News and Insight from ALFA
Vape Industry Insights: Topline Facts from ALFA’s Work in the UK Vape / Convenience Sector
The UK vape market continues to evolve rapidly, with convenience retail at the centre of changing consumer habits, regulation and category growth. From flavour preferences and pricing sensitivity to shifting legislation and loyalty trends, vaping remains one of the most commercially important categories in the sector.
This factsheet highlights key data, behaviours and insights shaping vape purchasing in UK convenience retail in 2026, based on primary and secondary research conducted by ALFA Connect Group
10 Truths of a good CX Programme, and why they matter
10 truths of a good Customer Experience Programme and why they matter
1. Customer Experience is everyone’s responsibility
Truth: Customer Experience is not confined to customer service teams. Every department, from marketing to operations and leadership influences the customer experience.
Why It Matters: Companies that embed customer-centric thinking across the entire organisation create seamless experiences that drive loyalty.
Click below to read more...
Vivo Energy Appoints ALFA Connect Group as Customer Experience Partner.
ALFA Connect Group is proud to announce its appointment by Vivo Energy as its official Customer Experience (CX) partner across nine African markets, supporting the company’s Engen Branded Sites to deliver exceptional customer experiences across its retail, fuel and convenience network.
Under the new partnership, ALFA Connect Group will deploy its AI-powered CX technology and professional services to capture and transform feedback into actionable insight. With operations spanning some of the most dynamic fuel and convenience retail environments in Africa, Vivo Energy’s investment into a holistic CX programme for its Engen-branded sites marks a significant step in enhancing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term brand growth.
Click below to read the full press release
Artificial and Real Intelligence: Getting the Balance Right in CX
Executive Summary
Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping Customer Experience, but insight only delivers value when it leads to action. At ALFA Connect Group, AI is embedded at the core of our CX technology to connect signals across the entire customer and colleague journey, providing a real time view of experience.
AI enables scale, speed and prediction, reducing noise and surfacing what truly matters. Real Intelligence provided by qualified researchers and analysts ensures insight is grounded, contextual and actionable.
By combining Artificial and Real Intelligence with professional services, ALFA turns experience insight into confident decisions, meaningful change and measurable outcomes.
AI is not the strategy. Better decisions, better experiences and better outcomes are.
Click below to read more.....
Standout from the crowd: ALFA's Three Keys to Success in the QSR Industry
Executive Summary
The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry is navigating a difficult landscape. Rising labour fees and increasing food prices are driving up costs, making it harder than ever to balance operational efficiency with customer satisfaction.
In this competitive environment, success hinges on delivering value that goes beyond the products you serve. Customers no longer just want just a meal; they crave experiences that leave a lasting impression and foster emotional connections.
Click below to read more.....
UK Vape Market Challenges and Trends for 2026 and beyond in the Convenience Sector
The UK vape market is entering a period of significant change, with the convenience sector facing evolving regulation, shifting consumer behaviours and increasing competition. As disposable bans, pricing pressures and changing flavour preferences reshape purchasing habits, retailers and brands must adapt quickly to maintain loyalty and category growth.
This one-pager explores the key challenges, opportunities and emerging trends expected to influence the UK convenience vape market throughout 2026 and beyond.