Philip Morris CEO pushes for heated tobacco sales

On May 26th, Jacek Olczak, CEO of tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI), stated in an interview with Agence France-Presse that...

Preventing the sale of conventional cigarettes may boost the public image of Philip Morris, but it will have no impact on the one billion individuals who smoke and can simply purchase a comparable product elsewhere.

Ceasing traditional cigarette sales would add a feather in the cap of PMI but would not affect the one billion smokers worldwide as they can still purchase cigarettes from other companies.

Therefore, instead of discontinuing the sale of cigarettes, he hopes:

If we can persuade governments to permit alternative options, we can accelerate the reduction of cigarette sales.

Persuading governments to allow the emergence of cigarette alternatives would enable PMI to reduce cigarette sales faster.

During the interview, Jacek reiterated that the goal of Fimo International is a "smoke-free future.

Deborah Arnott, the head of the UK non-governmental organization Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), told Agence France-Presse, "We believe that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can help adult smokers quit smoking, just as the World Health Organization recognizes nicotine replacement therapy." However, Arnott opposes PMI's strong promotion of its new product "because they are still tobacco products and PMI's sole aim is to protect their future income streams.

Philip Morris CEO campaigns for increased sales of heated tobacco. Sources: [none provided]