India supplies 85% of global nicotine, making it key to the NGP industry’s raw material chain. As regulations and consumer trends evolve, leading manufacturer Nico Orgo advocates natural nicotine over synthetic, emphasizing purity, innovation, and supply stability. Kartik Laijawala, Director at Nico Orgo, shares how the company navigates tightening regulations on synthetic nicotine and disposable vapes, leveraging its expertise to shape the industry's future.

South Korea's e-cigarette industry, valued at $11.3 billion in 2023, is undergoing significant transformation. As consumers shift to alternatives like Heated Not Burn (HNB) devices and e-cigarettes, the market faces both challenges and opportunities. In an exclusive 2Firsts interview, Sam Kim, Sales Director of Connected Korea, discusses navigating this evolving landscape, covering regulatory challenges, online retail growth, changing consumer preferences, and innovations like the “Mix-craft” de

Smoore has unveiled a rare equity incentive plan linked to market value, targeting executives including Chairman Chen Zhiping. This bold move aims to align leadership with the company's long-term growth ambitions and enhance investor confidence. Cinda Securities analysts Wenqiang Jiang and Chen Li discuss the strategic implications of this plan, emphasizing Smoore’s focus on expanding its HNB and vaping businesses, while also exploring new ventures in medical nd beauty sectors.

In an exclusive interview with 2Firsts, Ian Jones, Vice President of the R&D Scientific Product Assessment Center at JTI, discussed the company’s approach to advancing tobacco harm reduction (THR) and the evolving landscape of reduced-risk products (RRPs). From oral nicotine delivery systems to heated tobacco products, Jones highlighted JTI’s scientific priorities and the challenges faced by the industry.

In response to FDA's recent memo on PMTA applications for non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes, 2Firsts spoke with Dr. Jessica Zdinak, Chief Research Officer and CEO at ARAC. She explained the challenges in the FDA review process and stressed that while age-gating technology can help, it is not a substitute for scientific evaluation. Dr. Zdinak also urged manufacturers to increase investment in scientific research to meet FDA requirements.