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

2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
As regulation tightens and innovation matures, competition in the new tobacco industry is shifting. In its 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry report, 2Firsts examines how heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and vape products are moving beyond feature-driven upgrades toward system-level design, where experience management, compliance structure, and engineering capability increasingly shape long-term competition.
Jan.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.
Dec.14 by Echo Duo
Thailand to Establish Inter-Agency Committee to Strengthen E-Cigarette Enforcement
Thailand to Establish Inter-Agency Committee to Strengthen E-Cigarette Enforcement
The Thai government will establish an inter-agency committee under the Prime Minister’s Office to address the rapid spread of e-cigarettes among youth. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum said the fragmented enforcement across multiple laws and agencies has created gaps. The new mechanism will coordinate enforcement, report directly to the Cabinet, and propose legal amendments if current laws are insufficient.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Al Fakher Partners with U.S. Rapper Snoop Dogg to Launch New Hookah Flavors
Al Fakher Partners with U.S. Rapper Snoop Dogg to Launch New Hookah Flavors
According to Business Wire, AIR Limited has partnered with Snoop Dogg to develop new hookah flavors for its flagship brand Al Fakher. The products will be released on November 3, 2025, across international and German online platforms, expanding the brand’s flavor portfolio.
Nov.21
SKE Launches E-cigarette Device Recycling Program at Flagship Store in Manchester, UK
SKE Launches E-cigarette Device Recycling Program at Flagship Store in Manchester, UK
SKE launches e-cigarette recycling program in Manchester flagship store, offering gifts to participants. Initiative aims to promote sustainability.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Melaka Cracks Down on Unlicensed Vape Retailers with Fines and Seizures
Melaka Cracks Down on Unlicensed Vape Retailers with Fines and Seizures
Melaka’s local authorities are intensifying enforcement against unlicensed e-cigarette retailers by issuing notices, imposing fines, and seizing illegal products. State executive councillor Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said only premises meeting the required conditions will be granted trading licences under the Licensing of Trades (Local Authorities) By-Laws 2010.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai