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

Special Report | From Oversupply to Supply Gaps: Global Tobacco Leaf Markets Diverge Ahead of 2027
Special Report | From Oversupply to Supply Gaps: Global Tobacco Leaf Markets Diverge Ahead of 2027
Global tobacco leaf markets diverged sharply in 2026, with India cutting authorised FCV production amid oversupply while Malawi faced a supply shortfall. U.S. demand improved in some leaf categories, but growers in Brazil, Colombia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe faced pressure from prices, buyer access, costs and weather. With nicotine consumption patterns also shifting, 2027 will test whether supply, demand and grower profitability can move back toward balance.
Oct.26
US ITC Judge Finds Glas Infringed Two JUUL Vape Patents, Recommends Restrictions on Related Imports——Glas Received FDA Marketing Authorization for Four Vape Pods in May 2026; Proposed Restrictions Remain Under Commission Review
US ITC Judge Finds Glas Infringed Two JUUL Vape Patents, Recommends Restrictions on Related Imports——Glas Received FDA Marketing Authorization for Four Vape Pods in May 2026; Proposed Restrictions Remain Under Commission Review
A U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) administrative law judge issued an initial determination on October 20, 2026, finding that certain Glas vaping devices, cartridges and components infringed 12 claims across two patents asserted by JUUL, constituting a violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The judge recommended a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order against the Glas respondents. Five months earlier, the FDA authorized four Glas e-cigarette pods, including mango, blueberry and two menthol variants. The patent investigation concerns device and cartridge structures and is separate from FDA premarket review. The proposed import restrictions have not become final, and their product-level scope remains unresolved.
company
Nov.05
Swedish-Founded Nicotine Pouch Retailer GotPouches Shifts to U.S.-Based Operations, Reaching Over 25 States
Swedish-Founded Nicotine Pouch Retailer GotPouches Shifts to U.S.-Based Operations, Reaching Over 25 States
Swedish-founded online nicotine pouch retailer GotPouches has completed the localization of its U.S. operations under UpNorth Retail LLC, with corporate operations in Franklin, Tennessee, domestic fulfillment from Nashville and U.S.-based customer support. The company says its catalog covers more than 20 nicotine pouch brands and it currently serves customers in more than 25 U.S. states.
Sep.18
Pennsylvania Lists 163 Vape Products Eligible for Sale, Including Vuse and JUUL; Previously Pending Chinese Brands Such as OXBAR Remain Absent, While Unlisted Products Including Geek Bar Face Enforcement From October 19
Pennsylvania Lists 163 Vape Products Eligible for Sale, Including Vuse and JUUL; Previously Pending Chinese Brands Such as OXBAR Remain Absent, While Unlisted Products Including Geek Bar Face Enforcement From October 19
Pennsylvania begins enforcing its electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) directory restrictions on October 19, 2026. The October 18 directory contained 163 product records from seven manufacturers, including Vuse, JUUL, NJOY, Logic and Naked 100. Geek Bar, RAZ and Lost Mary were absent. BAT, Altria, Japan Tobacco and JUUL collectively accounted for 112 records, or 68.7%, while Imperial Brands' blu had no listings. The directory included 15 disposable vape records, 40 bottled e-liquids and 10 products labeled 0mg, but no open-system refillable devices. Twenty-two manufacturer certifications remained under review. Four Logic models corresponding to Smoore's pending records were listed under the brand owner, while LYCO, OXBAR and Boulder/Rock had no approved directory entries.
Regulations
Oct.19
German Bundestag Passes Tobacco Tax Hikes: Vape Liquid Duty to Reach €0.44/ml, Heated Tobacco Taxes to Rise and Cigarettes Seen Near €12 a Pack
German Bundestag Passes Tobacco Tax Hikes: Vape Liquid Duty to Reach €0.44/ml, Heated Tobacco Taxes to Rise and Cigarettes Seen Near €12 a Pack
Germany's Bundestag passed amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act on October 15, 2026, setting out annual excise tax increases from 2027 through 2030 for e-cigarette liquids, heated tobacco, cigarettes and other tobacco products. Under the Finance Committee's amended bill, duty on qualifying e-liquids will rise from €0.32/ml in 2026 to €0.44/ml in 2030, an increase of 37.5%. Heated tobacco will retain its tax calculation based on 80% of the corresponding cigarette excise duty. The average price of a 20-cigarette pack is projected to approach €12 by 2030, with some brands potentially reaching €14. The legislation is projected to generate approximately €11.8 billion in additional tax revenue over four years and remains subject to further legislative procedures.
Regulations
Oct.19
Product | JT Launches Three Autumn-Limited Ploom Tobacco Sticks in Japan Across EVO, MEVIUS and CAMEL Brands
Product | JT Launches Three Autumn-Limited Ploom Tobacco Sticks in Japan Across EVO, MEVIUS and CAMEL Brands
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) launched three limited-edition autumn tobacco sticks for its Ploom heated tobacco devices in Japan on October 16, 2026, under the EVO, MEVIUS and CAMEL brands. All three are regular tobacco variants with seasonal packaging. Each pack contains 20 sticks, priced at ¥620, ¥590 and ¥570, respectively, including tax. The products are compatible with all Ploom devices and are sold in limited quantities exclusively through the CLUB JT online store while supplies last.
product
Oct.20