It’s been 12 months since menthol cigarettes disappeared from shelves across the UK and EU. The so-called menthol ban came into force on May 20 last year, the latest implementation of the EU’s TPD regulations, adopted in the UK under the TRPR directive. At the time, it was cited that the menthol tobacco market was worth between £1-2bn per year, in the UK alone. But where has that spend gone? Throughout May, the Dinner Lady Business Blog is going to take a look at the alternatives to menthol cigarettes, while reflecting on the ban and considering what next for menthol. Check back to read more. WHY WAS MENTHOL BANNED? The ban in the UK and EU was driven by an effort to prevent young people taking up smoking, and although dubbed the ‘menthol’ ban, was actually a ban on any cigarette with a ‘characterising flavour’ other than tobacco, and also included skinny cigarettes. There was a long-standing and incorrect belief that menthol cigarettes were better for health, but there’s little evidence to back this up. However, there is evidence that menthol cigarette smoke relaxes the airways, which in turn makes it easier for people to smoke – as well as the menthol masking any harsh throat hit from the nicotine. With this soothing and easing effect, people can smoke more cigarettes. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR FORMER MENTHOL SMOKERS? Anyone who was a menthol cigarette smoker with the mis-conceived belief it was healthier than regular tobacco already has the seedling of an idea of wanting to stop smoking – right? So, if that’s the case and they need help finding a proven less harmful alternative to cigarettes then menthol vapes could be a good starting point on their e-cig journey. Across the Dinner Lady range of premium menthol e-liquids we have seven different flavours. And the beauty of menthol e-liquid vapes is the variety within those ranges – from the fruity Blue Menthol or Cherry Menthol, to cool Fresh Menthol or the simple Spearmint. Menthol flavours have proven especially popular in our new disposable Vape Pen which is, of course, a simple solution for vape retailers as well as being a simple introduction to vape for consumers. While vaping is acknowledged as a less harmful alternative to smoking, it’s important to remember that giving up cigarettes and tobacco altogether is the best option. AMERICAN MENTHOL BAN At the end of April, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moved to ban mint-flavoured cigarettes – after much lobbying because of the negative health impact menthol cigarettes have on certain communities. Acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock said the ban could save lives and ‘address health disparities experience by communities of colour, low-income populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals, all of whom are far more likely to use these tobacco products’. In the US, menthol cigarettes account for more than a third of all cigarette purchases – which opens an opportunity for vape manufacturers and e-liquid companies in the US, especially for those who have been accepted into the PMTA process. Any decision on the ban and its implementation will take months, maybe years, giving plenty of time for US vape retailers to ensure they have the best menthol e-cigs and premium menthol e-liquids ranges in store. To find out more about buying Dinner Lady’s range of menthol e-liquids and menthol e-cigs wholesale, fill in the form below or drop an email to sales@vapedinnerlady.com.
