Cheryl K. Olson is a California-based public health researcher who specializes in behavioral health issues and consults on tobacco product behaviors via McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors. She spent 15 years on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. In this section we feature a selection of Olson’s contributions to Tobacco Reporter
FDA Authorizes 24 VELO Pouch Products
The orders cover eight product varieties across three packaging configurations, all containing 4 mg of nicotine.
Universal to Report Fiscal Q2 Results Nov. 4
The call will be available via live webcast on the company’s website, with a replay accessible through Feb. 5, 2027.
Cigar Aficionado Founder, Publisher Dies at 83
His publishing business covered wine, spirits, and cigars, while his philanthropy supported scholarships, prostate cancer research, and autism services.
PA Can Enforce Vape Directory Law During Appeal
The law, which took effect Oct. 19, prohibits the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes not listed in the state’s approved product directory.
UK Bans Sales of Nicotine Products to Under-18s
Retailers face fixed penalty notices of £200 for relevant offenses in England, Wales, and Scotland, with Northern Ireland’s to be decided.
Sweden Opposes EU Tobacco Tax Increase Ahead of Meeting
Sweden objected to proposed minimum taxes on tobacco-free nicotine pouches, arguing that member states should retain the ability to set tax rates.
Altria Raises 2026 Earnings Guidance After Third-Quarter Growth
For the first nine months of 2026, net revenue increased 1.4% to $17.67 billion, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 5.1% to $4.33.
Japan Tobacco Raises 2026 Earnings Forecast After Nine-Month Profit Growth
JT raised its full-year 2026 forecast, projecting revenue of $24.6 billion and operating profit of $6.6 billion.
S.Korea Releases Harmful-Ingredient Results for Tobacco Products
It found formaldehyde in all 256 cigarette products, all 104 heated-tobacco products, and 99 of the 105 e-liquids tested.
BAT Malaysia Says Illicits Account for 56% of Market
The legal cigarette market contracted 3.9%, while BAT Malaysia’s sales volume fell 21.1%.
Skoka Raises $21.5 Million, Submits PMTA for 55 Pouch Products
The company submitted the application Oct. 1 and plans to begin U.S. retail distribution in 2027, subject to FDA authorization.
UK Removes Business Rates Relief for Vape Shops, Drawing Industry Criticism
Critics said the decision could create a retail market where vape shops face additional costs while convenience stores selling the same products retain tax relief.
ITGA Marks World Tobacco Growers’ Day
ITGA President Marcílio Drescher extended his appreciation to tobacco growers and their families, acknowledging the work and challenges involved in farming.
ITGA Forum Examines Oriental Tobacco Markets and Regulation
ITGA estimates global tobacco production will decline about 5% in 2026 following a strong 2025 crop, with a further decrease projected for 2027.
Zimbabwe Reports 50% Firewood Reduction in Tobacco Curing
Masuka said the government plans to begin phasing out the use of indigenous trees during the 2027-2029 seasons.
BAT Appoints Former Apple General Counsel to Board
Sewell, who held the Apple roles from 2009 to 2018, previously spent 14 years at Intel Corp., where he also served as senior vice president and general counsel.
Study Says AI Bots Flooded UK Tobacco and Vape Consultation
The researchers said the volume and consistency of the submissions suggested a coordinated campaign, but they could not establish who organized it.
VST Industries Reports 30.7% Decline in Quarterly Profit
The company said changes to India’s indirect taxes on cigarettes make results not directly comparable with prior periods.
Italian Authorities Seize 4.3M Illicit Vape Products
The largest seizure involved approximately 4.3 million electronic cigarettes and smoking accessories found in a warehouse operating without the required authorizations.
Analysis Shows Increased MEP Engagement with Industry Lobbyists
About 75% of the meetings involved lawmakers from three right-leaning political groups.
Zimbabwe Closing In on $7 Billion Tobacco Industry Target
Smallholder farmers account for about 95% of growers and produce approximately 85% of the crop.
Vape Critics Accuse RJR of Marketing to Kids
The organization flagged the materials to state and federal authorities, alleging the marketing resembles tactics previously associated with youth appeal.
Gibraltar Plans Generational Tobacco Sales Ban
The proposed legislation would also ban the sale and advertising of single-use vapes, regardless of age, and prohibit nicotine product sales to anyone under 18.
Morocco Projects $2 Billion in Tobacco Tax Revenue for 2027
The draft bill proposes a specific tax of $64.50 per 1,000 cigarettes, an ad valorem rate of 57.5%, and a minimum tax of $102.50 per 1,000 cigarettes in 2027.
CORESTA Holds 70th Congress in Zimbabwe
The theme is “Science for Sustainability and Harm Reduction in the Transforming Tobacco Landscape.”
Report Compares UAE and Swedish Tobacco Policies
The report states that the UAE’s adult smoking rate fell from 14.7% in 2019 to 11.1% in 2024, while Sweden’s daily adult smoking rate reached 5.3% in 2024.
Turning Point Brands to Review Q3 Results Nov. 9
The call will be available via live webcast on the company’s investor relations website, with a replay available two hours after the call.
Report Examines Illicit Nicotine Pouch Markets
Germany, which has a de facto ban on pouches, has the ninth-largest market in the world, and France, despite its ban, is No. 22.
Philip Morris T&T Warns Vaping Duty Could Fuel Illicit Trade
Philip Morris T&T Ltd. warned that Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed 20% customs duty on vaping devices and e-liquids could increase illicit trade.
Hong Kong Illicit Cigarette Busts Already Approaching 2025 Total
Authorities recorded about 18,000 illicit cigarette cases during the first nine months.
A vape directory is only as strong as the enforcement behind it
Jason Carignan argues that Pennsylvania’s vape directory law will depend on consistent enforcement to restrict sales of unauthorized e-cigarettes.
PMI Reports Higher Third-Quarter Revenue
Reuters reported that the company faces rising cost pressures from the war in the Middle East, including energy-related inflation expected to worsen in the fourth quarter.
IGEN, Vertex Expand Excise Tax Compliance Integration
The solution is designed for companies in highly regulated industries, including tobacco and oil and gas, and supports enterprises transitioning.
Armenia Seizes Nearly 38,000 Packs of U.S.-Bound Cigarettes
Customs officers inspected the doors at a cargo terminal after receiving intelligence that an Armenian-registered company planned to export tobacco products.
Vietnam Proposes Online Tobacco Sales Ban, Larger Pack Warnings
The proposal would also cover e-cigarette components and liquids, nicotine pouches, shisha, and certain tobacco raw materials.
Haypp to End Snusnetto Sales After Age-Verification Ruling
The decision follows a ruling that geo-located BankID verification at parcel lockers does not meet legal requirements for secure age verification.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Exports Surpass $1 Billion
Zimbabwe exported 190 million kg of tobacco worth $1 billion so far this year, up from 154 million kilograms valued at $844 million during the same period last year,
ASH Report Challenges UK’s Illicit Tobacco Market Numbers
ASH said illicit cigarettes accounted for 12% of U.K. cigarette consumption in 2024-25, while a KPMG report said it was closer to 45%.
T&C Backs Down on Tobacco Licensing Fees
Tobacco importers would pay the higher of 5% of accepted customs value or 5% of a reference value calculated by tobacco weight.
JTI Philippines Names Alan Jackson General Manager
JTI said he will focus on business growth, product innovation, and efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade through cooperation with stakeholders.
