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.

BAT UK Director Tolga Kilic Says Illicit Nicotine Market Squeezes Legal Retailers Amid Rising Compliance Costs
BAT UK Director Tolga Kilic Says Illicit Nicotine Market Squeezes Legal Retailers Amid Rising Compliance Costs
UK retail publication Grocery Trader has published a viewpoint article from Tolga Kilic, Commercial Director for BAT UK & Ireland, discussing the impact of illicit nicotine products on legitimate retail channels. Kilic said illegal vapes and other illicit nicotine products create competitive pressure for compliant retailers and called for stronger market controls and supply-chain oversight. The comments come as the UK advances policies including the disposable vape ban and Vaping Products Duty, creating a more complex operating environment for legal vape retailers.
Jul.28
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece have opposed Ireland’s proposed nicotine product regulations, arguing that the measures could affect EU market coordination and the free movement of products. Ireland plans to introduce stricter rules covering nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches, with measures involving packaging, marketing and sales controls. The dispute highlights differences among EU member states between stronger public health protections and maintaining regulatory consistency within the bloc’s single market.
Jul.29
WIRED Investigation: Chinese-Made Vapes Turn to 6-Methyl-Nicotine and Other Analogs, Challenging U.S. Regulation
WIRED Investigation: Chinese-Made Vapes Turn to 6-Methyl-Nicotine and Other Analogs, Challenging U.S. Regulation
U.S. technology and investigative publication WIRED has examined how nicotine analogs are emerging as a new challenge for the country’s vape regulatory framework. The article argues that after the U.S. expanded federal oversight of nicotine products in 2022, some manufacturers began using nicotine-like compounds such as 6-methyl-nicotine that may fall outside existing definitions. Researchers cited by WIRED said some nicotine analogs could be more potent than traditional nicotine, although human health impacts remain unclear. U.S. policymakers are considering broader definitions of nicotine to bring these compounds under federal oversight.
Jul.27
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
British e-liquid manufacturer Riot Labs has introduced a fictional “candidate” called Riot Man around the Clacton parliamentary by-election, seeking to mobilize consumers and retailers against parts of the UK government’s proposed restrictions on vape packaging, device appearance and retail displays. Riot Man is not listed as an official candidate.
Aug.12
Product | Vapsolo Launches Sixer 180K, Introducing a 6-in-1 Architecture for Disposable Vapes
Product | Vapsolo Launches Sixer 180K, Introducing a 6-in-1 Architecture for Disposable Vapes
Vapsolo has launched the Sixer 180K, a flagship disposable vape built around a 6-in-1 architecture featuring six independent e-liquid tanks and six dedicated mesh coils. Alongside a claimed up to 180,000 puffs, the new device reflects a broader shift in disposable vape development from increasing puff counts toward modular hardware design and multi-flavor user experience.
Jul.03
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to Japan’s finance minister for approval to revise retail prices of its Ploom heated tobacco sticks following planned changes to the heated tobacco tax system from October 1, 2026. If approved, all 31 Ploom stick products will increase by ¥40. After the adjustment, EVO products will cost ¥620 per 20-stick pack, MEVIUS products ¥590 and CAMEL products ¥570. JT said the price revision is intended to respond to tax changes while maintaining product quality and brand value. The tax reform is expected to narrow the tax gap between combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products, potentially reshaping pricing strategies in Japan’s heated tobacco market.
Jul.22