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

U.S. FDA: Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign Prevented About 444,000 Initiations and Reduced Illegal Vape Sales
U.S. FDA: Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign Prevented About 444,000 Initiations and Reduced Illegal Vape Sales
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its youth e-cigarette prevention campaign, “The Real Cost,” prevented about 444,000 U.S. youth from starting e-cigarette use between 2023 and 2024 and blocked more than $42 million in unauthorized e-cigarette sales that would have been used by youth.
Market
Jun.25
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01
Vape Vending Machine Concerns Rise in German-Speaking Europe as Schools and Age Checks Come Into Focus
Vape Vending Machine Concerns Rise in German-Speaking Europe as Schools and Age Checks Come Into Focus
Recent reports from Germany and Switzerland show growing concern over vape and tobacco vending machines near schools or in public settings, with parents, teachers and residents questioning youth access, age-verification controls and the sale of vapes alongside snacks and drinks.
Jul.06
PMI Oral Products Chief Says Lack of Rules May Push Nicotine Pouch Market Into Illicit Trade
PMI Oral Products Chief Says Lack of Rules May Push Nicotine Pouch Market Into Illicit Trade
Nick Ricketts, President of Oral Products at Philip Morris International (PMI), told Logos Press that nicotine pouches should be brought under clear regulatory frameworks covering nicotine limits, flavor rules, age verification, sales controls and marketing standards, arguing that the absence of clear rules or blanket bans may push consumer demand into illegal or semi-legal channels.
Jul.06
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
U.S. premium cigar culture is shifting toward education, broader choice and deeper links to craftsmanship and origin, cigar educator Mechelle Merkerson told 2Firsts. She sees boutique brands, women consumers and production-region experiences making knowledge central to cigar participation. For global brands, retailers and emerging markets such as China, education may help turn curiosity into sustained engagement.
Special Report
Jul.06
FIFA Bans Vaping in 2026 World Cup Stadiums, Putting Nicotine Rules in Event Compliance Focus
FIFA Bans Vaping in 2026 World Cup Stadiums, Putting Nicotine Rules in Event Compliance Focus
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup stadium rules prohibit smoking, vaping and the use of any tobacco products or electronic smoking devices inside stadiums, including inner and outer perimeters, while electronic smoking devices, tobacco products, lighters and matches are listed as prohibited items, bringing nicotine-product management, venue compliance and cross-border legal differences into focus at a major global sporting event.
Jul.06