It's January, and boom time for suppliers of smoking cessation aids. Almost half of all smokers in the UK have made some attempt to quit smoking over the previous year, but that figure is almost certainly boosted in the new year, with the 'New Year, new you' attitude prevailing upon every aspect of lifestyle.
Smoking cessation patches and gums dominate the UK market, each accounting for 44% of the total market. Many smokers, however, choose to go cold turkey, supported only by chewing gum and a growing propensity to snack.
In Spain confectionery producer Chupa Chups has introduced a novel alternative. The company has launched Mini Chupa Chups lollipops, packaged in a carton similar to a cigarette packet and designed to help smokers quit the habit. The packs feature a stark black and white health warning similar to those now seen on cigarette packs, but the messages are lighter: 'Healthy pleasure', '0% fat' or 'Sucking relaxes'.
The back of the pack explains why 50% of ex-smokers claim Chupa Chups help them stop smoking. One of the key points, where lollipops have a distinct advantage over patches, is that lollipops involve a 'hand to mouth' routine. This in itself is believed to help reduce anxiety, in addition to the action of sucking. The citrus-flavoured lollipops also contain glucose to help produce serotonin to calm and relax, as well as melissa and lime blossom extracts to help relax. A pack of six lollipops retails at about £1.15.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, a company imaginatively named Ignoramus has introduced a herbal tea geared to smokers called 'Tea Special for Smokers'. Formulated with melissa (60%), eucalyptus (20%) and thyme (20%), it is presumably intended to help smokers breathe more easily and feel generally healthier, and does not specifically claim to minimise the damage caused by smoking.
The smoking cessation market is forecast to reach £102m in 2007.
Smoking cessation patches and gums dominate the UK market, each accounting for 44% of the total market. Many smokers, however, choose to go cold turkey, supported only by chewing gum and a growing propensity to snack.
In Spain confectionery producer Chupa Chups has introduced a novel alternative. The company has launched Mini Chupa Chups lollipops, packaged in a carton similar to a cigarette packet and designed to help smokers quit the habit. The packs feature a stark black and white health warning similar to those now seen on cigarette packs, but the messages are lighter: 'Healthy pleasure', '0% fat' or 'Sucking relaxes'.
The back of the pack explains why 50% of ex-smokers claim Chupa Chups help them stop smoking. One of the key points, where lollipops have a distinct advantage over patches, is that lollipops involve a 'hand to mouth' routine. This in itself is believed to help reduce anxiety, in addition to the action of sucking. The citrus-flavoured lollipops also contain glucose to help produce serotonin to calm and relax, as well as melissa and lime blossom extracts to help relax. A pack of six lollipops retails at about £1.15.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, a company imaginatively named Ignoramus has introduced a herbal tea geared to smokers called 'Tea Special for Smokers'. Formulated with melissa (60%), eucalyptus (20%) and thyme (20%), it is presumably intended to help smokers breathe more easily and feel generally healthier, and does not specifically claim to minimise the damage caused by smoking.
The smoking cessation market is forecast to reach £102m in 2007.
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