Reynolds Vapor Co.’s Vuse e-cigarette is experiencing a slight decline in its market share, according to the latest Nielsen convenience store report. Vuse’s market share dipped from 42.3% to 41.9% in the four-week period ending June 17, while its closest competitor, Juul, saw a decline from 25.6% to 25.4%. However, it is worth noting that the Nielsen analysis primarily covers big chains, and for smaller chains, trends are extrapolated.
Market share gains for Vuse and Juul have been hampered by smaller e-cigarette manufacturers chipping away at their shares. The overall e-cigarette category has also seen a decline of 4.8%. Additionally, consumer demand for tobacco products has been fluctuating due to inflation and rising traditional cigarette prices. This has impacted the overall volumes and sales in the tobacco industry.
In terms of traditional cigarettes, Philip Morris emerged as the top player with a market share of 51%, while Marlboro accounted for 45.7% of the overall market share. Reynolds’ market share remained steady at 33.3%, and Newport’s market share dropped slightly from 12.9% to 12.8%. Camel, Natural American Spirit, and Pall Mall maintained their respective positions.
The recent ban on menthol cigarettes in California, which accounts for about 8% of the national marketplace, has put further pressure on the tobacco industry. Despite these challenges, Reynolds has increased its list price four times this year, resulting in higher prices for wholesalers and ultimately customers at retail.
Overall, the e-cigarette market is experiencing a slowdown in market share gains for Vuse and Juul, while traditional cigarette sales are facing pressures from various factors. The industry is navigating through a changing landscape as consumer preferences and regulatory actions continue to influence market dynamics.
