Snus, a form of smokeless tobacco that originated in Sweden, is gradually making its way into the Latin American market. However, it’s essential to differentiate between traditional tobacco snus and modern nicotine pouches, as the two products cater to different preferences and needs.
Understanding the Differences: Tobacco Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches
Tobacco Snus: This product consists of finely ground tobacco, which users place under their upper lip. It delivers nicotine through the mucous membranes in the mouth, providing a steady and long-lasting release. Traditional snus is popular in Scandinavian countries and has been used for centuries.
Nicotine Pouches: Unlike tobacco snus, nicotine pouches are tobacco-free. They contain nicotine derived from tobacco but use a plant fiber base. This makes them a cleaner option, free from the mess and staining associated with traditional snus. Nicotine pouches have gained popularity for their discreet use and variety of flavors.
Current Landscape of Snus in Latin America
Nicotine pouches as well as snus in Latin America, including major countries like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, is relatively unknown. The primary reason for the obscurity of snus in Latin America may be the low price of cigarettes in the region. This has traditionally kept alternative nicotine products at bay. However, as the cost of smoking rises due to increased taxation and regulatory measures, there is a growing interest in smokeless alternatives.
Smoking Rates and Public Health
The smoking rate in Latin American countries like Chile and Argentina highlights the need for alternatives. A high smoking rate comes with several issues, many of which may not be present if users switched to snus in Latin America. For instance, in Chile, almost 40% of the population smokes, while in Argentina, the rate is 22.5%, according to the think tank Tobacco Tactics. These high smoking rates contribute significantly to public health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and cancer. In contrast, smoking rates in Western Europe are lower, with major nicotine pouch and snus consuming countries like Finland and Sweden boasting rates of less than 10%, according to the European Commission.
Public issues caused by a high smoking rate include health issues caused by smoking itself, as well as issues of second hand smoke. In addition, smoking creates a vast amount of litter which impacts the cleanliness of cities and public spaces.
The Rise of Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are poised to become particularly popular along with snus in Latin America. They offer a convenient and discreet way to consume nicotine without the health risks associated with smoking. With the rising prices of cigarettes, consumers are starting to look for more cost-effective and less harmful options. Additionally, the variety of flavors and the discreet use of nicotine pouches appeal to a broader audience, including younger consumers and those seeking to quit smoking.
European Retailers & Snus in Latin america
At the moment, consumers located in the southern part of the American continent are likely to struggle when trying to purchase snus in Latin America. It is likely that as the product is not very well known, even specialized tobacco shops in major cities would not stock them. Thus, European eCommerce retailers like Nicoprof.com are at the forefront of introducing these smokeless alternatives to the Latin American market. Nicoprof.com, known for its bestselling nicotine pouches, is making significant strides in accessibility and affordability. With a delivery fee of just 10 EUR and super-low prices on nicotine pouches, they have made these products more accessible to customers in Latin America.
Nicoprof.com’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable nicotine pouches is helping to pave the way for broader acceptance and use of these products. As awareness grows and consumers seek out healthier alternatives to smoking, the popularity of nicotine pouches is expected to rise significantly.
Conclusion
While traditional tobacco snus and nicotine pouches are still relatively new to the Latin American market, the conditions are ripe for their growth. With rising cigarette prices and increasing health awareness, smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches are likely to gain traction. European retailers, by making these products affordable and accessible, are playing a crucial role in this emerging trend. As the market evolves and consumers seek out healthier options, it is only a matter of time before nicotine pouches become a common sight across Latin America, contributing to improved public health outcomes and reduced smoking rates.