The tobacco category provides a significant amount of value for retailers and is currently worth £14bn each year, before tax.

While value tobacco products are no longer necessarily a new trend, it’s likely this demand will continue for some time, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis.

It is therefore essential that retailers ensure they are equipped to cater for this demand, especially as customers buying tobacco can generate much wider sales in store.

The vape market is continually expanding as more consumers seek out alternative nicotine solutions. In the UK alone, the category is now worth around £1.2bn and is expected to reach £1.4bn in the next three years.

With the vape category continually evolving, retailers need to ensure they are staying on top of the current trends in next generation nicotine products.

TO DISCOVER THE LATEST TRENDS AND TOP TIPS ON WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE TOBACCO AND VAPING MARKETS, SEE THE FULL FEATURE IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER – COMING SOON!

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Japan Tobacco International (JTI) made the calls after it was revealed illegal tobacco trading has cost £51.3bn in lost revenue since 2000.

JTI presented its findings to MPs at a Parliamentary reception and also revealed evidence of 95 stores in north-west England selling illegal cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and vapes.

One of the locations identified had been actively selling illegal tobacco since 2015.

Their research found counterfeit versions of a JTI hand rolling tobacco brand being sold for £4, compared to a retail price of £29 – resulting in the Government losing out on approximately £20 in taxes for each pack sold.

Recent JTI research also found that in the last month alone, over a third of smokers have bought tobacco products that were not in the plain packs legally required in the UK.

Fiscal and regulatory affairs manager at JTI, Ian Howell, outlined the extend of the issue.

“While Border Force prevents the smuggling of illicit tobacco into the country and HMRC conducts large-scale operations that can lead to the uncovering of major illegal manufacturing sites, it is Trading Standards that undertake the lion’s share of enforcement action on the UK’s High Streets.

“Unfortunately, despite efforts such as Operation CeCe or the Keep It Out campaign, Trading Standards is overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. They do not have access to easy to apply, hard-hitting financial sanctions that would help tackle the persistent actions of rogue retailers who are currently undeterred.

“Selling illicit tobacco and vaping products puts retailers at risk of prosecution and negatively impacts their store in the community, which is why we created JTI’s ‘Don’t be Complicit’ campaign to raise awareness and give them the resources to combat this illegal trade,” he added.

If retailers know of a store that is selling illicit tobacco or vapes, they must report them to Trading Standards through the Citizen Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

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With more than 20 years’ experience in the tobacco industry, Oliver brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, having previously been appointed as General Manager Central & Eastern Europe at Imperial Brands in 2021. Prior to this, Oliver held the position of President and CEO of ITG Brands, a subsidiary of Imperial Brands.

With a PhD in Marketing from the University of Hamburg, Germany, Oliver frequently lectures at the International MBA Program at the University of Hamburg and has authored various books and articles on business strategy and brand management.

Oliver Kutz said: “I really look forward to moving into this new role at the company and having the opportunity to further build our strong relationships with trade partners.

“One of my main priorities will be to drive forward Imperial’s next generation business to deliver a healthier future, while also developing our combustible business in line with the ever-evolving needs of our adult consumers.”

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Based out of Bestway’s Head Office at Park Royal, Jim will head up a team of six as part of Bestway’s strategic plan to further grow sales across the Catering, Fresh and Frozen categories within Bestway Wholesale.

Jim has over 30 years of industry experience, having previously worked at Booker, Landmark Wholesale and most recently Unitas Wholesale as Senior Trading Controller for Tobacco, Licensed, Impulse and Grocery.

Speaking of his appointment, he said: “I’m excited to be joining Bestway at this point in the company’s journey and at a time when there are many opportunities to drive sales across Catering, Fresh and Frozen Retail sectors.

“Strong Supplier relationships are a bedrock of everything Bestway stands for and I’m looking forward to making a difference within the business as we continue to deliver the right products at the right price to our customers”.

Kenton Burchell, Group Trading Director at Bestway Wholesale, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Jim to the team as he brings a wealth of experience to our business.

“Jim has immense knowledge in the wholesale channel spanning many categories, creating the best customer offer and working with suppliers to provide the best value to customers. I am sure Jim will be a perfect fit for us as we expand our Wholesale business across the Catering and Retail arms of the business.”

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