Former Tobacco Reporter Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra Joins 2Firsts as Global Editor-in-Chief

Jan.09.2025
Tuinstra’s appointment will propel 2Firsts’ international expansion to a new level.

January 9, 2025 – Leading media and consultancy in the Next-Generation Products (NGPs) industry, 2Firsts, has announced the appointment of Taco Tuinstra as its new Global Editor-in-Chief. A former Editor-in-Chief of Tobacco Reporter, Tuinstra brings decades of expertise to 2Firsts, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s growth and its commitment to global expansion.

 

Former Tobacco Reporter Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra Joins 2Firsts as Global Editor-in-Chief
Taco Tuinstra with 2Firsts Co-Founders Alan Zhao and Echo Guo | Image Credit: 2Firsts

 

Taco Tuinstra is widely regarded as one of the most influential journalists in the global tobacco sector. Over his nearly three decades at the helm of Tobacco Reporter, he demonstrated exceptional editorial acumen, sharp industry insights, and unwavering professionalism, transforming the publication into the undisputed benchmark for industry journalism. His coverage spanned critical issues such as global trade networks, illicit distribution channels, and groundbreaking innovations in Next-Generation Products (NGPs). His reporting took him across the globe, underscoring his deep commitment to the industry and the principles of journalism.

 

Commenting on his new role at 2Firsts, Tuinstra said: “It is an honor to join 2Firsts as Global Editor-in-Chief. True to its name, 2First is a first-rate operation, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth and success.

 

‘The legacy and longevity of Tobacco Reporter combined with the youthful drive and ambition of 2Firsts is a winning formula and I am excited to explore the many synergies that our cooperation promises.”

 

2Firsts Co-Founder and CEO Alan Zhao spoke highly of Tuinstra’s appointment: “Taco is a visionary journalist whose dedication to the global tobacco and Next-Generation Products (NGP) industries and commitment to professional media reporting align seamlessly with 2Firsts’ mission. His addition represents a significant boost to our team and underscores our commitment to delivering top-quality content to industry professionals worldwide. Under his leadership, we are confident that 2Firsts will provide more authoritative reporting and unique insights, leveraging the power of media to drive transformation and progress in the global tobacco and NGP industries while advancing the harm reduction agenda on a global scale.”

 

Tuinstra’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for 2Firsts as the organization continues to expand its international presence. In just three years since its founding, 2Firsts has emerged as a globally recognized media and consultancy in the NGP field. Its reporting and research are widely cited and shared among industry leaders, and it is a trusted media partner for major global exhibitions and conferences. In 2025, 2Firsts plans to strengthen its global reporting, research capabilities, and professional services, further promoting innovation and compliance-driven high-quality development across the global tobacco and NGP industries.

 

 

2Firsts welcomes article submissions, interview opportunities, or commentary. Please contact us at info@2firsts.com or connect with 2Firsts CEO Alan Zhao on LinkedIn here.

 

Spain Plans to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces and Beaches, Bringing Vapes Under New Restrictions
Spain Plans to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces and Beaches, Bringing Vapes Under New Restrictions
Spain is advancing a new tobacco-control reform that would expand smoking restrictions to additional public spaces, including restaurant terraces and beaches, while bringing vaping and other nicotine products into the same regulatory framework. The proposed measures aim to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, protect young people and expand smoke-free environments. The proposal remains under legislative development, and final implementation details have not yet been confirmed.
Jul.23
BP, Marathon and Valero Warn U.S. Gas-Station Stores: Illegal Vape Sales Could Bring Heavy Fines and Card-Processing Limits
BP, Marathon and Valero Warn U.S. Gas-Station Stores: Illegal Vape Sales Could Bring Heavy Fines and Card-Processing Limits
Fiserv and service station operators including BP, Marathon Petroleum and Valero have warned U.S. partners and gas-station convenience-store owners that selling illegal vapes could lead to heavy fines, breach brand agreements and even put stores’ card-processing access at risk, according to Reuters.
Regulations
Jul.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
UK Vaping Products Duty to Raise £565 Million by 2030/31
UK Vaping Products Duty to Raise £565 Million by 2030/31
The UK will introduce Vaping Products Duty on all vaping liquids from October 1, 2026, with government revenue forecast to rise from £135 million in 2026/27 to £565 million by 2030/31.
Jun.18
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal Vape Sellers Still Use TikTok and Other Platforms to Drive Sales Despite Australia’s Ad Ban
Illegal vape sellers are still promoting nicotine products on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube despite Australia’s 2024 advertising ban, while illicit tobacco sales are increasingly moving from physical stores to online marketplaces.
Jul.15
 Philip Morris Lowers Profit Outlook as Zyn Faces Competition and FDA Delays
Philip Morris Lowers Profit Outlook as Zyn Faces Competition and FDA Delays
According to Reuters, Philip Morris International (PMI) lowered its 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share forecast amid regulatory uncertainty around Zyn nicotine pouches, rising competition and shipment pressure in the U.S. market.
PMI
Jun.02