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Category: Around the Industry

  • Korea: Male Smoking Prevalence Drops Drastically Since 2015

    Korea: Male Smoking Prevalence Drops Drastically Since 2015

    Cigarette smoking among young South Korean men has dropped sharply over the past decade, according to new data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). In 2024, 28.5% of men in their 30s and 22.6% of men aged 19 to 29 were cigarette smokers—declines of 19.5% and 16.1% respectively since 2015. Men in their 40s recorded the highest smoking rate at 36.9%, down from 45.8%.

    The study also found that about 40% of men in their 30s used some form of tobacco in 2024, down only 4.9% from 2019. For men in their 40s, total tobacco use increased slightly despite a small decline in cigarette smoking, reflecting the growing shift toward alternative products.

    Health officials attribute part of the trend to changing perceptions about harm. A September 2025 survey of students found that 32.2% believed e-cigarettes were less harmful—or not harmful at all—compared to cigarettes. While authorities welcome the decline in cigarette use, they warn that misconceptions about alternative products may slow broader tobacco harm-reduction progress.

  • Tobacco Farmers Biometrically Registered in Zimbabwe

    Tobacco Farmers Biometrically Registered in Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe has biometrically registered more than 113,000 tobacco farmers since the program began earlier this year, as part of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)’s drive to improve transparency and security in the sector. The initiative links each farmer’s unique grower number to their fingerprints, GPS coordinates, and demographic information, ensuring that only genuine growers participate in the market and helping protect farmers from exploitation.

    TIMB public affairs officer Chelesani Moyo Tsarwe said the biometric system will help eliminate fraud, curb side marketing, and enhance efficiency across the industry. “TIMB has rolled out a biometric grower management system to address the longstanding challenges within Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector,” she said. “The new system introduces biometric data capture, linking each farmer’s unique grower number to their fingerprints, GPS co-ordinates of their household and farm, and demographic data.”

  • George Munoz Retires from Altria Board

    George Munoz Retires from Altria Board

    George Muñoz, a director of Altria since 2004, notified Altria of his decision to retire from service on the company’s Board of Directors following the completion of his current term. Consequently, Muñoz will not stand for re-election to the board at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which Altria anticipates holding on May 14, 2026.

    “George has made extensive and significant contributions to Altria over more than 20 years,” said Kathryn McQuade, Altria’s independent Chair of the Board. “We thank George for his long-standing and valuable service and wish him the very best upon his retirement.”

    Muñoz is Chair of the Compensation and Talent Development Committee and is a member of the Audit, Executive and Finance Committees. He previously served as the Chair of the Audit Committee.

    Muñoz is a principal of Muñoz Investment Banking Group and a partner at the law firm of Tobin & Muñoz. Muñoz is also a director of Laureate Education.

  • Nearly Half of Gen Z Think UK is Becoming a ‘Nanny State’

    Nearly Half of Gen Z Think UK is Becoming a ‘Nanny State’

    New research suggests growing public unease in the UK with what many see as government overreach into private lives. According to data released today (October 2), 41% of Brits believe the UK is turning into a “nanny state.” The survey, commissioned by online nicotine pouch retailer Northerner, comes as debates intensify over policies such as junk food advertising bans, restrictions on vaping, and the rollout of digital ID cards.

    “It is a fine line between protecting and controlling the public, and it seems many people feel this line is being crossed,” said Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Northerner. “Regulations like calorie labelling on menus or the disposable vape ban have not delivered the expected results. If the public does not see any real improvement to their lives from these additional regulations, then it is reasonable for them to question whether the UK is becoming a nanny state.”

    One of the more surprising findings Northerner researchers discovered was the generational divide on the question. Typically, older people tend to be more conservative and younger people more progressive; however, in this survey, 47% of Gen Z respondents  (aged 18 to 24) agreed the UK is becoming a nanny state, compared to just 32% of those aged 45 to 54. This shift, researchers say, suggests fatigue among younger voters, some of whom are increasingly open to alternatives like Reform UK, a party campaigning against lifestyle regulation.

    The UK currently ranks seventh in the 2025 Nanny State Index, placing it in the “least free” category among 29 countries for policies on food, alcohol, smoking, and vaping.

  • BAT Korea Replacing Butts with Flowers

    BAT Korea Replacing Butts with Flowers

    BAT Rothmans Korea expanded its flower-planting campaign to eight districts across Seoul, aiming to curb cigarette litter and promote cleaner public spaces, the company announced. Carried out in partnership with the Seoul Chapter of the Korean National Council for Conservation of Nature, the campaign involves 700 volunteers from the company, civic groups, and neighborhoods.

    Since launching in 2023, the project has transformed 50 alleyways—often hotspots for discarded cigarette butts—into decorated streets lined with 3,000 trees and flowers from 17 species. Districts including Jung, Gangnam, Gangdong, and Jongno have been part of the initiative, which has drawn support from local residents who help maintain the plants.

    BAT Rothmans says the initiative improves commercial areas while promoting sustainable environmental practices.

  • Consumer Group’s Pouch Tour Hits Belgium

    Last week, the international consumer group Considerate Pouchers brought its Protect Pouches campaign to Brussels, calling for an end to Belgium’s ban on nicotine pouches. Volunteers engaged citizens and policymakers, distributed fresh Jet Pack coffee, and collected postcards urging Members of the European Parliament to lift restrictions.

    The campaign said that Belgium, with one of Western Europe’s highest smoking rates, denies smokers access to safer alternatives shown to be more than 95% less harmful than cigarettes. Global spokesperson Juan Rafael Taborcía emphasized that over-taxation and bans drive consumers back to cigarettes, and that Brussels should lead Europe in harm reduction.

    The Brussels action is part of a broader European tour.

  • Jordan Aiming to Cut One of the World’s Highest Smoking Rates

    Jordan Aiming to Cut One of the World’s Highest Smoking Rates

    Experts in Jordan warn that the country’s reliance on tobacco revenue undermines long-term economic growth and public health, and as such, advocates are calling for policy reforms that prioritize prevention, strengthen enforcement, and protect health systems from the economic and societal costs of widespread smoking, according to Ammannet, the Community Media Network.

    Jordan, with 71.2% of its male population smoking, faces a stark financial and health paradox, according to Ammannet, with tobacco tax revenues providing the government JD 1 billion ($1.4 billion) annually, yet the cost of treating tobacco-related diseases alone exceeds JD 1.4 billion ($2 billion).

    The article said weak law enforcement compounds the problem, with widespread smoking reported in universities, government offices, and even health facilities. Despite 37% of smokers attempting cessation in the past year, government programs remain insufficient.

  • Posturing Continues as Indonesia Considers Scrapping Tobacco Excise Hike

    Posturing Continues as Indonesia Considers Scrapping Tobacco Excise Hike

    News that Indonesia’s Finance Ministry is considering canceling next year’s planned cigarette excise increase following consultations with the tobacco industry has drawn sharp backlash from health groups, academics, and child advocates, who warn it threatens public health and undermines anti-smoking efforts. Critics urge the government to instead pursue higher annual increases—at least 25%—along with reforms to simplify excise tiers, narrow tariff gaps, and reduce cigarette affordability.

    Last week, citing the current 57% rate as the legal tax ceiling under Law No. 39/2007, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said cleaning up the illegal tobacco market and protecting jobs was more prudent. Industry players agreed, arguing that further tax hikes would strain manufacturers, farmers, and workers.

  • 22nd Century Group Backs FDA’s Proposed Reduced Nicotine Standard

    22nd Century Group Backs FDA’s Proposed Reduced Nicotine Standard

    22nd Century Group, Inc. submitted public comments in support of the U.S. FDA’s proposed rule to mandate very low nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products. CEO Larry Firestone said the evidence shows such a standard could save millions of lives and transform the market within two years, with the company’s VLNC technology already proven to deliver consumer-acceptable products.

    22nd Century criticized Big Tobacco’s stance as contradictory, arguing that support for a reduced nicotine mandate would align with industry claims of pursuing a “smoke-free future.” The company pledged to continue backing the rule, calling it a landmark public health measure.

    “The evidence is overwhelming that a reduced nicotine yield standard for combusted tobacco products has the potential to save millions of lives and trillions of dollars cumulatively in the U.S. alone,” said Firestone. “From both a public health and commercial standpoint, the only barrier left to the most transformative public health policy of a generation is the willingness to move forward with this mandate.”

  • Joya de Nicaragua to Take Over U.S. Distribution from Drew Estate

    Joya de Nicaragua to Take Over U.S. Distribution from Drew Estate

    Joya de Nicaragua will begin handling its own U.S. distribution starting January 1, 2026, ending its 17-year partnership with Drew Estate, the company said in a press release. Since 2008, Drew Estate’s national sales team has sold Joya’s cigars across the country.

    Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, chairman of Joya de Nicaragua, said the change reflects “taking ownership of the path ahead” while maintaining strong ties with Drew Estate, according to Halfwheel. Jonathan Drew, co-founder of Drew Estate, expressed admiration for Joya and emphasized that the companies’ friendship will continue despite the transition.