Unlocking Customer Loyalty:

Exploring The Impact of Flavour 

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is derived from market research conducted within the Canadian vaping industry. It is intended solely for business-to-business (B2B) informational purposes. Readers are advised to consult with relevant legal and regulatory authorities for specific guidelines and compliance requirements pertaining to the vaping market in their respective jurisdictions. The authors and publishers do not assume any responsibility for actions taken, or not taken, based on the information presented herein. 

We all have our favourite colour, coffee preference, and even a favourite slushie flavour! It is not news that we all have different tastes and typically tend to stick to the things we like. Humans are creatures of habit which can be predictable and reliable. In this article, we will discuss a few factors that go into the customer's decision-making process and how it leads to vape flavour loyalty. 

Most Popular Flavours

Once you discover a flavour that you can vape all day without getting bored, you've found your favourite. In most cases, people typically enter a store already knowing what their preferred flavour is and even have their backup choices ready just in case. We've gathered historic sales *statistics to provide insight into how loyal customers are too specific flavours. The top three most popular flavours consistently maintain their positions, while flavours ranked four through eight can interchange and yield comparable results depending on the flavour combination. 

*The data provided is from historic sales data from 2023 

1) Blue Raspberry

This one comes as no surprise. Who doesn't enjoy blue raspberry? Among vape users, this flavour is preferred 90% of the time. Blue raspberry shines as the most popular flavour when enjoyed on its own. However, when other vape flavours are introduced, there is a tendency to lose some loyal customers.

2) Grape

Grape ranks as the second most popular flavour, following blue raspberry's lead in being enjoyed on its own. This beloved flavour earns its loyalty when it is simply grape, slightly ahead of variations like white grape or sour grape. No further explanation is necessary; people simply adore their grapes!

3) Mint

A classic flavour that attracts all vapers is plain mint. By far, it ranks as the third most popular flavour. It is important not to confuse mint with spearmint, as they highlight different flavour profiles. Be sure to confirm with your customers ahead of time.

4) Peach, Watermelon, Mango & Apple, Banana

In this order, these flavours are favourites WHEN mixed with other fruit flavours. Peaches surpass the other fruits taking 4th place, while watermelon mango, apple, and banana fall right behind it. All these fruity flavours are filled with sweet fresh flavouring making them all irresistible. These 5 fruits also gain massive popularity when mixed with other fruits like juicy peach-mango.

With this list, you can accurately anticipate what your customers may request, allowing you to be prepared. The top three most cherished flavours remain the best sellers and maintain consistency regardless of being a pre-filled vaping device or e-liquid. This roster of top performers illustrates how flavour significantly influences the vaping experience and determines customer loyalty to a particular flavour. 

Traditional Flavours

There is a word that defines the concept of never going out of style, and that's "classic". Classics endure over time and are popular no matter what. They serve as a dependable foundation that people trust and can even act as a palate cleanser to keep things feeling fresh. 

The "classic" vape flavour profiles include tobacco, mint, and flavourless. These three profiles continue to be in demand among customers for distinct reasons: 

• They are an excellent choice for those transitioning from smoking cigarettes. 
• They are perfect for use as mixers to moderate the intensity of other e-liquids. 
• They can be vaped consistently throughout the day without overwhelming the senses. 

While flavourless and tobacco consistently rank among the top sellers, they still hold significant appeal for those seeking a more subtle vaping experience. Customers frequently request these profiles, highlighting the importance for stores to offer classic, hassle-free options. 

Vape loyalty takes many forms, and traditional flavours are a key aspect of it. With unparalleled consistency, tobacco, mint, and flavourless varieties remain the foundation of vape profiles, paving the way for the future of vaping experiences.

Flavour Replicas and Limited Editions

If there is one thing that increases hype and sales, it is limited editions. This goes for crazy new flavours or custom colours. Vapers are constantly on the lookout for new products to try and experience new flavours. 

Interesting flavours are a huge attraction to customers but replicating a real food or drink item is accompanied by compliance requirements related to promoting and naming that flavour. Pacific Smoke International creates wonderful flavours that are made to replicate things we love and enjoy like candy.  

To comply with regulations so your customers can enjoy your favourite flavours in vape form, we have to rename the flavour! You might have heard of a few of these, but did you know the exact flavour it's based off of? 

• Level X Drip'n Pod flavour ‘’Electric Fruit Blast’’ is Sour Rainbow Candy. 
• Flavour Beast Beast Mode ‘’Slammin' STS Iced’’ is Sour Patch Kids Candy. 
• Flavour Beast Beast Mode ‘’VC Delight’’ is Vanilla Custard. 
• Drip'n by Envi MVP 7K Series ‘’Lemon Delight’’ is Lemon Custard Tart. 
• Flavour Beast Flow ‘’Flippin' Fruit Flash (Rainbow Burst)’’ is Skittles Candy. 
• Kraze 5000 ‘’Red Lightning is Redbull. 
• Allo 2500 ‘’Froot B is Gummy Bears. 

All these delicious flavours were inspired by popular candies, drinks, and desserts. We have brought them to life so your customers can savour them every day (without the calories!).

These mouthwatering treats are beloved amongst many people with that sweet kick! When these flavours are replicated to become sugary vape flavours, they instantly gain popularity for their similar taste to the original candy, drink, or dessert.  

Food preference is the same as vape flavour preference. Customers learn what they like and continue to enjoy their favourite flavours all day long.  

To learn more about compliance regulations, check out: What You Need to Know About Compliant Vaping Products (pacificsmoke.com)

Stocking Your Shelves with Top-Selling Flavours

The power of providing options is a fundamental principle to follow when stocking shelves. It is widely acknowledged that when a customer enters a store, they form an opinion within the first few seconds, influenced by factors such as: 

• Store layout 
• Product prominence 
• Staff acknowledgment 
• Store aesthetic 

The customer's experience determines whether a sale is made or lost, and having well-stocked shelves with a variety of choices serves as a positive indicator for them. This demonstrates that customers can trust not only that you will consistently have inventory available but also that there is a high likelihood of finding what they are seeking. As mentioned earlier, vapers are constantly seeking new experiences, so it is refreshing to be introduced to something different or trendy. While flavour undoubtedly impacts every vaping experience, where customers acquire that flavour also needs to be considered. Creating a seamless, comprehensive in-store or online experience fosters trust and cultivates lasting loyalty. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the influence of flavour on the Canadian vaping market is significant and indispensable. It serves as a unifying force, offering a diverse range of vaping experiences to suit every individual's taste and preferences.

The topics we have explored highlight the complexity of the customer decision-making process and its direct correlation to vape flavour loyalty. By gaining insight into these dynamics, businesses can predict vaping trends more accurately and develop a deeper understanding of their customers' preferences and behaviors. 

If you would like to get your hands on Canada’s top-selling flavours and vaping products, sign up and become a partner today: Vape Wholesale Canada, E-Cig & E-Juice Wholesale Distributor | Vape & E-Juice Wholesale Supplier (pacificsmoke.com)