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.
Federal Judge Allows Zyn Lawsuit to Progress
A Florida judge allowed key claims to move forward over allegations that Zyn causes ongoing health issues and are deceptively marketed.
German Study Finds Smokers Unmotivated to Quit
It said 30% of Germans smoked and 51.2% of them were not motivated to stop.
Bloom Earns Quality Certification
Bloom announced it has earned ECCO Certification in California — raising the bar for product testing, accountability, and transparency within the cannabis industry.
ITGA Announces Annual Meeting
Tobacco-producing countries from the Western hemisphere have been invited to “Americas Regional Meeting on April 24 in Jujuy, Argentina
Nepal’s Plan to License Tobacco Faces Pushback
President Bhattarai told the Prime Minister to take the issue seriously and urged Minister Bhandari to immediately halt the license distribution process.
PCA Announces Next Four Shows
The PCA says nearly 6,000 people registered to attend this year’s event, making it the largest cigar-focused event in the world.
Opinion: Hopes for Transforming the FDA
Adam Hoffer discussed the lingering challenges plaguing the CTP and suggested a pathway forward.
UAE Points to Sweden in Approving Nicotine Pouches
The UAE approved synthetic nicotine pouches, hoping they would help lower the nation’s 12% smoking rate.
BAT Hosts Annual General Meeting
“I was pleased to see another solid performance in our new categories business. New categories’ contribution increased by £251 million.”
Zimbabwe to Double Shisha Output
Despite only increasing planted land by 25%, Zimbabwe is expected to see its Shisha crop double to 8000,000 kg in 2025.
Apostate Cigars Joins Oveja Negra Family
“Apostate is a great example of a uniquely different brand that fits what we’re looking for.”
CORESTA Announces Next Webinar
CORESTA announced its webinar, titled “Tobacco Genetic Resources: The Foundation for a Global Industry,” scheduled for May 13 at 1 p.m.
