Exclusive Interview with MYNT: Targeting the Global Market and Promoting Smoke-Free Nicotine Products

2Firsts Events by 2FIRSTS
Sep.07.2024
Exclusive Interview with MYNT: Targeting the Global Market and Promoting Smoke-Free Nicotine Products
MYNT CEO Shivam Bihani shares company's journey in nicotine pouch industry, focusing on innovation and global expansion.

On September 6th, Shivam Bihani, the founder and CEO of the Indian nicotine pouch brand MYNT, shared the company's development history, market layout, and future prospects in an interview with 2Firsts. Founded 75 years ago, MYNT has been focusing on research and development and export business of nicotine pouches since entering the oral tobacco market in 2019. The company is committed to improving product taste and user experience through technological innovation.

 

The pharmaceutical background supports the layout of the nicotine pouch market

 

The predecessor of MYNT was a pharmaceutical company, which in 2019 decided to focus its energy on the nicotine pouch field. Shivam Bihani pointed out that the company's pharmaceutical experience has provided a solid foundation for the production and quality control of nicotine pouches, which is also one of the key factors that allow MYNT products to meet the strict standards of the European and American markets. The company's products are currently mainly exported to the European and American markets, as the sale of nicotine pouch products is not allowed in India. The company is optimistic about the potential for global development in the future.

 

MYNT faces strict regulatory requirements for the export of nicotine pouches. Shivam Bihani mentioned that the company had to comply with the FDA's PMTA (Pre-Market Tobacco Product Application) requirements when entering the US market, which not only consumed a significant amount of time and money, but also posed challenges for the company's global expansion. In addition to the US, MYNT also needs to adhere to export qualification restrictions in other countries, further emphasizing the importance of global compliance in the nicotine pouch industry.

 

The company's focus is on the markets in the UK and Malaysia

 

MYNT's nicotine pouch products come in two packaging forms: pouches and boxes, to meet the needs of different consumers. Shivam Bihani emphasizes that through technological innovation, MYNT is able to provide consumers with a better taste experience, which is one of the company's core competitive advantages. Additionally, the company pays attention to the design of the packaging and has obtained relevant patents for protection.

 

Exclusive Interview with MYNT: Targeting the Global Market and Promoting Smoke-Free Nicotine Products
MYNT bagged products | Image source: 2Firsts

 

Exclusive Interview with MYNT: Targeting the Global Market and Promoting Smoke-Free Nicotine Products
MYNT box-packaged product | Image source: 2Firsts

 

During the exhibition in Malaysia, MYNT expressed a strong intention to develop global exports. Shivam Bihani revealed that the company's current focus is on the UK and Malaysian markets. He believes that as nicotine pouch products gradually become more popular worldwide, more nicotine users will be able to break the habit of smoking and reduce the health risks associated with traditional tobacco products.

 

Confidence in the Future of Nicotine Pouches

 

Shivam Bihani is confident in the future of nicotine pouches. He believes that despite being a new nicotine product like e-cigarettes, there are significant differences between the two in the market, they are very different. Nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among global consumers due to their smoke-free and convenient characteristics, and they have huge market potential.

 

In regards to the company's development plan, Shivam Bihani stated that the company will continue to focus on the nicotine pouch sector and will not consider expanding into the chewing gum or other compressed product categories. In the future, they will continue to cultivate this market and provide high-quality, safe smokeless nicotine products for consumers worldwide.

 

MYNT's global strategy not only demonstrates the potential of Indian companies in the nicotine pouch field, but also provides new ideas for the global development of the nicotine pouch industry.

 

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

PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
PMI Showcases ZYN, IQOS and U.S. Investments at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased its ZYN nicotine pouches, IQOS heated tobacco products and U.S. investments. A 2Firsts review of FDA records found that several ZYN products displayed at the booth were not on the agency's marketing authorization list, including certain nicotine strengths and flavors. A PMI booth representative also confirmed that IQOS is currently sold in three U.S. states, while the newer IQOS ILUMA system remains under FDA review.
EXPO
Oct.10
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden is expected to oppose a European Union proposal to raise minimum tobacco excise duties, Law360 reported on October 26, 2026, citing an EU official. A provisional Council agenda dated October 23 confirms that the tobacco taxation package is scheduled for discussion at the November 9 finance ministers' meeting, where member states will seek a general approach. The proposed reforms would raise minimum taxes on conventional tobacco products and establish EU-wide excise rules for vaping liquids, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. Sweden supports harmonising tobacco taxation rules but objects to requiring nicotine pouches to bear the same minimum tax burden as certain smoking tobacco products. As EU indirect tax legislation requires unanimous Council approval, Swedish opposition could block the proposal in its current form.
Regulations
Oct.29
Pennsylvania Vape Directory Law Survives Court Challenge From Nova Distro and Others Amid Similar Rulings Across States
Pennsylvania Vape Directory Law Survives Court Challenge From Nova Distro and Others Amid Similar Rulings Across States
A U.S. federal court upheld Pennsylvania's vape directory law on October 14, rejecting a challenge brought by Nova Distro, 101 Distributors and companies operating Tobacco Hut retail stores. Court records show that vaping accounts for about 60% of Tobacco Hut's profits and that the chain held approximately $2 million in inventory potentially subject to seizure under the law as of June 2. Pennsylvania began enforcement on October 19. The ruling follows similar appellate decisions in other states, even as new research shows that unlisted vaping products continue to account for substantial sales in states with established directories.
Regulations
Oct.22
Product | BAT Revises Japan's VELO Convenience Store Lineup, Adding ¥380 Mango Pouches as Selected SKUs Exit
Product | BAT Revises Japan's VELO Convenience Store Lineup, Adding ¥380 Mango Pouches as Selected SKUs Exit
British American Tobacco's Japanese subsidiary, BAT Japan, launched VELO Mango Ice Medium on November 2, 2026, with distribution expanding to selected 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, NewDays and Seicomart stores from November 3. The new oral tobacco product contains 15 pouches per can and retails for ¥380, featuring a mango and cooling flavor profile at Medium intensity. At the same time, BAT Japan raised prices on multiple existing VELO products from ¥360 to ¥380 per can and withdrew selected SKUs from convenience store distribution without discontinuing them entirely. The changes affect product assortment, pricing and retail channel allocation.
product
Nov.04
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Juul Labs UK has introduced an upgraded JUUL2 Starter Kit for the UK market in October 2026, retaining a recommended retail price of £9.99 while doubling the number of included pods from two to four. The kit contains Crisp Menthol, Virginia Tobacco, Mango and Watermelon pods. The updated device replaces the previous proprietary charging dock with a USB-C port and offers longer battery life. The kit also features reduced packaging and retains a two-year limited warranty. Distribution is scheduled through major UK retailers, wholesalers, convenience stores and the JUUL UK website.
product
Oct.15
Athletes Back Skoka's $21.5 Million Nicotine Pouch Venture: Can Its Consumer Health Founder Make an FDA-Focused Strategy Pay Off?
Athletes Back Skoka's $21.5 Million Nicotine Pouch Venture: Can Its Consumer Health Founder Make an FDA-Focused Strategy Pay Off?
U.S. nicotine pouch startup Skoka Inc. has raised $21.5 million and committed $15 million to an FDA regulatory and scientific research program. Founder Dan Aziz previously built dietary supplement brand Premama, which was acquired by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories in 2023. Skoka is combining proprietary formulations, ingredient transparency and equity investment from professional athletes. The company submitted a bundled PMTA covering 55 products on October 1, 2026. Aziz said Skoka declined an opportunity to enter retail in 2025, prioritizing product research and regulatory submissions instead. It now targets a U.S. retail launch in 2027, subject to FDA requirements. Its products have not received marketing authorization.
Business
Nov.04