On February 20, 2025, the world-leading NGP industry media and consultancy 2Firsts successfully held the "Global NGP Innovation & Tech Forum" in Qianhai, Shenzhen. The Forum attracted professionals of new tobacco industry from around the world attending to discuss the technological innovation and transformation, market development, and future trends of the new tobacco industry. Chinese and foreign guests at the event conducted in-depth analysis of the latest developments and upcoming technology changes in the new tobacco industry, showcasing the rapid rise of new tobacco products in the market and possibilities for the future.
At the opening of the forum, Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, served as the host and pointed out in his speech that the global new tobacco industry is in a critical stage of rapid development. As a pioneer in the industry, 2Firsts has always been committed to providing unique perspectives on technological breakthroughs and cooperations for the global tobacco industries.
Development Manager Zeng Cheng and Product Development Manager Zhu Hongchuan from Imperial Brands delivered a speech titled "A Journey from Commodity to Innovation powered by Agile Practices," sharing how Imperial Brands has been driving innovation through agile practices. They discussed how the company is transitioning from traditional tobacco products to new tobacco products by leveraging agile methodologies.
Cai Ranran, the Product Editor of 2Firsts, delivered a speech on "Technological Innovation and Market Trends in the E-cigarette Industry in 2025," where she mentioned that new tobacco products outside of TPD standards will differentiate themselves through innovation to break free from homogeneity. Innovation will focus on areas that are highly perceptible to consumers (visual, taste, touch), while products under TPD standards will exhibit a trend of practicality during the regulatory transition period.
In "Oral Dissolving Films: Innovation of Biopharmaceutical Technology in New Tobacco Products," Gao Xu, the General Manager of TengSheng Biotech and Nuo’ousi Biotech, conducted a market analysis on nicotine oral dissolving films. He introduced the advantages his company has accumulated in oral dissolving film technology and demonstrated how they are driving the development of new tobacco products towards more efficiency and eco-friendliness.
According to reports, Nuo'ousi Biotech is a leading company with advanced research and laboratories, precise analytical testing centers, and efficient production facilities. The company is dedicated to providing customers with comprehensive customized services to support their technology transformation and rapid product launches. On the other hand, TengSheng Bio focuses on the research and production of pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, food additives, and nicotine for e-cigarettes. The company has established close partnerships with several well-known universities to jointly promote technological innovation and product development.
Cem Tuna, the Sales Director of Quartz Business Media, the organizer of the Dubai World Vape Show, delivered a online speech titled "NGP Innovations Review and 2025 Outlook". The speech provided a detailed analysis of the latest innovations and development trends in new tobacco products, as well as explored the major potential technological breakthroughs and changes in consumer demands in the global e-cigarette market in the coming years.
At the event, Luo An, the General Manager of the Detection Agency, ShenZhouJingWei MTS, gave a speech titled "The Application of Advanced Detection Technology in Product Development and Innovation," sharing how advanced analysis technology is being used in the research and development of new tobacco products. He explained the advantages and technical principles of Particle Size Analysis Technology, as well as high-resolution Mass Spectrometry Technology.
Chris Gemmell, Managing Director of ELNA Limited and former Senior Vice President of British American Tobacco (BAT), delved into the topic of "Innovation: The Power of Constraints" during his keynote speech. He explored how the global tobacco industry can drive innovation through cross-industry collaboration. He emphasized the urgent need for a "constraints" mindset in the emerging tobacco industry, in order to break through current frameworks and conventional limits, and unlock more innovative potential.
In addition, Chris also participated in a remote video call with the live audience and Taco, the Global Editor-in-Chief of 2Firsts. During this call, Chris provided detailed and insightful responses to the hot-button issues raised by the audience, sharing his unique insights and forward-thinking ideas on the future development of the industry. His views provided valuable insights for the live audience.
In addition to exciting keynote speeches, this event also included group discussion sessions aimed at promoting in-depth communication and idea exchange among industry experts. This segment featured four professional guests with rich experience and profound insights in their respective fields: Chen Qiyu, Marketing Director of Hengxin Group, Qu Yuesheng, Founder of Qisheng Technology and expert in oral dissolving film supply chain, Jiang Xin, European Sales Director of Moke Technology, and Zhao Qing, Senior E-cigarette Product Manager.
During the group discussion, four guests engaged in a lively and in-depth discussion on hot topics such as technological innovation in new tobacco products, product development, and the challenges brought about by innovation. They each answered the questions raised by the host, Yibin, and shared their unique insights on the technical challenges and market opportunities they face in their respective fields. Through in-depth analysis and discussion, the guests provided valuable industry insights and strategic thoughts for the participants.
After the successful conclusion of the forum, participants provided positive feedback, saying that the information they gained was highly valuable and provided clear guidance and direction for expanding their market. They unanimously agreed that the event organized by 2Firsts was of high quality and served as an excellent platform for technical exchange, greatly promoting communication and interaction among various industry parties and injecting strong momentum into the industry's innovation and development.
Alan Zhao in his concluding emphasized that as a leading global media and think tank in the new tobacco products (NGPs) industry, 2Firsts will continue to leverage its advantages in resource integration to promote in-depth dialogue and collaboration within the industry on a global scale. They aim to provide long lasting support and assistance for industry innovation and compliance development, contributing to the sustainable development of the new tobacco industry.
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Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
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