Author: Taco Tuinstra

  • Bahrain Launches Digital Stamps System

    Bahrain Launches Digital Stamps System

    Photo: gonin

    Bahrain’s National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) has launched a digital stamp scheme to track excise goods, including tobacco products, from manufacturing to the point of consumption, reports the Bahrain News Agency

    The goal of the scheme is to protect consumers from counterfeit or illegal products, limit attempts to smuggle excise goods into the kingdom, and ensure the effectiveness of government revenue collection.

    Implementation of the digital stamps will take place in phases in collaboration with Customs Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, and the Ministry of Health. There will be three phases. The first phase will focus on cigarette products. The second phase includes implementation on all imported products through customs clearance, and the last phase includes implementation in local markets.

    Registration for the scheme is required by excise payers who import tobacco products and their relevant supply chain organizations from production to the release of the products to the local market, according to the NBR.

    The NBR held two virtual workshops to help prepare stakeholders for successful implementation of the digital stamps.

  • Turning Point Appoints Chief Marketing Officer

    Turning Point Appoints Chief Marketing Officer

    Turning Point Brands has appointed Summer Frein as the company’s chief marketing officer, effective immediately. In this role, Frein is responsible for driving Turning Point Brands’ marketing strategy across the company’s extensive brand portfolio.

    “As Turning Point Brands continues to transform into a more diversified consumer packaged goods company, Summer’s vast experience leading the planning, strategic development and execution for notable consumer brands will be extremely valuable,” said Yavor Efremov, president and CEO of Turning Point Brands, in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with Summer as she helps our team to improve our differentiated, world-class brands’ profile and consumer acceptance.”

    Frein previously served as general manager at Cronos Group USA, where she designed and implemented the company’s sales and marketing strategy. Frein also previously led Cronos Group’s U.S. brand sales operations, including building and managing brand and retail partnerships for the Lord Jones and Happy Dance brands.

    Prior to joining Cronos Group, Frein held a variety of senior leadership roles at Altria Group across sales, digital and brand marketing, strategy and business development. Notably, in 2018, she led Altria’s cannabis research investment initiative as part of Altria’s strategy and business development group.

    “Over the course of my 15-year career, I have worked with leading adult-use consumer brands on many different sides of the business and watched Turning Point Brands evolve into the leading company that it is today,” said Frein. “This new opportunity will allow me to work with the dynamic team at Turning Point Brands to develop a long-term marketing strategy and help to fully unlock the value of the company’s iconic Zig-Zag and Stoker’s brands.”

  • Report: Paper Market to Hit $1.58 billion

    Report: Paper Market to Hit $1.58 billion

    Photo: courtesy of BMJ
    Photo: BMJ

    The global tobacco paper market will grow from $1.23 billion in 2020 to $1.58 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate of 3.04 percent, according to a report by The Brainy Insights.

    The authors of the study attribute the growth to an increase in demand for treeless cigarette rolling papers and the popularity of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes, among other factors.

    “Tobacco paper vendors are now focusing on eco-friendly cigarette papers,” The Brainy Insights wrote in a press note. “They now offer eco-friendly products, for instance, tree-less cigarette paper and filter tips. Different fruit pulp and vegetable pulp are now getting used for the rolling papers in place of trees by the tobacco paper manufacturers.”

    Other developments discussed in the report include slow burning low-odor papers and products that are easier to roll. The authors also suggest that strict regulation of vapor products is driving some vapers toward RYO cigarettes.

  • China Releases Vapor Product Standards

    China Releases Vapor Product Standards

    Photo: Taco Tuinstra

    China’s market regulator today unveiled technical standards for e-cigarettes that will go into effect starting Oct. 1.

    In a public document, the State Administration for Market Regulation listed the requirements for design, chemical compounds and the mechanics for e-cigarettes that domestic manufacturers must meet in order to sell their products, according to Channel News Asia.

    In March, Chinese tobacco authorities issued a finalized version of rules that stipulate other requirements for e-cigarette companies in China.

    Most notably, the rules state that e-cigarette companies may only sell their products through authorized channels, and also bar vendors from selling e-cigarette flavors other than tobacco.

    The Beijing Business Today revealed that many flavored vape products have seen prices increase up to CNY30 ($4.72). The Forward Industrial Research Institute has recently reported that in China there are approximately 1,500 vape manufacturers and brand enterprises, and over 100,000 e-cigarette supply chains and related service enterprises, providing employment to an estimated 5.5 million people.

    The research firm also found that in 2021, domestic e-cigarette sales totaled about CNY19.7 billion, with an annual growth of 36 percent.

  • Vaporesso Unveils New Logo

    Vaporesso Unveils New Logo

    Vaporesso revealed its new logo during the Vapexpo event in Lille, France. The China-based vaping device manufacturer’s new logo features the letter “V” at the forefront, encircled behind by the letter “O.”

    The “O” symbolizes a vapor ring that opens up. Beyond the visual, the “O” also represents the joy, love and hope that the brand brings. The “V” symbolizes the passion that characterizes the vaping community. It is an ode to the vapers that Vaporesso has built and grown alongside, according to a press release.

    “‘V’ and ‘O’ are the defining symbols for Vaporesso. On our journey to push the envelope, we hold onto a craftsman’s heart and ambition. With our in-house tech and expertise, we will grow along with our users and exceed expectations and limitations,” says Thalia Cheng, chief marketing officer of Vaporesso.

    The presentation of the new logo is the first step in a rebranding campaign. Also during Vapexpo, Vaperesso introduced its latest technology and products. New products included the iTank with its patented Turbo Airflow System, the GTi coil platform and the GEN 200, 8S and FIT.

    Vaporesso recently launched its first flagship store in Marseille, France, in December 2021. Vaporesso also plans to open stores in Paris and other major French cities.

  • Daniel McGee Joins Keller and Heckman

    Daniel McGee Joins Keller and Heckman

    Photo: akub Jirsák | Dreamstime.com

    Daniel P. McGee has joined Keller and Heckman’s expanding tobacco and vapor practice as counsel.

    Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, McGee worked as in-house counsel for several multinational tobacco, vapor and CBD companies, where he honed his skills advising on compliance and regulatory issues related to tobacco, vapor, nicotine, hemp, CBD and related products.

    McGee has experience counseling companies on a broad range of complex tobacco and U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory matters and developing strategies to help companies bring new products to market.

    “Daniel’s expertise and industry perspective will be invaluable to Keller and Heckman clients who are carefully navigating the challenges and pitfalls of a highly regulated and rapidly evolving legal landscape,” said Azim Chowdhury, a Partner in the firm’s tobacco and vapor and food and drug practices.

    “In addition to expanding our tobacco and e-vapor capabilities, we are especially looking forward to utilizing Daniel’s expertise in state law compliance, particularly for clients expanding into the hemp and CBD categories.”

    “The addition of Daniel to our practice demonstrates Keller and Heckman’s commitment to helping our clients understand and comply with continuously evolving regulations in this growing field,” said Richard Mann, chair of Keller and Heckman’s management committee.

    “I am honored to work with Keller and Heckman’s experienced team of tobacco and e-vapor attorneys and to share the corporate perspective with my new colleagues,” said McGee. “After spending the bulk of my legal career as in-house counsel to the tobacco industry, I made a strategic decision to focus on the industry as a whole and join a law firm that is a leader in tobacco regulatory compliance and public policy initiatives.”

    McGee received his J.D. degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and his B.A. degree from Boston College, where he graduated with honors.

  • Report: Counterfeiting Poses Serious Risk

    Report: Counterfeiting Poses Serious Risk

    Photo: Andrii Yalanskyi

    The Intellectual Property Crime Threat Assessment 2022 report by the EU Intellectual Property Office and Europol shows that piracy and counterfeiting pose a serious threat to the European economy as well as people’s health and well-being.

    Imports of fake and illicit goods reached €119 billion ($129.61 billion) in 2019, which represented 5.8 percent of all goods entering the EU zone.

    More than 66 million counterfeit items were seized by EU authorities in 2022 as pharmaceuticals, food items, cosmetics and toys, among other goods, were targeted by criminals and counterfeiters who took advantage of the pandemic.

    Tobacco products, too, feature prominently among counterfeited products.

  • Malaysia Poised to Legalize E-Cigarettes

    Malaysia Poised to Legalize E-Cigarettes

    Photo: bennian_1

    Malaysia’s longtime ban on the sale of vaping products is set to end, according to the Malaysian Organization of Vape Entities (MOVE).

    Taking effect on Aug. 3, the regulation of vaping devices precedes the imminent legalization of vape sales. It follows years of campaigning by MOVE and other tobacco harm reduction supporters.

    The Malaysian government has now moved to gazette the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Electronic Cigarette Devices Order 2022 under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011. Manufacturers and importers will need to ensure all devices are certified and labeled to show consumers that safety standards have been met and the products are safe to use. All e-liquids will need to be registered.

    “This is historic news after a long-fought battle. It paves the way for a legalized market and safer products. Regulating vaping products, restricting sales to adults and applying significant penalties to any breaches will help many more Malaysian smokers to quit deadly cigarettes,” said Samsul Kamal Ariffin, president of MOVE.

    Ariffin said that in recent months there have been frustrating parliamentary delays in progressing the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill—not helped by the pending general election. However, with the safety standards now gazetted, it sets in train the legalization of vape sales.

    Regulating, not banning, vaping will not only save smokers lives, [but] it will generate much-needed tax revenue for our country.

    Samsul Kamal Ariffin, president, MOVE

    “Regulating, not banning, vaping will not only save smokers lives, [but] it will generate much-needed tax revenue for our country, which is desperately needed post-pandemic,” said Ariffin. “This is not only good news for smokers and their loved ones, but every Malaysian will benefit from the extra revenue gained from vape manufacturing, importing and sales. Up until now, it has been a black market with unapproved products not contributing tax and with no safety assurances.”

    “The government has done well in preparing the legislation and regulation of products deemed 95 percent less harmful than combustible tobacco. It fully understands that making safer nicotine products legally accessible is the only way to seriously reduce Malaysia’s unnecessarily high smoking rates,” said Ariffin.

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), too, expects Malaysia’s smoking rates to decline after the legalization of vapor products. “Malaysia will join 67 other progressive countries worldwide which have adopted regulatory frameworks on safer nicotine products. Importantly, all of them have subsequently registered a dramatic decline in smoking,” said Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of CAPHRA.

    “We’re particularly proud of our member organization MOVE and Samsul’s tireless advocacy over many years. The third of August is worthy of a big celebration and will be well noted across the Asia-Pacific region. Vaping bans fail badly—as Australia is discovering the hard way,” said Loucas. 

  • Treat Joins 22nd Century as CSO

    Treat Joins 22nd Century as CSO

    22nd Century Group has appointed Calvin Treat as chief scientific officer, effective May 23, 2022. In this new role, Treat will lead the expanding scientific, research and technological operations of the company, leveraging its expertise, IP and partnerships across all three of its alkaloid plant franchises toward becoming a global leader in specialty plant science.

    “Dr. Treat brings a wealth of plant-based biotechnology and crop technology experience to 22nd Century at a pivotal time when we are rapidly expanding our global capabilities across all three of our alkaloid plant franchises—tobacco, hemp/cannabis and hops,” said James A. Mish, CEO of 22nd Century Group, in a statement.

    “Dr. Treat has spent his career at the largest plant science names in the world, leading their innovations on major crops like corn, soybeans and cotton. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to leverage our extensive technology platform comprising hundreds of patents, extensive know-how and global partnerships supporting our leadership in plant genetics, breeding and cultivation underpinning our growth opportunities across a growing $1.3 trillion worldwide market opportunity.”

    “22nd Century is rapidly establishing itself as the global alkaloid plant technology leader, bringing to bear an extensive upstream capability to optimize plant lines and enhance critical commercial traits that directly benefit quality, cost and consumer confidence in the end products. The company is leveraging the most advanced plant science techniques and building a global IP and capability set that may be unrivaled in their respective crops,” said Treat.

    “I am excited to join 22nd Century at this pivotal moment to lead the company onto the global stage as more and more of the world’s leading alkaloid plant growers come to recognize the incredible value of 22nd Century’s portfolio.”

    Treat previously served as senior vice president and head of crop technology for corn, soybean and cotton at Bayer, where he oversaw more than $2 billion in R&D spending dedicated to seeds, traits and crop protection while also driving tailored solutions to meet grower needs.

    Previously, he was the technology lead for Monsanto’s global corn and soy crops, where he merged the soy and corn technology teams to garner synergies across the platforms. While part of the Monsanto teams, he was involved in the launches of multiple technologies, including Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans, Intacta RR2 Pro soybeans in South America and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean technology across North America, one of Monsanto’s largest and most complex trait launches. His additional roles at Monsanto included global corn technology lead, global oilseeds technology lead and global soybean breeding lead, among others.

    Photo: Jacub Jirsak
  • Kate Wang Resigns from RLX Committees

    Kate Wang Resigns from RLX Committees

    Ying (Kate) Wang (Photo: RLX Technology)

    Ying (Kate) Wang has resigned as a member and the chairperson of the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee of RLX Technology’s board of directors to help the company comply with the relevant New York Stock Exchange’s listing requirements on board committees’ independence.

    Wang is the co-founder, chairperson of the board of directors and CEO of RLX Technology’s.

    Going forward, the compensation committee and nominating committee will be composed entirely of independent directors, namely Zhenjing Zhu and Youmin Xi, RLX Technology announced in a press note. Concurrent with Wang’s resignation from the compensation committee and the nominating committee, Xi was appointed as the chairperson of the nominating committee and the chairperson of the compensation committee.