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  • Philip Morris Korea Appoints New Managing Director

    Philip Morris Korea Appoints New Managing Director

    Philip Morris Korea named Lee Hong-suk as its new managing director, effective May 1, as the company continues to advance its smoke-free product strategy in the country. Lee, who has been with Philip Morris International since 1999, has held senior roles across multiple markets and most recently led the company’s smoke-free products division in Korea.

    In his new role, Lee will oversee operations in one of PMI’s key markets for alternatives such as IQOS, with a focus on expanding the company’s presence and engagement with stakeholders. The company said Lee will be essential as it continues to prioritize smoke-free product development and commercialization in the Korean market.

  • PCA Announces 2027 Dates in Las Vegas

    PCA Announces 2027 Dates in Las Vegas

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced dates for its 2027 trade show, scheduled for March 5–8 in Las Vegas. The announcement came following the successful conclusion of PCA26, held last week in New Orleans. The 2026 event drew 262 exhibitors, nearly 2,540 retailers from 970 accounts, and more than 5,900 total attendees, reflecting continued growth and engagement across the premium cigar sector.

    PCA leadership pointed to strong business activity and participation as a foundation for next year’s event. “The energy on the show floor, the quality of business being done, and the enthusiasm from our members made it clear that this was one of the most impactful trade shows in recent history,” said CEO Joshua Habursky, highlighting momentum heading into 2027.

  • PMI Schedules 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting

    PMI Schedules 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting

    Philip Morris International announced that it will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 6 at 9 a.m. ET via a live virtual webcast. The meeting will be accessible online, with presentation materials and a replay available for one year following the event.

    Chairman André Calantzopoulos and CEO Jacek Olczak are scheduled to address shareholders and respond to questions, with participation limited to verified shareholders using a control number.

  • Thailand Police Bust $5.5M Vape Network

    Thailand Police Bust $5.5M Vape Network

    Thai authorities dismantled a large-scale online e-cigarette distribution network following a warehouse raid in Samut Prakan, seizing more than 20,000 vape products valued at over THB200 million ($5.5 million) and arresting seven suspects. Investigators said the operation, linked to online sales through a platform identified as “Shisha Chic,” was processing over 1,000 orders daily, generating several million baht in daily cash flow.

    Police said the suspects were employees responsible for packing and distributing products, while efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute the network’s organizers. Authorities are also considering action under anti-money laundering laws and have signaled further nationwide crackdowns targeting online sellers, distributors, and illicit retail operations.

  • Altria Outperforms Peers as Cigarette Declines Moderate: Motley Fool

    Altria Outperforms Peers as Cigarette Declines Moderate: Motley Fool

    A recent Motley Fool analysis highlights continued declines in U.S. cigarette volumes, though at a slower pace than expected, with industry data showing a 4.3% to 5.5% year-over-year drop and a 5.1% decline so far in 2026. The figures came in better than earlier projections, suggesting the rate of contraction in the traditional cigarette market may be stabilizing somewhat, even as long-term declines persist.

    The report notes that Altria is outperforming key competitors in this environment, with its cigarette volumes down 4.7% compared to sharper declines of 9.3% for British American Tobacco and 9% for Imperial Brands. At the same time, Motley Fool said next-generation products show mixed performance, with nicotine pouches growing 22% while e-cigarette volumes fell 17%, underscoring uneven momentum across reduced-risk categories as companies continue to navigate the transition away from combustible products.

  • Union Seeks Dismissal of ITG Challenge in Retiree Health Dispute

    Union Seeks Dismissal of ITG Challenge in Retiree Health Dispute

    A tobacco workers’ union is asking a North Carolina federal court to dismiss ITG Brands’ attempt to overturn a November 2025 arbitration ruling on retiree healthcare benefits. The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Local 317-T argues the company’s legal challenge was improperly filed and does not comply with required procedures under the Federal Arbitration Act.

    The dispute stems from an arbitration decision issued by arbitrator Dennis Nolan in favor of the union for a yet-to-be-disclosed amount, which ITG Brands is seeking to vacate. The union maintains that, because the filing was procedurally flawed, the court should reject the challenge and allow the arbitration award to stand. The case remains active in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

  • Texas Smoke Shops Blame Supplier Over Raids, Frozen Funds

    Texas Smoke Shops Blame Supplier Over Raids, Frozen Funds

    Two Texas smoke shop owners have filed a lawsuit against vape supplier Delta Munchies LLC, alleging the company sold them products containing illegal levels of THC while marketing them as compliant hemp. According to the complaint, the shops were subsequently subjected to police raids, arrests, and the freezing of nearly $5 million in business funds after authorities determined the products violated state law.

    The plaintiffs argue they relied on the supplier’s representations that the products were legal and are seeking damages for financial losses and legal consequences stemming from the enforcement actions.

  • Cyprus Retailers Warn Tax Hikes Could Boost Illicit Tobacco Trade

    Cyprus Retailers Warn Tax Hikes Could Boost Illicit Tobacco Trade

    Kiosk owners in Cyprus are warning that proposed tobacco tax increases could drive consumers toward illegal markets, particularly via the island’s northern region, where price disparities already influence purchasing behavior. Industry estimates suggest that about 13% of cigarette consumption and 53% of rolling tobacco consumption currently comes from the north, with further increases expected if taxes rise.

    Retailers say planned EU-driven excise adjustments could push cigarette prices from around €4.50–€5 to as high as €8–€8.50 per pack, potentially accelerating the shift to untaxed products. The sector estimates illicit trade already costs the government more than €50 million annually and is calling for policy flexibility, stronger enforcement and phased implementation to mitigate further losses.

  • Bangladesh Battles with Illicit Tobacco, Enforcement

    Bangladesh Battles with Illicit Tobacco, Enforcement

    Authorities in Bangladesh are facing renewed scrutiny over the enforcement of tobacco-related regulations, as a legal petition seeks updates on action taken against illegal shisha lounges in Dhaka. The filing, submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, requests details on raids, arrests, and compliance with a High Court directive issued in March mandating the closure of unauthorized lounges, amid claims that some establishments in areas like Banani and Gulshan remain operational.

    At the same time, enforcement efforts continue elsewhere, with officials in Kushtia destroying illegal tobacco products worth approximately Tk 2.5 crore ($225,000), including nearly 36 million sticks and units of cigarettes, bidis, and other items seized through anti-smuggling operations.

  • Syrian Tobacco Production Rocked by Factory Disruptions

    Syrian Tobacco Production Rocked by Factory Disruptions

    Syria’s state-run tobacco sector has seen a sharp decline in production following widespread disruption to manufacturing facilities, with around 80% of cigarette and shisha factories not fully operational, according to the head of the General Organization of Tobacco (GOT). Officials attribute the shutdowns to damage, looting, and instability linked to recent military developments, which are significantly impacting output capacity.

    As a result, tobacco production fell to 3,209 tons in 2025, while the state entity has reduced its workforce by 35% over the past year.