HQD: Leading Sales of Pod-System in Russia, to Launch New Screen-Display Vape in 2024

InnovationBusiness by 2FIRSTS
Dec.20.2023
HQD: Leading Sales of Pod-System in Russia, to Launch New Screen-Display Vape in 2024
HQD, a leading e-cigarette brand, showcased its latest product, a screen-display e-cigarette, at the VAPE CLUB SHOW 2023 in Russia.

During the VAPE CLUB SHOW 2023, a Russian e-cigarette exhibition held on December 16th and 17th, 2FIRSTS engaged in a conversation with Mark, the business manager responsible for the distribution of HQD in Russia. The purpose was to gain insights into the current status and future plans of HQD in the Russian market.

HQD: Leading Sales of Pod-System in Russia, to Launch New Screen-Display Vape in 2024
 HQD's new e-cigarette model with a built-in display screen | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

HQD showcased multiple new products at the exhibition. One of these products, a screen-display e-cigarette, was introduced by Mark. This latest offering from HQD is expected to be officially released next year. It is worth noting that screen-display e-cigarettes are currently very popular in the Russian market.

 

HQD: Leading Sales of Pod-System in Russia, to Launch New Screen-Display Vape in 2024
HQD ULTIMA PRO is the best-selling product of HQD in Russia | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

Mark, a spokesperson for HQD, recently commented on the company's successful products in the Russian market. According to Mark, HQD has a range of popular products, with the best-selling item being the "HQD ULTIMA PRO." This particular product boasts an impressive 10,000 puffs and offers a smoother smoking experience. Another notable product is the "HQD Click," which is a refillable device and ranks among the top three best-selling items in the HQD product line.

 

Regarding the e-cigarette market in Russia and the comprehensive e-cigarette regulation policy implemented in the country this year, Mark emphasizes that HQD has always been strictly abiding by the legal requirements. However, he points out that due to the existence of a considerable percentage of the "gray" market in Russia, not only does it violate the principles of fair competition, but it also negatively affects HQD's market share. Mark states that this is a problem commonly seen in the industry, but HQD remains optimistic about the future.

 

Mark further expressed that although the e-cigarette industry is currently facing a series of challenges, HQD firmly believes that, just like the alcohol industry once did, the e-cigarette industry will also experience improvement in the coming years. This is why HQD started the company's transformation and adaptation process even before the implementation of regulatory policies.

 

Finally, Mark shared HQD's plans for the Russian market next year. He emphasized that the main task of the coming year is to ensure that all partners' distribution networks can fully adapt to the new regulatory changes. This initiative aims to ensure HQD's sustained growth in the Russian market and create more opportunities for the future.

 

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

Product | JT to Launch MEVIUS Tropical Option in Japan, Expanding Ploom Tobacco Stick Lineup to 32
Product | JT to Launch MEVIUS Tropical Option in Japan, Expanding Ploom Tobacco Stick Lineup to 32
Japan Tobacco (JT) will launch MEVIUS Tropical Option, a new tobacco stick for Ploom, nationwide in Japan from October 6, 2026. The capsule-format product combines mango-oriented sweetness with menthol cooling, adding a tropical flavor to the MEVIUS Ploom tobacco-stick lineup for the first time. Each pack contains 20 sticks and will launch at JPY 590. The product is compatible with all Ploom devices, and its addition will expand the Ploom tobacco-stick portfolio to 32 variants.
Sep.08
Kumulus Vape2026 H1 Revenue Falls 8.3% but Profit Rises 24% as B2B Weakens and Consumer Channels Grow
Kumulus Vape2026 H1 Revenue Falls 8.3% but Profit Rises 24% as B2B Weakens and Consumer Channels Grow
French vaping company Kumulus Vape reported first-half 2026 revenue of €25.5 million, down 8.3% year over year, as its core B2B distribution business fell 11% to €21.6 million. B2C and store-network revenue rose 5.6% and 17.8%, respectively. Commercial margin increased to 26.3% from 21.7%, while net profit rose 24.1% to €0.8 million. The company attributed the profitability improvement to catalog optimization, logistics restructuring and the ramp-up of Labster, its in-house production unit for proprietary brands.
Market
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Switzerland Tightens Vape Checks as Only 3 of 32 Tested Products Meet New Tobacco Rules
Switzerland Tightens Vape Checks as Only 3 of 32 Tested Products Meet New Tobacco Rules
According to Swiss media outlet Blick, local authorities are strengthening compliance checks on vape products, nicotine pouches and other tobacco-related products following the implementation of Switzerland’s revised Tobacco Products Act. A Basel laboratory tested 32 disposable vapes and e-liquids, with only three meeting regulatory requirements and 21 products banned from sale. Swiss authorities are also expanding retail inspections, laboratory testing and youth purchase checks to enforce the new tobacco and nicotine product rules.
Aug.12
STIIIZY Redesign Fails to Escape PAX Labs Patent Import Ban as Section 337 Case Also Involves China ALD
STIIIZY Redesign Fails to Escape PAX Labs Patent Import Ban as Section 337 Case Also Involves China ALD
U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled that STIIIZY had not shown that the redesigned cannabis-vape products covered by its latest request fall outside an ITC limited exclusion order tied to PAX Labs patents. CBP accepted some of STIIIZY’s claim-construction and non-infringement arguments, but the company did not address two additional claims in the same patent. Earlier STIIIZY redesigned cartridges and certain associated components imported with them had received separate CBP clearance.
Sep.16
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
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa has begun enforcing its vape registry law, requiring vape products to be registered before they can be legally sold in the state. The move follows a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to lift an injunction that had blocked enforcement. Retailers have warned that tighter product availability rules could increase pressure on vape shops. One Iowa retailer said that if only a limited number of products remain available, many stores could face significant business challenges.
Aug.06