products that FDA knows are significantly safer than cigarettes. Further, no IMiracle brands have ever been identified in the National Youth Tobacco Survey as top brands used by youth.

    “The FDA’s capricious action is not surprising given the agency’s history of regulating vaping products out of existence. It is appropriate for the industry and its more than 10 million adult consumers to demand a clear and thoughtful regulatory regime from the federal government, and they have done so. The FDA has failed to respond.

    “IMiracle calls on the FDA to reverse its decision to place IMiracle products on the import red list. We welcome the engagement and the conversation needed to create a proper and fair regulatory regime around the e-cigarette marketplace that works for all stakeholders.”

    The FDA last week issued “Import Alert 98-06” that states the regulatory agency will detain new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes without marketing authorization at the border.

    The companies impacted would include all importers, manufacturers and transporters of vaping product brands such as Elf Bar, EB Design, Eonsmoke, Esco Bars and Stik that are on the agency’s “Red List.”

  • Disposable Debate

    Disposable Debate

    Two popular disposable vaping devices, Hyde IQ and Elf Bar BC5000, each have their faults.

    By Mike Huml

    The Hyde IQ vs. the Elf Bar BC5000

    With vaping continuously rising in popularity, convenience is the name of the game. In particular, disposable devices have quietly begun dominating the market. As with any vaping product, there exists benefits and drawbacks, and as the overall quality of disposable devices has unquestionably been increasing, some drawbacks are inherent to the nature of disposables. Two popular disposable vapes have seen the mitigation of these drawbacks to different extents—the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar BC5000. Both are similar at first glance, but how do they truly stack up against one another?

    Aesthetics

    The Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ are similar in size and shape. The Hyde IQ is slightly shorter and wider than the Elf Bar, but both are very lightweight and easy to slip into a pocket or pocketbook. The Hyde IQ features hard plastic all around with some texturing to improve grip. There’s a sticker placed on the front that brands the device “Hyde.” The Elf Bar is also fully plastic with hard plastic on the top and bottom, but the body has a rubberized finish for a better grip. Additionally, the labeling is applied directly to the surface and reads “Elf Bar,” and “BC5000,” followed by the name of the flavor contained within.

    Both the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar are clearly constructed with economy and value in mind, but the Elf Bar edges out the Hyde IQ by presenting a more premium look and feel. It’s more subdued and not as flashy as the Hyde IQ and is likely to appeal to both men and women. While the Elf Bar favors pastel colors and a softer aesthetic, the Hyde IQ leans into a Hot Wheels car-type appearance and color scheme. While the Hyde IQ may stand out from the rest on the shelf, there are certainly more important features other that looks when it comes to any vapor product.

    Battery

    For many vapers, neither the Hyde IQ nor the Elf Bar will last all day on a single charge, but they’re not far off. The Elf Bar contains a 650 mAh battery while Hyde has not revealed the battery specifications. From a subjective standpoint, the Elf Bar does last considerably longer than the Hyde IQ, but it also takes longer to charge. With an empty battery, the Hyde can charge to full in approximately 15 minutes while the Elf Bar can take up to 30 minutes. What’s more, the Hyde IQ has passthrough functionality, allowing it to be used while it’s connected to the charger. The Elf Bar does not offer this feature.

    Normally, the trade-off here would be obvious—longer battery life versus faster charging—which is a wash and a matter of personal preference. However, due to the lack of passthrough functionality in the Elf Bar, the Hyde IQ takes the point in this category. Although the battery charges remarkably quickly, that means that passthrough functionality isn’t needed for the most part. Ironically, the device that would benefit most from passthrough functionality is the one that does not have it—the Elf Bar.

    Capacity

    Both the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar boast 5,000 puffs, but something doesn’t quite add up. The Elf Bar contains 13 mL of e-liquid while the Hyde IQ only contains 8 mL. On paper, that information may lead one to believe that the Elf Bar perhaps hits a little warmer, but that is not the case. Both devices are very similar in terms of vapor production and heat, but the Hyde IQ does come off as slightly warmer with a bit more vapor.

    Without a puff counter, it’s nearly impossible to determine the actual number of puffs in each device, but subjectively, the Elf Bar lasts longer before needing to be discarded and replaced. With a slightly smoother vape experience and larger capacity, this makes perfect sense. As such, the Elf Bar comes out on top.

    Extra features

    Fancy features are usually an afterthought when it comes to disposables as they tend to bloat the price and take away from the simplicity of such devices. However, in this case, the Hyde IQ offers a few things that are useful and unique.

    First, the Hyde IQ features adjustable airflow. A sliding switch on the bottom of the device allows for a narrow range of airflow adjustments, but there is a range nonetheless. The Elf Bar has nothing to compare. Granted, the airflow is smooth and the amount of air is just right for mouth-to-lung vaping, but it might not be for everyone.

    The Hyde IQ also features 2 LEDs that change color to indicate remaining battery life as well as remaining e-liquid. This is extremely helpful to avoid a surprise dry hit when there’s no e-liquid remaining and to give the user a heads-up when a charge is needed. Now, these lights are not 100 percent accurate nor consistent. The Hyde IQ’s e-liquid light will often begin to blink, indicating there is less than 15 percent e-liquid remaining, but continues to work properly for quite a while. It’s by no means perfect, but it does offer a very general idea as to how much juice is left. Anything is better than guessing.

    The battery life indicator is much more reliable than the e-liquid light, likewise turning from green to yellow to red, then to blinking red at critical levels. It’s simple and effective, and having some idea as to the remaining battery life is a fantastic quality-of-life feature, particularly for devices with smaller batteries like disposables.

    The Hyde IQ takes the point in this category. Although the airflow adjustment is rudimentary and the indicator lights can be somewhat less than accurate, it’s nice to be able to adjust the airflow according to user preference and to have some level of confirmation when it comes to the battery and reservoir.

    Vape quality and flavors

    Flavors are highly subjective, and every vaper has their own tastes and preferences. Both the Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar have lots of flavors to choose from, although the Elf Bar has a few more than the Hyde IQ. In general, the Hyde IQ will offer flavors that are more robust while the Elf Bar’s flavors are more subtle. Both devices’ flavor descriptions match the actual taste to a large degree—if you order spearmint, it will taste like spearmint.

    As for overall vape quality, there are some slight differences between the Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ. The Hyde IQ is a bit warmer with greater throat hit. It’s punchy, and the flavors shine very apparently. This results in great amounts of flavorful vapor, which doesn’t necessarily require long drags. On the other hand, the Elf Bar’s flavors are more nuanced, and the vapor is cooler and smoother. Neither is objectively better than the other, but there are differences, nonetheless.

    In addition, the Elf Bar never floods or gurgles whereas the Hyde IQ can, potentially, when left on its side or when its e-liquid is running on empty. This clears up after a drag or two and doesn’t seem to cause leaking or spitback, but it can still be annoying when it happens. With the charging port located on the bottom of the device, some gurgling is likely to be experienced after charging the Hyde IQ since it cannot stand upright while it is charging.

    All other things being equal, this slight flooding isn’t a deal breaker. However, the Elf Bar does pull slightly ahead due to this. For fans of warmer and harsher vapes, it’s still worth going with the Hyde IQ despite this small issue.

    Value

    The Hyde IQ and the Elf Bar both retail for between $15 and $30 depending on the retailer. In terms of best bang for the buck, the Elf Bar wins outright. It contains 13 mL of e-liquid compared to the Hyde IQ’s 8 mL and houses a larger battery. On the other hand, the Elf Bar is missing all the features that make the Hyde IQ unique—adjustable airflow, battery and e-liquid LED indicators and passthrough functionality. So in terms of pure value, the Elf Bar offers the most nicotine for the money while forgoing all the bells and whistles.

    Overall

    Between the Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ, there really is no clear winner. For a slightly smoother and more consistent vape at the best value, the Elf Bar is the way to go. For a bit more fine-tuning and peace of mind along with a hotter, throatier vape, the Hyde IQ is the better option.

    Either way, both devices satisfy the ever-popular need for a quality vape experience with minimal fuss. Smaller pod systems and disposables require bulk purchasing or frequent stops at the vape store whereas these larger 5,000-puff devices can last 3 days to a week without breaking a sweat. The Elf Bar and the Hyde IQ both offer similar experiences with subtle differences, but as is always the case with vaping, it will ultimately be up to the user which device is best for them.

  • Elfbar Avoids Mandatory Recall Notice for E-Liquid Fiasco

    Elfbar Avoids Mandatory Recall Notice for E-Liquid Fiasco

    Authorities are satisfied with Elfbar’s response to the controversy over the company’s products that did not meet legal requirements, reports ECigIntelligence, and there was no need for a mandatory recall.

    Elfbar worked quickly to recall the product with retailers, and the company has confirmed that it was not subject to any formal recall or withdrawal notice issued by regulators.

    The products in question cannot be legally sold, however.

    The company was found to be selling e-liquid with volumes more than 50 percent over the UK’s legal limit after an investigation by The Daily Mail.

    The Chinese vaping giant admitted “inadvertently” breaking the law and ‘wholeheartedly apologized’ following lab tests of its 600 brand of disposable vape pens.

    Recently, another Elfbar brand is being pulled from U.K. store shelves after finding the products surpass the legal limit for e-liquid volumes.

  • Another Elfbar Brand Pulled From Some U.K. Shelves

    Another Elfbar Brand Pulled From Some U.K. Shelves

    Another Elfbar brand is being pulled from U.K. store shelves after finding the products surpass the legal limit for e-liquid volumes.

    Tests on samples of a Double Apple flavor Lost Mary brand vape found them to have an average of 3.6ml of nicotine liquid.

    Sainsbury’s and Asda have now reportedly confirmed that they are banning the product following the findings, according to the U.K. mirror.

    It comes just weeks after an investigation discovered the watermelon-flavored Elf Bar 600 product had at least 50 percent over the legal limit for nicotine e-liquid.

    According to UK law, the amount of nicotine liquid in a vape is legally limited to 2ml with a maximum nicotine strength of 2 percent.

    Elf Bar, which launched in 2021, sells around 2.5 million disposable 600s in the UK every week.

  • Elfbar to Rebrand as EB Design After Trademark Loss

    Elfbar to Rebrand as EB Design After Trademark Loss

    Photo: Olivier Le Moal

    Shenzhen Weiboli Technology Co. plans to relaunch its Elbar e-cigarettes under the name EB Design in the United States after losing a trademark dispute in court, reports 2Firsts.

    On Feb. 23, a federal judge ordered Weiboli to stop marketing its Elfbar e-cigarettes in the U.S., finding that VPR Brands, which makes and sells Elf brand vapes, is likely to succeed on its claims that the Elfbar vapes infringe its trademark

    In an interview with 2Firsts, Elfbar’s North American public relations manager said that while Elfbar would launch its new name in March, the brand would retain its original logo. The letters E and B in “EB Design” are believed to represent the initials of Elbar.

    Elfbar’s American PR manager said the company would continue to focus on the United States. The brand’s U.S. suppliers and distributors market are aware of name change and prepared for it, he noted.

  • U.S. Court Orders Elfbar to End U.S. Vape Sales

    U.S. Court Orders Elfbar to End U.S. Vape Sales

    Photo: md3d

    A U.S. federal judge on Feb. 23 ordered Shenzhen Weiboli Technology to stop marketing its Elfbar e-cigarettes in the U.S., finding that VPR Brands, which makes and sells Elf brand vapes, is likely to succeed on its claims that the Elfbar vapes infringe its trademark, reports Law360.

    According to U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, VPR has shown there is a likelihood of confusion and the company stands to suffer harm if its Chinese competitor is allowed to keep selling the Elfbar vapes.

    In November, VPR asked for an injunction blocking Shenzhen Weiboli from continuing to use the Elfbar mark, arguing the alleged infringement is costing VPR about $100 million because of the effect on future sales.

    VPR claims Shenzhen Weiboli is not only infringing VPR’s Elf trademark but also its patent for its e-cigarette device.

    While there is no direct evidence that Shenzhen Weiboli deliberately intended to adopt the Elf mark to take advantage of the existing trademark, Judge Cannon wrote that the company was well aware of the Elf mark and that there was potential for confusion, as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denied the registration of an Elfbar trademark specifically for those reasons.

    VPR welcomed the judge’s decision. “VPR is pleased that the court found Elf is a strong trademark and granted the injunction,” said Joel B. Rothman of Sriplaw, which represented VPR in the case. “The injunction will allow VPR to move quickly against infringers and counterfeiters in the marketplace.”

    An attorney for Shenzhen Weiboli said the company intends to appeal the order.

  • Elfbar Brings Back the ‘Cigalike’ Disposable Vape

    Elfbar Brings Back the ‘Cigalike’ Disposable Vape

    The classic cigalike vape stick is back. Elfbar launched its version of the iconic vape device last month in the UK after it was approved by the sovereign state’s Medicines Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    The Elfbar Cigalike provides vapers with an estimated 400 puffs, and is designed for heavy smokers looking to quit combustible cigarettes.

    “According to the NHS, vaping is one of the best ways to quit smoking,” Victor Xiao, chief executive of Elfbar, said. “Brands and the retail sector have an important role to play in getting this message out there to adult smokers by working closer together.”

    A cigalike pen more closely replicates the feel and look of a traditional cigarette. The devices fell out of favor as pod-style devices took over the market during the past few years, according to Better Retailing.

    The disposable Elfbar Cigalike pen features a compact design with a diameter of 9mm.

    The product also includes an upgraded coil, and is described as a “modern version of the original cigalike vapes with more power, longer lasting battery, and improved taste due to the nic salts and better coils,” according to Better Retailing. The range comes in 20 flavor varieties.