Smokeless signals
As the new year approaches, many consumers are turning to reduced-risk tobacco alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches—as part of their efforts to cut down or quit smoking. ShelfLife reports
Print16 December 2025
As the New Year approaches, many adult smokers are reassessing their habits and exploring alternatives that offer greater control, convenience, and reduced risk compared with traditional tobacco. This shift is fuelling growing demand for products such as reusable vapes and nicotine pouches—categories that continue to expand as consumers seek more regulated and discreet options.
Reusable vapes remain a popular choice among adults aiming to cut down or transition away from combustible tobacco. Manufacturers in this sector increasingly emphasise rigorous testing, compliance, and responsible retailing to ensure products meet high standards and align with emerging regulations. This focus on quality and oversight reflects the changing expectations of adult consumers who want safer, better-governed alternatives.
Nicotine pouches, meanwhile, have rapidly become one of the most in-demand smoke-free options. Their discreet nature, controlled dosing, and wide range of flavours make them appealing to adults seeking flexibility without the need for devices or vapor. This rising interest signals a broader movement toward reduced-risk products that fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles.
These developments arrive at a pivotal moment in Ireland’s regulatory landscape. Following the publication of the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI)—representing over 3,300 independent vape retailers—has welcomed the proposed ban on disposable vapes. According to RVI, the measure will help address concerns around underage access and illicit cross-border trade from Northern Ireland, where disposables have already been prohibited.
Hale Vaping: Leading Ireland’s smoke-free future
Hale vape products
Hale range
Hale Vaping has spent more than a decade shaping Ireland’s reduced-risk nicotine landscape, growing to become the country’s No.1 vaping company and a trusted partner for retailers nationwide. Fully Irish-owned and operating since 2013, Hale is committed to providing high-quality, compliant products that support adult smokers seeking a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
With its facility based in Carlow, Hale manufactures its signature e-Liquids in a facility operating to I.S. EN ISO 9001:2015 standards. Initially developed in collaboration with Carlow I.T.’s chemistry department, all Hale liquids use only certified ingredients – Monopropylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine and pharmaceutical-grade nicotine -sourced from approved European suppliers and backed by full CoA and QA certification. This strong compliance foundation allows retailers to stock Hale products with confidence, knowing they meet the highest regulatory and quality benchmarks.
As Ireland prepares to phase out single-use disposable devices, consumer demand has already begun to shift toward reusable devices and more flavour diversity. Hale continues to innovate at pace and work with all its partners to offer high-performing alternatives, and supply consumer-ready educational materials to ensure continuity for adult smokers.
Hale was started with a clear mission: to provide an alternative for adults seeking to reduce the harm caused by cigarettes. However, it feels that the mission is under threat from misguided regulatory changes. With vaping taxation, licensing proposals, and broader policy debates underway, Hale continues to advocate for evidence-based regulation that protects both consumers and legitimate retailers. It has commissioned many reports to understand the impact of regulation on the consumer and industry. It knows that flavours play a key role for consumers who want to become smoke free. From a recent RedC poll this year flavours were used by over 75% vapers over tobacco. This is why choice must remain and engagement must take place.
“Innovation and responsibility sit at the centre of everything we do,” says managing director Simon Carroll. “Our mission is to support adults seeking a better alternative to smoking, while helping retailers navigate a rapidly changing category with confidence.”
VELO – Europe’s leading nicotine pouch brand**
Velo The Circuit Collection
VELO is designed for adult nicotine consumers seeking a superior alternative that combines convenience, sustainability, and quality. Originating from Scandinavia, VELO offers a modern way for Adult consumers to enjoy nicotine—completely free from tobacco and smoke*, and suitable for use anytime, anywhere.
The nicotine pouch category has experienced significant growth this year as consumers increasingly look for innovative alternatives. This trend presents a strong opportunity for retailers to drive incremental sales and expand their offering.
VELO’s continuously evolving portfolio features popular mint and fruit flavours, complemented by innovative taste and sensation experiences. With a wide range of nicotine strengths and pack sizes, VELO caters to both experienced users and newcomers to the category, ensuring there is an option for every preference.
*This product contains nicotine, an addictive substance. It should not be used by individuals who do not already consume nicotine.
**Based on VELO [estimated] volume share in measured retail in the following key nicotine pouch markets in Europe: Sweden, Denmark, UK, Poland and Switzerland, calculated as of June 2025
Reloadable flavours
Customers know they like their flavours, so with Vuse there is more to choose from with Velo’s easy-swap pods.
Velo has taken some of the most popular flavours among Disposable users and given them an upgrade.
Customers can choose from a range of different flavours in the intense range like Blueberry Ice, Blueberry Raspberry, Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Ice, Mint Ice, Blackcurrant Ice and Velo’s brand-new flavours – Lemon & Lime, Strawberry Kiwi, Double Apple, Peach Ice, Double Melon and Raspberry Ice.
Flavours are available in a nicotine strength of either 10mg or 20mg.
As Velo transitions to its Extra Intense Flavour range, you’ll notice that the 18mg and 12mg Vuse Pro pods in Chilled have already changed to 20mg and 10mg. Golden Tobacco is also in the process of changing.
More flavours, bolder taste, easy-swap pods and a more intense delivery.
Which means consumers get the experience of a disposable vape with all the benefits of a reusable device.
One more thing to note: the pods are compatible with Vuse Pro and Vuse GO Reload Devices.
All VUSE flavours are specially developed by its team of scientists and flavour experts and only ever contain food-grade flavourings.
This product contains nicotine and is addictive. You should not use this product if you do not already use nicotine.
For trade use only. Not to be left in sight of consumers.
UK 600puffs King has now landed in Ireland
SKE bar Lemon & Lime
SKE bar Sour Pineapple Ice
SKE bar Blueberry Raspberries
SKE was built on a promise—one of elegance, innovation, and the belief that every individual should have the chance to shine in their own way. The brand’s first flagship collection- SKE Crystal Bar has been the leading UK disposable market during the past three years, captured 70% of 600 puffs market share and hearts of millions of consumers, becoming a symbol of what they stand for, and today, they are ready to write the next chapter in Ireland.
The new SKE bar with refillable pods retailing at €5 for 2ml is ideal for retailers to counteract the recent duty additions to vape products as well as offering retailers and consumers a product future proofed for the ban on disposables in 2026.
SKE are building on an enviable record in the UK, where the brand has been the top selling disposable for the last three years, (Nielsens scan track & IRL data) This record has been maintained post the ban on disposables in the UK with 2ml products still commanding over 30% of overall vape sales. The duty addition in Ireland is likely to see a greater percentage of vapers to continue using 2ml compared to the UK.
Vapers now have the choice to reduce waste and extend product life at almost half the cost of current 2ml Disposables. This exciting new addition to the Vape category gives a much-needed boost to a retailer’s vape sales impacted by the recent addition of duty and fears around the transition away from disposables. Having a better choice of flavors in any store can only help smokers transition from cigarettes, whilst providing real incremental growth in sales for retailers.
The SKE BAR is a compact, low-maintenance device featuring a 500mAh all-day battery. It is designed for a discreet MTL (Mouth to Lung) experience and uses a 2ml pre-filled pod which can be easily switched from the bottom. The design has redefined the pod structure and maintained the taste of the original device.
Rooted in innovation, inspiration, self-expression, and diversity, SKE arrives as a reliable choice-combining UK-proven quality, rich flavor experience, and a commitment to responsible vaping.
Look forward to discovering why millions trust SKE, where innovation meets satisfaction, now right at your doorstep.
77 nicotine pouches
Represented in Ireland by Ampersand, 77 has rapidly become one of the most recognisable and fastest-growing nicotine pouch brands worldwide, celebrated for its bold flavour innovation and clean, modern design. The name 77 was chosen for its universal meaning. It reads the same in every country and every language, giving the brand an instantly global identity that resonates across markets.
Its success is driven by a portfolio shaped around consumer-led flavour development. Fresh Mint in its multiple strengths remains a flagship, offering a smooth, cooling profile that performs strongly across all markets. The expanding fruit collection has become a clear point of difference for the brand. Watermelon Ice, Arctic Berry and the increasingly popular Cola & Cherry bring vivid, layered flavour experiences that stand out on shelf and encourage both trial and repeat purchase.
77’s momentum was further reinforced when it won Best Nicotine Pouch Innovation 2024 at InterTabac, recognising the quality, consistency and creativity behind its range. The collaboration with Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas introduced Liquorice & Citrus and Arctic Berry under the VB Edition, adding premium, distinctive blends that broaden the brand’s appeal.
With a wide choice of strengths and flavour profiles, 77 continues to grow across Europe, the UK and international markets. Its global identity, strong brand recognition and flavour-first approach position it as a key player shaping the next phase of the modern oral nicotine category in Ireland and beyond.
Retailers interested in stocking the 77 range or seeking further information can contact info@ampersandsales.ie or call 01 4130100.
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