Philip Morris International's Efforts in Substituting Traditional Cigarettes with Alternatives

Oct.16.2024

PMI's parent company makes significant progress in replacing traditional cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives in the Philippines.

According to a report from MlaStandard, Philip Morris International, the parent company of PMFTC Inc., has made significant progress in their efforts to replace traditional cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives.

PMI, through its local subsidiary PMFTC Inc., launched the IQOS product in the Philippines in 2020. The product line now includes the latest version of IQOS Iluma and its disposable heating pods, TEREA. In 2022, IQOS introduced the more affordable heated tobacco product BONDS and its disposable pods, BLENDS. In 2023, the nicotine pouch product ZYN was also launched in the Philippines.

PMI's CEO Olczak stated that the company has never regarded IQOS as a supplement to its existing business, but rather as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.

Altria Group recognizes that in their efforts to provide better alternatives for the 1.1 billion smokers worldwide, they are aware that people have different expectations and usage patterns for these alternatives. "There is no one-size-fits-all smoker profile. Therefore, our duty is to constantly innovate," he added.

References:

[1] PMI reports major turning point in smoke-free transition

Also Read:

[1] Philippines DTI: Unregulated E-cigarette Products Flood Market, Urges Legal Purchases

[2] Philippine Customs intercepts illegal shipment of marijuana e-cigarettes

[3] Philippine Customs Seizes $120M Worth of Smuggled e-Cigarettes

[4] Revised Regulations on Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Vaping Products

[5] Philippine Airline bans Chinese passenger for smoking on flight

#Asia #Market #Philippines #Heated tobacco products

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

Mexico Passes Law Banning Commercial Sale and Advertising of Vapes and E-Cigarettes

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform prohibiting the production, import, export, transport, distribution, sale, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes nationwide. The law does not ban personal use of such products. Backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the amendment to the General Health Law imposes penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines between 11,314 and 226,280 pesos (approximately USD 621–12,430).

Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions

Showcased at PouchEx Stockholm, AIRSCREAM’s end-to-end OEM ecosystem demonstrates how brands can enter the fast-growing European nicotine pouch market with greater speed, confidence, and regulatory readiness.

Dec.04

2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength

British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.

Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian State Duma Passes Ban on Tobacco and Vape Sales at Public Transport Stops

Russia’s State Duma has approved, in its third reading, a law banning the sale of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at public transport stops. The measure expands existing restrictions on tobacco sales at transport infrastructure facilities and aims to reduce accessibility, particularly among young people. The law includes an exemption for small settlements where such kiosks are the only sales points and will take effect on September 1, 2026.