WHSmith Appoints Gamucci as Electronic Cigarettes' Category Leader

LONDON, August 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Gamucci has been appointed category leader by WHSmith as part of the UK retailer's plans to expand its range of electronic cigarettes. The partnership will see a gradual roll-out of Gamucci's products in 600 High Street stores from 5^th August 2013.

WHSmith will display electronic cigarettes through Gamucci branded fixtures, either as part of the tobacco merchandising units or on branded Display Units which will appear adjacent to its existing unbranded tobacco fixtures.

According to Nielsen, the independent consumer research company, Gamucci is now the fastest growing participant in the UK electronic cigarettes category, with year-on-year growth of over 2000%.

John Dunne, Head of UK Sales, Gamucci, said: "We are delighted to have secured this partnership with WHSmith. As electronic cigarettes move from niche to mass market category, we think the quality and consistency of our products will become increasingly important to retailers and consumers alike."

NOTES TO EDITORS

Wholly-owned by British entrepreneurs Taz and Umer Sheikh, Gamucci is a major player in the electronic cigarette sector worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK with warehouse and distribution facilities in Newbury, Berkshire, Gamucci has its wholly-owned manufacturing unit in Shenzhen, China; its global sales office and back office operations in Bangalore, India; logistic centres in Europe, Asia and the USA and sales organisations in London, Ireland and Miami, Florida. The Gamucci Group is a pioneer in the development of electronic cigarettes, and introduced the first major brand to the European market in 2007. Its products are now sold in 25 countries worldwide.

Gamucci has recently been awarded the sole UK patent for its unique cartomizer technology, which includes the integrated electronic cigarette and refill.

The business currently employs some 400 staff worldwide. The majority are based in Shenzhen, China and in Bangalore, India.

Gamucci is the only electronic cigarette company in the UK to own its own factory, thereby ensuring end-to-end control of the supply chain and product integrity. Other companies in the category outsource product manufacturing to third parties.