Vape brand SKE has launched its first 15K big puff device, SKE BAR 15K, to the UK retail market, aiming to drive ‘record sales’ amid growing consumer demand for refillable products.
The new 15,000-puff device follows the success of SKE’s 6,000-puff model, SKE CL6000, which has sold over tens of millions of units globally.
SKE said the launch responds to a surge in sales of big puff devices across the UK, with an estimated 3 million units per week sold by the end of 2024 according to Material Focus, driven by convenience and lower overall cost compared to single-use devices.
The product category is expected to grow further with the disposable vape ban now in force.
The rechargeable 15k puff device features a 2ml pod and 10ml e-liquid container, and comes in 16 of SKE’s best known and best-selling 600-puff vape flavours.
It has the familiar SKE BAR look with a more handy touch, sleek design and transparent pods, so consumers can track e-liquid levels; and incorporates technology that ensures consistent flavour quality throughout use - addressing a common complaint about big puff devices.
It also includes a battery that lasts up to 48 hours on a single charge, and a smart display that make users feel more at ease when out and about for the day.
“The industry has undergone significant change to comply with new regulations, driving a big shift in product development,” Chris Dong, regional sales director at SKE, said.
“Our 15K device will provide a substantial boost to specialist, convenience, independent, forecourt and multiple retailers, as big puffs are proving popular among consumers by helping them transition from disposables and conventional cigarettes.
“By replicating flavours from our small-puff range, we’ve made the switchover even easier, and our new big puff device delivers a mouth-to-lung inhale that feels similar to cigarettes, creating a smoother quitting journey for smokers.”
The SKE BAR 15K puff device will retail at £12.99 (RRP), with a 12ml refill costing £7.99. By comparison, the average UK cigarette pack now costs between £13.30 and £16.60. A single 15K puff device is equivalent to roughly 1,000 cigarettes or 50 packs of 20 cigarettes, making it close to 40 times cheaper, the company noted.
The rechargeable design also reduces environmental impact, with one device lasting between 1.5 and 5 months depending on usage, and even longer for light users.