Zimbabwe is well-known for its buoyant tobacco farming industry. This 2024 season alone, the country is expected to harvest230 million kg of tobacco(up from 211 million kg last season) and with over 170,000 Zimbabwean people working in the industry, it is a cornerstone of revenue for the country. Indeed, Zimbabwe is the largest tobacco producer in Africa, and perhaps that is the reason so many people in the country still smoke cigarettes, withnearly 1.5 million adult smokers.
In fact, smoking in the country is considered an epidemic. There are no restrictions on smoking in public places, indoor offices, restaurants, pubs and bars. Smoking is only banned on public transport.
However, nowadays the world is firmly connected, and trends tend to move quickly. In terms of smoking alternatives, Africa has seen a significant rise of smokeless nicotine products, which, during the past few years has moved into Zimbabwe, aided by online stores selling a wide variety of quality products. Furthermore, with such a high death rate associated with smoking in Zimbabwe (11.5% of men, 4.3% of women), combined with greater emphasis on education, people are slowly moving away from traditional cigarettes in favour of products believed to be healthier choices, such as nicotine pouches.
What Are Nicotine Pouches and Why Are They Popular?
Nicotine pouches first appeared on the market in 2008 in Sweden, under the brand name Zonnic.
Sweden is one of the biggest manufacturers and exporters of Swedish Snus – similar to nicotine pouches and the inspiration behind the smokeless product, the key difference between snus and nicotine pouches being the tobacco content. There is no tobacco content in nicotine pouches whereas snus contains tobacco. The other difference is that nicotine pouches come in a wide breadth of different flavours, and different nicotine strengths.
Nicotine pouches resemble small sachets that contain a blend of plant-based fibres, water, sweeteners, nicotine and flavourings.
The user places the pouch in the mouth (either between the cheek and the gum or behind the top lip). Within a few moments, the nicotine and flavourings begin to release into the mouth, creating a pleasant sensation and a “hit” of nicotine. Depending on the brand and strength of nicotine, the sensation can last up to 2 hours.
It’s important to note the tobacco-free element, as tobacco is the most dangerous ingredient in cigarettes as once combusted, it releases thousands of chemicals into the body, of which 250 are known carcinogens.
Nicotine pouches have enjoyed tremendous growth over the past ten years.
They are particularly popular in Europe, the USA and parts of Asia. Currently, the category is worth $3011.4 million, expected to grow at a CAGR of 34% up to 2030. Some countries have yet to regulate the product (e.g., Germany and Zimbabwe), whereas others recognise its significance as a smoking cessation product as well as for recreational use (currently being researched in the United Kingdom andsome approved in the USAfor example).
Part of their popularity is their discrete nature, the ability to use them anywhere at any time (as they are not banned in most countries) and the flavour profile, offering something for every palate.
Furthermore, as they are perceived as healthier, are widely marketed through social media campaigns and they’re notably cheaper than cigarettes, more and more Zimbabweans are choosing them over traditional smoking products. One of the major online retailersSnus.onlineknown for providing top quality nicotine pouches and servicing Africa cites Zimbabwe as its fastest-growing market. With regular surveys on its users, young Zimbabweans particularly are favouring smokeless nicotine pouches over traditional cigarettes.
The Health Benefits of Nicotine Pouches: A Safer Choice for Nicotine Consumers
It is worth examining some of the health benefits of nicotine pouches, particularly based on Snus.onlines surveys of its Zimbabwean customers who perceive these smokeless products as safer.
The key message here is that cigarettes cause cancer and affect mortality, nicotine pouches are non-carcinogenic and to date, no deaths have been recorded, making these a safer alternative that Zimbabweans are embracing.
Source: Iharare
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