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Category: Around the Industry

  • Universal Announces New Board Member

    Universal Announces New Board Member

    Universal Corporation appointed Gregory A. Trojan to its board of directors, effective immediately. Trojan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the restaurant, retail, and consumer products sectors. He previously served as CEO of BJ’s Restaurants from 2013 to 2021 and was a board member until September 2025. His past roles include CEO of Guitar Center and House of Blues Entertainment, along with senior positions at PepsiCo. He currently serves on the boards of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and CEC Brands, LLC (parent of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza).

    Universal chairman, president, and CEO Preston D. Wigner said Trojan’s strategic and operational expertise will support the company’s growth priorities across its tobacco and ingredients platforms.

  • UK Public Strongly Backs Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds

    UK Public Strongly Backs Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds

    A new survey from Northerner UK found that the British public overwhelmingly supports stricter regulation of nicotine pouches and stronger safeguards for young people overall, as the government prepares to advance the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the survey, 84% of respondents want the government to introduce new rules governing nicotine pouches, aligning their regulation with that of cigarettes and vapes. A further 82% support a licensing scheme for vape sales, while 81% back age restrictions on social media, and 75% approve of mandatory ID checks for online pornography.

    Markus Lindblad, head of external affairs at Northerner, said the results show strong alignment between the public, government, and responsible retailers.

    “At the moment, a legal loophole means that there is no minimum age limit on the purchase of nicotine pouches, and this has been exploited by unscrupulous retailers,” Lindblad said. “This survey shows that the public wants action, and there is strong support for the government’s move to close this loophole through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”

  • Vaping Overtakes Smoking in UK

    Vaping Overtakes Smoking in UK

    For the first time, the number of adults in Britain who vape has surpassed those who smoke traditional cigarettes, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday (November 4). The ONS reported that 10% of adults (around 5.4 million people) in Great Britain used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2024, overtaking the 9.1% (4.9 million) who still smoke. Cigarette smoking has now fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2011.

    Public health specialist Professor John Ashton said “many people are vaping but haven’t stopped smoking.” He cautioned that the long-term effects of vaping remain unknown and that youth uptake is becoming a growing concern. While smoking rates among young adults (18–24) have plummeted from 25.7% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2024, vaping remains most common in the 16–24 age group at 13%.

  • AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors

    AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors

    Global hookah company AIR Limited announced a collaboration with entrepreneur Snoop Dogg to launch a premium line of Al Fakher hookah flavors. The new collection includes “Cloud 92,” “Dogg’s Delight,” “Midnight Blues,” “Tha G’z Mix” and “Money Honey,” available internationally at hookah.com

    “The partnership blends Al Fakher’s expertise in hookah craftsmanship with Snoop Dogg’s cultural influence, offering premium ingredients and science-backed safety research,” the company said. AIR CEO Stuart Brazier highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, noting $115 million invested since 2019 and over 100 active or pending patents.

  • Imperial Encourages Retailers to Respond to UK Nicotine Survey

    Imperial Encourages Retailers to Respond to UK Nicotine Survey

    Imperial Brands is urging UK retailers to contribute to the government’s call for evidence on the proposed retail licensing scheme for nicotine products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The consultation, launched by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), will close December 3.

    Andrew Malm, Imperial’s UK market manager, emphasized that the survey is a key opportunity for retailers to shape policy, ensure fair competition, and address challenges such as illicit sales and age verification compliance. The proposed licensing scheme aims to regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, protecting both legitimate retailers and consumers.

    Retailers can participate by completing the online survey, providing their insights to influence the design and implementation of the new regulatory framework.

  • Former CSTMA Deputy Chief Indicted

    Former CSTMA Deputy Chief Indicted

    Today (November 4), Zhang Tianfeng, the former deputy chief of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, was indicted on charges of accepting bribes, according to the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. Zhang is accused of taking advantage of his various posts in the tobacco system to seek benefits for others, while illegally accepting significant amounts of money and gifts in return.

    The case has been filed by the People’s Procuratorate of Ganzhou City, East China’s Jiangxi province, to the city’s intermediate people’s court.

  • PMI Targets Net-Zero Emissions by 2040

    PMI Targets Net-Zero Emissions by 2040

    Philip Morris International released its Climate Transition Plan 2025, presenting an updated and integrated strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. The plan includes near-term targets for 2030, such as a 50% reduction in direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) and significant cuts in supply chain emissions (scope 3). PMI plans to achieve carbon neutrality for its direct operations by the end of 2025, using measures like renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon fleets, and supplier engagement. The company emphasizes that sustainability and business growth can go hand-in-hand.

    “By focusing on material climate risks and opportunities, implementing cost-effective interventions, and maintaining robust disclosure practices, we are strengthening PMI’s ability to deliver sustained, long-term value,” said CEO Jacek Olczak.

  • Healthcare Advocate Pleads for FCTC to Adopt THR

    Healthcare Advocate Pleads for FCTC to Adopt THR

    In advance of COP11 beginning November 17 in Geneva, South African healthcare consultant Professor Praneet Valodia, the director of Praneet Valodia Consulting, circulated a call for COP11 to adopt evidence-based, transformative policies, including the inclusion of tobacco harm reduction in global tobacco control frameworks. Valodia urged for the creation of independent scientific committees to review the evidence on non-combustible nicotine products and recommended that consumer experiences and expert opinions be considered in policy deliberations. He stressed that the COP should support local policymaking, provide reliable information to users, and align with Article 1d of the FCTC to meaningfully improve public health outcomes.

    “I am hoping that COP11 will bring about transformative change in assisting over a billion smokers throughout the world,” he wrote. “There is a lack of evidence in South Africa to show a reduction in cigarette smoking because of interventions promoted in the FCTC. Considering the low adoption of the interventions in the FCTC and MPOWER measures, and the fact that the global smoking trends have not changed substantially after the FCTC’s adoption in 2003, it is time for tobacco harm reduction to become even more important.”

    Valodia criticized past FCTC policies for their limited impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where conventional measures have not reduced smoking prevalence and often fail to address socio-economic realities.

  • Nicokick Introduces Nicotine Pouch Advent Calendar

    Nicokick Introduces Nicotine Pouch Advent Calendar

    Nicokick.com announced the launch of its first-ever nicotine pouch advent calendar, a limited-edition release for adults aged 21 and over. Available beginning November 12, the calendar features 24 days of nicotine pouch samples from top and emerging brands, retailing for $69.99 exclusively on Nicokick.com. Designed to let adult consumers explore a variety of brands, strengths, and flavors, the collection includes Zone, Rogue, Zyn, FRE, Sesh, and Nic-S, among others, with pouch strengths ranging from 3 mg to 9 mg.

    “We created the advent calendar as a transparent, seasonal way for adults to explore the variety of nicotine pouch brands available on Nicokick.com,” said James Lees, vice president of retention. The company says the launch aligns with its goal of helping adult tobacco users discover smoke-free alternatives in an engaging, educational format.

  • Voopoo Launches High-Powered, Stylish Vinci S

    Voopoo Launches High-Powered, Stylish Vinci S

    Voopoo introduced the Vinci S, “combining cutting-edge performance with striking design.” The device features a 2000 mAh battery offering up to three days of intensive use, iCOSM Code 2.0 technology for rich flavor and leak resistance, and step-less airflow adjustment with smart power matching up to 40W.

    Available in 4.5 mL or 2 mL cartridges, the Vinci S is lightweight (69 g) and portable, with top-side filling, LED battery indicator, and enhanced leak-proof design. “Its luminous palette aesthetic and premium textures make it both a functional device and a style statement,” the company said.