What We Learned in Valencia

So here’s what happened in Valencia: Pouches, People, and a Public Ready for Change

From June 27th to 29th, Considerate Pouchers hosted a booth at Pouchex —one of Spain’s leading consumer expos— and the results were nothing short of electrifying. Over 20 on-camera testimonials. Hundreds of face-to-face conversations. And more than 500 Spanish consumers who signed up to support our mission.

What did we hear, again and again?

“Pouches helped me quit smoking”.

“I don’t want to go back to cigarettes”.

“Don’t let them ban what works”.

Real people. Real stories.

And you know what? Not a single person said: “You know what would make this better? If the government took away the flavors and made it harder to access”.

I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Spain trying to regulate pouches right now?”

Yes. And by regulate, they mean ban — capping nicotine at 0.99 mg, banning flavors, and ignoring not just science, but the people who matter most: consumers who have quit smoking.

Meanwhile, in Valencia, we met dozens of former smokers who switched thanks to mint, fruit, and other non-tobacco flavors. We heard from parents, professionals, gym-goers, and yes — even doctors — who praised the discretion, cleanliness, and effectiveness of nicotine pouches.

Let’s be honest: the public is ahead of the politicians.

Spain’s regulators might be stuck in the past, but its citizens are ready for a healthier, smoke-free future. What they don’t need is a prohibitionist relapse disguised as public health policy.

We don’t need more restrictions. We need smarter ones. Age verification? Of course. Ingredient standards? Absolutely. But flavor bans and nicotine caps that push people back to smoking?

That’s not public health. That’s surrender.Valencia made one thing clear: when you ask real people what works, they don’t ask for a crackdown. They ask for facts, and better alternatives.