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

Retail Case Study | Wisconsin Vape Market One Year After New Regulations: Johnny Vapes Reports 80% Sales Decline as Consumers Shift Online and Across State Lines
Retail Case Study | Wisconsin Vape Market One Year After New Regulations: Johnny Vapes Reports 80% Sales Decline as Consumers Shift Online and Across State Lines
According to WNCY on August 24, 2026, some independent vape retailers in Wisconsin say they have faced significant business pressure one year after new vape regulations took effect. Johnny Vapes, a retailer operating in northeast Wisconsin, said its store count fell from seven locations to four, sales declined by about 80%, and roughly 90% of its inventory was affected. Retailers said some consumers have shifted to online purchases or traveled to neighboring Michigan to buy vape products. The case highlights how local regulations can reshape retail operations, inventory management and consumer purchasing patterns.
Aug.28
GSTHR Estimates 200 Million People Use Non-Combustible Nicotine Products as 28 Countries Show Rising Use Alongside Falling Smoking Rates
GSTHR Estimates 200 Million People Use Non-Combustible Nicotine Products as 28 Countries Show Rising Use Alongside Falling Smoking Rates
The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, a project operated by Knowledge·Action·Change, estimates that about 200 million people worldwide use non-combustible nicotine products including vapes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and snus. Its 2026 report says use of these products rose alongside declining smoking rates in 28 countries it analyzed. The data do not establish that all 200 million users have quit smoking, nor do they prove a direct causal relationship. GSTHR also says regulatory restrictions on the products continue to expand in many markets.
Sep.10
Couche-Tard Posts Double-Digit U.S. Same-Store Growth in Other Nicotine Products, Led by Pouches
Couche-Tard Posts Double-Digit U.S. Same-Store Growth in Other Nicotine Products, Led by Pouches
Alimentation Couche-Tard said U.S. same-store sales in its “other nicotine products” category grew at a double-digit rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, led by nicotine pouches, while overall U.S. same-store merchandise revenues increased 1.7%. The company also said its Canadian nicotine business continued to face regulatory pressure and illicit-market headwinds. The U.S. performance coincides with Couche-Tard's participation in efforts to reopen Canadian convenience-store access to authorized nicotine pouches, though the company has not established a direct causal link between the two.
Sep.14
Snowplus Enters Japan’s FamilyMart Network With Zero-Nicotine NEO Line and Kishidan Campaign
Snowplus Enters Japan’s FamilyMart Network With Zero-Nicotine NEO Line and Kishidan Campaign
Snowplus distributor H&S said the zero-nicotine, zero-tar NEO vaping line will begin rolling out across FamilyMart stores in Japan from September 14, 2026, excluding some locations. The DASH line will also be sold at selected FamilyMart stores in southern Kyushu and Okinawa. Snowplus simultaneously named Japanese rock band Kishidan as a brand ambassador, combining convenience-store distribution with a broader consumer marketing push in Japan.
Sep.15
2Firsts Interview | Cigarette Sales Fall as Smokeless Alternatives Gain in U.S. Convenience Stores, NACS Says
2Firsts Interview | Cigarette Sales Fall as Smokeless Alternatives Gain in U.S. Convenience Stores, NACS Says
Ahead of the 2026 NACS Show, 2Firsts interviewed Chris Rapanick, NACS managing director of research, on changes reshaping the U.S. convenience-store tobacco and nicotine market. NACS data show cigarette sales declining while smokeless alternatives, including nicotine pouches, continue to grow. The interview also examines higher OTP margins, shifting backbar space, weaker store traffic, regulatory uncertainty and NACS’ outlook for 2027, offering a retailer-side view of one of the world’s largest nicotine markets.
Interview
Oct.03
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue is intensifying enforcement against illicit vape and tobacco products ahead of the Christmas shopping season, directing regional and enforcement offices to strengthen monitoring of production sites, warehouses, distribution channels and retail outlets. The BIR destroyed 240,550 illicit vape products in August with an estimated tax liability of about PHP1.53 billion. A nationwide tax-compliance operation in July also inspected 3,590 businesses involved in tobacco and vapor products.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives