GTNF 2023 Sessions

Trump Taps Prominent Pastor to Advise on Tobacco Policy  

Today (Sept. 1), President Donald Trump announced the appointment of prominent faith leader Pastor Darrell Scott as an adviser for tobacco ⁠health issues on a committee that

Ruling Could End Reynolds’ Vuse Alto Royalty Payments to Altria 

The judge found that the Juul sublicense authorized Reynolds’ continued use of the relevant patent rights, eliminating the basis for future infringement royalties.

BAT Completes CFO Leadership Transition  

Constantinescu returns to BAT after previously spending 16 years with the company across senior finance, strategy and general management roles.

MVCC Desires Regulatory Certainty for Vape Industry 

MVCC warned that changes to the legal position could create uncertainty for businesses that have made investment and operational decisions based on Act 852.

JT Expanding Nordic Spirit Line 

The wider rollout signals its continued investment in expanding Nordic Spirit’s retail presence and product range in Japan.

PMI CEO Speaking at Barclays 

Group CEO Jacek Olczak is scheduled to take part in a live fireside chat at approximately 9:45 a.m. ET.

Swedish Election Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Talks

The proposed TED would raise tobacco taxes across the EU and is linked to plans to generate €11.2 billion annually for the bloc’s next long-term budget.

Kutsaga Promotes Drought-Ready Tobacco Ahead of El Niño

The regional outlook forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across much of Southern Africa from October 2026 to March 2027.

Africa’s Tobacco Production Rises Despite Global Decline

Africa accounted for around 11% of global output in 2024, with Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda producing most of the continent’s tobacco.

KT&G Partners with Lamborghini on 3-Second HTP

The launch marks the first major Lil brand platform update since 2022, as KT&G seeks to strengthen its position in next-generation tobacco products.

Thailand Simplifying Cigarette Tax, Tightening Controls

Cigarettes priced up to $2.16 per pack are taxed at 25%, compared with 42% above the threshold, resulting in more than 95% of cigarettes being priced at the low end.

Filipino Lawmakers Weigh Unified Vape Tax

A committee is studying a unified rate for salt-nicotine and freebase products, citing existing tax disparities and their potential impact on illicit trade.

Illegal Cigarette Trade Costs Suriname $40M

The presentation linked the expansion of smuggling to tax increases introduced in 2006, noting that illicit trade persists despite periods of improvement.

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.