PUFFMI's Strategy and Trends in Russia's E-Cigarette Market

Jun.17.2023
PUFFMI's Strategy and Trends in Russia's E-Cigarette Market
The PUFFMI brand showcased their large capacity, disposable e-cigarette products at the Russian trade show, catering to growing demand.

Special Statement:


This article is intended for internal industry research and communication purposes only and does not endorse any specific brand or product. Access is prohibited for minors.


At 12:00 Moscow time (17:00 Beijing time), the e-cigarette exhibition in Moscow, Russia's Crocus Expo exhibition center, opened. The event attracted numerous industry professionals, vendors, and consumers.


At the exhibition, 2FIRSTS conducted an exclusive interview with Songyu Yin, the regional sales representative of e-cigarette brand PUFFMI in Russia. He shared his insights on the Russian market and the brand strategy on behalf of the renowned e-cigarette brand PUFFMI.


The number of people expressing their opinions loudly is a trend.


At the exhibition, PUFFMI showcased their disposable e-cigarette products with a high mouth count, including options with 9,000 and 7,000 puffs.


Yin Songyu stated that these products have received very positive feedback. According to him, these products with oversized mouthpieces will hit the market in early July. Currently, PUFFMI has introduced disposable products with 4000 and 5000 mouthpieces in the Russian market, but still lacks products with even larger mouthpieces.


Yin Songyu pointed out that there is a growing demand among Russian consumers for large-sized disposable e-cigarette products. This trend seems to differ greatly from the mainstream e-cigarette consumer markets in Europe and the United States, where the focus is not on high numbers but on other factors.


The exhibit items showcased at the PUFFMI booth | Photo source: 2FIRSTS


Yin Songyu analyzed that first of all, in products with a small price gap, this type of product has a higher cost-effectiveness.


Furthermore, many consumers do not like to frequent physical stores for their purchases. They prefer to make a one-time purchase of a high-capacity e-cigarette.


This will be a trend in Russia.


Large numbers are still a trend.


Chasing the pod system.


In Russia, where disposable products are already the norm, major e-cigarette manufacturers are now focusing on developing pod systems. This shift is being driven by both economic and regulatory factors.


Yin Songyu candidly acknowledged that most mainstream Russian brands are pushing for the development of refillable products, as the tobacco stick itself is not subject to taxation. Compared to the e-liquid excise tax of 20 rubles per milliliter for disposable products, refillable products can achieve lower costs in the future. Additionally, given the increasingly stringent regulatory trend, this means that refillable products have greater potential in terms of market growth.


Tourists walk past the promotional image at the PUFFMI booth | Image source: 2FIRSTS


About 90% of the products on the market are considered to be in a gray zone.


He believes that a complete ban on flavored e-cigarettes is unlikely based on the series of regulations regarding e-cigarette passed by the National Duma. As for the list of additives and substances, he thinks that only the use of some harmful substances may be banned.


The new brand showcased at the PUFFMI booth | Image source: 2FIRSTS


The recent new policies have led to an increase in demand for Bai Guan products in the Russian market, and legalization of the market would be advantageous for the PUFFMI brand. Yin Songyu stated that the brand is anticipating the legalization of the market, as most of the current market is made up of illegal products.


Ninety percent of the products are mediocre.


He highlighted that the ratio between white tariffs and grey tariffs would be adjusted based on market demand.


It is worth mentioning that PUFFMI brand does not engage in online sales in the Russian market, but instead relies on offline sales channels.


Finally, Yin Songyu expressed confidence in PUFFMI's potential in the Russian market and has high hopes for the future development of the PUFFMI brand in Russia.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial interviewed Fred Monteiro, Regional Director for Americas and Europe at British American Tobacco (BAT). Monteiro said BAT supports setting regulatory limits for nicotine products but opposes Spain’s proposed 0.99mg nicotine-per-pouch limit, arguing that such a restriction could affect adult smokers’ transition to alternatives. He said nicotine regulation should be based on scientific evidence and harm reduction principles. Monteiro also said smoke-free products now account for around 25% of BAT’s Americas and Europe business and nearly 30% of its Europe business
BAT
Jul.30
Product | JTI Philippines Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Dark Pop and Red Frost
Product | JTI Philippines Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Dark Pop and Red Frost
JTI Philippines has expanded the Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch portfolio in the Philippines with two new variants, Dark Pop and Red Frost. Both products maintain the brand’s tobacco-free nicotine pouch positioning, with Dark Pop featuring a fizzy cola profile with citrus and sweet notes, while Red Frost combines cool mint with sweet red berry flavors. The two variants are now available through Philippine online retail channels.
Aug.18
Philip Morris Romania Executive on Smoke-Free Strategy: How IQOS Spaces Are Moving Beyond Retail to Consumer Connection
Philip Morris Romania Executive on Smoke-Free Strategy: How IQOS Spaces Are Moving Beyond Retail to Consumer Connection
In an interview with Romanian marketing publication IQads, Marek Gębski, Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris Romania, said IQOS experience spaces are evolving from traditional retail locations into platforms for consumer engagement and brand connection. Through locations such as IQOS Boutique Victoriei, PMI aims to use design, culture and consumer experiences to strengthen communication with adult consumers about smoke-free products. The interview highlights how tobacco companies are expanding smoke-free strategies beyond products toward experiential marketing and consumer relationships.
Aug.11
UK HMRC Urges Public to Report Suspicious Vape Shops in Crackdown on Tax Fraud, Money Laundering and Illicit Tobacco Sales
UK HMRC Urges Public to Report Suspicious Vape Shops in Crackdown on Tax Fraud, Money Laundering and Illicit Tobacco Sales
HM Revenue & Customs is urging members of the public to report vape shops, barber shops and other high-street businesses suspected of tax fraud, money laundering or other illegal activity, with informants not required to provide personal details. HMRC plans more than 30,000 interventions in 2026-27 targeting tax fraud, organised crime and illicit activity, including the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco. The push forms part of a broader UK effort to tackle organised crime on high streets, backed by a £30 million government enforcement programme.
Regulations
Aug.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
Logista France says tobacco consumption outside France’s official tobacconist network has become a large and structural market phenomenon, but official and industry estimates differ sharply. France’s TAFE study estimates that 17.7% of tobacco consumption escaped domestic taxation in 2023, with most of that volume attributed to cross-border purchasing rather than street sales. Some industry studies use broader off-channel definitions and put the figure above 50%. Meanwhile, French Customs seized 547.94 tonnes of tobacco in 2025, up 12%, showing continued pressure from illicit trade.
Sep.04
2Firsts Compliance Solutions Hosts PMTA Briefing on FDA Review Signals After JUUL2 Authorization
2Firsts Compliance Solutions Hosts PMTA Briefing on FDA Review Signals After JUUL2 Authorization
Following recent FDA authorizations for JUUL2 and ZYN ULTRA, 2Firsts Compliance Solutions held an online PMTA briefing on Sept. 4 to examine what the decisions may signal about review efficiency, scientific evidence and U.S. market access. Nearly 30 participants from brands, manufacturers, compliance service providers and investment firms joined the discussion.
2Firsts Events
Sep.06