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.
Philippine Tobacco Growers Warn of Oversupply Risk
The NTA warned that oversupply conditions could persist for three years and is preparing information campaigns to discourage excessive production.
South Korea Signals Cigarette Tax Hikes, Tougher Warnings
Cigarette prices have remained unchanged at an average of $2.93 per pack since a 2015 increase, despite consumer prices rising about 20% over the same period.
Reason Alleges Calif. Health Manipulated Anti-Tobacco Agenda
The report highlights the state’s funding of “Endgame” initiatives intended to eliminate commercial tobacco sales and scrutinizes relationships between CDPH staff.
Health System Settles Tobacco-Fee Suit
The suit said the system violated federal benefits laws by charging workers an additional fee if they used tobacco without complying offering wellness incentives.
Report:Tax-Free Cigarettes Fuel Illicit Trade Across Indonesia
Producers can earn substantial profits by smuggling untaxed cigarettes out of Batam, highlighting the challenge authorities face.
Philippines Urges Early Tobacco Planting Amid El Niño Threat
NTA is advising farmers to complete planting by mid-December rather than extending activities through the end of the month.
Plasencia Introduces First Global Brand Ambassador
The appointment recognizes Medina Mendieta’s 11 years with the company, where he helped expand Plasencia’s footprint across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Maldives Seized 23,000 Illegal Vapes Last Week
The latest seizure occurred on June 20 at Malé Commercial Harbor, where 6,328 cartridges were found hidden inside a shipment declared as general cargo.
PMI Announces New Regional Leadership
All four regional presidents report to Frederic de Wilde, CEO of PMI International, which oversees the business unit generating the majority of PMI’s global revenue.
CTIHK Expects Potential 30% Revenue Decline
The warning underscores CTIHK’s continued dependence on traditional tobacco supply chains, with tobacco leaf imports and exports.
UK Vaping Duty Expected to Generate £565M by 2030
The new rules are expected to affect duty-free retailers serving UK-bound passengers, potentially reducing purchase volumes and prompting adjustments.
Vermont Tightens Tobacco Regulations
The legislation expands statutory definitions to include “tobacco substitutes” and significantly increases licensing costs.
