The Russian market for hookah products and tobacco items is experiencing a significant rise, with an annual growth rate of 5–7% in recent years. In 2023, analysts estimated the Russian tobacco and hookah accessories market to have exceeded 30 billion rubles. Amidst this growing demand for premium and innovative products, a new player has emerged — DUUL, a premium-quality hookah mix enriched with CBD. This unique product will be available in leading tobacco shops, as well as in restaurants, bars, and hookah lounges across Russia. My Big Love Bar, owned by renowned businessman Anatoly Smorgonsky, will be the first venue to introduce DUUL to its customers, setting the stage for a revolutionary experience.
DUUL: Unique Features and Product Benefits
DUUL is crafted for discerning consumers seeking more than just a typical hookah experience. It combines top-quality tobacco leaves, distinctive flavors, and premium cannabidiol (CBD) for a gentle relaxation and anti-stress effect. Unlike traditional hookah mixes, DUUL offers unique qualities that make it highly appealing:
- Unique Relaxation Effect: The CBD in DUUL provides a soft relaxation effect that many hookah lovers will appreciate.
- High-Quality Ingredients: DUUL is crafted with premium components and natural flavorings, delivering a deep, rich taste.
- Natural and Eco-Friendly: DUUL is promoted as a product without artificial additives, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly, high-quality products.
DUUL’s founder, Andrey Pangaev, shares his vision for the product:
“DUUL is not just a hookah mix; it’s an entirely new level of enjoyment for those who value quality relaxation. We’ve combined premium ingredients with natural CBD to create a mix that will surprise everyone who tries it. It’s not only the taste but also a special sense of relaxation and harmony.”
Trends and Market Prospects for Hookah Products
According to recent reports, the Russian hookah market is expected to grow by an average of 8–10% annually by 2025. Demand for premium hookah mixes like DUUL is rising due to trends favoring eco-friendly, high-quality, and safe products. Furthermore, the addition of CBD makes DUUL a unique offering that has already gained popularity in countries like the U.S., Canada, and across Europe.
Experts emphasize that the Russian market is ready for a new product: studies show that 65% of hookah consumers in Russia are willing to try innovative mixes and are interested in natural additives, including CBD. This makes DUUL a promising player capable of occupying a unique niche alongside traditional tobacco brands.
Market Entry Strategy and Future Plans
DUUL’s launch on the Russian market is supported by iVenturer Foundation, which sees significant potential in the product. Aleksey Olin from iVenturer Foundation shared their ambitious plans:
“DUUL has already established itself as a product with high demand in the innovative hookah mix market. We’re confident that with our marketing approach and product scaling across Russia, DUUL will become a leader in its category. We have ambitious plans and are already seeing considerable interest from distributors and hookah establishments.”
This support from the foundation allows DUUL to significantly expand production and establish a strong distribution network. Plans include large-scale product promotion not only in tobacco stores and specialized hookah lounges but also in premium cafes and restaurants to reach a broader audience.
Partnership with My Big Love Bar — First Steps to Success
The first venue to offer DUUL to its guests will be My Big Love Bar, managed by Anatoly Smorgonsky. Known for its openness to innovation and high standards of quality, the decision to become DUUL’s first partner was clear for them. Anatoly Smorgonsky explains his choice:
“We always strive to offer our clients something special that sets us apart from other establishments. DUUL is not just a blend; it’s a whole concept of a unique experience. We are confident that our choice is justified, and our guests will appreciate this premium product.”
My Big Love Bar will serve as a test platform for this new CBD hookah mix, and the project’s success in this venue is expected to help DUUL reach a wider audience nationwide.
Conclusion
DUUL’s entry into the Russian market is not just a new product launch but the opening of an entirely new segment in the industry. DUUL is expected to become a leader among premium hookah mixes, attracting attention from enthusiasts of quality and innovation. With the increasing demand for natural and safe products, DUUL offers a new experience that has already gained popularity in Western markets.
The company’s ambitious plans include expanding its presence in major Russian cities and eventually into CIS countries. The combination of premium ingredients and a unique relaxation effect makes DUUL a highly sought-after product among a wide range of consumers.