Key Takeaways
- Talysis data showed tobacco, vapes and smoking alternatives fell 4.4% in value and 7.8% in volume in Q1 2026.
- The vaping subcategory fell 3.9% in value and 10.3% in volume over the same period.
- In 2025, tobacco, vapes and smoking alternatives fell 8% in value and 13.4% in volume.
- Oral nicotine grew 42.5% in value and 46% in units during Q1 2026.
- Talysis said around £20 million per week previously concentrated in disposable vapes is now spread across multiple subcategories.
2Firsts, May 8，2026
According to the grocer，the convenience sector is bearing the brunt of the disposable vape ban, as new data shows independent retailers continue to face falling sales.
Tobacco, vapes and alternatives fell 4.4% in value in Q1
According to specialist convenience insight agency Talysis, the value of tobacco, vapes and smoking alternatives fell by 4.4% in the first quarter of 2026, while volume fell by 7.8%.
Vaping subcategory declined in both value and volume
The vaping subcategory also recorded declines of 3.9% in value and 10.3% in volume sales over the same period compared with last year.
Talysis said this year’s “worrying decline” adds to pressure felt by the sector in 2025, when tobacco, vapes and smoking alternatives fell by 8% in value and 13.4% in volume.
Oral nicotine recorded growth
Some smaller categories showed growth. Oral nicotine increased 42.5% in value and 46% in units during the first quarter of 2026, which Talysis said showed its “rapid acceptance among consumers.”
The report said oral nicotine followed sharp increases during 2025, but Talysis added that the subcategory still represented such a tiny share of the market that its growth was almost inconsequential.
Talysis said the ban affected turnover and footfall
Talysis said the latest data highlighted the unintended effects of the vaping ban, including continued impact on turnover and footfall. The agency said retailers were losing out not necessarily because consumption had decreased, but because product formats had changed.
Talysis said purchasing patterns indicate that the shift toward reusable formats is “far from embedded” among consumers. Puff kits are currently outselling standard refill pods, despite being designed for repeated use.
Pricing dynamics are influencing category performance
The report said pricing dynamics are also influencing category performance. Consumers can now buy double the liquid for a similar price to the previous single-use disposable vape, creating a cost saving for those adopting reusable formats.
Big-puff products reduce store footfall
The rapid growth of “big puff” products means consumers can access significantly larger volumes of e-liquid in a single purchase, with the knock-on effect of reducing store footfall.
Talysis said the ban is not working as intended
Talysis Managing Director Ed Roberts said the agency’s first-quarter focus on tobacco and vaping continues to paint a sobering picture for the independent convenience sector. He said the ban is still not working as intended and is creating additional pressure points for an already struggling sector.
Disposable vape sales are now spread across multiple subcategories
Roberts said what was previously around £20 million per week concentrated in disposable vapes is now spread across multiple subcategories.
He said this fragmentation, combined with improved value per milliliter for consumers, suggests that while total spend may appear to be declining, usage levels may not be falling at the same rate.
Image Source:The Grocer
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