Exclusive Interview with VGOD: Once the Top E-Liquid Brand in US, Set to Relaunch in Malaysia

2Firsts Events by 2FIRSTS
Sep.06.2024
Exclusive Interview with VGOD: Once the Top E-Liquid Brand in US, Set to Relaunch in Malaysia
ANTY EXPO opens in Malaysia; VGOD discusses market challenges and re-entry strategy at international tobacco industry exhibition.

On September 6, the Asian International New Tobacco Industry Expo (ANTY EXPO) officially opened at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC). At the exhibition, 2Firsts invited VGOD's Director of Marketing, Kenny, to discuss VGOD's position in the American market, strategies for dealing with policy changes, as well as their plans for re-entering the Malaysian market and future plans.

 

Challenges and Opportunities for VGOD in the American Market

 

VGOD was once one of the leading brands in the American e-cigarette market, with its self-developed e-liquid brand ranking as the top in the market at one point. However, with the increasing regulatory efforts by the FDA in the e-cigarette market, VGOD is facing more pressure. Currently, VGOD's e-liquid brand remains in the top 5 in the American market. Kenny admitted, "The FDA's regulatory policies are constantly changing, and at the same time, the e-cigarette regulations vary from state to state in the United States, adding complexity to market compliance.

 

Faced with tightening regulations, VGOD is actively adjusting its strategies to ensure its continued presence and competitiveness in the US market. At the same time, VGOD has also achieved good results outside the US market. Kenny revealed to two sources that VGOD is currently ranked top 1 in the Middle East market, marking an important step towards internationalization.

 

Exclusive Interview with VGOD: Once the Top E-Liquid Brand in US, Set to Relaunch in Malaysia
VGOD booth | Image source: 2Firsts

 

Abandoning and Returning: VGOD's Market Strategy in Malaysia

 

When discussing the Malaysian market, Kenny pointed out that VGOD once focused primarily on the high vapor market in Malaysia and gained a certain market share. However, with the rise of disposable e-cigarette products, consumer preferences changed significantly, leading VGOD to choose to exit the Malaysian market at that time.

 

In recent years, with the further development of the e-cigarette market in Malaysia and changes in consumer preferences, VGOD has reassessed the potential of this market. Kenny stated:

 

The consumer structure in the Malaysian market is undergoing a transformation. Based on this trend, VGOD is determined to re-enter the Malaysian market and reorganize our product line.

 

Expand business operations in Southeast Asia market

 

In the face of the complex international market situation, VGOD is undergoing global strategic adjustments, especially in response to changing market demands in different regions, by introducing more flavors of products. Kenny revealed that their participation in the exhibition in Malaysia signifies VGOD's continuous expansion in Malaysia and other emerging markets in Southeast Asia. "We hope to meet the diverse needs of global consumers through technological innovation and high-quality product experiences." VGOD is accelerating its internationalization and looks forward to continuing to play a leading role in the global e-cigarette market.

 

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

BAT New Categories Revenue Rises 18% in H1 2026 as Broad Portfolio Offers More Ways to Win—and Lose
BAT New Categories Revenue Rises 18% in H1 2026 as Broad Portfolio Offers More Ways to Win—and Lose
British American Tobacco’s New Category revenue rose 18% at constant rates in the first half of 2026. Nicotine-pouch brand Velo expanded rapidly, while Vuse recovered as U.S. enforcement against illicit e-vapor products strengthened. Heated-tobacco platform glo remained under pressure, and cigarettes continued to provide most of the group’s profit and cash. Compared with PMI and JT, BAT has more routes to growth—but also greater regulatory, investment and execution risks across its broader portfolio.
BAT
Jul.30
IQOS Global Flagship Space to Open in Tokyo Ginza as PMI Expands Consumer Experience Strategy
IQOS Global Flagship Space to Open in Tokyo Ginza as PMI Expands Consumer Experience Strategy
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) announced that it will open “IQOS Flagship Ginza” in Tokyo on September 4, 2026. The location will become the first global flagship space for PMI’s IQOS brand. PMJ said the venue will target adult smokers aged 20 and above and combine product experiences, community engagement and local cultural elements. The design will incorporate Japanese natural aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. The launch reflects PMI’s broader strategy of strengthening consumer engagement through experiential retail and brand spaces. The existing IQOS Store Ginza is scheduled to close on August 30, 2026.
Jul.21
UK Vape Tax Countdown: Retailer Vape HQ Estimates 100ml E-liquid Prices Could Rise From £12.99 to £39.39, While Pod Kits Increase Less Than 10%
UK Vape Tax Countdown: Retailer Vape HQ Estimates 100ml E-liquid Prices Could Rise From £12.99 to £39.39, While Pod Kits Increase Less Than 10%
The UK’s Vaping Products Duty (VPD), scheduled to take effect in October 2026, is prompting retailers to assess how different vape categories may be affected. UK retailer Vape HQ has estimated potential price changes under the new volume-based tax system, showing that 100ml shortfill e-liquids could see prices rise from around £12.99 to £39.39, a 203% increase, while 2ml prefilled pod vape kits could rise from £5.99 to £6.52, an increase of about 9%. The estimates highlight how a volume-based tax structure creates uneven cost impacts across product categories.
Aug.19
PMI Q2 Revenue Rises 10.4% as IQOS and VEEV Expand, U.S. ZYN Growth Slows
PMI Q2 Revenue Rises 10.4% as IQOS and VEEV Expand, U.S. ZYN Growth Slows
Philip Morris International’s second-quarter net revenues rose 10.4% to a record $11.19 billion, as heated tobacco and e-vapor expanded across international markets. IQOS remained the main smoke-free growth engine, while VEEV shipments jumped 55.1%. In the United States, however, ZYN shipments increased just 1.8% and consumer offtake was broadly flat to slightly higher. Cigarette volumes also rose, showing that PMI’s transformation is advancing, but growth is becoming increasingly uneven across categories and markets.
PMI
Jul.22
Special Report | China Opens Draft Mandatory Heated Cigarette Standard for Comment, Multiple Heating Technologies Remain in Scope
Special Report | China Opens Draft Mandatory Heated Cigarette Standard for Comment, Multiple Heating Technologies Remain in Scope
China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) has released a draft mandatory national standard for heated cigarettes, setting out detailed requirements for tobacco sticks, heating devices and aerosols. The proposal treats the stick and device as parts of the same product system, focuses on minimum safety and quality requirements, and leaves several heating architectures within scope.
Special Report
Jul.29
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece have opposed Ireland’s proposed nicotine product regulations, arguing that the measures could affect EU market coordination and the free movement of products. Ireland plans to introduce stricter rules covering nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches, with measures involving packaging, marketing and sales controls. The dispute highlights differences among EU member states between stronger public health protections and maintaining regulatory consistency within the bloc’s single market.
Jul.29