"The demand for e-cigs has grown in Sweden now"
The Circle K petrol chain is investing in electronic cigarettes. During the summer, stores in Stockholm have sold simpler models. And if sales go well, Circle K expects to launch e-cigarettes in the rest of the country within a few months.
"We have been following the developments and felt it was a good time to launch the products". Says Marie Phililpsson, Communications Manager at Circle K to Vejpkollen.
It is a simple disposable model distributed by a small Swedish company. E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and have been established on the Swedish market as an alternative to regular cigarettes for 10 years. Circle K has previously sold e-cigarettes in other countries. The company was one of the world's first major chains to enter the vejp market in the US, back in 2013.
"We have offered this category of products in other countries within Circle K with success. We now believe that demand has grown sufficiently in Sweden as well." Says Marie Philipsson.
E-cigs are a controversial product
E-cigarettes are a controversial product. According to many health experts and researchers, the product has the potential to significantly reduce the risks posed by smoking and nicotine addiction. At the same time, the long-term effects have not been established for obvious reasons. Currently, researchers use analysis of the vapor's content and its immediate effect on the body to assess the risks.
Independent studies indicate that both heart and lung health improves for smokers in the same way as quitting smoking. However, vaping has a presumed negative health impact on someone who has never smoked before.
Vejpning reduces the risks of smoking
According to British Public Health Agency smokers can significantly reduce the risks of nicotine addiction by switching to e-cigarettes. This recommendation has led to a strongly growing market in the United Kingdom.
In contrast, in the US, where e-cigarettes are popular for both nicotine and cannabis use, the sales decreased compared to previous years. The reason, according to many observers, is the sixty or so deaths that have occurred in vejpare since they were introduced illegal THC products via vejpnig. Coupled with tough regulations, this led to a 15% drop in sales in less than six months in the US.
18-year age limit and tough legislation
The Swedish Public Health Agency has a restrictive approach till e-cigarettes and does not currently recommend vejping as a method to quit smoking.
E-cigarettes in Sweden are regulated by EU directives and the Swedish "Act on Tobacco and Similar Products". This includes requirements for age verification (18 years) and clear warnings on the packaging. At the same time, there are regular calls for tougher legislation.
And the research and debate on e-cigarettes also affects how Circle K views the products, says Marie Philipsson.
"The debate absolutely affects us. And we follow the laws and recommendations that exist. We have also chosen a simple product with a closed system, a so-called one-off podcast. We continuously follow the debate and gather relevant facts. Based on this, we are constantly reassessing and we are also prepared to take other decisions on the product if needed," says Marie Philipsson.
How has the response to e-cigarettes been?
"The response has been good. So far, it looks like customers have discovered the product in our range. But this is a test and we will see how it turns out" says Marie Philipsson
When might Circle K start selling e-cigarettes in the rest of the country?
"First we need to evaluate the test. Then we'll make sure the products are permanent solutions in our store concept before we can launch them widely. If the sales test is successful, we aim to offer the products more widely within a few months."
