Philip Morris International (PMI)
1. PMI's Chief Communications Officer, Dr. Moira Gilchrist, emphasized that the focus should be on gradually reducing cigarette demand over time, rather than abruptly stopping production. And PMI outlines consumer behavior change, legal restrictions, and shareholder responsibility as the key factors behind its continued sale of cigarettes. (Read more on 2Firsts)
2. PMI Romania is accelerating its transition to a smoke-free future by adding ZYN nicotine pouches to its product range. The company emphasizes the importance of a diverse and scientifically substantiated portfolio to cater to the preferences of adult smokers, helping them transition away from smoking while improving their health. (Read more on 2Firsts)
3. PMI marks 10 years of its heated tobacco product, IQOS, now used by 30 million adults globally. Smoking rates in Japan dropped 46% since IQOS's launch, with adult smoking falling from 19.6% in 2014 to 10.6% in 2022. (Read more on 2Firsts)
British American Tobacco (BAT)
1. BAT will launch its synthetic nicotine e-cigarette, "Nomad Sync 5000," in South Korea. The product, offering 5,000 puffs, comes in two flavors and is priced at 17,000 Korean won ($12 USD). BAT's move takes advantage of a regulatory gap, as synthetic nicotine is not classified as tobacco under South Korea's laws, allowing it to bypass certain tobacco regulations. (Read more on 2Firsts)
2. BAT will launch two new heated tobacco devices, "HILO" and "HILO Plus," in Serbia by the end of the year. The "HILO Plus" pen supports up to two consecutive sessions or 20 with a charging base, while the "HILO" model features an LED screen showing real-time information. (Read more on 2Firsts)
3. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision, rejecting an appeal by R.J. Reynolds, a subsidiary of BAT, against the FDA's new graphic cigarette warning labels. (Read more on 2Firsts)
4. PJ Carroll, a BAT subsidiary in Ireland, reported a 23% increase in pre-tax profits to €6.18 million in 2023. The growth was driven by the company's expanding vapor and combustible product portfolios, including the successful launch of VELO nicotine pouches. However, the company faces challenges in Ireland from illicit trade and upcoming regulations, including a new e-liquid excise tax, which could impact market conditions. (Read more on 2Firsts)
Japan Tobacco (JT)
1. JT announced on November 29 that it will release a limited edition red version of the "Ploom X Advanced" heated tobacco device. The device will be available for purchase through CLUB JT online, nationwide Ploom stores, and convenience stores. In addition to the red device, JT will launch "Oraito Red" accessories, including a "Fabric Back Cover" and "Fabric Carry Case," on the same date. (Read more on 2Firsts)
RLX Technology
1. The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially announced on November 26 that it has lifted the trade ban on vape products manufactured by AEROGIN and RELX. Previously, the DTI had suspended the sale of multiple vape brands, including AEROGIN, LOST MARY, and RELX, in September. (Read more on 2Firsts)
Ispire Technology Inc
1. Ispire Technology has launched the VLT CBD pod system, designed to reduce e-waste from disposable products. The system features reusable pods and batteries, making it more cost-effective compared to traditional disposable products, while enhancing flavor by preserving natural terpenes in cannabis extracts. (Read more on 2Firsts)
Heaven Gifts
1. Ukrainian customs seized 1,182 undeclared "ELFBAR" e-cigarettes, estimated to be worth around $24,000. The goods were found on a passenger bus traveling from Kherson to Gdansk, and the drivers admitted that the items belonged to them. (Read more on 2Firsts)
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