Altria Introduces SWIC: Innovative Tobacco Heating Device in UK

Dec.16.2024
Altria Introduces SWIC: Innovative Tobacco Heating Device in UK
Altria introduces new SWIC tobacco device in UK, offering online sales of innovative heating technology for KETLEpod.

According to Tobacco Insider on December 13th, Altria has begun test market sales of its new heated tobacco device SWIC in the UK. The sales are being conducted through online channels.

Altria Introduces SWIC: Innovative Tobacco Heating Device in UK
Heating tobacco device SWIC | Image source: Tobacco Insider


According to the company, the SWIC device is used in conjunction with KETLEpods and can be used 14 times per charge. The device is equipped with vibration feedback functionality and a screen to display battery level and remaining pod quantity. The SWIC starter kit is priced at £14.49 and includes one device and three boxes of corresponding pod products (each box contains 15 pods in gold, red, and green). Purchasing a single box separately costs £3.49, while 20 boxes are priced at £59.80. Each pod is for disposable use.

Altria Introduces SWIC: Innovative Tobacco Heating Device in UK
Tobacco heating device SWIC | Image source: Tobacco Insider


KETLEpod offers three flavors: Gold, Red, and Green. KETLE Gold provides a balanced tobacco flavor with each pod containing 0.5mg of nicotine. KETLE Red offers a rich tobacco flavor with each pod containing 0.7mg of nicotine. KETLE Green is a blend of tobacco and mint flavors, with each pod also containing 0.7mg of nicotine.


The SWIC device is manufactured by HelixSweden, a subsidiary of Altria, using HeatGrid heating technology. Altria first announced the development of the SWIC device in the spring of 2023, claiming it to be the first heated tobacco device to use filled tobacco pods.


Altria claims that consumers find the concept of SWIC products innovative and unique, and believe that the device is simpler and more user-friendly compared to other heated tobacco products like IQOS.


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

China Discloses First Criminal Case Over Counterfeit Vapes Disguised as “Medical Nebulizers” and “Zero-Nicotine” Products
China Discloses First Criminal Case Over Counterfeit Vapes Disguised as “Medical Nebulizers” and “Zero-Nicotine” Products
Chinese authorities have disclosed the country’s first reported criminal case involving counterfeit vapes marketed as “medical nebulizers” and “zero-nicotine” products. Authorities determined that the products involved were counterfeit vapes and pursued criminal charges for producing and selling counterfeit goods. According to the report, the case resulted in the seizure of 347,000 counterfeit vape pods and 53,700 vape devices, with physical goods valued at 22.13 million yuan.
Aug.04
EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened an inquiry into how the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade handles interactions with the tobacco industry. The case follows a complaint from a civil society organisation that alleges regular, unnecessary and non-transparent contacts between DG TRADE and tobacco industry representatives, raising questions over compliance with the EU’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The inquiry remains ongoing, and the Ombudswoman has not reached any finding of maladministration.
Aug.24
PMI Expands IQOS and VEEV Presence at Frankfurt Airport Through Travel Retail Pop-Ups
PMI Expands IQOS and VEEV Presence at Frankfurt Airport Through Travel Retail Pop-Ups
According to The Moodie Davitt Report, PMI Global Travel Retail and Frankfurt Airport Retail have launched new IQOS and VEEV retail spaces at Frankfurt Airport. The installations, located inside and outside duty-free areas, showcase IQOS heated tobacco products and VEEV e-vapor products through product education, consumer interaction and brand experiences. Frankfurt Airport Retail, operated by Fraport Group and Gebr. Heinemann, manages key retail activities at Frankfurt Airport. The initiative follows PMI’s broader strategy of expanding smoke-free products through global travel retail channels. PMI has previously introduced VEEV products across multiple European airports while continuing to expand IQOS and VEEV availability in international markets.
Jul.17
Imperial Brands Plans Thousands of Job Cuts Across U.S. and Europe in Cost Restructuring
Imperial Brands Plans Thousands of Job Cuts Across U.S. and Europe in Cost Restructuring
According to Reuters, citing Bloomberg News, British tobacco company Imperial Brands PLC plans to cut thousands of jobs across the United States and Europe as part of a cost reduction and organizational restructuring effort. The announcement drew market attention to the company’s shares. The move comes as global tobacco companies continue adjusting their operations amid slower cigarette market growth, changing consumer preferences and the transition toward next-generation nicotine products.
Aug.11
California Lawmakers Pass Disposable Nicotine Vape Ban, With Sales Prohibition Set for 2028
California Lawmakers Pass Disposable Nicotine Vape Ban, With Sales Prohibition Set for 2028
According to CBS Los Angeles on August 27, 2026, California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 762, which would phase out disposable, battery-embedded nicotine vapes in the state. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, manufacturing and importation of the covered products would be prohibited beginning January 1, 2027, followed by a sales ban on January 1, 2028. Driven primarily by concerns over electronic waste, lithium-battery fires and environmental pollution, the legislation would further shift California’s legal vape market toward rechargeable, refillable or replaceable-pod devices.
Aug.28
Philippines Customs Seizes PHP11.68 Billion($200 Million) in Illegal Tobacco and Vapes in First Seven Months of 2026
Philippines Customs Seizes PHP11.68 Billion($200 Million) in Illegal Tobacco and Vapes in First Seven Months of 2026
Philippines Customs data showed that illegal cigarettes and vape products seized during the first seven months of 2026 were valued at about PHP11.68 billion, exceeding the PHP2.516 billion recorded for the full year of 2025. The figures were disclosed by a Bureau of Customs official during a House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on tobacco excise tax reforms. Vape-related seizures were valued at about PHP1.65 billion, with most cases recorded at the Manila International Container Port. Customs officials said enforcement against illicit tobacco trade would continue.
Aug.26