Philip Morris International said it will invest ₱4.5 billion ($71 million) to expand its smoke-free manufacturing facility in Batangas, Philippines. Vassilis Gkatzelis, PMI president for East and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and global travel retail, said the investment will increase domestic production and export capacity, positioning the Philippines as a regional manufacturing and supply-chain hub. PMI said it has invested more than ₱125 billion ($2 billion) in the country since 2010, while its Philippine affiliate, PMFTC Inc., employs more than 5,000 people.
PMI said approximately 200,000 Philippine adults use its IQOS ILUMA and ZYN products, compared with an estimated 14 million adult smokers in the country. Separately, PMI Vice President of Communications and Engagement Tommaso di Giovanni said the company is seeing growing demand for IQOS and ZYN but believes further consumer education and product availability are needed to accelerate adoption. PMI said its smoke-free products are now available in 110 markets and have more than 43 million adult users worldwide.
