Koch & Gesell: Swiss Cannabis and Tobacco Brand Goes Bankrupt

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.10.2024
Koch & Gesell: Swiss Cannabis and Tobacco Brand Goes Bankrupt
Swiss marijuana cigarette company Koch & Gesell has filed for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of CBD and tobacco brand Heimat. The company plans to potentially restart its marijuana business.

According to a report by the Swiss media outlet Kleine Zeitung, Koch & Gesell, a cannabis cigarette company based in St. Gallen, has filed for bankruptcy, signifying the closure of the Swiss CBD and tobacco brand, Heimat. The company has suggested the possibility of relaunching its cannabis business. Additionally, the subsidiary in Austria has not been affected by the bankruptcy.

 

The primary reasons for the bankruptcy are the company's cash flow troubles and the loss of its tobacco license. Roger Koch, the founder and CEO of the company, explained to reporters that this was due to a decline in revenue, poor cash flow status, and the inability to find new sources of funding.

 

The company has a subsidiary in Austria and has launched a tobacco brand called "Tschick". However, according to the company's business director Reinhard Leitner, this subsidiary has not been affected by the bankruptcy of the Swiss company.

 

In regards to the company's next steps for development, Roger Koch suggested that one potential option may be to entirely shift the focus of their operations towards the more lucrative cannabis industry. This could involve prioritizing products such as cannabis-infused iced tea. Koch emphasized, "We possess a wealth of expertise, experience, formulations, and a global registered patent.

 

This tobacco company was established in 2015 and primarily focuses on producing locally sourced tobacco in Switzerland. In 2017, they successfully developed the world's first legal marijuana-infused tobacco cigarettes, gaining significant popularity in the market. In 2019, the company also launched industrially produced pure CBD marijuana cigarettes, for which they have already submitted a patent application for the production technology.

 

However, in 2019, due to investments in research and development, equipment purchases, and market expansion, the company faced financial difficulties and applied for bankruptcy protection. Although it managed to avoid bankruptcy in 2020, it is now unable to withstand the pressure and has ultimately filed for bankruptcy.

 

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

Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
A consumer survey by Japanese heated tobacco information platform RELAZO found that rising tobacco prices and planned heated tobacco tax changes may influence smoking decisions among Japanese consumers. The survey covered 49,879 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide. It found that around 40% of respondents cumulatively indicated they may consider quitting when a pack reaches ¥600 (approximately US$4.1), while nearly 90% expressed potential quitting intentions at a ¥1,000 (approximately US$6.8) price level. The survey also found significant differences by income level, with lower-income respondents showing greater sensitivity to price increases.
Jul.24
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
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
The Scottish Government plans to remove business rates relief from vape shops from April 1, 2027, saying the measure is intended to ensure vape retailers contribute to the high street and align rates relief with public health commitments, while the impact on convenience stores that sell vaping products remains unclear.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Minnesota Sues Loon as State Enforcement Targets U.S. Vape Brand Operators
Minnesota Sues Loon as State Enforcement Targets U.S. Vape Brand Operators
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Maduro Distributors, Inc., doing business as Loon, on July 15, 2026, alleging that the company illegally manufactured, distributed and sold flavored vapes that appeal to minors.
Jul.16
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial interviewed Fred Monteiro, Regional Director for Americas and Europe at British American Tobacco (BAT). Monteiro said BAT supports setting regulatory limits for nicotine products but opposes Spain’s proposed 0.99mg nicotine-per-pouch limit, arguing that such a restriction could affect adult smokers’ transition to alternatives. He said nicotine regulation should be based on scientific evidence and harm reduction principles. Monteiro also said smoke-free products now account for around 25% of BAT’s Americas and Europe business and nearly 30% of its Europe business
BAT
Jul.30
Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia’s Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim said duties and taxes on nicotine-containing vape products will be determined in line with the Court of Appeal’s ruling on whether liquid or gel nicotine can be exempted from the Poisons List under the Poisons Act 1952, a case that could affect the legal basis for vape taxation, retail sales and future ban policy.
Jun.29