 |
| [PHOTO: Fried Dough/Flickr/CC BY 2.0] |
New York: Time to start making those New Year's resolutions, and if
you're a smoker it's probably crossed your mind that 2013 should be the year
you kick the habit. There are plenty of smoking cessation products on hand to
help Americans quit smoking and according to a new report from Mintel on
smoking cessation aids, people are expected to use them.
Sales of smoking
cessation products are projected to increase 3% from 2011-12, reaching $1
billion and they are expected to continue growth through 2017 reaching $1.2
billion in sales.
Emily Krol, health and wellness analyst at Mintel, said, "As more Americans put out their cigarettes, the market
for smoking cessation products is expected to grow, despite challenging
economic circumstances. However, smoking cessation brands face certain
challenges. A declining number of smokers, as well as increased smoking bans
and taxes on cigarettes are shrinking the market of potential users. Growth
opportunities for this market will be found in product innovation and line
extensions."
While most people know the dangers of smoking, the addiction
to nicotine isn't the only reason it's hard to drop the habit. Sixty percent of
Americans who currently smoke or have previously quit, say "it's hard to
motivate myself to quit, because I enjoy it"; however, 60% say
"health warnings about smoking scare me." Nevertheless, nearly half
(48%) feel strongly that they would be able to quit smoking at any time.
Moreover, among those Americans who have previously quit or
are interested in quitting, more than four in 10 (41%) say gaining weight is
their biggest challenge to quitting smoking. Of those concerned with weight
gain, 54% are women versus 31% men.
"To help with this challenge, smoking cessation brands
can proactively provide healthy solutions and tips to help consumers feel more
confident in their ability to quit smoking and keep their weight where they
want it," Emily Krol continues.
Of the anti-smoking products currently available, 41% of
those interested in quitting say they are interested in trying OTC nicotine
sprays, and 41% a prescription nicotine inhaler. Forty percent would go for OTC
nicotine replacement lozenges and 38% are interested in nicotine-free
cigarettes.
Of non-nicotine replacement based methods, 35% are
interested in trying hypnosis, 34% acupuncture and some 37% would be interested
in individual therapy or a support group specific for smoking. And, in this day
and age...there's an app for that. Thirty percent of people are willing to try
a quit smoking app on their smartphone or tablet.
While there is an endless supply of smoking cessation
options already available ranging from patches to lozenges, it seems consumers
have some ideas of their own for different formats to help curb the craving. Of
those who have previously quit smoking or are interested in quitting, almost
half (48%) would be interested in a nutrition bar or a drink that could help
them quit smoking and 46% would like a lollipop with low amounts of nicotine.
When trying different products, it's very important to 61%
of Americans who have previously quit or are interested in quitting that they
aren't left with a craving, and 59% say they don't want it to be expensive.
Meanwhile, 56% say they want a product that's easy to understand and 54% think
it's very important it doesn't leave a bad taste in their mouth. When it comes
to support systems, one in five (25%) say it's very important to have an in-person
support system or coach.