On February 20, 2025, 2Firsts, a global leader in novel nicotine products (NGP) industry media and consultancy, successfully hosted the "Global NGP Innovation & Tech Forum" in Qianhai, Shenzhen. The forum attracted professionals from the global NGP industry, with more than 160 industry participants gathering to discuss technological innovation and transformation in the NGP sector, market development, and future trends.
During the forum, Cheng Zeng, Discovery Manager at Imperial Brands, and Kyle Zhu, Engineering Manager, jointly delivered a keynote speech titled "A Journey from Commodity to Innovation powered by Agile Practices."
The two speakers shared how Imperial Brands has driven the transformation from traditional commodities to innovative products through agile practices, covering several key areas and demonstrating the company’s forward-thinking in the development of NGP.
Cheng Zeng elaborated on Imperial Brands’ development history and its long-standing investment in innovation and technology. Kyle Zhu emphasized that in response to the rapid changes in the tobacco market, Imperial Brands is actively transforming, gradually from traditional tobacco products to the NGP sector, aiming to provide healthier and safer alternatives for global consumers.
Both speakers stated that to address industry challenges, Imperial Brands is developing new products such as Heated Tobacco Products (HTP), E-cigarettes, and Oral Nicotine Pouches, which not only place the company in a significant position within the NGP market but also drive the industry toward a healthier and more sustainable direction. The company employs agile methodologies and stage-gate processes, effectively improving R&D speed and quality, ensuring that NGP quickly adapt to market demands and comply with strict regulatory requirements. At the same time, Imperial Brands is firmly advancing its vision for the NGP sector, and through these innovative practices, Imperial Brands has set a benchmark for the industry’s future progress.
After the forum, Mattia De Dominicis, SVP R&D and Innovation at Imperial Brands PLC, also sent a letter congratulating the success of the event. He stated:
“It is essential for us to unite as an industry to discuss and share best practices, enabling the development of products that promote a healthier future.”
The forum not only provided Imperial Brands with a platform to showcase its latest technologies and innovations but also offered a valuable opportunity for in-depth communication and collaboration with industry experts, scholars, and business representatives. It facilitated discussions on technological innovations, market development, and future trends in the NGP industry, highlighting the collective vision and efforts of all stakeholders in advancing harm reduction initiatives.
As a global leading media and consultancy for NGP industry, 2Firsts will continue to leverage its unique influence and the holistic platform effect of its resources. We will work closely with all stakeholders to promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the global NGP industry, contributing to the global harm reduction efforts.
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