South Korean Tobacco Company KT&G to Halt "ESSE Change Icefall"

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jun.21.2024
South Korean Tobacco Company KT&G to Halt "ESSE Change Icefall"
South Korean tobacco company KT&G to halt supply of ESSE Change Icefall due to declining sales, favoring e-cigarettes.

According to a report by N.News on June 21, the South Korean tobacco company KT&G plans to stop supplying the ultra-thin cigarette "ESSE Change Icefall" that has been on sale since March of last year.


The company has announced that the product will suspend supply to convenience stores starting from mid-month. It is reported that this decision to halt production is based on improving portfolio efficiency.


This strategy has emerged due to the declining sales of traditional cigarettes domestically, while the popularity of e-cigarettes is on the rise. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, as of last year, sales of cigarette-shaped e-cigarettes increased by 12.6% compared to the previous year, reaching 610 million packs. This data indicates a clear preference among consumers for cigarette-shaped e-cigarettes.


In the overall market, the market share of cigarette-style e-cigarettes has also increased to 16.8%, a 2% increase from the previous year.


On the contrary, sales of traditional cigarettes have been gradually decreasing since reaching a peak of 3.447 billion packs in 2017, dropping to 3.023 billion packs last year.


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

EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan to raise prices of glo heated-tobacco sticks by about 4%–5%
BAT Japan to raise prices of glo heated-tobacco sticks by about 4%–5%
BAT Japan said it will raise retail prices by ¥20 (about $0.13) per pack for 16 glo heated-tobacco stick brands—11 Lucky Strike and five Kent—effective January 1, 2026. The company will also lift prices for 12 VELO nicotine pouch brands by ¥20–¥40 per pack from December 1, 2025.
Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI launches Ploom AURA new heated tobacco device device in Romania
JTI launches Ploom AURA new heated tobacco device device in Romania
Japan Tobacco International(JTI) introduces Ploom AURA in Romania, combining SMART HEATFLOW technology to preserve tobacco flavor, aiming at high-end consumers.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland’s Department of Health is examining a ban on nicotine pouches to curb nicotine use among young people. Chief Medical Officer Prof. Mary Horgan said the ban could be included in amendments to the current tobacco bill.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G to Complete New Indonesian Factory, Its Largest Overseas Production Hub
KT&G to Complete New Indonesian Factory, Its Largest Overseas Production Hub
According to Daily Hankooki, KT&G’s new factory in Indonesia will be completed this month and is scheduled to begin operations in February 2026. Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of around 35 billion cigarettes, becoming the company’s largest overseas manufacturing base.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026
Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026
The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet has reminded all businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products that they must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) by January 1, 2026. The requirement stems from Senate Bill 100, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025, aimed at strengthening youth protection and enforcing compliance against unlicensed sales.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai