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.
Riot Labs Launches Four New 0MG Flavors
The founder and CEO of Riot Labs said the launch of 0mg for the revolutionary device will give adults an easy-to-use alternative to disposables to quit smoking.
Foundation Cigar Latest to Up Prices from Tariff
Foundation is the fifth major cigar company to make such an announcement, but did not detail the amounts of the increase.
Papua New Guinea Bans Vapes
Health Minister Elias Kapavore announced the ban May 13, saying he was concerned about the effects tobacco products had on people between the ages of 11 and 17.
Study: Shisha to Increase 90% at Hospitality Venues
The study, conducted with 400 hospitality businesses in Spain, Germany, the U.S., and the UAE that offer shisha, aimed to explore future demand and trends in the growing shisha market.
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.
WHO Announcement Provokes Backlash
THR activists say the health body’s stance is based on discredited research.
Finland: Smoke-Free Tax Plans Draw Fire
Critics believe the proposal will steer smokers away from less harmful options.
Vapers Cheer EU Recognition of E-cigs as Possible Quit Aid
But a proposal to treat vaping as smoking in public spaces generates less enthusiasm.
Activists Slam Report
The WHO’s recent publication discounts the impact of tobacco harm reduction, says World Vapers Alliance.
Campaign for Harm Reduction in Strasbourg
The World Vapers Alliance speaks out against flavor bans and excessive regulation.
Vapers Petition Lawmakers to Stop Swedish Flavor Ban
Activists deliver letters and march in front of Parliament.
