Category: Around the Industry

  • Gran Habano’s Rico Named to PCA Board

    Gran Habano’s Rico Named to PCA Board

    Today (June 12), the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced the appointment of George Rico of Gran Habano as an associate member on the PCA Board of Directors. The board position opened last week when Max Bichler resigned from his position at Rocky Patel Premium Cigars and the PCA board.

    “Per the association by-laws, the current board of directors had the duty to appoint a good-standing member to fill the role,” the PCA said in a statement. “Based on his experience, service on PCA committees, and overall participation and support for the Premium Cigar Association, the board of directors selected George Rico of Gran Habano to serve the remainder of the three-year term from 2025 to 2028.”

    Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Rico has worked in the cigar industry for over 28 years and is the founder, along with his father, Guillermo Rico, of Gran Habano Cigars. “He is renowned for his craftsmanship and dedication to producing high-quality, artisanal cigars. In addition to his cigar blending and manufacturing expertise, Rico is a fourth-generation tobacco farmer with operations in countries like Colombia, Nicaragua, and Honduras,” the PCA said.

  • PM Korea Introduces New “Cigarette-Type” E-Cig

    PM Korea Introduces New “Cigarette-Type” E-Cig

    Philip Morris Korea officially launched its new cigarette-style vaping device “IQOS ILUMA i ONE” on today (June 12), which improves cost-effectiveness for the company. The new product is an entry model for the Illuma i series following the ‘Iqos Illuma i Prime’ and ‘Iluma i’, which were introduced in February. The recommended consumer price is 59,000 won ($43.66).

    The iQOS Illuma i One features a compact all-in-one design and intuitive usability. The “Auto Start” function, which automatically starts heating when a dedicated “Tabaco” stick is inserted, and the “Flex Puff” function, which automatically operates so that additional inhalation can be performed up to four times for up to six minutes by analyzing individual usage patterns.

    It can be used up to 20 times continuously when fully charged, and it weighs 74 grams. 

  • Keller & Heckman Offers EPR for Packaging Webinar

    Keller & Heckman Offers EPR for Packaging Webinar

    Keller and Heckman LLP announced it is broadcasting a complimentary webinar for tobacco and nicotine companies, “EPR for Packaging is Here: What Tobacco & Nicotine Companies Need to Know,” hosted by company partners Azim Chowdhury and Katie Skaggs. Scheduled for June 24 at 11 a.m., the 30-minute event will provide an overview of existing and emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation impacting tobacco and nicotine packaging and the obligations coming due.

    As early as July 2025, “producers” of covered products will need to join and pay dues to a “Producer Responsibility Organization” (PRO) as part of states’ EPR programs covering a wide array of packaging. Oregon, for example, will collect dues from producers of packaging starting in July, but it is only one of several states that have adopted EPR programs for packaging, and EPR policies continue to gain momentum around the U.S.

    According to Keller & Heckman, tobacco and nicotine companies should know that the new responsibilities created by these schemes – including reporting obligations and fee payments for packaging – may fall directly on them. This webinar intends to catalog the EPR schemes now in place and discuss practical steps that tobacco and nicotine companies can take to comply. 

    Click here to register.

  • Industry-First ‘Assured Advice’ on Nicotine Pouch Packaging Published

    Industry-First ‘Assured Advice’ on Nicotine Pouch Packaging Published

    Arcus Compliance Limited, a leading UK regulatory consultancy, today (June 11) published the first ever Assured Advice on nicotine pouch packaging requirements in England — a major development for businesses operating in the evolving nicotine alternatives market.

    Authored by John Donoghue, commercial director at Arcus Compliance, with oversight from Jennifer Harker of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards, the guidance provides much-needed regulatory clarity for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of nicotine pouches.

    Assured Advice is available to businesses under Arcus Compliance’s coordinated Primary Authority Partnership (PAP) scheme, representing a critical step toward regulatory certainty in an increasingly scrutinized product category. The advice offers a comprehensive interpretation of: General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR); Great Britain Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) legislation; and PAS 8877:2022 — the British Standards Institution’s guidance for oral nicotine products.

    “This document will become the de facto standard for packaging compliance across the UK,” said Shem Baldeosingh, director at the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN). “GINN members will directly benefit from this excellent resource and leadership.”

    Click here to request a copy of Assured Advice.

  • Raíces Cubanas Expands into Germany

    Raíces Cubanas Expands into Germany

    Raíces Cubanas entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Vandermarliere Cigar Family (VCF)/Woermann Cigars to expand its line to Germany, with initial shipments to retailers scheduled for June 16. VCF, the parent company of Oliva and J. Cortès, is known for its strong European network and premium cigar portfolio. The move into Germany represents the brand’s first step into international markets.

    As part of the expansion, two core product lines will be introduced to the German market: Raíces Clasico, available in Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), and Figurado (5 3/16 x 54); and Raíces C5 Black, offered in Robusto (5 x 52), Toro (6 x 52), and Gordo (6 x 60).

    “We are very excited to present the Raíces brand to cigar enthusiasts in Germany,” Ralph Montero, owner of Raíces Cubanas said in a press release. “This is the first step in the expansion of Raíces into cigar markets around the world.”

  • Cigar Associations Team to Commission Study on Tax Cap Policies

    Cigar Associations Team to Commission Study on Tax Cap Policies

    Today (June 10), the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and the Cigar Association of America (CAA) announced they are collaborating on a national study of cigar tax cap policies enacted and planned throughout the nation. The PCA and CAA have commissioned Goss & Associates, led by Dr. Ernie Goss, who serves as chair in regional economics at Creighton University, to undertake the study. Goss has published more than 100 studies on economic forecasting and on statistical analysis of business and economic trends.

    “This is a first-of-its-kind study that should produce a historic perspective on cigar tax policy, coupled with an analysis that charts a path forward in the states,” PCA executive director Joshua Habursky said. “Having a study produced by an economist of Dr. Goss’s acclaim is a testament to how serious PCA and CAA are on this pressing issue as we initiate this project.” 

    The study will evaluate the effectiveness of cigar tax caps as a matter of state policy and the direct and indirect economic impact of premium cigars for each state, including local, state, and federal taxes.

    “Since 1977, the CAA economic and statistics program has provided actionable insights to support industry advocacy,” CAA president Scott Pearce said. “Currently, we find ourselves having to defend existing tax caps, as well as working to advance new cap bills, in addition to addressing reform of statutes in some states.  And in this regard, research and substantiated data are the number one requests of state legislatures. CAA is excited to be partnering with PCA to further progress our advocacy with this new study.” 

    The study results are expected to be released in 2025.

  • General Files Latest Appeal in Ongoing Cohiba Case

    General Files Latest Appeal in Ongoing Cohiba Case

    General Cigar Co. filed a notice of appeal in General Cigar Company, Inc. v. Empresa Cubana del Tabaco, D.B.A. Cubatabaco, last week, a lawsuit over the trademark of the Cohiba name in the U.S. that began in 1997. The May decision by Judge Leonie Brinkema would allow the TTAB to cancel General’s U.S. Cohiba trademarks, according to Halfwheel.

    “We are of course disappointed by this decision, but we and our advisors will now study the ruling closely and of course consider the opportunity to appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit,” said Régis Broersma, chief commercial officer of STG, owner of General Cigar Co., in a press release following last month’s ruling. “Our federal trademark registrations which are the subject of the dispute, would remain valid and enforceable during a pending appeal. We expect the long dispute to continue before the courts.”

    Broersma indicated General would file an appeal, which it now has. The appeal is listed as a restricted entry in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit’s electronic filing system. No product changes for either company are expected anytime soon.

  • Riot Labs Introduces Five Limited-Edition Flavors

    Riot Labs Introduces Five Limited-Edition Flavors

    E-liquid producer Riot Labs unveiled five limited-edition flavors for its premium Bar EDTN e-liquid range. Joining the 40-strong range of premium Bar EDTN e-liquids, the limited-edition flavors are Black Grape Glacier, Pink Razz Citrus, Blueberry Acai Cooler, Apple Lime Chill, and Strawberry Melon Cooler. The new flavors also contain a hint of mint.

    “We spent all our budget on creating the best flavors imaginable for the limited edition range, leaving us nothing leftover for the marketing budget,” said Andy Dunn, marketing manager for Riot Labs. “So, excuse the unfinished ads, we’ll let the flavors do the talking!” 

    All flavors are available in four nicotine strengths including 0mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg, from a starting price of £3.99.

  • BAT Launching Search for Next Chairman

    BAT Launching Search for Next Chairman

    Sky News is reporting that British American Tobacco is in the process of picking headhunters as it prepares to start the search for a new board chairman. Luc Jobin, a Canadian business veteran, has chaired BAT since 2021 but has been on the board since 2017. Under UK corporate governance guidelines, directors are no longer deemed independent if they have served for more than nine years.

    Sky News said the search for his successor is not expected to conclude until later this year or early 2026, according to insiders.

    With a market capitalization of over £77bn, BAT remains one of the largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company’s continued success is being fueled by next-generation products such as Velo nicotine pouches.

    BAT declined to comment to Sky News.

  • Delaware Looks to Jack Taxes on Nicotine Products Across the Board

    Delaware Looks to Jack Taxes on Nicotine Products Across the Board

    With less than a month left in this year’s half of the two-year General Assembly, new legislation was filed in Delaware’s House that would raise taxes on tobacco and nicotine products and implement higher fees for licensed tobacco sellers and vending machine operators. Delaware’s cigarette tax is currently $2.10. The proposal would increase it to $3.60 per pack.

    The sponsors said they hope this will discourage people—especially the young—from using tobacco, and that the extra revenue would help address the half-billion-dollar estimated cost of treating tobacco-related health issues in The First State each year.

    The legislation also would update the definition of tobacco products to “include any products containing, made of, or derived from tobacco or nicotine, rather than only those made primarily from tobacco.”

    In addition to raising the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.50, this bill would raise the tax on other tobacco products from 30% to 45% of the wholesale price, increase the moist snuff tax from $0.92 to $1.23 per ounce, expand the vapor product tax from $0.05 to $0.25 per milliliter, increase fees for wholesalers and affixing agents from $200 to $400, increase fees for retailers from $50 to $100, increase vending machine fees from $15 to $30 per machine, and increase the replacement fee for lost or defaced licenses from $10 to $20.

    If the bill passes, the new tax rates would take effect September 1st, while the licensing changes would take effect January 1st, 2026.