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Category: Around the Industry

  • 87% of UK Vapers Purchase Online

    87% of UK Vapers Purchase Online

    Despite the proliferation of brick-and-mortar stores, 87% of UK vapers buy at least some of their products online, according to a survey by Haypp. Convenience was the main reason for 43% of online shoppers, while 38% pointed to better pricing.

    Another notable aspect identified by those who vape is the ability to make more informed purchasing decisions when shopping online, with product information immediately available. At brick-and-mortar stores, they said, product information is often limited to simple display advertising or the random knowledge of the staff members working at the time.

    “We expect there to be a lot of change in the industry over the next 18 months, so staying aware of new product innovations and the changing needs of vape users is incredibly important, not just for retailers but for policymakers too,” Markus Lindblad, director of Haypp, said. “Vape education is key in the UK right now.

    “We recommend retailers focus on providing comprehensive product information, educating consumers, and guiding them towards the alternative product that works for them.” 

    The 35–44 age group is the most likely to buy vapes online (93%), citing access to information as their main reason. The 55+ group has the highest proportion (34%) of users buying all their vapes online, mainly because it’s cheaper (64%).

  • Louisiana Caps Cigar Taxes at 50 Cents Each

    Louisiana Caps Cigar Taxes at 50 Cents Each

    Louisiana joined Arkansas and North Carolina in implementing a cigar tax cap, putting a 50-cent ceiling on each cigar. Passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry, the measure will take effect January 1, 2026.

    Sponsored by Rep. Marcus Bryant, the law applies to cigars wholesale priced at $2.50 or more, which includes virtually all premium handmade cigars. Those under that threshold will continue to be taxed at 20% of the wholesale price.

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) praised the legislation, calling it a victory for small businesses and cigar consumers. PCA, which held its annual trade show in New Orleans in 2025 and returns for 2026, provided testimony and advocacy support alongside local Louisiana tobacconists and distributors.

    “This positive development in Louisiana is yet another indicator of how the state is supporting its small business community and their patrons,” said PCA executive director Joshua Habursky. “The economic impact of the New Orleans-based trade show was shared with the legislature, as was the positive impact of cigar tax caps throughout the nation. We appreciate the support of the legislature and Governor Landry with this positive step.”

  • Momentum Urging Texas Governor to Veto Hemp Ban Grows

    Momentum Urging Texas Governor to Veto Hemp Ban Grows

    In late May, the Texas Legislature sent Senate Bill 3 to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature, a bill that aims to eliminate the manufacture, delivery, and possession of any consumable hemp product containing THC or other psychoactive cannabinoids. Since then, a grassroots movement of small business owners, farmers, and citizens has been calling on the Governor to veto it.

    Two weeks ago, the Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) and advocates delivered 5,000 handwritten letters and more than 118,000 petition signatures to the Governor’s office, and today (June 19), the THBC announced that its petition is up to 147,979 signatures.

    “There have been well over 200,000 Texans who have voiced their opposition to SB 3 via email, letter, petition, social media, and text,” said Mark Bordas, executive director of the THBC. “It didn’t work for alcohol in the 1920s, and it won’t work for hemp in 2025.”

    The THBC said the legislation will eliminate $4.3 billion in annual revenue and 53,000 jobs from the state, and also flood Texas with unregulated, unsafe products. A poll conducted by Baselice & Associates in March found that 68% of Texans support legal, regulated THC hemp products.

  • UAE Approves Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches

    UAE Approves Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches

    Starting July 29, tobacco-free nicotine pouches will be legally available in the UAE under a new Cabinet resolution aimed at supporting smoking cessation.

    Dr. Sanam Mallick of Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi said nicotine pouches may offer similar benefits to traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like patches and gum, which can potentially boost quit rates by 50–70%, but that more studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

  • ZMR Introduces Two AI-Powered Vapes in Dubai

    ZMR Introduces Two AI-Powered Vapes in Dubai

    ZMR unveiled two AI-powered vaping devices at World Vape Show Dubai today, The Cube and The Motor. Both products integrate built-in AI-driven technology and self-developed app connectivity to personalize vape modes and usage analytics, and to enable the real-time monitoring of the battery level and liquid volume.

    “The Cube features groundbreaking design as the world’s first 3-in-1 system compatible with ‘disposable, refillable and CBD’ pods,” the company said. “The Motor adopts a module system with a 2.4-inch touchscreen, offering large capacity customization through single-pod, dual-pods, multi-pods, and open system configurations – significantly reducing users’ long-term expenses.”

    Each device is assigned a unique ID, enabling traceability of products and users, optimizing partner sales channel management, and providing robust digital analytics.

  • FDA Begins Review of Zyn’s Modified Risk Claim

    FDA Begins Review of Zyn’s Modified Risk Claim

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially begun its scientific review of modified risk applications for 20 Zyn nicotine pouch products, submitted by Swedish Match USA, Inc.

    Already authorized for sale in January 2025, the company is now seeking permission to market Zyn with a health-related claim: “Using Zyn instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.”

    FDA’s review will assess whether this claim is scientifically and legally justified under the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) process. The agency will issue a final decision after reviewing scientific evidence, public comments, and recommendations from its Tobacco Product Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).

    “It is a positive development that FDA is progressing the MRTP applications and we hope for an expeditious review,” a PMI spokesperson said. “Swedish Match has presented the agency with a substantive scientific package that the company believes supports authorizing ZYN as appropriate to promote public health. Providing accurate information on the relative risk of different nicotine products to America’s 45 million legal-age nicotine consumers will help accelerate switching to better alternatives than continued cigarette use—the most harmful form of nicotine consumption.”

    Public comments open June 18 at regulations.gov under docket FDA-2025-N-0835. The comment period will remain open for at least 180 days after publication of the Federal Register notice.

    TPSAC meeting details and redacted application materials will be released on a rolling basis at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products website.

  • Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) announced that tobacco trading operations across the nation are continuing uninterrupted despite the start of the rainy season in June. Dr. Giovanni Palabay, NTA–La Union Manager, confirmed that flue-cured Virginia tobacco trading centers in Ilocos will remain open until June 30, with centers including Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI), Trans Manila, Inc., and Continental Leaf Tobacco Philippines, Inc. operational.

    “If there is more tobacco available beyond June 30, NTA can coordinate for continued accommodation by the trading centers,” said Palabay. Top prices for high-quality Virginia tobacco have reached P130 ($2.34) per kilo.

    There are 59,242 registered tobacco farmers cultivating over 32,500 hectares nationwide. NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said farmers are expected to earn more this season, as trading prices are currently above the government-set floor prices.

    Burley and native tobacco trading will continue in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region through August 31, with peak prices of P118 ($2.12) for Burley and P175 ($3.15) for native Batek tobacco per kilo.

  • Fumot to Launch New Device at WVS Dubai

    Fumot to Launch New Device at WVS Dubai

    Fumot announced it will unveil its Ultra T32000 Dual-Flavor Pod System this week at the World Vape Show Dubai. “The Ultra T32000 introduces a revolutionary rotating mouthpiece that allows users to switch between two distinct e-liquid flavors instantly—eliminating the need for multiple devices or pod changes,” the company said in a press release. “The device is designed to enhance convenience, sophistication, and sustainability for adult vapers.”

    Additional features include:

    • TPD Compliance: Meets EU safety and quality standards
    • Transparent E-liquid Tank: Easy visibility of remaining liquid
    • Eco-Friendly Battery: Removable and recyclable for reduced waste
    • Generous Capacity: Holds a total of 24mL across dual pods
  • PMI Calls for Smoke-Free Africa 

    PMI Calls for Smoke-Free Africa 

    Philip Morris International (PMI), called for the removal of all obstacles preventing the eradication of smoking in the African continent. The call, made in line with the company’s Tobacco Harm Reduction Program, specifically seeks governments’ policies and actions that are based on current scientific findings, rather than traditions, emotions, and skepticism.

    Speaking at the 2025 Technovation Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, officials of PMI identified a lack of effective government policies, skepticism, and the absence of communication, among other things, as the bane of a smoke-free future in Africa.

    “Innovation has the power to tackle global challenges and, when paired with policy changes, can drive meaningful solutions to worldwide issues,” PMI’s Vice President, Communications and Engagement, Tommaso Di Giovanni said. “However, skepticism toward innovation often results in missed opportunities and stalls progress.” 

     “I think the question we need to ask ourselves is not whether and why, but how Africa should proceed further,” said Andrea Gontkovicova, PMI’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs in the region. “What is the role that we want to take together so that the adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking are given the information, are given the choice, and are given the products which are significantly better?”  

  • 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.