Vape brand Juul has recently joined forces with Bestway Wholesale in a strategic partnership aimed at expanding its distribution in the independent convenience channel. This collaboration will enable Juul to reach a wider audience and establish a stronger presence in the market. With the introduction of its core range, including the Starter Kit and five Juul Pod flavors, in 10 Bestway and Batleys tobacco rooms from 24th May, Juul is poised to make a significant impact in the independent convenience channel.

Expanding Reach and Accessibility

Juul's decision to partner with Bestway Wholesale aligns with the brand's commitment to making its products readily available to adult smokers through stores commonly frequented for tobacco purchases. By tapping into the independent retail sector, which accounts for 45% of tobacco sales but less than 10% of overall vape sales, Juul aims to bridge the gap and create a more balanced market. The potential for growth in this channel is immense, and it is estimated to be worth an additional £750 million per year by 2020 if convenience stores receive their fair share.

Supporting Independent Retailers

John Patterson, the sales director of Juul Labs UK, highlights the significance of independent retailers in the company's strategic vision. Juul's partnership with Bestway will empower these retailers to address the existing imbalance in the vaping category. By offering Juul's products, they can cater to the evolving preferences of adult smokers and contribute to Juul's mission of enhancing the lives of smokers who seek an alternative to traditional tobacco products.

Embracing New Opportunities

Bestway Wholesale, renowned for its expertise in the tobacco category, acknowledges the importance of exploring emerging markets and assisting retail customers in maximizing potential opportunities. While tobacco remains a key category for Bestway and Batleys depots, the company recognizes the growing significance of the vape category. Through their close collaboration with Juul, Bestway Wholesale ensures that the range is properly listed and that the age-verification Challenge 25 program is diligently implemented. This includes training staff to sign up retailers for the program at the till point in tobacco rooms and working closely with Juul Field Sales Teams to ensure compliance.

Reinforcing Bestway's Leadership

Bestway Wholesale's distinction as the first national wholesaler in the UK to stock Juul products further solidifies its leadership in new product development within the country's wholesale industry. By embracing the partnership with Juul, Bestway Wholesale demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of the market, offering its retail customers access to innovative and sought-after products.

Expansion to Selected Bestway and Batleys Depots

The initial phase of this collaboration will see the availability of Juul's core range in 10 Bestway and Batleys tobacco rooms. These locations include Abbey Road, Hackney, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Brighton, Team Valley, and Exeter, along with Batleys Leeds and Southampton. The strategic selection of these depots ensures that Juul's products are accessible to a diverse range of consumers across different regions.

Continued Growth in the Retail Sector

Juul's entry into the cash and carry channel with the Bestway deal marks a significant milestone in the brand's expansion strategy. This partnership not only allows Juul to tap into the immense potential of the independent convenience channel but also emphasizes the company's dedication to improving the lives of adult smokers through the availability of its innovative vaping products.

FAQs:

Q1: What is the significance of Juul's partnership with Bestway Wholesale?

A1: Juul's partnership with Bestway Wholesale enables the brand to expand its distribution in the independent convenience channel and reach a wider audience of adult smokers.

Q2: How will this partnership benefit independent retailers?

A2: The partnership empowers independent retailers to address the existing imbalance in the vaping category by offering Juul's products, catering to the evolving preferences of adult smokers.

Q3: Why is the cash and carry channel important for Juul's growth strategy?

A3: The cash and carry channel, specifically the independent convenience sector, represents a significant opportunity for Juul to increase its market share and reach more adult smokers.

Q4: What role does Bestway Wholesale play in this partnership?

A4: Bestway Wholesale, as the first national wholesaler in the UK to stock Juul, reinforces its leadership in new product development and provides retail customers with access to innovative vaping products.

Q5: Which locations will have access to Juul's core range?

A5: The initial phase of the partnership will bring Juul's core range to 10 Bestway and Batleys tobacco rooms, including depots in Abbey Road, Hackney, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Brighton, Team Valley, Exeter, Leeds, and Southampton.