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

2Firsts Events by 2FIRSTS, edited by Sophia
Sep.09.2024
ANTY EXPO 2024 Review: Highlights from Summit Forum, Brand Interviews, and Exhibition Observations
ANTY EXPO 2024 in Malaysia showcases new trends in the international tobacco industry with 2Firsts as official media partner.

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.

 

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

India Duty-Free Nicotine Pouch Sales Face Regulatory Test as ZYN, FOX Classification Remains Open
India Duty-Free Nicotine Pouch Sales Face Regulatory Test as ZYN, FOX Classification Remains Open
The Bombay High Court has ruled that airport duty-free shops are not exempt from India's domestic regulatory laws merely because they operate beyond the customs barrier, leaving in place a sales halt covering ZYN and FOX nicotine pouches at Mumbai's international airport. The court, however, did not determine that the products necessarily qualify as "drugs" under India's Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The retailers have four weeks to submit product information to the appropriate authorities, including CDSCO, which must complete its review within 30 days of receiving the submissions.
Sep.24
PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased its ZYN nicotine pouches, IQOS heated tobacco products and U.S. investments. A 2Firsts review of FDA records found that several ZYN products displayed at the booth were not on the agency's marketing authorization list, including certain nicotine strengths and flavors. A PMI booth representative also confirmed that IQOS is currently sold in three U.S. states, while the newer IQOS ILUMA system remains under FDA review.
EXPO
Oct.10
Product | DOJO Launches 0+6ml BLAST7K Fresh in UK in September, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility Ahead of October Per-Milliliter Vaping Duty
Product | DOJO Launches 0+6ml BLAST7K Fresh in UK in September, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility Ahead of October Per-Milliliter Vaping Duty
DOJO officially launched the BLAST7K Fresh on September 17, 2026, introducing a UK-market prefilled pod product with 6ml of e-liquid and a manufacturer-rated capacity of up to 7,000 puffs. The device features a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, the INSTA-JUICED structure and COREX BLAST dual-mesh technology, while retaining compatibility with existing BLAST pods. The launch comes less than two weeks before the UK's Vaping Products Duty takes effect on October 1. At the new duty rate, 6ml of vaping liquid would correspond to £1.32 in VPD. DOJO has not stated that the product's 6ml format was designed in response to the new duty.
Sep.20
Indonesia's Influential Islamic Body MUI Urges Vape Permit Freeze, Raising Uncertainty for 200 Manufacturers
Indonesia's Influential Islamic Body MUI Urges Vape Permit Freeze, Raising Uncertainty for 200 Manufacturers
Indonesia's Ulema Council (MUI) published Fatwa No. 131/2026 on November 9, declaring electronic cigarette use, production and trade haram under Islamic religious rules. The council urged the Industry Ministry to prohibit the issuance of vape industry permits and review licensing policies, while calling on the president and parliament to enact a comprehensive ban. On November 10, the Constitutional Court heard a challenge to provisions of the 2023 Health Law seeking a prohibition on vape production, importation, distribution and use. The Health Ministry said on November 11 it was studying stronger restrictions, including a possible ban on circulation, while industry association APVI called for tighter oversight rather than a total ban. Indonesia's Industry Ministry previously estimated the sector comprises about 200 companies, Rp31 trillion ($1.7 billion) in cumulative investment and approximately 100,000 supply-chain jobs. No nationwide statutory ban has been enacted.
Regulations
Nov.12
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Juul Labs UK has introduced an upgraded JUUL2 Starter Kit for the UK market in October 2026, retaining a recommended retail price of £9.99 while doubling the number of included pods from two to four. The kit contains Crisp Menthol, Virginia Tobacco, Mango and Watermelon pods. The updated device replaces the previous proprietary charging dock with a USB-C port and offers longer battery life. The kit also features reduced packaging and retains a two-year limited warranty. Distribution is scheduled through major UK retailers, wholesalers, convenience stores and the JUUL UK website.
product
Oct.15
NAS 2026 | Cliff Douglas: Risk Continuum Should Play a Central Role in Tobacco Policy
NAS 2026 | Cliff Douglas: Risk Continuum Should Play a Central Role in Tobacco Policy
Cliff Douglas, a veteran U.S. tobacco-control and public health policy figure, told NAS 2026 that the “continuum of risk” should play a central role in tobacco policy. He called for clearer market pathways, stronger risk communication, differentiated regulation and enforcement, and said possible FDA reforms to PMTA reviews could be a “welcome correction” if they create a more efficient, predictable route for scientifically substantiated lower-risk products. Read 2Firsts’ on-site coverage.
Sep.26