JUUL Labs UK has signed up its first major retail forecourt partnership in the convenience channel with the announcement that the UK’s leading forecourt operator Motor Fuel Group (MFG) went live with its range of products on 8 March 2019.
Since its launch into the UK in July last year, JUUL has seen phenomenal growth in the specialist vape retail sector and now has ambitious plans to roll out into the convenience channel.
The deal will initially see almost 500 MFG sites stock the core JUUL range with other stores in their 900 plus estate coming on-board after the initial launch. The range consists of the JUUL Starter pack (JUUL device, USB charger and four flavoured JUULpods) and five flavoured JUULpods refills (Golden Tobacco, Glacier Mint, Mango Nectar, Royal Creme and Apple Orchard).
John Patterson, Sales Director of JUUL Labs UK says: “We are delighted to be working with MFG to introduce the JUUL range to convenience customers.
“At JUUL, our mission is to improve the lives of the world’s one billion adult smokers by providing them with a credible and satisfying alternative to tobacco. In the US, JUUL is the market leader in the vape category with over 75% market share in convenience stores. Adult smokers expect to see alternatives to smoking in the stores where they have traditionally purchased their tobacco products and that’s why convenience is such a major strategic focus for us.”
Paul Dennis, Retail Director at MFG comments: “At MFG, we are always looking at ways to stay ahead of the curve and being first to market with new products is one of the ways we can add value and differentiate our stores from other forecourt sites.
“I believe the opportunity for the UK vaping channel is huge and improving and enhancing customer choice in the tobacco alternative category is a priority. We are delighted to be the first major convenience forecourt operator for JUUL and look forward to working with them on their mission.”
Patterson concludes: “Part of rolling out to a broader range of retailers and new channels means that we have to reinforce our key policies and practises around age-gating. Retailers should remember that vaping products – both devices and refills – are age-restricted products and JUUL enforces a strict youth prevention policy. “Challenge 25” is a prerequisite for any retailer we partner with and we police this regularly with independent mystery shoppers, while imposing sanctions on non-compliant retailers. As we strive to improve the lives of the UK’s 7.4 million adult smokers, it is important that all our partners, big and small, value our mission and also act responsibly.”
Comments are closed.