As the finale of the 2022 Russian electronic cigarette exhibition, the Vape Club Show had a total of 65 exhibitors. It is worth noting that booth 408, which had the largest area at the exhibition, was occupied by ELFBAR and exhibited by its Russian distributor BABYLON. BABYLON is the largest compliant product distributor in Russia, and Aleksey Ilichev, the person in charge of BABYLON at the event, was interviewed by 2FIRSTS reporter Minghao on site.
Below is a translation of the interview content and a summary of the full text.
The person in charge of the ELFBAR exhibition area, Aleksey Ilichev (pictured above, source: 2FIRSTS), was present on site as field forces head.
Are profits from e-cigarettes sufficient to cover the risks borne by illegal sellers, or is it better to sell them through legal means?
Aleksey Ilichev stated that despite the illegal market for e-cigarettes not decreasing, it is clear that these risks are being covered and consumers will continue to purchase. However, those who are aware of the risks desire legal and certified products. As a distributor company, Babylon is accountable for the quality of its products.
What distinguishes legal and illegal products? Is it their quality, certification, or origin of manufacture?
Aleksey Ilichev said that when it comes to product quality, assuming that Elf Bar can be illegally imported, the same product, regardless of whether it is sold through legal or illegal channels, is genuine. The product circulation did not go through government regulation, and the government did not receive taxes from the product. While scanning the QR code for product traceability may detect whether the product is genuine, it does not distinguish it from illegal products.
What impact does the use of illegal electronic cigarettes have on health?
Aleksey Ilichev said that if an illegal product is authentic, just like legitimate products, then they have no different impact on health and are essentially the same. As for other brands that are being circulated through unknown means, he declined to comment on them.
Can counterfeit products also be illegally imported? Isn't that true?
Aleksey Ilichev: Of course, in this situation, illegal products may pose health risks.
2FIRSTS: Which flavors of your brand are popular among customers?
Aleksey Ilichev stated that out of a product line comprising 15 flavors, only 2-3 flavors remain unsold while the rest are completely sold out.
What are the remaining two flavors?
Aleksey Ilichev stated that these flavors are usually exotic, such as "Russian Cream" or "Neon Rain." Consumers are cautious about purchasing products with these flavors, while other flavors are more popular.
In other words, people are more concerned with the flavor name rather than the taste of the e-liquid itself?
Aleksey Ilichev said that people are more concerned about taste, such as the condensed milk flavor known as "Russian cream", which not everyone likes. Generally, most people tend to buy flavors such as "mango", "peach", "grape", and "energy drink".
What is the trend in e-cigarettes? Are people preferring larger or smaller devices and pods?
Aleksey Ilichev explained that considering all customs issues, Pods are more advantageous for end users. As their consumption tax is lower, they are cheaper for buyers. This means that one can purchase a device and then only buy Pods.
2FIRSTS: We noticed one of your new products is a highly portable device. It consists of 30% traditional cigarette equipment and the remaining 70% is pod-based.
Aleksey Ilichev explains that they have a range of products with various designs, including the Elf Bar which has its unique appearance, Lavit, and the Noqo pod system.
Can you provide information on the location of Vardex stores that reportedly carry products from Babylon?
Aleksey Ilichev stated that there are approximately 100 stores, primarily located in Moscow and the Moscow region, but also in other regions of the Far East.
2FIRSTS will continue to provide coverage of the Russian exhibition, with updates available on the "2FIRSTSAPP". Scan the QR code below to download the app.
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