KT&G to Launch New “RAIM” Heated Tobacco Pod Brand on October 27

Aug.14
KT&G to Launch New “RAIM” Heated Tobacco Pod Brand on October 27
South Korean tobacco company KT&G has announced it will launch a new heated tobacco (heat-not-burn, HNB) pod brand, “RAIM” (레임), on October 27. Designed exclusively for use with the company’s “LIL AIBLE” devices, the new pods are marketed as effectively reducing the intensity of tobacco flavor. With the addition of RAIM, the total number of LIL AIBLE-exclusive pod varieties will increase to 19. KT&G stated that thanks to the strong sales of LIL AIBLE 2.0, its domestic HNB market share rose to 45

Key Points:

 

New product: KT&G is introducing the “RAIM” HNB pod in four varieties — RAIM ICE MINT, RAIM ICE, RAIM REGULAR, and RAIM VELVET — scheduled for release on October 27. The product is designed for LIL AIBLE devices and emphasizes reduced tobacco odor.

 

Product lineup: This is KT&G’s first brand update for LIL AIBLE in about a year. In July 2024, the company discontinued its “AIM” brand for LIL AIBLE pods and launched three new types — Classic (REAL), Granules (GRANULA), and Liquid (VAPOR STICK) — with redesigned names and packaging. Since then, the product line has grown to 15 types, with RAIM bringing the total to 19.

 

Market performance: Since the release of LIL AIBLE 2.0, monthly average pod sales have grown by 41% over the past year. In the first half of the year, KT&G achieved a 45.8% share of the South Korean HNB market.


According to Nate on August 13, KT&G explained that the new RAIM pods, available in four variants — RAIM ICE MINT, RAIM ICE, RAIM REGULAR, and RAIM VELVET — are exclusively compatible with LIL AIBLE HNB devices. Their key feature is an effective reduction in tobacco odor.

 

Before this release, the last brand update for LIL AIBLE was one year ago. In July 2024, KT&G discontinued the “AIM” brand of LIL AIBLE pods and introduced three new product types — Classic (REAL), Granules (GRANULA), and Liquid (VAPOR STICK) — along with a redesign of product names and packaging.

 

Since then, KT&G has continued expanding the lineup. With RAIM, the LIL AIBLE pod range now totals 19 varieties. The company emphasized that the LIL AIBLE series remains central to its HNB market strategy, with LIL AIBLE 2.0 driving a 41% year-on-year increase in monthly average sales, and boosting the company’s domestic HNB market share to 45.8% in the first half of the 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

Singapore Health Sciences Authority Hiring Investigators for Special Crackdown on Etomidate-containing E-cigarettes
Singapore Health Sciences Authority Hiring Investigators for Special Crackdown on Etomidate-containing E-cigarettes
The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a recruitment notice to hire full-time investigators and senior investigators to crack down on e-cigarettes containing etomidate. Duties include arresting users, conducting surveillance of related illegal activities, engaging in international cooperation, and carrying out preventive education.
Aug.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukraine proposes total ban on e-cigarette production and sales to reduce youth consumption
Ukraine proposes total ban on e-cigarette production and sales to reduce youth consumption
Ukraine proposes comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes to curb youth usage, with 40% of 13-16 year olds trying them.
Aug.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California Officially Approves “Unflavored Tobacco List” Regulation; Products Not Listed Will Be Banned from Sale
California Officially Approves “Unflavored Tobacco List” Regulation; Products Not Listed Will Be Banned from Sale
On August 25, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) emergency regulation establishing the procedures for applying, maintaining, and enforcing the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL). The regulation took effect immediately on August 25, 2025, and will remain valid until February 24, 2026. Products not included on the list will be prohibited from sale in the state.
Aug.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International and Swedish Match Win Collective Lawsuit Over Zyn Nicotine Pouches
Philip Morris International and Swedish Match Win Collective Lawsuit Over Zyn Nicotine Pouches
In a recent victory, Philip Morris International and Swedish Match won a lawsuit concerning their product Zyn's pricing.
Sep.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Largest E-Cigarette Seizure in U.S. History: 4.7 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Confiscated, With a Retail Value of Approximately $86.5 Million
The Largest E-Cigarette Seizure in U.S. History: 4.7 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Confiscated, With a Retail Value of Approximately $86.5 Million
In a joint operation in Chicago, the U.S. FDA and CBP seized over 4 million illegal e-cigarettes, valued at approximately $86.5 million, marking the largest case in history. The operation is part of the U.S. strategy to combat youth vaping and has named 37 importers for accountability. So far this year, U.S. authorities have intercepted more than 6 million illegal e-cigarettes, with a total value exceeding $120 million.
Sep.11
Imperial Tobacco Canada announced the completion of settlement litigation, warning that the black market for tobacco could impact compensation funds
Imperial Tobacco Canada announced the completion of settlement litigation, warning that the black market for tobacco could impact compensation funds
Imperial Tobacco Canada announced the end of all related litigation as the court-approved settlement plan took effect. The company warned that Canada’s illegal tobacco market, now over 30% of total sales and growing, threatens the compensation plan’s sustainability. Legal sales revenues are crucial for funding annual payments to claimants.
Sep.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai