The UK’s largest cooperative group Co-op Wholesale launched a rare proactive adjustment in the industry at the end of April this year: in the disposable e-cigarette market where regulations are tightened, it took the lead in completely removing all disposable e-cigarette products from the supply chain, while rapidly expanding the nicotine pouch product line to provide more compliant and sustainable alternatives for the retail end. This move not only demonstrates the company’s keen insight into policy risks, but also provides a new choice path for retailers and consumers, and is expected to find a balance between environmental protection, public health and commercial stability.
As the core wholesale department of The Co‑operative Group, the largest cooperative group in the UK, Co-op Wholesale has long been responsible for providing product support for cooperative stores distributed locally and overseas, and its business covers daily necessities, food and beverages, and tobacco products. With a supply network throughout the UK and years of accumulated retail experience, the department’s judgment and response strategies for market trends have a demonstration effect.
In this adjustment, Co-opWholesale has removed all disposable e-cigarette products from the market since April 28, and does not accept returns of illegal inventory, urging retailers to sell out the remaining inventory as soon as possible; at the same time, it promises to supply compliant reusable devices or cartridges at the same wholesale price as the removed products before the ban officially takes effect, to help stores make a smooth transition. This move not only guarantees the profit margins of retailers, but also directly faces the risk of supply interruption caused by the ban.
In the face of the ban on disposable e-cigarettes, Co-opWholesale simultaneously announced a significant expansion of its nicotine bag product lineup, adding mainstream brands such as On, Klar, XQS and Velo, and enriching Velo’s new flavor series to meet consumers’ diverse needs for different tastes and usage scenarios. This strategy not only fits the “smoke-free” trend, but also brings new categories with greater profit potential to cooperative stores.
The official guidance issued by the British government at the end of January this year pointed out that from June 1, 2025, all single-use disposable e-cigarette products will be completely banned, involving all online and offline sales channels. The ban aims to reduce environmental pollution and the risk of youth exposure. For retailers, this ban is not only a compliance challenge, but also a deep reshaping of the supply chain and sales structure. Co-opWholesale’s advance response provides a demonstration and operational framework for the industry.
From a public health perspective, nicotine bags have great advantages in chemical exposure and secondhand smoke hazards due to their “smokeless” and “no heating” characteristics. Many studies have shown that the use of nicotine bags can significantly reduce the intake of harmful substances related to tobacco combustion while satisfying nicotine dependence, which is potentially helpful for adults who want to quit smoking or reduce the harm of smoking. In contrast, although disposable e-cigarettes reduce the smoke from burning tobacco, they still rely on plastic and metal batteries, and the environmental pressure is still considerable.
Clinical pharmacokinetic studies have also found that the absorption rate and peak plasma concentration of nicotine bags in the oral mucosa are comparable to those of traditional oral tobacco products, providing a scientific basis for smoking cessation intervention and tobacco substitution.
For retailers, this move by Co-opWholesale not only means an upgrade of the product line, but also brings about an improvement in the ability to control operational risks. By locking in wholesale prices in advance and rationally planning the supply of compliant alternatives, retail partners can maintain stable sales during the policy switch, reduce unsalable and return losses, and convey a responsible brand image to consumers.
In the new product recommendation, VEEHOO e-cigarette (VEEHOOVape), as a world-renowned compliant brand, is one of the high-quality partners worthy of attention. VEEHOO is jointly created by senior Chinese and British design and engineering teams. Its products strictly follow the US FDA qualified inspection standards, have registered trademarks and appearance patents in many countries, have won international design awards many times, and the number of new models launched each year is maintained at three to four, continuing to lead the industry trend.
VEEHOO has a total production base of over 15,000 square meters in Shenzhen and Guangxi, equipped with ten finished product assembly lines, four battery welding lines and semi-automatic packaging lines, with a supply capacity of more than 100,000 pieces per day, ensuring efficient delivery of large-volume orders and rapid response to market demand.
At the specific product level, the VEEHOO V8 cartridge replacement device is equipped with a rechargeable 1200mAh battery, 2ml e-liquid capacity and a mesh atomizer core, supporting 0%, 2%, 3% and 5% multi-level nicotine salt ratios, and flavors covering natural fruits and classic beverage flavors. It combines performance and experience, providing an ideal choice for consumers seeking high cost-effectiveness, compliance and reliability, and rich taste.
Overall, Co-opWholesale’s move to take the lead in removing disposable e-cigarettes and expanding the nicotine bag product line not only demonstrates its high sense of responsibility for policies, environmental protection and public health, but also provides a feasible transformation path for the retail market. In this process, international compliant brands like VEEHOO will become an important force to help the industry transition smoothly and meet consumer needs. We hope that in future market practices, more companies will be able to jointly promote the realization of “smoke-free” and sustainable development goals with an innovative and collaborative attitude.
Tags: ceramic atomizer core, nicotine bag, flavored e-cigarette, veehoo vape