7.6 Million Smokers in Great Britain: A 5% Drop in Smoking Rates Revealed by ONS

Discover the latest insights on smoking habits in Great Britain (GB), as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2020, British smoking rates experienced a notable decline, dropping from 15.8% in 2019 to 14.5% last year. This reduction signifies that there are now approximately 7.6 million smokers in the country, a stark contrast to the peak of 27 million smokers four decades ago. The government’s ambition for a ‘Smokefree Britain’ by 2030 seems to be within reach, as the end of smoking appears to be on the horizon according to an ONS spokesperson.

Male and Female Smoking Rates: A Divergent Path

While the overall male smoking rate has decreased from 17.9% to 15.3%, the situation for women is not as encouraging. For women aged 35 to 49, the rate has risen from 14.3% to 15.1%. Similarly, those aged 50 to 59 have seen an increase from 14.6% to 16.1%, and for women over 60, the rate has edged up from 8.7% to 9.1%.

The Rise of Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Tool

The number of ex-smokers who have turned to vaping has increased from 11.7% to 12.3%. This shift towards vaping as a method to quit smoking is propelling the e-cigarette market to new heights. According to GT reports, the vape sector in the UK has now grown to a value of £1.2 billion. A significant portion of these sales, 44%, are taking place through the grocery sector rather than specialist vendors.

The Impact of the Flavoured Tobacco Ban

Duncan Cunningham, the UK Corporate Affairs Director, attributes part of the increase in vape sales to the ban on flavoured tobacco products. He notes, “Some consumers have been looking to vaping to fulfil their flavour needs,” with the Menthol Intense Liquidpod being the best-selling variant in the myblu range. Cunningham describes the pod sector as an incredibly fast-moving category.

The Booming Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouch Sector

A brand manager for MOKI Group has also highlighted the booming tobacco-free nicotine pouch sector, which continues to grow with no signs of slowing down. Existing adult smokers and vapers are not seeking a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, there is a clear demand for convenience and a variety of products to suit different occasions.

Market Share and Growth in the Vape Industry

The UK sales director at MOKI revealed the following trade statistics:

• Closed vape systems hold a dominant sales share of 52.4% in multiples.
• Open systems command a market share of nearly 28.7%.
• Year on year, closed pods have seen a 36.7% growth in sales.
• MOKI has witnessed a growth of 49.8%.

E-liquid Sector Shifts Towards Fruit Flavours

Sakira, Sales Director at MOKI UK, has observed changes in the e-liquid sector, stating, “Fruit flavours have increased significantly in popularity since the menthol ban. While tobacco and menthol vape products are still well-sold, in many key retailers they are no longer in the top 3.”

In conclusion, the smoking rates in Great Britain are on a steady decline, with the vaping market booming and offering alternatives to traditional smoking. The ban on flavoured tobacco products and the shift towards tobacco-free nicotine pouches indicate a changing landscape in the smoking and vaping habits of the British population.