From Nov. 20 to Nov. 25, delegates representing the countries that have signed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will gather in Panama City to discuss tobacco and nicotine policies at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10). It’s an event that warrants close scrutiny because the decisions taken at COP tend to have profound implications on the nicotine business and its customers, impacting the future of manufacturers, suppliers and tobacco growers along with stakeholders such as smokers and vapers.
In this section, Tobacco Reporter features a selection of its COP10 coverage.
KT&G Reports 27% Increase in Q1 2026
The company’s global combustible cigarette business saw strong performance, with shipment volumes increasing 15% and operating profit rising 56.1%.
Turning Point Sales Up 16.8% in Q1 2026
The company said it is investing heavily to capture growth in the evolving nicotine category, particularly in nicotine pouches.
PMI Calls for Lower Cigarette Taxes in Meeting With Australian Govt
The company told lawmakers that narrowing the price gap between legal and illegal products could help shift consumers back into regulated channels.
Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry ‘Criminal’
He said a court decision forced the government to reverse its ban on cigarette sales in supermarkets, undermining part of its strategy to reduce tobacco accessibility.
Court Upholds ATF’s Action on Calif. Tribe’s Cigarette Sales
The decision affirms the application of state-level tobacco regulations to certain intertribal sales conducted remotely.
Villiger Announces Schüpbach as New CEO
Schüpbach brings experience from leadership roles at Schleuniger Group and Regent Lighting, as well as earlier positions at Bystronic and ABB.
22nd Century Reports $4.1M in Revenue as it Focuses on Future
The company said it is gaining traction with adult smokers, with products now available in more than 2,000 stores across 20 states, with plans to expand to 5,000 this year.
AIR to Open Manufacturing Facility in Romania
The site, located near Bucharest, is projected to produce more than 4,000 tons of flavored shisha molasses annually and create over 150 jobs.
PMI Talks Illicit Trade, Tobacco Reforms in Pakistan
The delegation highlighted that an estimated 45–47 billion untaxed cigarettes are sold annually, contributing to revenue losses of around $1.3 billion.
Ispire Revenue Down, But ‘Stabilized’ After Strategic Repositioning
It highlighted multiple growth drivers, including operational manufacturing in Malaysia, nicotine pouch supply, and upcoming vapor ODM partnerships.
Vapes Thriving in Hong Kong Despite Ban
Reporters were able to purchase vapes through social media channels, with sellers offering home delivery and little concern about enforcement.
Altria, Juul Seek Pause in Antitrust Case Pending Appeal
The companies argue that the appeal raises significant legal questions and that continuing the case could result in unnecessary litigation.
FDA Expands AI Capabilities to Improve Efficiency
The FDA said the enhanced AI infrastructure is designed to improve efficiency and support faster decision-making.
PMI’s Net Revenue Tops $40B for 2025
PMI reaffirmed its outlook for continued growth through 2026–2028 and its commitment to shareholder returns.
Argentina Lifts Alternative Product Ban, Imposes New Regs
The new rules replace a previously prohibitive regime and aim to bring a largely informal market under formal oversight.
