Sale et tabacchi, the inscription on the logo of Italian tobacconist shops, still speaks of tobacco’s long history on the peninsula. It calls to mind the country’s monopoly on salt and tobacco in colonial times.
Today, Italy is the European Union’s largest producer of leaf tobacco, with an annual production of 50 million kg, representing a market share of 27 percent. The country’s economic powerhouse in the north is home not only to leaf tobacco cultivation but also to leading cigarette companies’ and suppliers’ manufacturing sites, which continue to invest in the region.
Philip Morris International has a state-of-the-art tobacco heating factory in Bologna, BAT recently inaugurated an innovation hub in Trieste, Tobacco Technology has a set up a flavorings lab in the region and Montrade is expanding its operations, to name just a few developments.
In the runup to TabExpo Bologna 2023, Tobacco Reporter’s Stefanie Rossel traveled through northern Italy to learn about the tobacco industry’s latest investments. In this special report, she shares her insights.
Netherlands Rules Out Disposable Vape, Filter Bans
They said a national ban on disposable vapes would conflict with EU tobacco rules, despite concerns about environmental damage and fire risks linked to waste processing incidents.
FDA Memo Questions Flavored-Vape Reversal: AP
Regulators explained that the Glas flavored vapes “did not have to demonstrate added adult benefit,” because young people were unlikely to use them.
Nicotine Pouch Use Surging with Young Canadians
Researchers said the rapid growth was unexpected and noted that only about one-third of pouch users were cigarette smokers.
Indonesia Customs Seizes 8M Illegal Cigarettes
The shipment, valued at $710,000, included OK BOLD and imported Double Happiness cigarettes concealed under livestock feed on a truck traveling from Java to Sumatra.
THR Advocates Criticize COP11 Transparency, Agenda
Delegates should demand a broader range of observers and greater transparency to avoid a situation where one billionaire funder can speak through dozens of organizations.
EU Abstains from COP11 Vote Amid Internal Disagreements
Public health groups said a weakened EU position would embolden the tobacco industry, while THR proponents welcome evidence-based policies.
Mexico Debates Vaping Ban Amid Constitutional Reform
A recent constitutional reform, supported by most major parties, criminalizes the production, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vape devices, and unauthorized toxic substances.
WVA Holds Light Protest Ahead of COP11
The WVA said it was drawing attention to what the group calls misinformation and exclusion of consumer voices in global tobacco control debates.
Vapers’ Alliance Challenges WHO Ahead of COP11
The group warned that WHO proposals to ban flavored vaping and raise taxes ignore scientific evidence that vaping and nicotine pouches are less harmful alternatives.
WCTC Gets Protestors Wanting Input
The campaign comes at a time when the WHO is pushing for sweeping bans on flavored nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
WVA Raises Alarm About Misperceptions
The consumer group organized a protest in front of the WHO headquarters today.
EU Urged to Adopt Science-Based Strategy
Health Ministers are currently debating Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in Brussels.
Activists Lament EU Stance on THR
The EU Commission’s approach is out of touch with citizens’ views, according to the WVA.
