Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW

2Firsts Events by 2FIRSTS
Dec.22.2023
Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
The VAPE CLUB SHOW e-cigarette exhibition, Russia's largest in the industry, has opened in St. Petersburg, attracting over 200 brands and 10,000 participants.

On December 16th at 12:00 Moscow time (17:00 Beijing time), the VAPE CLUB SHOW e-cigarette exhibition opened in St. Petersburg, Russia. This exhibition is one of the largest events in the Russian e-cigarette industry, covering an area of approximately 13,000 square meters and attracting over 200 brands and more than 10,000 participants. Mainstream Russian brands such as HQD, Brusko, Lost Mary, ELFBAR, and Puffmi were among the exhibitors. The exhibition followed a format combining exhibitions, events, and forums, providing a wide platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas and discuss the latest products, technologies, and trends in the global and Russian markets.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
VAPE CLUB SHOW exhibition scene | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

As the official cooperating media of this exhibition, 2FIRSTS has been involved in the full coverage of the event. Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2FIRSTS International, was invited to attend the exhibition and delivered a speech at the forum on the topic of "A Review of the Global Market in 2023 and Suggestions for the Russian Market in 2024." He provided a profound analysis of the product trends and development paths in the global market in 2023, as well as predictions for the Russian market in 2024.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
2FIRSTS International Station Editor-in-Chief Ellesmere Zhu | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

Firstly, Ellesmere Zhu analyzed the global policy and product trends for 2023. He believes that global regulation is becoming stricter and environmental issues are increasingly prominent. High-capacity and display screen products are gradually becoming the market mainstream. Zhui Hongxu stated that by summarizing and organizing global regulatory trends, regardless of whether it is plain packaging, increased taxation, or stricter restrictions on flavors and nicotine content, the ultimate goal of e-cigarette regulation is to make it less attractive and less likely to be tried by non-nicotine users, returning to the essence of tobacco, similar to traditional cigarettes. Ellesmere Zhu also mentioned that based on this, industry practitioners can make a broad prediction about the future local regulations.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
Speech PPT | Picture source: 2FIRSTS

 

In discussing the future trends of Russian brands and markets, Ellesmere Zhu urged e-cigarette companies to take on more social responsibility. This includes operating in compliance with regulations, protecting youth, implementing environmental measures, participating in consumer education, and standing against grey and black market products. Local Russian businesses should actively embrace industry changes and strive to be agents of change through innovation. They should also expand their brand size by venturing into international markets, aiming for greater global market impact.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
Ellesmere Zhu's Speech PPT | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

Ellesmere Zhu's speech resonated with and drew attention from the audience at the venue, leading to subsequent discussions and exchanges with the attendees after the event.

 

As a leading global media and think tank specializing in atomization technology, 2FIRSTS has been committed to promoting high-quality industrial development worldwide. In the future, 2FIRSTS will continue to pay close attention to the Russian market, providing the latest news and research on the Russian market. We aim to contribute to the development and regulatory compliance of the Russian market and its industries.

 

Regarding 2FIRSTS

 

2FIRSTS was founded in 2022 and is a renowned global media and think tank in the field of atomization technology. It currently has news centers in Shenzhen, London, New York, and other cities. 2FIRSTS focuses on major reports and research on the global atomization industry, providing the latest information and analysis for regulatory authorities, entrepreneurs in the supply chain, brands and channel distributors, research institutions, and industry organizations. The exhibition coverage of 2FIRSTS is global, with over ten live reports each year, and it is also a media partner for major global exhibitions.

 

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

China’s HTP Exports Fell 14.3% in H1 2026 as Russia and Belarus Accounted for 76% Lead
China’s HTP Exports Fell 14.3% in H1 2026 as Russia and Belarus Accounted for 76% Lead
In H1 2026, China’s HS 24041100 exports stood at $1.32 million, down 14.3% YoY, with volume falling 17.2% to 55.33 tons. Market distribution shifted drastically amid overall export drops. Exports to Russia and Belarus totaled $1 million, taking 76.0% of all shipments versus 29.5% in H1 2025. Belarus became the top destination with export value jumping 177.5%, while the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia’s combined share slumped from 49.3% to 11.2%.Domestically, Yunnan led exporter registrations; Jiangsu and Shanghai were key suppliers, yet Anhui and Sichuan had no exports. Heavy concentration means order or declaration changes for Russia/Belarus greatly affect national aggregate data. The data shows customs entry points (not end markets), covering tobacco consumables only, excluding heating equipment and the complete HTP supply chain.
Aug.11
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
British e-liquid manufacturer Riot Labs has introduced a fictional “candidate” called Riot Man around the Clacton parliamentary by-election, seeking to mobilize consumers and retailers against parts of the UK government’s proposed restrictions on vape packaging, device appearance and retail displays. Riot Man is not listed as an official candidate.
Aug.12
Philippines Weighs Unified Vape Tax as Lawmakers Back Risk-Based Rates and Government Seeks to Fill ₱66 Billion Revenue Gap
Philippines Weighs Unified Vape Tax as Lawmakers Back Risk-Based Rates and Government Seeks to Fill ₱66 Billion Revenue Gap
Philippine lawmakers are considering an overhaul of the country's vape excise-tax regime to eliminate the wide gap between taxes on nicotine salt and freebase nicotine liquids and reduce incentives for misdeclaration. House Bill 5364, filed by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., would impose a unified ₱10-per-milliliter tax on vapor products, with 5% annual increases beginning in 2027. Rodriguez says the proposal could generate an average ₱6 billion in annual collections from 2027 through 2030. The debate comes as the Philippine government considers tobacco, vape and other health-tax reforms to help offset around ₱66 billion in revenue expected to be forgone under a proposed tax-relief package.
Aug.18
South Korea Constitutional Court Upholds Volume-Based E-Liquid Tax, With Challenged Rates at KRW 370 and KRW 628 per Milliliter
South Korea Constitutional Court Upholds Volume-Based E-Liquid Tax, With Challenged Rates at KRW 370 and KRW 628 per Milliliter
South Korea's Constitutional Court has upheld fixed taxes on nicotine-containing e-cigarette liquids based on solution volume, ruling that challenged provisions imposing KRW 370 per milliliter in individual consumption tax and KRW 628 per milliliter in tobacco consumption tax do not violate the Constitution. The cases stemmed from historical disputes involving importers that reported nicotine as being extracted from tobacco stems rather than leaves. South Korea has since broadened its tobacco definition to include synthetic nicotine, while current tax laws provide reduced rates for certain products not derived from tobacco.
Sep.18
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
BAT New Categories Revenue Rises 18% in H1 2026 as Broad Portfolio Offers More Ways to Win—and Lose
BAT New Categories Revenue Rises 18% in H1 2026 as Broad Portfolio Offers More Ways to Win—and Lose
British American Tobacco’s New Category revenue rose 18% at constant rates in the first half of 2026. Nicotine-pouch brand Velo expanded rapidly, while Vuse recovered as U.S. enforcement against illicit e-vapor products strengthened. Heated-tobacco platform glo remained under pressure, and cigarettes continued to provide most of the group’s profit and cash. Compared with PMI and JT, BAT has more routes to growth—but also greater regulatory, investment and execution risks across its broader portfolio.
BAT
Jul.30