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

NJOY and Altria ask federal court to halt ITC proceeding, alleging multiple constitutional defects
NJOY and Altria ask federal court to halt ITC proceeding, alleging multiple constitutional defects
A filing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) shows NJOY and Altria entities submitted a plaintiffs’ reply supporting their motion for summary judgment, arguing the challenged ITC proceeding is unconstitutional on multiple grounds, including ALJ appointment authority, removal protections, and Article III limits under the Jarkesy framework. The plaintiffs seek summary judgment and a permanent injunction barring continuation of the ITC proceeding.
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s vape industry flags “policy U-turn” concerns after ban on refillable open-system e-cigarettes
Malaysia’s vape industry flags “policy U-turn” concerns after ban on refillable open-system e-cigarettes
Malaysia’s vape industry has raised concerns over the government’s decision to ban refillable open-system e-cigarettes, describing it as a policy reversal despite earlier regulatory approvals.
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From Tamarind’s AI Shift to Industry Restructuring, The ‘Amazon Moment’ for Nicotine Is Approaching
From Tamarind’s AI Shift to Industry Restructuring, The ‘Amazon Moment’ for Nicotine Is Approaching
Tamarind Intelligence’s decision to appoint a technology-sector executive as chief executive officer signals more than a leadership reshuffle at a specialist data firm. It reflects a broader structural shift across the global nicotine industry, where companies, regulators and intelligence providers are embedding artificial intelligence into core operations.
Special Report
Feb.18
Florida HB 389 seeks statewide ban on smoking and vaping in public places and indoor workplaces
Florida HB 389 seeks statewide ban on smoking and vaping in public places and indoor workplaces
Florida lawmakers have introduced HB 389, a proposal to expand smoke-free protections by banning smoking and vaping in public places and enclosed indoor workplaces across the state. The bill broadens statutory definitions and outlines limited exceptions and compliance rules, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 if enacted.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use among Spanish students aged 14–18 hits historic lows
Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use among Spanish students aged 14–18 hits historic lows
Spain’s 2025 Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education (ESTUDES), presented by the Ministry of Health, reports historic lows in alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption among students aged 14 to 18. The survey shows past-30-day drinking fell from 56.6% in 2023 to 51% in 2025, tobacco use from 21.0% to 15.5%, and cannabis use from 15.5% to 11.6%.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland Vape Retailers’ Group RVI Calls for Tax Stamps to Strengthen Enforcement of Vape Products Tax
Ireland Vape Retailers’ Group RVI Calls for Tax Stamps to Strengthen Enforcement of Vape Products Tax
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), an Irish vape retailers’ group, has released a policy paper urging Ireland to swiftly introduce Revenue-issued tax stamps on vaping products to strengthen enforcement of the E-Liquid Products Tax (EPT) and to tackle tax evasion and the illicit market. Provisional Department of Finance figures show €1.3 million collected in November and December 2025; at that pace, annualised receipts would be €7.8 million, below the government’s projected €17 million.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai