22nd Century Group partners with Smoker Friendly for 5-year agreement

Jan.13.2025
22nd Century Group partners with Smoker Friendly for 5-year agreement
22nd Century Group, Inc. partners with Smoker Friendly for 5-year agreement to manufacture and sell cigarette brands.

According to a report from Globe Newswire on January 7th, the American tobacco company 22nd Century Group, Inc. (referred to as "22nd Century") recently announced a 5-year license and manufacturing agreement with Smoker Friendly, one of the largest independent cigarette retailers in the United States.


This agreement covers 11 existing brands currently sold in the United States through Smoker Friendly retail stores and distributor networks, as well as 8 new SF premium brands set to be launched. It also provides a framework for the introduction of additional products planned for release by 2025.


The factory in North Carolina, 22nd Century, will be taking on a significant amount of contract manufacturing for 11 existing SF brands. The factory also plans to launch 8 premium products that will focus on the natural market.


The company plans to expand its main service agreement by integrating Smoker Friendly's existing filtered cigar business and adding low-nicotine content brands that complement 22nd Century's "VLN" cigarette brand product line.


The CEO of 22nd Century, Larry Firestone, stated that...


This agreement lays the foundation for a long-term relationship between Smoker Friendly and 22nd Century. We will focus on expanding the product range covered by the agreement and are committed to adding the cigarette brand 'VLN' series products to help expand the low-nicotine product category, allowing more consumers to access and choose these non-addictive new categories.


22nd Century is an American tobacco products company specializing in the sale and distribution of proprietary low-nicotine tobacco products. Its flagship product is the cigarette brand VLN.


Smoker Friendly headquartered in Colorado, USA, operates 344 stores across 13 states, including various formats such as tobacco shops, cigar lounges, and gas stations.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
mperial Brands’ HY26 results point to a more selective NGP transition. The company is using cash flow from traditional tobacco to fund targeted investments in modern oral nicotine, heated tobacco and reusable vaping systems. Its decision to exit the legacy myblu vaping business in the U.S., while expanding Zone nicotine pouches. In Europe, Imperial’s NGP growth is being driven by a multi-category portfolio including blu, Pulze and Zone/Skruf.
Special Report
May.12
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan’s transport ministry said on April 14 that major Japanese airlines reported 429 passenger smoking incidents on domestic and international flights in 2025, the highest level since comparable data collection began in 2004. The government said the spread of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes was an important factor behind the increase. Japan plans to work with airlines to raise public awareness of fire risks on aircraft.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | TPE 2026 Cools as Caution Deepens in the U.S. Vape Market
Exclusive | TPE 2026 Cools as Caution Deepens in the U.S. Vape Market
The show had become an important check-in point for Chinese manufacturers and brand owners looking for signs of change in the U.S. market after months of softer demand. Instead, participants said the event highlighted a more restrained mood: traffic in the vape section was uneven, standout launches were limited, and conversations often failed to turn into orders.
Special Report
Apr.12
Nicokick and zone Extend NASCAR Collaboration for April 19 Kansas City Race
Nicokick and zone Extend NASCAR Collaboration for April 19 Kansas City Race
Nicokick.com said it will continue its collaboration with zone for a second year at the April 19 NASCAR race in Kansas City, appearing on Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch. The 2026 race-weekend campaign for verified adult nicotine consumers aged 21 and older includes the exclusive launch of zone Cranberry and a limited-edition five-flavor mix pack selected by Busch.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Government and Spotify Launch Third Phase of Youth Vaping Education Campaign
Australian Government and Spotify Launch Third Phase of Youth Vaping Education Campaign
The Australian Government and Spotify have launched the third phase of the Youth Vaping Education Campaign under the theme “Buddy Up – Make a Pact to Quit Together.” This phase shifts the focus toward peer and community support by encouraging young people to quit vaping together.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a programmatic environmental assessment covering nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, concluding that their overall environmental impact is generally minimal.
Regulations
May.22