ANTY EXPO 2024 Review: Highlights from Summit Forum, Brand Interviews, and Exhibition Observations

From September 6th to September 8th, 2024, the 2024 Asian International New Tobacco Industry Expo (ANTY EXPO) was successfully held at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC). As the official media partner of ANTY EXPO, the 2Firsts team went to the front line to provide full coverage. The following is a collection of some of the reports. Click on the news titles below to read the complete reports.

Forum collection

1. 2024 Global Nicotine Pouch Industry Summit Successfully Concludes: OND Emerges as Significant Branch of NTPs

The Global Nicotine Pouch Industry Summit successfully concluded on September 7, 2024 at the ANT Expo in Kuala Lumpur. This forum was the world's first international symposium focusing on the entire nicotine pouch industry chain, inviting entrepreneurs, experts, media, and association representatives from various countries to discuss the development and future trends of nicotine pouches and promote the industry's high-quality development within compliance regulations.

2. 2Firsts Editor-in-chief Leona Zhu Speaks at Global Nicotine Pouches Industry Summit: Global Trends and Tips for OND

2Firsts Editor-in-chief Leona Zhu was invited to attend a forum where she delivered a speech to global practitioners on the topic of "Global Trends and Tips for OND".

Interview collection

1. HEYBAR Marketing Director on the Shisha Market: Bigger Than Expected, New Products to Standardize Flavors

Yu Wenjie, the Market Director of the shisha brand HEYBAR, was interviewed by 2Firsts at the ANTY EXPO exhibition, where he discussed in depth the company's strategic layout in the electronic shisha field and its newly launched products.

2. Interview with VEMPIRE, Malaysian Distributor of GEEKBAR: Pod-System Gain Mainstream Momentum, Upholding Localized Flavor Strategies

VEMPIRE CEO Daphenie Tan shared her successful experience in combating market competition through localization strategies, mentioning that consumer preference for pod systems is gradually increasing. She also expressed concern over Malaysia's regulatory policies and advised new brands entering the market to comply with regulations in order to promote the healthy development of the industry.

3. Exclusive Interview with SKE Malaysia: Customizing Flavors as a Breakthrough, Launching Promotional Plans in September

Derrick, the Malaysian manager of the e-cigarette brand SKE, shared the brand's local market development strategy. SKE has collaborated with local flavorists to customize e-liquids that cater to Malaysian consumers' taste preferences through in-depth research. The brand has also made localized changes to design and packaging. Derrick emphasized that localization and compliance with regulations are key to the brand's success.

4. Exclusive interview with RIFBAR: Social gaming integrates with e-cigarettes, innovative product tests the waters in Malaysia

Ray, the head of sales at RIFBAR, candidly revealed during an interview with 2Firsts that the company hopes to use this opportunity to test the market and understand how Malaysian consumers respond to their innovative products.

5. Exclusive Interview with VGOD: Formerly the Top E-Liquid Brand in the United States, Making a Comeback in the Malaysian Market

At the Asia International New Tobacco Industry Expo, 2Firsts invited VGOD's Marketing Director Kenny to discuss the brand's position in the US market, strategies for dealing with policy changes, as well as its plans for re-entering the Malaysian market and future plans.

6. Exclusive interview with the Marketing Manager of Aspire: Introducing G-Mesh Coil to Enhance User Experience

During the exhibition, Richard Wong, the marketing manager of Aspire, was interviewed by 2Firsts, providing an in-depth analysis of the current landscape of the e-cigarette market and the company's future strategic deployment.

7. Exclusive interview with Indian nicotine pouch brand Pik Pouches: Differentiation strategy boosts global expansion, annual sales target set at 300 million boxes

Nitesh Surana, founder and CEO of the Indian nicotine pouch brand Pik Pouches, revealed that the company has successfully entered the US and European markets and plans to further expand into the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With 14 flavors and natural extract ingredients, Pik Pouches aims to meet the needs of consumers in different regions and has set a global sales target of 300 million boxes per year.

8. Exclusive interview with top Indonesian brand Foom: entering the Malaysian market, aiming to make products easily accessible within 50-meter

Feranti Susilowati, co-founder of the Indonesian e-cigarette brand Foom, shared the brand's strategic plan for entering the Malaysian market. Foom has quickly risen in Indonesia through innovative devices and localized e-liquid flavors, and now plans to expand its business in Malaysia through partnerships with local channels. The goal is to make their products easily accessible to users within a 50-meter radius.

9. Interview with Chubby Gorilla: First Entry into Malaysia, Targeting the Nicotine Pouch Packaging Market

On the morning of September 7th, Jack H, the Global Sales Director of Chubby Gorilla, was interviewed by 2Firsts. He stated that Chubby Gorilla's business has expanded to over 100 countries worldwide, particularly in the e-cigarette packaging sector where the company has established a strong market presence. This exhibition marks Chubby Gorilla's first entry into the Malaysian market.

10. Exclusive Interview with Nicotine Pouch Company MYNT: Targeting Global Market, Driving Smokeless Nicotine Products

On September 6th, the founder and CEO of the Indian nicotine pouch brand MYNT, Shivam Bihani, shared the company's development history, market positioning, and future prospects in an interview with 2Firsts.

Exhibition observation

1. 2024 ANTY EXPO Officially Opens: ELFBAR, SKE, ELUX, and More Showcase at the Expo | Photo Gallery

The 2024 Asia International New Tobacco Industry Expo officially opened at the Malaysia International Convention and Exhibition Center, with many well-known brands such as ELFBAR, ELUX, SKE, LOST MARY, and YOOZ participating.

2. ANTY EXPO Live Highlights Various Major Brand Exhibitors Attract Attention

The 2024 ANTY EXPO was held at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from September 6th to 8th. 2Firsts observed that many brands showcased a variety of colorful activities at their booths in order to attract the attention of attendees.

3. SKE launches traditional tea flavors, including oolong tea, to cater to the local market

It was discovered that the well-known e-cigarette brand SKE showcased products targeting the local Malaysian market at the ANTY EXPO, introducing sweet flavored e-cigarettes favored by the Malay community and tea-flavored e-cigarettes preferred by the local Chinese population.

4. Elux Showcases Open-System CYBEROVER P1, In-House E-Liquid Brand Yet to Debut in Malaysia

It has been discovered that the well-known e-cigarette brand Elux showcased two new products at the trade show: the disposable e-cigarette CYBEROVER and the refillable oil cartridge e-cigarette CYBEROVER P1.