Until recently, few people would have mentioned the words “tobacco” and “innovation” in the same sentence. Even as other legacy industries started disrupting their respective operations, the tobacco industry remained content to milk its tried-and-tested business model and count on the habit-forming properties of nicotine to sustain its business.
That has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Advances in technology, together with shifting attitudes, have turned the once-staid nicotine business into a cutting-edge innovator. The modern e-cigarette was not invented by the tobacco industry, but when it started making inroads around 2008, the industry recognized its potential and devoted considerable resources to its perfection. The ensuing disruption to the nicotine business prompted one major financial institution to rank the impact of e-cigarettes in the same league as that of 3D printing.
And it didn’t stop there. Tobacco companies went on to develop a host of additional reduced-risk technologies, such as tobacco-heating devices. Some even began applying their expertise in agronomy, product development and substance delivery to create nonrecreational products, such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals and therapeutic devices.
Astonished by the radical transition taking place in the industry, and excited about what it promises for the future, Tobacco Reporter devote its entire April 2022 issue to the topic of innovation.
FDA Authorizes Three Juul2 Products
The authorization covers the Juul2 device and 18 mg/mL tobacco- and menthol-flavored pods.
Altria Adds Refresco Executive to Board
Altria Group Inc. announced that it elected Steven W. Presley to its board of directors, effective Aug. 27.
Calif. Bans Disposable Nicotine Vapes
To remain legal, vape devices would need to be refillable or use replaceable pods and have rechargeable batteries.
Altria Increases Quarterly Dividend to $1.11 Per Share
The new annualized dividend rate is $4.44 per share, representing a dividend yield of 6.4% based on a closing stock price of $69.12 on August 26.
Japan Tobacco to Receive $1.6B Dividend from Subsidiary
Because the payment comes from a consolidated subsidiary, JT said it will have no material impact on its consolidated financial results.
FDA Releases New Smoking Cessation Posters
The free materials feature positive, motivational messages and direct smokers to a cessation website.
Article Examines Move Toward Higher-Strength Pouches
Companies are expanding strength and format options as consumers develop preferences for stronger and higher-moisture products.
Vietnam Health Official Backs ID Checks for Tobacco Sales
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is proposing age verification for tobacco purchases, allowing retailers to ask customers who appear under 18 to verify their age.
Riot Labs Cites Cochrane Review Against UK Vape Packaging Plans
The company highlighted a gap between evidence and public perceptions of vaping, warning that proposed UK restrictions could undermine switching from cigarettes.
Scandinavian Reports Stable First-Half Sales
Scandinavian Tobacco Group maintained its 2026 guidance, forecasting constant-currency net sales growth of -2% to 2%.
AIR Shareholders Approve $52.5M Share Repurchase
Shareholders approved all proposals, including a $52.5 million repurchase of 5 million ordinary shares from Harraden Circle Investors.
Philippines Says 93% of Vape Brands Unregistered
The Bureau of Customs reported 253 tobacco seizures worth $160 million and 18 vapor-product seizures worth $25.6 million this year.
