PhaseComm and ZERO Sign Business Cooperation Agreement to Create Unmanned Tobacco Shop

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.31.2024
PhaseComm and ZERO Sign Business Cooperation Agreement to Create Unmanned Tobacco Shop
PhaseComm and ZERO e-cigarette have signed a collaboration agreement to create unmanned cigarette shops in South Korea.

According to a report by South Korean media news.naver on January 30th, intelligent solutions company PhaseComm and domestic e-cigarette specialist company ZERO e-cigarette have recently signed a business cooperation agreement to jointly create unmanned tobacco shops.

 

PhaseComm has obtained sales permission for its intelligent automated cigarette vending machine after successfully undergoing sandbox testing by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. This innovative solution enables distributors to conduct face-to-face identity authentication through mobile identification cards or Kakao Pay mobile payment QR codes, thus enabling automated sales of alcohol and tobacco products. Currently, ZERO e-cigarette is aggressively expanding its unmanned retail outlets using this technology.

 

The representative of PhaseComm stated, "With the signing of this MOU, we will be introducing PhaseComm's proprietary unmanned store solution, which will provide online inventory and sales management services. Additionally, we will enhance user convenience through secure identity verification services (adult authentication) and strive to lead the emerging market of e-liquid unmanned stores."

 

Cui Jinyong, the representative of ZERO e-cigarette, recently expressed plans to establish unmanned stores aimed at creating a small-scale entrepreneurial model for e-liquid e-cigarette shops. He stated that they intend to significantly reduce the costs of e-cigarette entrepreneurship, enhance convenience, and create new market opportunities.

 

In addition, PhaseComm has also introduced another service, namely an advertisement service platform that plays ads on the standby screens of tobacco vending machines. Businesses are expected to gain additional revenue through this innovative advertising service platform.

 

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

Australia’s Tobacco Tax Debate Intensifies as One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce Warns of Illicit Market Growth
Australia’s Tobacco Tax Debate Intensifies as One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce Warns of Illicit Market Growth
Australian One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has criticised continued tobacco excise increases, arguing that higher taxes are driving consumers toward illicit tobacco markets and benefiting organised crime groups.
Regulations
Jul.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
ITC Infotech has expanded its multi-year strategic technology partnership with British American Tobacco (BAT), providing technology services across Poland, Romania and India while continuing to support BAT's newly launched Future Capabilities Centre in India and existing technology hubs in Malaysia and Mexico. The companies said the agreement will focus on AI-enabled innovation, technology capability building and greater operational efficiency. The partnership also aligns with BAT's broader Fit2Win transformation programme, under which the group is expanding the use of external technology and business-services partners to simplify its global operating model.
Aug.13
Product | PMI Japan Launches SENTIA Passion Fruit Capsule, Expanding the IQOS ILUMA Flavor Portfolio
Product | PMI Japan Launches SENTIA Passion Fruit Capsule, Expanding the IQOS ILUMA Flavor Portfolio
Philip Morris Japan (PM Japan) has introduced SENTIA Passion Fruit Capsule, a new tobacco stick designed for the IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco platform. Featuring a crush-activated capsule, the product combines menthol with passion fruit flavor to provide an additional flavor experience. The product launched in Japan from August 3, 2026, through IQOS official channels, convenience stores and tobacco retailers.
Aug.04
U.S. Appeals Court Says BAT Must Face Class Action Over Cigarette Labels
U.S. Appeals Court Says BAT Must Face Class Action Over Cigarette Labels
A U.S. appeals court ruled that British American Tobacco (BAT) must continue facing a consumer class action lawsuit over cigarette labels. The ruling allows the case to proceed but does not determine that BAT violated the law or is liable for damages. The case highlights ongoing legal risks facing major tobacco companies related to product labeling, consumer disclosures and product liability claims.
Jul.31
Hunan China Tobacco Industry files heated tobacco device patent featuring adult-user identification through pressure sensing
Hunan China Tobacco Industry files heated tobacco device patent featuring adult-user identification through pressure sensing
China-based Hunan China Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Baisha Technology Co., Ltd. have filed a patent application covering an adult-user identification mechanism for heated tobacco devices. The patent proposes using flexible pressure sensors installed in the device grip area to collect pressure distribution patterns generated when users hold the device. The system evaluates factors including effective contact area, grip shape and contact duration, and combines roller movement detection to determine whether unlocking conditions are met. The filing reflects exploration of device-level user recognition and smarter interaction technologies for heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Aug.05
Reemtsma says German illegal e-cigarette seizures reached 70% of 2025 total, pouches 179%
Reemtsma says German illegal e-cigarette seizures reached 70% of 2025 total, pouches 179%
Reemtsma said its first-half 2026 black-market tracker for tobacco and nicotine products showed a continued rise in officially reported seizures in Germany, with illegal e-cigarette seizures reaching 70% of the full-year 2025 level and snus and nicotine pouch seizures reaching 179% of last year’s total.
Jul.08