August 22, 2024 | Industry News
Arnaud Piorkowski, Managing Director MEA & Global Travel Retail, ANDS
Middle East-based ANDS – a specialist in alternative nicotine delivery systems – is committed to making the most reliable products and technologically advanced alternatives accessible to one billion adult smokers in the Middle East, Africa and the world. The company’s Managing Director MEA & Global Travel Retail, Arnaud Piorkowski, details the brand’s progress and plans.
Global Travel Retail Magazine: Following ANDS’ recent expansion into new markets, what strategies are you pursuing to meet the different consumer needs in different regions? Do you see any major differences between regions?
Arnaud Piorkowski: Based on market insights, we tailor our product offering. This may include adjusting flavor profiles and product formats to suit local tastes and requirements. Navigating the regulatory landscape is critical. We work closely with local authorities to ensure our products meet all regional regulations and standards, from labeling to advertising.
Yes, there are notable differences between regions. For example, taste preferences can vary considerably. Some regions prefer strong, traditional flavors, while others prefer lighter, fruitier options. Economic factors also play a role and influence price sensitivity and purchasing power.
GTR Magazine: ANDS places a strong emphasis on innovation in its product line. Could you explain the research and development process? How do you balance innovation with consumer safety and regulatory compliance?
Piorkowski: Let’s first look at research and development. At ANDS, innovation is driven by a robust research and development (R&D) process. Our multidisciplinary team of experts in chemistry, engineering and consumer behavior focuses on identifying consumer needs and market trends. We follow a structured innovation pipeline that includes ideation, feasibility studies, prototype development, pilot production and serial production.
Balancing innovation, consumer safety and regulatory compliance plays a key role in our strategy. Ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance is a top priority in our innovation process. We achieve this balance through rigorous testing, extensive safety, quality and performance testing, working with global regulators, incorporating user feedback and working with third-party auditors to verify standards.
ANDS has a strong focus on travel retail, which the company claims is the one-stop shop for alternative nicotine products.
GTR Magazine: What are ANDS’s long-term goals in travel retail? Are there any new markets or product categories you’re looking to enter?
Piorkowski: ANDS has a clear strong focus on travel retail, where we claim to be the one-stop shop for alternative nicotine. We are proud members of TFWA and MEADFA and are building the future of the industry with operators in the face of growing consumer demand.
We aim to strengthen our presence in existing markets and enter new geographic areas where travel retail is growing. This includes further expansion into our focus markets of Europe, Africa and Latin America.
We also want to introduce new product categories that reflect evolving consumer preferences and trends. This includes products with innovative formats that improve convenience and user experience. In response to customer demand in certain segments, we have just launched a range of products in no nicotine and 50mg and will also be launching pouch products shortly.
GTR Magazine: What challenges does ANDS face with regard to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and how do you address them to ensure alignment with your core values?
Piorkowski: The e-cigarette and vaping industry faces significant challenges, particularly with regard to youth vaping and environmental impacts. Addressing these issues is critical to maintaining our commitment to CSR.
Preventing the use of our products by minors is our top priority. We implement strict age verification and advocate for clear regulations. Another major challenge is reducing our environmental footprint by focusing on sustainable practices in manufacturing and the product lifecycle. Ensuring sustainable and ethical sourcing of materials is crucial, as is building trust and positive relationships with the communities in which we operate.
ANDS is committed to energy efficient production, the use of recyclable materials and the minimization of waste. We promote responsible handling with clear labeling and support waste elimination programs. We implement strict supplier guidelines and conduct regular audits. Participation in educational programs, sponsorships and volunteering help us build stronger ties with the community.
By addressing these challenges, ANDS ensures that our R&D and CSR efforts are consistent with our core values and make a positive contribution to society and the environment.
ANDS aims to introduce new product categories that meet evolving consumer preferences and trends
GTR Magazine: How does ANDS engage and educate consumers about the benefits of your products, especially in travel retail? Can you give us insights into how you receive customer feedback and how it influences your product development and marketing strategies?
Piorkowski: We engage and educate consumers through visual representations and trained brand ambassadors who can provide detailed product information. We also use social media platforms to provide informative content to our customers.
We actively seek and analyze feedback from our customers through social media and their direct interactions with our brand ambassadors. This feedback helps us continuously improve our products and strategies to better meet our customers’ needs.
GTR Magazine: According to ANDS, which trends will change the duty-free market in the coming years?
Piorkowski: We expect innovations in e-cigarette technology, such as more efficient batteries, improved e-liquid formulations and expanded flavor options, along with exclusive or limited edition e-cigarette products that are not available in regular retail stores.
We are also looking at newly launched categories that are becoming increasingly popular with adult smokers, such as oral tobacco products and nicotine pouches. These are attracting a lot of attention from adult smokers and also travel retailers. And we are working with our manufacturing partners to offer these products as part of our portfolio in domestic markets and travel retail.
We aim to strengthen our presence in existing markets and enter new geographic areas where travel retail is growing. This includes further expansion into our focus markets of Europe, Africa and Latin America.
We also want to introduce new product categories that reflect evolving consumer preferences and trends. This includes products with innovative formats that improve convenience and user experience. In response to customer demand in certain segments, we have just launched a range of products in no nicotine and 50mg and will also be launching pouch products shortly.
REGION Gulf Africa
