Liquid nicotine from Universal subsidiary

Universal Corp. is branching out into liquid nicotine for electronic cigarettes.

The company said yesterday that its subsidiary, Virginia Tobacco Co. Inc. had joined Avoca Inc., one of the world’s premier botanical extraction companies, in the formation of AmeriNic Inc.

It said the new business would produce high-quality, U.S. pharmacopeia (USP) grade liquid nicotine in the U.S. using fully traceable and compliant tobaccos.

AmeriNic expects to begin production of liquid nicotine before the end of the calendar year.

“We continually evaluate opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our customers and our industry,” said George C. Freeman III, chairman, president and CEO of Universal.

“The electronic cigarette industry is developing rapidly, and as a leader in leaf tobacco sourcing and agronomic research, we are pleased to bring our expertise to this dynamic market.

“We believe that the best source of liquid nicotine is tobacco and that AmeriNic Inc. has the capability needed to build a supply chain to provide the highest-quality product at a competitive price.”