Tag: TPE

  • Largest Nicotine Trade Show in U.S. Gets Bigger

    Largest Nicotine Trade Show in U.S. Gets Bigger

    The year’s first and largest trade show, the Total Products Expo, continues to broaden its reach.

    By VV Staff

    This year’s Total Products Expo (TPE) was the largest show yet. Nearly 570 exhibitors were visited by an estimated 14,000 visitors. Held from Jan. 30 through Feb. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, TPE 2024 increased its show floor by 27 percent, and many vendors said that sales through the end of Thursday (with one day remaining) had already surpassed sales from the last few years.

    TPE is often a launching point for new products. Several brands had numerous different types of product debuts during the show, including some not-so-new innovations for disposable products. Spaceman, for example, showcased its latest product, the Spaceman Prism 20K. The new disposable device offers a 1.77-inch smart screen that provides more intuitive information, including displays for e-liquid and battery levels and the current mode in use. The three-mode switch offers consumers a more personalized and customized vaping experience.

    “Technologically, electronic devices are becoming more interactive with diverse features, and they are accommodating larger tank capacities based on consumer demands,” according to Maryna Gudym, business development manager with Wingle Electronics Group, a consulting company focused on innovative products. “Disposable devices amalgamate the best features from previous pod mod and box mod devices, showcasing a revival of old technology trends in a new form factor.”

    Many products presented at TPE followed the growing trend of merging of e-cigarette and oil vaporizer platforms, e.g., universal pod system for oil and nicotine replacement pods by BO Vape USA. There are two main methods of merging electronic device platforms: 1) within own brand: develop universal battery supporting different consumables and 2) cross-support: develop a universal battery with adaptors to fit competitor consumables (pods, 510 carts). Both methods were on display during TPE 2024.

    The vaping industry is witnessing innovations in device construction and extended features that enhance user convenience and experience, according to Gudym. Examples include devices with touch screens, large color displays, dual mesh coils and unique features like vibration feedback and magnetic connections, allowing users to customize flavor combinations.

    Disposable pods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, integrating innovations such as rapid charging and new smarter technologies such as dual mesh coils. The innovations make it possible to design devices with a larger capacity and improve the taste. “This trend indicates a movement toward better quality and functionality in market offerings,” Gudym said.

    Chapo Extrax, a cannabis company, is expanding its market horizons by releasing a vape in partnership with Blue Lotus extract, a nicotine-free and THC-free product popular among DIY vape enthusiasts but rare in prefilled vape products, according to Gudym.

    There is also notable interest in alternative substances, such as ephedra-powered energy shots, kratom shots and kratom pouches, signaling the market’s exploration of new, modern ways to meet consumer needs with low or absent psychoactive impact. Additionally, the market is expanding beyond traditional vapes to include branching out into other tobacco segments with products like electronic hookahs. Several China-based companies are studying the demand for hookah and shisha tobacco and are offering new developments within the product segment.

    Vaping, particularly the disposable pods market, shows a strong trend toward improving product quality and expanding the product range to meet growing consumer demands and preferences. Several products had LED displays, several power output modes, new coil designs, larger liquid capacities, etc. Interestingly, Hangsen, a China-based e-liquid supplier, stated that the current bestselling e-liquid flavors in the U.S. vape market are Mint Candy, Raspberry Ice Cream, Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Kiwi, Blue Razz Lemonade and Tangerine Blackcurrant, according to Wingle Group.

    In manufacturing, most of the represented China-based factories are slowly switching to free-flow tank designs, which provide better e-liquid utilization and better flavor release but at the same time increase requirements for tank sealing and urge to install heater-liquid separation mechanisms or novel e-liquid supply designs.

    Smoore announced it partnered with two new U.S. vape brands, Fasta (Reazen Tech Limited) and Aroma King’s Boss Bar. Smoore promoted its nonrechargeable devices with Power Alpha battery technology (nonrechargeable chemistry LiMnO2 3.0 volts). The batteries are supplied by EVE Energy. Power Alpha is a charge-free solution for large-puff disposable devices that solves issues disposable vape users face, including short battery life, charging inconvenience, fading flavor and a burning taste after recharging.

    FEELM, a vaping industry leader in closed-system products and a subsidiary of Smoore, launched the first charge-free disposable vaping system. The Power Alpha 2.0 solves the problem of needing repeated charging in the large puff vapes currently popular on the market. FEELM started developing the charge-free battery technology to empower large-puff vapes as early as 2022. The previous version of the company’s original Power Alpha technology could only support 6,000 puffs without charging.

    Also, during the show, Chemular, a leading provider of regulatory and compliance solutions to the tobacco, nicotine and medical device industry, announced a strategic partnership with IGEN, developers of a widely used platform designed to navigate compliance and reporting requirements in heavily regulated industries, according to Wingle Group. The two entities are creating a new “compliance as a service” platform focused on streamlining the burden of compliance for small-sized to medium-sized companies who need turnkey solutions for the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, excise tax reporting and registration services.

    “The time and effort required to stay compliant with federal, state and local laws is increasingly burdensome for small-[sized] to mid-sized companies in regulated categories,” said Jason Carignan, chief commercial officer of Chemular. “Except for larger players, most companies don’t have a dedicated compliance officer who can ensure every regulatory detail is addressed so their products can stay on the market—especially in industries like ours, where the rules change rapidly. Chemular, now powered by the IGEN backbone, will be able to significantly scale its turnkey compliance service offering to a growing portfolio of tobacco manufacturers and distributors.”

    A cool new concept that launched during TPE 2024 came from Fresor when the company unveiled its Fresor NOVA Technology and its latest disposable, Fresor N10000. It is the first large-capacity transparent disposable vape. Consumers will no longer “face uncertainty about the remaining e-liquid levels,” according to a Fresor representative.

    Total Product Expo 2025 will take place Jan. 29–31, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

  • First Vapor Industry Trade Show of 2022 Opens in Vegas

    First Vapor Industry Trade Show of 2022 Opens in Vegas

    The first industry trade show of the year opened its doors yesterday in Las Vegas. The Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) runs from Jan. 26-28 and brings together representatives from several segments of the vapor, tobacco and alternative product industries. The number of exhibitors this year increased significantly compared to last year’s show, which was held in May after being postponed for four months, rising to 425 exhibitors compared to 350 in 2021.

    Attendance for the first day of the show was an estimated 4,000 visitors, according to a TPE representative. That’s a nearly 30 percent increase from opening day for last year’s event which drew an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 visitors. The show didn’t “feel” like there were that many attendees, however, it’s such a large floorplan it would be impossible to guess an estimate.

    There was a noticeable reduction in the number of nicotine vaping companies showing on the floor. The impact of premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) and PACT Act regulation was evident. There were only an estimated 12–14 e-liquid vendors, including Coastal Clouds, BLVK E-liquid, Bantam, Pacha Mama and Ripe Vapes. There were eight to 10 hardware manufacturers, including Mi-One Brands, Myle, First Union and Vaporesso, and most of the manufacturers produced their own brands.

    There were also a few e-liquid brands selling products that have already received a marketing denial order (MDO) from the FDA. One company told Vapor Voice that there really isn’t much enforcement and getting warning letters is the only thing that has happened to them.

    There were, however, a very large number of disposable synthetic nicotine brands. One new brand at the show, Hook’d – with its tagline “one puff and you’re Hook’d” – seemed to take taunting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to another level according to Kim, a show attendee who asked not to use her last name. “Why would you put a brand out there like that,” she said. “It’s just disappointing.” A person working the Hook’d booth, when asked why the Hook’d name, told Vapor Voice the name was “just catchy.”

    Next year’s TPE is scheduled to take place Feb. 22-24, 2023. While most likely not an issue for vapor and alternative industry representatives, the TPE’s cigar segment may find itself split in several directions. Not only is that week traditionally when Procigar, the Dominican Republic’s cigar festival, takes place, it also may be competing against the Festival del Habano—Cuba’s cigar festival— that typically takes place in late February (traditionally the week after Procigar).

    In 2019, both festivals took place during the same week and were scheduled to take place the same week in 2022 before the Habanos festival was cancelled due to Covid concerns. Neither Procigar nor the Festival del Habano has announced dates for 2023.

  • Finally Face-to-Face

    Finally Face-to-Face

    Exhibitors react to the industry’s first trade show since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in March of 2020.

    By Timothy S. Donahue

    The vaping industry has a lot of trade shows and conferences every year. So, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, it was a big change. Gone were face-to-face meetings and the networking opportunities the events offer to business owners. Many businesses saw sales slump and profits nosedive. Coupled with other regulatory requirements, the pandemic caused many businesses to close.

    That’s what made this year’s Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) trade show so special. After being postponed nearly four months, many retailers said they had surpassed their sales goals for the entire show on the first day. TPE attendees said it was a good feeling being able to fist bump clients and talk about the industry in person instead of through a Zoom conference. The TPE felt like the beginning of a much-needed return to normal.

    Held May 12–14, an estimated 2,500–3,000 people visited the TPE on the opening day of the three-day event. According to security staff, approximately 4,000–5,000 attended overall. Every morning, several hundred attendees waited at the entrance to see the more 350 exhibitors. The show was moved to May from its typical January date due to the pandemic and was also the first major trade show to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) since it closed in March of 2020.

    Dan Bilzerian (right), owner of the cannabis company Ignite

    Even professional poker player Dan Bilzerian, owner of the Ignite cannabis brand, made an appearance. “Honestly, I’m excited to be back,” Bilzerian said. “This industry is really set to take off again.” When asked about Ignite sales at the show during the second day of the event, Bilzerian said the numbers looked good. “We hit our sales target for the show on our first day,” he said. “We’ve had an excellent response.”

    Many exhibitors said that the show had exceeded expectations. Rich Zagari, a sales representative for Bantam Vape, said they were unsure of what the show would be like considering it was the first industry trade show in over a year. “We didn’t know what the response was going to be, but there’s a lot of people here,” he said during the second day of the show. “Yesterday was great and today’s already shaping up to be even better. When you’re seeing customers come up to the booth, having conversations and placing orders, it makes a difference. It’s good to be back doing business face-to-face.”Zachary Kestenbaum, VP of sales for The Beard brand, said that while he was hoping for a bit more foot traffic this year, for his company the TPE was more about getting facetime with distributors, vape shops and other industry players. “I enjoy face-to-face sales more than phone sales, anything of that nature,” he said. “I think it’s much better to conduct business outright. In that regard, the show has been a great success.”

    Some exhibitors initially questioned whether the show would be able to bring in foot traffic at all. Andy Lucas, director of sales for Ripe Vapes, said with the influx of restrictions, such as the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) requirements for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the recent placement of electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS) under the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act, alongside the issues brought about by Covid-19, he was a little hesitant about exhibiting.

    “Actually, it’s been pretty good. It’s been more like a traditional show, especially for a big show like this. You got all these organizations with tobacco and the hemp industry, the e-liquid industry; it has really lived up to the hype surrounding its opening,” said Lucas.

    Jakob Gutierrez, product specialist for JustCBD, said he was happy to be back in Las Vegas. The attendees were also ready to spend money. While he had hoped for even more buyers to visit the TPE, JustCBD had received more orders by Day 2 of TPE than the company had gotten at the last couple of shows it attended, according to Gutierrez. “People keep stopping by and loving our products,” he said. “People are absorbing it, taking it and just asking us for more. We keep providing high-quality products, and our customers keep coming back.”

    There was a noticeable reduction in the number of nicotine vaping companies showing on the floor. The impact of PMTA and PACT Act regulation was evident. There were only an estimated 16–18 e-liquid vendors, including Coastal Clouds, BLVK E-liquid and Fresh Farms. There were an estimated five to seven hardware manufacturers, including Mi-One Brands, Myle, NJoy and Inspire, and most of them produced their own brands.

    There was also a noticeable reduction in international participants, said Tony Riva, CEO of TD Distribution Co., the parent to the Hi-Drip e-liquid brand, which was also exhibiting. Normally, there are at least 20–30 exhibitors from China alone; this year, there were only a few Chinese brands present, and the booths were manned mostly by U.S.-based personnel.

    “The international community that is normally present at this show just isn’t here this year. That’s obviously due to the Covid restrictions and complications of international travel,” he said. “That’s having an impact on sales, I think. But business is good. We are just trying to navigate the changing regulatory environment and new policies that have been put in place.”

    Regulatory concern

    Before the show, exhibitors were concerned about what impact the PACT Act would have on show sales. The rule requires a manufacturer to gather data from customers to file the mandatory monthly reports with native, state and local governments disclosing the identity, address and product received for all customers as well as remit any excise taxes owed.

    “As a best practice, it’s our priority to collect licensing information upfront from any new customer and we were glad potential buyers came to the show prepared,” said Zagari. “They had copies of these documents on hand or emailed them right away.”While many companies have already stopped using the United States Postal Service (USPS) because the PACT Act prevents the USPS from mailing ENDS products to customers, the rules have not yet taken effect. At the time of writing, the USPS had yet to publish the finalized rule. Lucas said Ripe Vapes had a large following for online sales. However, Ripe Vapes has ended all direct-to-consumer sales because of the PACT Act and now only conducts B2B sales in the U.S. “It was a difficult decision,” he said. “In the end, it was the right one to make.”

    Zagari said Bantam plans to ship through USPS until the final rules go into effect. “We are working to identify alternative shipping options, which will help us continue online consumer sales once the USPS final rule is published,” he said. “It’s our goal to ensure our customers always have access to our high-quality, flavor-filled e-liquids that are in compliance with all regulatory requirements.”The PACT Act’s definition of ENDS is so broad that it includes vape-able hemp cannabis products too. JustCBD only sells cannabis products and felt that they were “suckered in” to the ENDS definition, according to Gutierrez. The company has filed an exemption with the USPS, but that exemption will not be considered until after the final rule goes into effect. “It seems like we are jumping through a lot of hoops to sell a legal product that has nothing to do with nicotine or tobacco,” Gutierrez said.

    Beyond the PACT Act, TPE exhibitors and attendees remain concerned about the PMTA process and the full impact of FDA regulation on the vaping industry. Numerous companies, including major industry players like Dura Smoke, My Freedom Smokes, Logic and Vape Wild, have gone out of business, merged with other companies or ended all online sales.

    Kestenbaum said that as the market condenses and regulation pushes players from the market, naturally sales to the companies that remain would increase. The recent release of the list of manufacturers that have submitted PMTAs has also served a guidance for vape shop owners. Companies cannot now claim they have submitted a PMTA without having done so.

    “So many companies were saying, ‘We’re going through PMTA. We’re doing it. We’re doing it,’ and they weren’t. I think we are starting to see many of those companies drop out of the industry, said Kestenbaum. “We’re trying to run everything by the book … I feel like we’ve gotten burned for doing that because there were a lot of companies that were not. The PACT Act, PMTAs, these aren’t all bad. Let’s clear out the lawless, let’s get a little bit more organized and allow the ones doing the right thing to continue.”

    Lucas said Ripe Vapes submitted only one PMTA for its VCT flavored e-liquid. The company has a considerable international business, so its other popular flavors, such as Key Lime Cookie, are still available outside the U.S. “Our attorney said, ‘Look, your best chance … the way this is going to go, looking at it from a cost standpoint, take your No. 1 e-liquid and just roll with it,’” said Lucas. “Some of these guys are trying 10, 15 or 20 flavors. They may get it if they have enough money, and there’s a couple of guys in this industry that probably do have enough money.”

    Another concern is that the FDA has been taking its time in reviewing PMTAs, according to Lucas. He doesn’t see a path for the regulatory agency to complete reviews on the more than 6 million PMTAs submitted by the 1-year deadline (Sept. 10, 2021).

    “We find it kind of hard to believe they’re going to have this done by next year. That’s what my next question is: What happens? Do they give you an extension? I think the industry is going to force them to make some decisions because you’re putting us through this,” explains Lucas. “The submittal alone for us was huge. So, when you’re spending all this money, you want some results. … It’s going to be an interesting thing as that deadline approaches.”

    Bantam Vape has received a filing letter for its submitted products, according to Zagari. He said that the company hopes to hear back from the FDA soon but is preparing for the likelihood that the agency will not complete all reviews come September. “We are working to better understand our options and in the meantime, we are continuing to monitor FDA communications and actions.”

    TPE 2022 will be held Jan. 26–28, 2022, in Las Vegas.

  • Attendance High as First Post-Covid Trade Show Opens

    Attendance High as First Post-Covid Trade Show Opens

    An estimated 2,500-3,000 people visited the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) on the opening day of the 3-day event. The TPE is normally the first industry trade show of the year. Before the show floor opened, several hundred attendees waited at the entrance to see the more 350 exhibitors.

    Credit: Timothy S. Donahue

    This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the show was moved to May from its typical January date. It is also the first major trade show to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) since it closed in March of 2020. There is a noticeable reduction in the number of nicotine vaping companies showing on the floor. There are however numerous CBD companies presenting, with most pushing their Delta-8 products.

    Several attendees said they were surprised by the size of this year’s show and the turnout. George Cassels-Smith, president of eLiquitech, a Maryland based e-liquid manufacturer and flavoring house, said it was more than he expected. “The turnout was much more than I thought, there were people talking and enjoying a return to a bit of normalcy,” he said. “It was nice to see friends and associates that we haven’t seen in over a year.”

    Several new products are launched during the TPE. This year, Southern California-based Humble Juice Co., for example, recently released its new e-liquid flavor, Sweet Citrus. The company also had several core product offerings, all of which were included in the brand’s premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submitted to the Food and Drug Administration in Sept. of 2020.

    “We are excited that Humble Juice Co. will be back at Tobacco Plus Expo in the flesh after last year’s event taking place virtually,” said Daniel Clark, CEO of Humble. “Humble is one of the e-liquid brands that have completed the preliminary PMTA review phase and is awaiting the start of the substantive review process. We are proud to introduce those attending TPE to our brand and share information about our focus on compliance and quality products.”

    Bantam Vape also showcased several of its products that have a PMTA submitted including Sour Strawberry, Jasmine Milk Tea and Butterscotch. The brand’s PMTA application is currently queued for formal scientific review with the FDA.

    “We will be sharing our science-backed, PMTA-filed flavors with buyers and will have brand reps [available] to answer questions face-to-face,” said Bantam Director of Sales Michelle Gottlich. “TPE poses an exciting opportunity to share our high-quality products with other established leaders in the vaping category.”

    The TPE also has several cigar companies, hookah and other tobacco-affiliated products. The show does require wearing a face covering unless vaping, eating or drinking. The TPE runs from May 12-14. The TPE was ranked as one of the top 50 fastest growing trade shows in 2018 and 2019.

  • TPE Still Planned for May 12-14 in Las Vegas

    TPE Still Planned for May 12-14 in Las Vegas

    The vapor industry may find a semblance of normalcy in Las Vegas this Spring. The Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) tradeshow is scheduled to take place May 12-14. The TPE is traditionally been the first vapor and alternative products tradeshow of the year.

    Team Innokin / Credit: TS Donahue

    The industry only show includes numerous vaping nicotine hardware and e-liquid suppliers, as well as numerous members of the cannabis industry. Owned by Kretek International Inc., the TPE was originally to be held in January.
     
    A press release states that the show will be following Covid-19 protocols to ensure the safety of both exhibitors and attendees. Masks will be mandatory on the show floor (meaning attendees cannot walk around and vape) and there will be temperature checks, sanitizing stations and social distancing.

    Exhibitors will be permitted to vape at their booths, and there will be designated vaping areas for those attending the show. For more information, visit tobaccoplusexpo.com.

  • TPE 2021 Changes Format Due to Covid-Altered Show Date

    TPE 2021 Changes Format Due to Covid-Altered Show Date

    Tobacco Media Group (TMG) has decided to change the format of the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) 2021. The organization is will now be offering a series of virtual educational sessions leading up to the in-person TPE 2021 trade show, scheduled for May 12-14, 2021.

    TMG had previously announced plans to move the TPE 2021 from January to May, in order to safely navigate the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The shift in dates allows more time for precautions to be taken and peace-of-mind to develop, making it a solid approach to ensure TPE’s valuable in-person buying, selling, and networking experience, according to a press release.

    Led by industry experts, the educational sessions at TPE show offer insight and information about market trends, best practices, and the legislative landscape. For the 2021 show, TMG is placing an emphasis on engagement with the industry advocacy associations.

    “TPE 2021 has presented some planning challenges, to say the least,” says Ben Stimpson, managing director of TMG. “But our team is hard at work, looking for ways we can increase the show’s value for both attendees and exhibitors. By moving the educational sessions to Q1, we’re still able to help the industry start the year strong, armed with information to grow their businesses.”

    TPE 2021 will be held May 12-14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. More details are expected to be released concerning the early virtual educational sessions, according to the release. For more information, please visit the TPE 2021 website.

  • Tobacco Plus Expo Moves Date to May 12-14, 2021

    Tobacco Plus Expo Moves Date to May 12-14, 2021

    One of the largest vapor shows in the U.S. is changing its date due to Covid-19. Tobacco Media Group (TMG) announced today that the organization is moving its Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) to May 12-14, 2021.

    Generally a tradeshow scheduled at the beginning of the year, TMG had been moving forward with plans for TPE 2021 in January, with most of the show floor already sold out to exhibitors. The opportunity arose to move the show to May, and TMG recognized that the later timing would be better for the industry, according to a press release.

    “A lot of work has already gone into the planning of a blockbuster TPE 2021, so when we were presented with the opportunity to move the show to May, we knew we needed to jump on it. It is our hope that the later timing allows the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 to improve and gets us well out of range of the traditional winter flu season,” said Ben Stimpson, managing director of TMG. “Plus, the warmer weather of May gives us more options to safely execute the business and networking aspects of the show. We are committed to producing a successful TPE 2021 for all of our exhibitors and attendees and feel confident that this new timing has everyone’s best interests in mind.”

    As TPE 2021 planning progresses, TMG will continue to gather safety insights and suggestions from voices within the tobacco industry and will release show details as they further fall into place. Additionally, TMG is working closely with the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Visitor’s Bureau to stay abreast of the latest safety guidance advisories for the city.

    TPE 2021 will be held May 12-14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The only thing different from the original TPE 2021 plan are the new dates. The exhibiting space, show floor layout, and convention center hall will be the same as initially planned when the show was in January.