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Category: Around the Industry

  • Radloff Tabbed to Head USTC

    Radloff Tabbed to Head USTC

    The U.S. Tobacco Cooperative’s (USTC) board of directors appointed Ron Radloff as president and Chief Executive Officer. Most recently serving as senior vice president of operations, Radloff joined USTC in July 2016 as the director of finance at USTC’s manufacturing operations, U.S. Flue Cured Tobacco Growers, and has held a variety of positions at USFC, including director of manufacturing and operations. Before joining USTC, Radloff served as a controller for Mohawk Industries, assistant controller of Daltile, and held engineering and finance positions with Norfolk Southern and IBM.

    “Ron brings fresh experience and leadership to guide us forward,” Danny Watkins, USTC chairman, said. “At U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, we take great pride in our longstanding commitment to excellence. Ron is poised to uphold and build upon that standard.”

  • Off-Stamp Adds Ice-Cube to Vape Lineup

    Off-Stamp Adds Ice-Cube to Vape Lineup

    Today (May 1), Off-Stamp launched Ice-Cube, the latest pod added to its flagship X-Cube kit. The pods and the matching kits will be available for sale on BestVape.com starting today.

    The Ice-Cube is designed with an adjustable cooling experience, offering personalized three-tiered sensations. The side button allows cooling level adjustment that offers different sensations. The pod features an 18 ml e-liquid capacity, bringing up to 25,000 puffs for long-lasting enjoyment.

    The line offers 10 flavors: four mint-based and six mixed fruity blends.

  • No Saint Latest Vape Offered in UK

    No Saint Latest Vape Offered in UK

    No Saint is a new vaping brand and technology platform launching in the UK today (May 1), offering what the company says is “a sophisticated, safer alternative that prioritizes quality, innovation, and responsibility.” Mladen Barbaric created the product and said he raised $50 million in funding from companies like Coca-Cola, Vitamin Water, and Patron, as well as health and wellness activist investors, such as HumanCo and Jason Karp.

    “Built with cutting-edge technology and premium ingredients, No Saint’s vaporizer can last up to two years and eliminates hazardous flavors and harmful chemicals found in many existing brands,” the company said in a press release. “This offers adults a safer, more refined vaping experience, with zero heavy metals and relentlessly tested formulations and emissions. The brand is also committed to transparency, publishing all its chemical analysis and emissions data that ensures the safest way to vape.”

    “We saw a big gap in the market for a responsible and premium vaping experience, so we set out to create a product that prioritizes quality, refinement, and safety,” said Barbaric. “No Saint offers a grown-up approach to vaping, delivering superior taste, cleaner emissions, and an overall more responsible alternative to traditional smoking, bringing some much-needed taste to the game.”

    The No Saint will be available to purchase at nosaint.co, two company stores in London, and at 500 independent retailers across London and the South East.

  • Black Buffalo Tabs Booth as Chief Legal Officer

    Black Buffalo Tabs Booth as Chief Legal Officer

    Black Buffalo Inc. announced the appointment of Kellsi Booth as its Chief Legal Officer. Booth joins the Black Buffalo executive team with over a decade of experience in heavily regulated industries, with a focus on nicotine and tobacco. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at Turning Point Brands, where she oversaw regulatory strategy and compliance for a portfolio of established consumer brands, including Zig-Zag and Stoker’s. Prior to that, she held a series of progressive roles at Juul Labs, Inc., where she drove initiatives in regulatory, quality, and policy matters.

    “Kellsi brings an unmatched depth of experience in regulatory affairs, legal strategy, and quality oversight,” said Matthew Hanson, Chief Growth Officer of Black Buffalo. “Her leadership will be pivotal as we continue our responsible, rapid growth within leading retail chains across the United States.”

    Booth has built a career navigating complex regulatory frameworks and advocating for responsible innovation within the industry. She is actively involved in several industry trade associations, including the Coalition of Manufacturers of Smoking Alternatives, and serves as one of the co-founders and board members of OWNiT (Organization of Women in Nicotine & Tobacco) — an initiative dedicated to empowering women across the nicotine and tobacco space.

  • Study: Charcoal-Free Shisha Significantly Less Harmful

    Study: Charcoal-Free Shisha Significantly Less Harmful

    In what the company calls “the world’s first charcoal-free shisha product,” OOKA announced the results of a study conducted by ASL Analytic Service Laboratory GmbH in Germany that found emissions from its heated system showed zero detection of many of the most harmful by-products of combustion, including carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, and benzo[a]pyrene – substances typically found in both cigarettes and charcoal-heated shisha. The peer-reviewed study was published today (April 30) in Nature’s Scientific Reports. 

    “As the first electronically heated shisha system, OOKA represents a major advancement in inhalation technology, providing a charcoal-free, smoke-free experience without compromising flavor or ritual,” the company said in a press release. “The product’s multi-patented design eliminates combustion-related toxicants while offering consumers a consistent and premium experience.

    “The study provides substantive new evidence that OOKA is a breakthrough in harm reduction, delivering one of the cleanest inhalation experiences currently available without any compromise on flavor and experience for users

    The study tested emissions from OOKA across 37 toxicants and showed that emissions of key aldehydes—including acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde—were reduced by up to 96% in the charcoal-free device compared to traditional shisha. When typical real-world consumption is factored in, toxicant exposure was estimated to be up to 100 times lower than cigarette smoking.

    “These findings have significant implications, not just for public health but also for shisha regulation and consumer understanding,” Dr. Ian Fearon, study co-author and a leading global expert in the scientific basis for tobacco harm reduction, said. “Misconceptions around waterpipe use have gone unchallenged for too long, and studies like this help bring clarity and credible data to a rapidly evolving category.”

    OOKA is one of six shisha/hookah brands under AIR (Advanced Inhalation Rituals).

  • Gurkha, Davidoff Settle “Year of the Dragon” Lawsuit

    Gurkha, Davidoff Settle “Year of the Dragon” Lawsuit

    Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida approved the request from both sides’ attorneys to dismiss the case of Gurkha Cigar Group Inc. v. Davidoff of Geneva USA Inc. in the battle over the Year of (the) Dragon name. Judge William P. Dimitrouleas dismissed the case with prejudice, however, little is known about the settlement other than both parties agreed to pay for their court costs.

    Halfwheel reported that Davidoff did not reply to a request for comment, but Bianca Lopez, director of marketing for Gurkha, said, “It was an amicable agreement that was reached.”

    Gurkha has an arrangement to license the trademarks from K. Hansotia & Co., Inc., a company presumably named after Gurkha’s owner Kaizad Hansotia. Those trademarks include a variety of dragon-related words within the cigar industry, including dragon, dragon fire, dragon lord, dragonslayer, imperial dragon, red dragon, and royal dragon. The company also filed for a trademark on “Year of Dragon,” which Davidoff & Cie SA opposed.

    “It’s unclear what impact the settlement will have on the trademark process, which was suspended due to this lawsuit, which Gurkha filed in late 2023,” Charlie Minato wrote for Halfwheel. “In late 2023, Davidoff released the Davidoff Limited Edition 2024 Year of the Dragon cigar as part of its long-running Zodiac Series, which is named after the various symbols on the Chinese zodiac calendar. Davidoff was hardly alone. Asylum, De Los Reyes, Drew Estate, El Septimo, General Cigar Co., Habanos S.A., J.C. Newman, JM Tobacco, La Galera, Oliva, Maya Selva, Plasencia, Rocky Patel, United Cigars, and Vega Fina also introduced Year of the Dragon-themed cigars. There’s no evidence that any other company was sued other than Davidoff.”

    “Gurkha released its own dragon-themed cigars, five different blends using the Year of the Dragon name. Both companies—as well as a host of others—also released Year of (the) Snake cigars. K. Hansotia & Co. has a trademark on Year of Snake.”

  • Freemax Launches REXA Series

    Freemax Launches REXA Series

    Freemax unveiled its REXA series, which it says features revolutionary “DUOMAX” technology that features a parallel double-mesh structure that eliminates typical coil gaps, ensuring superior stability and even heat distribution.

    “Moreover, it expands the heating area by more than twice, as each mesh in DUOMAX has a larger surface area than the combined mesh of most vertical dual-mesh coils,” the company said in a press release. “This is what makes ‘1+1=3’ a reality—combining one mesh with another in a unique way doesn’t just double the effect, but delivers up to three times the flavor boost and extends coil lifespan by three times, redefining what’s possible in vaping technology.”

    In Freemax lab tests, the REXA POD equipped with DUOMAX technology lasted up to 100mL with freebase e-liquid (50 refills) or 60mL with nicotine salt (30 refills) without experiencing any burnt taste. Beyond durability, DUOMAX ensures 100% flavor compatibility, perfectly tailored for both nicotine salt and freebase e-liquids, regardless of VG/PG ratio or flavor category.

    The REXA Pod lineup is currently available in two configurations: DUOMAX double-mesh pods featuring a slide-to-fill leakproof system, and single-mesh pods with a top-side filling system.

  • Heat Hazard: This Common Item Could Destroy Your Car

    Heat Hazard: This Common Item Could Destroy Your Car

    Expert warns drivers to avoid common mistake as the weather gets warmer

    As warmer temperatures hit the UK, experts are urging drivers not to leave their vapes in the car as the significant change in temperature can lead to the vape battery exploding, causing a fire and resulting in £1,000s worth of damage and risk to health. 

    Here, Markus Lindblad, Director from Haypp, reveals the dangers of leaving vapes in a car as the weather starts to get warmer and what to do if your vape overheats.

    • Battery explosion: All vapes require a battery to function, and these batteries are very sensitive to any extreme change in temperatures, especially heat. If you leave your vape in the car, and it’s exposed to the sun for a long period of time, then the vape battery is at risk of swelling, leaking and in some cases, can potentially cause the battery to explode. 
    • Leaking vape juice: The extreme temperature conditions in a car can cause the e-liquid inside vapes to thin, or the vape tank can expand which causes leaks. A leaking vape will not only cause a sticky mess within the car interior and be difficult to clean, but in some cases it can also cause irritation to the skin too. If the vape has leaked in the car then it’s advised not to use it and dispose of it correctly. 
    • Damaged vape: Leaving a vape exposed to heat can also damage parts of the vapes, impacting the performance of the device, reducing the battery lifespan, and ruining the coils, screen or tank. 
    • Insurance risks: If a vape causes a car fire, owners may not be able to claim on their insurance. Some policies might have clauses that exclude coverage for fires caused by vaping devices, arguing that you increased the vehicle’s fire risk, resulting in the car owner paying £1,000s worth of damage.

    What to do if you leave your vape in the car?

    If you leave your vape in a hot car for a long period of time, then it’s important to cool the vape down safely by placing it in a cool dark place. Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold damp cloth and let it air dry.  If your vape has overheated, do not, under any circumstances, place the vape in water to cool it down, as this could increase the risk of the battery exploding.  

    Where is the best place to leave a vape in a car?

    It’s always best to take a vape out of the car. If this is not possible, then it’s advised to either park in a shady spot, or place it in the glove box out of direct sunlight. Vapes should be kept at room temperature, so any fluctuations or sudden temperature changes can damage the battery, causing a fire hazard.

  • BAT’s Vuse Out of Malaysia by Q3 2025

    BAT’s Vuse Out of Malaysia by Q3 2025

    Today (April 28), British American Tobacco Malaysia Bhd said it will phase out its vapor products from the Malaysian market by the third quarter of 2025 to comply with the new Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

    “In order to comply with the new regulatory requirements for vapor products as set out in Act 852 and its regulations that will take effect on Oct 1, 2025, the company will be transitioning out its current range of Vuse products in the third quarter of 2025,” BAT Malaysia said in a filing.

    The company said the transition will undertake commercial assessments of Vuse products while adhering to the new regulations, with a continued focus on “delivering combustible value growth.” BAT Malaysia expects that the exit will have a minimal impact on its financial performance for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025. Vuse, the No. 1 global vaping brand by market share, is currently the only vapor product sold by BAT Malaysia.

    Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government will intensify enforcement and regulation of electronic cigarettes and vape products under Act 852. Act 852, which first came into effect in October of last year, specifically targets individuals under the age of 18, who are prohibited from purchasing or using any smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape devices, in Malaysia.

    In FY2024, BAT Malaysia’s gross profit margin slipped 1.2 percentage points to 23.4% or RM541 million ($124.4 million), from RM568 million ($130.6 million) in FY2023, largely due to lower margins from vapor products. 

  • PMI CEO Calls for Common-Sense Regulations

    PMI CEO Calls for Common-Sense Regulations

    Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer of Philip Morris International Inc., outlined the need for common-sense regulations in the consumer goods sector while addressing global leaders at Semafor’s annual World Economy Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2025. Olczak emphasized the sector’s potential for innovation-led growth despite the volatile economic environment. He stressed, however, that without appropriate regulation and policy frameworks to enable scientific evaluation and consumer access, promising breakthroughs—such as innovations in wellness, food, and personal care products—could become missed opportunities.

    “Disparities in nicotine regulation are creating a global divide with profound health and economic impacts,” Olczak said. “Some countries that have prohibited smoke-free products are seeing higher smoking rates persist, while many of those whose policies encourage smokers to make better choices are advancing away from cigarettes more quickly. As a result, we are already starting to see nations where smoking has significantly declined while others unnecessarily continue to experience smoking rates of 20%, 30% or higher.”

    According to PMI, more than 190 million smokers in more than 20 markets—nearly 20% of smokers globally—have no legal access to smoke-free products, while cigarettes—the most harmful way to consume nicotine—are available on the market. This stagnation persists despite the introduction of advertising bans, high excise taxes, plain packaging, and a complete flavor ban on cigarettes.

    “Innovation needs to be accessible and impactful,” Olczak said. “At PMI, we have invested heavily, innovated continually, and transformed our business model to replace cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives, which as of Q1 2025 represent 42% of our global net revenues—up from zero a decade ago. It is imperative that countries worldwide adopt policy frameworks that keep pace with these innovations to deliver on the promise of progress.”