Origin: From ancient tobacco to modern smokeless pockets
1. The chewing tobacco tradition in Northern Europe
Storytelling should start from Northern Europe. In the 19th century, Swedish workers began chewing local tobacco (snus) - a wet tobacco product that was placed under the upper lip and not ignited - in order to stay awake in the cold. This method avoids open flames and smoke during smoking, and also allows for longer and smoother nicotine release.
2. Transition to 'smoke-free'
In the second half of the 20th century, public health movements emerged, and many people hoped to get rid of the tar and smoke in tobacco leaves. Pharmaceutical companies are attempting to develop nicotine alternatives such as chewing gum and patches, but still cannot meet the demand for "sociality" and "ceremony". So, the developers turned their attention back to the portability and concealment of Snus - this time, they wanted to remove the tobacco and leave behind nicotine and taste.
2、 Evolution: Product Innovation and Market Cultivation
1. Early water trials (2000-2015)
In the early 2000s, a few small European manufacturers launched the first batch of "nicotine pouches", which contained nicotine salts, plant fibers, and flavorings. Although the concept is novel, it has not been widely popularized due to its single taste and uneven nicotine release.
2. Large scale entry and formula upgrade (2015-2019)
Around 2015, large tobacco companies in Sweden, such as Swedish Match, improved their formulas by optimizing the pH value to make nicotine release smoother; Introduce a wood fiber substrate with better taste; And develop various flavors such as mint, fruit, coffee, etc. At the same time, they began communicating with regulatory agencies in Europe and North America to pave the way for legal listing.
3、 Explosive growth after 2020: Four major drivers 1. Tobacco regulation and public health pressure Multiple markets around the world tightened regulations on burning tobacco around 2020- raising taxes, banning smoking in public places, and upgrading packaging warnings. In contrast, nicotine packs are considered "harm reducing products" by some countries due to their "smoke-free" and "tar free" nature, and have received relatively relaxed regulation.
2. Health awareness and consumption upgrading
More and more consumers want to get rid of the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on their lungs and those around them, but they cannot do without nicotine. Nicotine pouch balances the need for "attempted smoking cessation" with the need for "social nicotine" - it has no smoke smell, no secondhand smoke, and is easier to carry.3. Channels and Capital Distribution of Large Companies
Major tobacco giants such as British American Tobacco BAT and Philip Morris PMI have invested in or launched their own brands (e.g. ZYN, VELO). They utilize their global distribution network and marketing budget to quickly spread their products to convenience stores, e-commerce, and social media.