Philip Morris International Progresses Towards Smoke-Free Future

Sep.16.2022
Philip Morris International Progresses Towards Smoke-Free Future
PMI aims to end cigarette sales and promote smoke-free alternatives, with decreasing sales and increasing investment in innovation products.

PMI is often asked if it truly intends to end cigarette sales.


The answer is: yes.


Philip Morris International acknowledges that the decline in cigarette sales - or broadly speaking, the decline in the combustible product portfolio of PMI - is a necessary component in achieving its ambitions for a smoke-free future.


Fimo International is rapidly making progress towards this goal.


According to data publicly released by Fumo International, their cigarette sales have been on a downward trend for the past decade.


The annual sales volume of cigarettes has declined from 91.5 billion units in 2011 to 62.5 billion units in 2021, decreasing every year over the past nine years.


Furthermore, PMI has set a target for the total shipment of combustible products to be below 550 billion units by 2025, as stated in their 2021 comprehensive report.


The cigarette shipments of PMI (Phillip Morris International) have decreased from 915 billion in 2011 to 625 billion in 2021.


Phimo International aims to ultimately replace cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives.


Since 2008, Philip Morris International has invested over 9 billion dollars in the research and development, product development, production capabilities, scientific validation, and understanding of adult smokers for these innovative products.


This is a successful investment as an increasing number of adult smokers are switching to FiMO International's heated tobacco products, leading to a reduction in cigarette transportation volume.


As of June 30th, 2022, approximately 13.2 million adult smokers have switched to smoke-free alternatives and quit smoking.


The shipment volume of PhiMo International's heated tobacco devices has increased from 7 billion in 2016 to 95 billion in 2021.


These figures are transparently released annually by Fimo International for anyone to access.


Although the optimal choice for any smoker is to completely quit smoking and nicotine, scientifically proven smokeless products are a better option for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking.


According to Moira Gilchrist, VP of Strategic and Scientific Communication at Philip Morris International, the company's decision to unilaterally stop selling cigarettes tomorrow will not change anything. "Because it doesn't eliminate the demand for cigarettes. The demand will remain, and others will simply fill it, whether it be competitors or participants in the black market.


Our transition is more significant because we are striving to reduce the long-term demand for cigarettes, ensuring that the decline in the number of smokers continues - and may even accelerate further.


These numbers cannot be ignored," said Stefano Volpetti, President of the PMI Smoke-Free Products category and Chief Consumer Officer. "They clearly depict the transformation that Philip Morris International is driving - first, providing a range of better alternatives for adult smokers and secondly, accelerating smoking cessation.


Our scientific evidence confirms that PMI's smoke-free products, while not without risk, are a better choice than cigarettes for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.


With support from the industry, stakeholders, and civil society, we believe that cigarette sales can come to an end in many countries within 10 to 15 years. This would be an enduring achievement for the global population of 1 billion smokers, global public health, and our company.


As of June 30, 2022, Philip Morris International (PMI) estimates that approximately 13.2 million adult individuals worldwide (excluding Russia and Ukraine) have switched to their heated tobacco products and quit smoking. These user statistics are reflective of PMI's estimates, which are based on consumer statements and sample-based statistical evaluations, with an average margin of error of +/-5% within the 95% confidence interval in key quantity markets. The accuracy and reliability of user statistics may vary depending on the maturity of individual markets and the availability of information.


Statement:


The content of this article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry exchange and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is for industry exchange and research purposes only.


Due to the limitations of the translator's skills, the translated article may not fully reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS’ viewpoints and statements on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or international issues are entirely aligned with those of the Chinese government.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media outlet and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us to request removal.



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.

Product | JNR Launches Crown Shisha 100K for International Wholesale, Pairing 58ml Capacity With Triple-Mesh DTL Design
Product | JNR Launches Crown Shisha 100K for International Wholesale, Pairing 58ml Capacity With Triple-Mesh DTL Design
JNR released the Crown Shisha 100K on August 14, 2026, positioning the ultra-high-capacity disposable around a direct-to-lung (DTL) e-shisha experience. The device combines a 58ml e-liquid capacity, triple 1.0Ω mesh coils and a 1,300mAh rechargeable battery, with JNR claiming up to 100,000 puffs. Adjustable airflow, battery and e-liquid status displays, a leather-style exterior and a shisha-inspired sound effect further differentiate the product. JNR is currently promoting the device through international wholesale and distribution channels, while a specific first retail market has not been disclosed.
Aug.31
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
JTI Research Finds 31% of UK Respondents Offered Illicit Tobacco, While 63% of Ennis Packs Lack Duty Marks
Multiple JTI-backed studies in the UK and Ireland indicate that illicit tobacco remains visible across consumer interactions and local markets. In the UK, JTI research found that 31% of respondents said they had been offered illicit tobacco products. In Ireland’s Ennis area, a JTI-commissioned empty pack survey found that 63% of sampled cigarette packs did not carry Irish duty-paid markings. The findings come from industry research rather than official government estimates of illicit tobacco market size, but highlight continued concerns among regulators, legitimate retailers and tobacco companies over illicit trade.
Aug.19
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
Philippines BIR Steps Up Illicit Vape Enforcement Ahead of Christmas Shopping
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue is intensifying enforcement against illicit vape and tobacco products ahead of the Christmas shopping season, directing regional and enforcement offices to strengthen monitoring of production sites, warehouses, distribution channels and retail outlets. The BIR destroyed 240,550 illicit vape products in August with an estimated tax liability of about PHP1.53 billion. A nationwide tax-compliance operation in July also inspected 3,590 businesses involved in tobacco and vapor products.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
FDA Authorizes JUUL2, Cites Adult Switching Amid Efforts to Speed PMTA Reviews
FDA Authorizes JUUL2, Cites Adult Switching Amid Efforts to Speed PMTA Reviews
The FDA authorized the JUUL2 device and tobacco- and menthol-flavored pods on Aug. 28, bringing the number of authorized e-cigarette products to 48. The agency highlighted complete switching among adult smokers, with six-week switching rates reaching 28.4%–49.3% for the menthol pod. The decision comes as FDA works to speed PMTA reviews, reduce application backlogs and expand authorized e-cigarette and nicotine-pouch products while maintaining enforcement priorities for unauthorized products.
Regulations
Aug.29
Product | JT Expands Vote-Winning EVO Cacao Mint Crystal to Nationwide Retail in Japan, Adds 22-Stick Limited Pack at Same Price
Product | JT Expands Vote-Winning EVO Cacao Mint Crystal to Nationwide Retail in Japan, Adds 22-Stick Limited Pack at Same Price
Japan Tobacco (JT) will expand EVO Cacao Mint Crystal from limited channels to nationwide retail in Japan from October 6, 2026. The Ploom tobacco stick ranked first in the brand's first consumer voting campaign for new tobacco-stick SKUs held earlier this year. JT will also introduce a limited 22-stick pack at the same JPY 620 price as the standard 20-stick pack. The capsule-format product combines menthol with sweet, bittersweet cacao notes and adds a berry nuance when the capsule is crushed.
Sep.09
China Tobacco Supply-Chain Leader Huabao’s Three-Way Transformation Takes Hold as Overseas Revenue Jumps 216%, Non-Flavor Businesses Reach 42.2% and the Company Expands Into Global Next-Generation Tobacco Supply Chains
China Tobacco Supply-Chain Leader Huabao’s Three-Way Transformation Takes Hold as Overseas Revenue Jumps 216%, Non-Flavor Businesses Reach 42.2% and the Company Expands Into Global Next-Generation Tobacco Supply Chains
Huabao’s H1 2026 results show the company advancing across three connected fronts: international expansion, entry into next-generation tobacco supply chains and diversification beyond its traditional tobacco-related base. Overseas revenue rose 216.08% to CNY 96.02 million, while non-flavor businesses reached 42.2% of total revenue. Huabao also said it had entered the supply chains of leading global tobacco customers, as its nutrition, food ingredient, fragrance and personal-care businesses gained ground in Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. However, adjusted net profit increased only 2.78%, and next-generation tobacco revenue was not separately disclosed, showing that the transformation is reshaping revenue and customer exposure but has yet to translate fully into underlying earnings.
Aug.28