KT&G and PMI Extend Global E-cigarette Collaboration

Jan.30.2023
KT&G and PMI Extend Global E-cigarette Collaboration
KT&G and PMI renewed a 15-year contract to sell their non-combustible products globally, helping with KT&G's overseas market position.

According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on January 30th, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) and Philip Morris International (PMI) have extended a supply contract for 15 years. KT&G will distribute its three types of non-burning heated products through PMI's global sales network, except in South Korea.


The products include the Lil Solid, Lil Hybrid, and Lil Aible devices, as well as their corresponding proprietary pods named Fiit, Miix, and Aiim.


During a press conference, KT&G CEO Baek Bok-in stated that this collaboration will help strengthen KT&G's position for smokeless products in international markets. The extension of the three-year strategic agreement signed with PMI in 2020 will also lay the foundation for stable growth in their global business.


KT&G Corporation recently announced during an investor event that it aims to double its sales by 2027, reaching a total of 10 trillion Korean won (approximately $8.1 billion USD). The company plans to obtain more than half of these revenues from their overseas businesses, while also strengthening their next-generation product (NGP) division, which includes heated non-burning (HnB) products and functional health foods.


According to reports, 90% of KT&G's current revenue comes from cigarette sales and the remaining 10% comes from their HnB products. The company has four tobacco manufacturing plants located in South Korea, Russia, Turkey, and Indonesia with a yearly production capacity of 13.6 billion units. Since signing an agreement with Philip Morris International in 2020, KT&G has expanded the export of their HnB products to over 30 countries.


Sources:


KT&G has set a goal of generating 50% of its sales from overseas markets by 2027.


KT&G and PMI have extended their partnership to expand their presence in global markets with e-cigarettes.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

EU Novel Tobacco Regulation Trends and Business Response | Guest Contribution by a European Legal and Compliance Expert
EU Novel Tobacco Regulation Trends and Business Response | Guest Contribution by a European Legal and Compliance Expert
Carlos Cabrera, founder of CabLab Law & Advocacy, contributes this article to 2Firsts, arguing that the EU’s evolving approach to novel tobacco regulation may unintentionally reinforce cigarette use by narrowing alternatives. He warns companies to watch signals on flavours, labelling, traceability, nicotine pouch rules and digital marketing, while grounding business decisions in realistic timelines, compliance planning and continuous monitoring.
Apr.22
 Product | ASDF Chroma extends retro cassette visual language with lighting-focused pod design
Product | ASDF Chroma extends retro cassette visual language with lighting-focused pod design
2Firsts noted that ASDF has displayed Chroma on its official website. Public information shows that Chroma is a closed-pod device equipped with an 800mAh battery, switchable RGB lights, haptic feedback and Normal/Boost power modes. It uses a 2ml OSTRO cartridge with 2% nicotine strength. Public information also shows that ASDF has a Malaysian brand background and has previously drawn industry attention for the “retro cassette” visual language used in its Vapetape series.
May.26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
mperial Brands’ HY26 results point to a more selective NGP transition. The company is using cash flow from traditional tobacco to fund targeted investments in modern oral nicotine, heated tobacco and reusable vaping systems. Its decision to exit the legacy myblu vaping business in the U.S., while expanding Zone nicotine pouches. In Europe, Imperial’s NGP growth is being driven by a multi-category portfolio including blu, Pulze and Zone/Skruf.
Special Report
May.12
LOST MARY Launches VIZ With Transparent Wraparound Pod and LED Display
LOST MARY Launches VIZ With Transparent Wraparound Pod and LED Display
LOST MARY announced VIZ on May 6, 2026, describing it as the brand’s first product with a transparent 360-degree wraparound pod.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report| War continues to shape the Ukrainian tobacco market
Special Report| War continues to shape the Ukrainian tobacco market
Four years into the war, Ukraine’s tobacco market is being reshaped by stress-driven consumption, tax pressure, youth e-cigarette use and a growing illicit segment. Surveys point to rising tobacco and nicotine product use, while higher excise duties and shadow trade are adding new complexity to the market.
Apr.17
WSJ: White House Pushes for More Flavored Vape Approvals as FDA Commissioner Makary Blocks Move
WSJ: White House Pushes for More Flavored Vape Approvals as FDA Commissioner Makary Blocks Move
According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House is pushing to allow more flavored vape products onto the market for the first time in years, but FDA Commissioner Marty Makary opposes the move and has blocked the plan. The report said a memo from Makary’s office prevented authorization of several flavors from vape maker Glas, even after FDA scientific reviewers had supported them.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai