Interview with NNPA.EU: EU Nicotine Pouch Users on the Rise, Market Projected to Reach €2.1 Billion

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS, edited by Sophia
Apr.08.2024
Interview with NNPA.EU: EU Nicotine Pouch Users on the Rise, Market Projected to Reach €2.1 Billion
EVO NXT Interview: 2FIRSTS discussed nicotine pouch market trends with NNPA.EU leaders Jonas Lundqvist and Rebert Casinge.

Recently, at the EVO NXT tobacco exhibition in Spain, 2FIRSTS engaged in a deep discussion with Jonas Lundqvist, CEO of the Nordic Nicotine Pouches Alliance (NNPA.EU), and Robert Casinge, Editor-in-Chief of pouchforum.eu, about the trends, regulations, and future development of the nicotine pouch market. The NNPA.EU, headquartered in Brussels, has been studying the trends in oral tobacco consumption for 20 years.

 

Interview with NNPA.EU: EU Nicotine Pouch Users on the Rise, Market Projected to Reach €2.1 Billion
Jonas Lundqvist (left) and Robert Casinge (right) | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

EU Market is Experiencing Robust Growth

 

According to data, the number of nicotine pouch users in the European Union is steadily increasing, reaching 2.6 million. The adult usage rate is 0.7%, with an annual growth rate of 7%. This trend indicates a continued interest and acceptance among consumers for this product. Nicotine pouches overlap with traditional cigarettes, especially among users seeking reduced harm alternatives.

 

In terms of market, the European Union has over 90 nicotine pouch brands, with main producing countries including Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The majority of sales channels are offline, accounting for 68%, while online sales make up 32%. Forecasts indicate that by 2027, the nicotine pouch market value is expected to reach 15-16 billion euros, potentially even reaching 21 billion euros, provided that the policy environment remains favorable.

 

Regulatory Challenges to be Addressed

 

However, the nicotine pouch market also faces regulatory challenges. While most European Union countries consider it a general consumer product, there are still some countries that classify it as a tobacco product or a medicine/food product.

 

For example, the number of snus (nicotine pouch) users in Sweden is similar to the EU average, but the proportion of cigarette smokers is lower (5-6%), especially among young people, leading the World Health Organization to consider Sweden a smoke-free country. However, 9 EU countries classify nicotine pouch as a tobacco-related product, 4 as a medicine/food, and most countries (14) consider it a general consumer product.

 

As the host country of this exhibition, Spain's policies are unclear, while Bulgaria and Greece have specific tax policies on nicotine pouches.

 

Although the European Union has not yet established specific regulations, signs indicate that it may include it in the Tobacco Products Directive in the future. Of particular note is that Nordic governments are actively strengthening regulation of nicotine pouches, with Finland recently legalizing them as smoking cessation aids and imposing restrictions on sales to curb illegal smuggling and sales.

 

Public Attitudes Divide, Caution Needed in Product Innovation

 

There is a certain amount of disagreement in public attitudes. A public opinion consultation by the European Commission showed that the public and health organizations generally support nicotine pouches as a smoking cessation tool, but regulators are cautious about their health impacts. For example, it is deemed acceptable for each nicotine pouch to contain 20mg of nicotine, and products with high nicotine content should not exceed 50mg.

 

The popularity of nicotine pouches is mainly due to their simple and convenient nature - no charging or e-liquid is required, making them easy to carry and suitable for replacing traditional cigarettes. However, the issues of product flavor and market demand should not be overlooked. Manufacturers need to be cautious of flavors that may appeal to children, and strengthen the control and balance of chemical ingredients.

 

Therefore, although the nicotine pouch market is showing strong momentum in growth, regulatory disputes and public concerns are still ongoing. The key to future development lies in changes in the policy environment and the improvement of market innovation capabilities.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Singapore Health Sciences Authority Hiring Investigators for Special Crackdown on Etomidate-containing E-cigarettes
Singapore Health Sciences Authority Hiring Investigators for Special Crackdown on Etomidate-containing E-cigarettes
The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a recruitment notice to hire full-time investigators and senior investigators to crack down on e-cigarettes containing etomidate. Duties include arresting users, conducting surveillance of related illegal activities, engaging in international cooperation, and carrying out preventive education.
Aug.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Connect @ InterTabac Concludes Successfully — Spotlight on Global Landscape, Market Shifts, and Future Opportunities
2Firsts Connect @ InterTabac Concludes Successfully — Spotlight on Global Landscape, Market Shifts, and Future Opportunities
2Firsts Connect @ InterTabac concluded successfully under the theme “From Change to Opportunity,” focusing on the global harm-reduction landscape, shifts in the U.S. market, dynamics in China’s supply chain, vaping product trends, and capital-market opportunities. 2Firsts International Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra, compliance expert Kurt Yang, co-founder Echo Guo, and CEO Alan Zhao shared frontline insights, drawing on UK MHRA registration data and China customs export data to present a compreh
Sep.20
Singapore Government Rebuts Vape Advocacy Group Criticism, Says It Is Linked to Tobacco Companies
Singapore Government Rebuts Vape Advocacy Group Criticism, Says It Is Linked to Tobacco Companies
Singapore’s Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam rejected claims from the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (Caphra) that the country’s tough vaping ban is “fearmongering.” He stressed that such arguments mirror those used by drug legalization advocates and pointed out that the group is linked to the tobacco industry.
Sep.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New York State's largest e-cigarette enforcement operation: 12 companies investigated, more than 10 people arrested, and 38 criminal charges brought against them
New York State's largest e-cigarette enforcement operation: 12 companies investigated, more than 10 people arrested, and 38 criminal charges brought against them
New York State Governor declares the state's largest e-cigarette enforcement action, with over a dozen arrests, 38 charges, and 12 businesses targeted for illegal e-cigarette shipments. The joint operation by the health department and state police focuses on flavored and high-tech e-cigarettes sold online and through apps, which often target minors. Officials highlight that the action aims to protect youth health and warn of severe consequences for violators.
Sep.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Henrico County, Virginia Cracks Down on Illegal Vape Shops, Citing Threats to Public Health and Youth Safety
Henrico County, Virginia Cracks Down on Illegal Vape Shops, Citing Threats to Public Health and Youth Safety
Officials in Henrico County, Virginia, warn that some vape shops are selling products to minors without checking IDs and using fruit flavors to entice young people. Although the law requires shops to keep their distance from schools and similar locations and to hold permits, some operators evade the rules by posing as convenience stores. Local officials say vape shops have become “overrun,” threatening community health and youth safety.
Sep.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nova Scotia, Canada: 16% of Residents Vape; Local E-Liquids and Disposable Products in High Demand
Nova Scotia, Canada: 16% of Residents Vape; Local E-Liquids and Disposable Products in High Demand
The latest data show that in 2024, disposable vape sales in Nova Scotia grew by 25%, and about 16% of residents use vaping products—signaling strong demand for tobacco alternatives. The province’s regulatory framework is forcing retailers to accelerate product-line adjustments and compliance upgrades.
Sep.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai