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Category: Around the Industry

  • IQOS and SELETTI Create “Sensorium” for Milan Design Week

    IQOS and SELETTI Create “Sensorium” for Milan Design Week

    Philip Morris International collaborated with renowned design brand SELETTI to create a virtual, multisensory space where people can meet, converse, and connect as part of Milan Design Week in Italy. The project is titled “Curious X: Sensorium Piazza,” and “bridges the physical and digital worlds, creating an unexpected dimension where art and technology intertwine to create meaningful and extraordinary interactions,” all centered around the traditional Italian piazza. The exhibit will be available at Opificio 31, inside Tortona Rocks from April 7 to 13 2025.

    “Our collaboration with SELETTI is driven by the shared belief that curiosity paves the way to groundbreaking creativity which inspires us to connect, explore new possibilities beyond the limits and challenge the status quo,” said Stefano Volpetti, PMI’s President of Smoke-Free Products & Chief Consumer Officer. “Being forever curious at IQOS is what ultimately enables our quest for the continuous development of better smoke-free alternatives versus smoking,”

    The project also marks the debut of the new experiential platform IQOS Curious X, intended to deliver inspiring experiences to the brand’s ever-growing community of adult consumers. “Curiosity—the engine of creativity and innovation—is at the heart of the journey experienced by the over 32 million users of IQOS globally,” the company said. “Curiosity is at the core of IQOS’ quest to continuously innovate for the better, and this will be brought to life through a yearlong collaboration with SELETTI.”

    Through a multi-platform installation, featuring dynamic technologies and an ever-changing digital canvas molded by real-life interactions, the piazza will transform itself from day to night into an archive of human connections, processing the memories, voices, and figures of those who pass through the exhibit. Paying homage to the bold contrasts and pop reinterpretations typical of SELETTI’s work while at the same time experimenting with innovative codes, Sensorium Piazza transforms each guest from spectator to main character.

  • Cigar Industry Preparing for Trump’s Tariffs

    Cigar Industry Preparing for Trump’s Tariffs

    Yesterday (April 2), President Trump announced that the United States would be implementing widespread tariffs on nearly all products imported into the U.S., which would seemingly include cigars and smoking accessories.

    The Administration is implementing a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imported goods from all countries except goods that are compliant with the USMCA free trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, a group of approximately 60 countries is facing additional reciprocal tariffs that are half the rate they charge to the United States.

    “We are monitoring the situation and engaging with appropriate stakeholders to protect the robust premium cigar market in the United States,” said Joshua Habursky, executive director of the Premium Cigar Association. “The administration is well aware of the importance of small business retail in main streets across the country, and we are hoping to mitigate cost burdens on retailers, manufacturers, and consumers overall. America is first in the premium cigar retail space, and we plan to continue to hold that position.”

    The announced new reciprocal tariffs for countries that are relevant to the U.S. cigar industry include:

    • Dominican Republic and Honduras: 10% (matching the universal rate).
    • Nicaragua: 19% (reflecting its 36% tariff on U.S. goods).
    • Costa Rica: 10% (despite a 17% tariff on U.S. goods).
    • Mexico: USMCA-compliant cigars remain at 0%, but non-compliant goods face a 12% tariff if existing fentanyl/migration measures lapse.
    • China: 34 percent
    • European Union: 20 percent

    Writing for halfwheel, Patrick Lagreid said, “The largest percentage increase will not affect cigars, but the accessories used to light and cut them. Products imported from China, which produces a significant amount of cigar accessories, from lighters to cutters, ashtrays, humidors, and other products, will be subject to a 34% reciprocal tariff. This is in addition to a previously implemented 20% tariff, bringing the total to 54%. Last year, multiple executives at cigar accessory companies told halfwheel they were concerned about the potential tariff if Trump were to win the election.”

    The baseline 10 percent tariffs are scheduled to take effect April 5 at 12:01 am ET, and the reciprocal tariffs are slated to go into effect April 9 at 12:01 am ET.

    “We are fully committed to protecting the premium cigar industry, which plays an essential role in supporting American small businesses and consumer interests,” Rob Burgess, of Connector Inc., a PCA Government Affairs representative said. “The PCA’s government relations team is working diligently, engaging actively with government officials and key stakeholders to address the implications of these tariffs. Our aim is to reduce financial pressures while ensuring the United States continues to lead in the premium cigar market, benefiting retailers, manufacturers, and consumers alike.”

    In a statement sent out to its members, Cigar Rights of America said that it is “carefully reviewing the scope and details of today’s policy shift to understand its potential impact on the premium cigar industry, including supply chains, pricing, and retail operations. As the federal government moves forward with implementation, we will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with relevant agencies. We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed and will provide timely updates as additional information and guidance become available.”

    The tariffs come the week before the American cigar industry’s most important sales week: the annual PCA Convention & Trade Show. Most manufacturers will offer retailers aggressive discounts to try to get larger orders, but it’s unclear whether some companies will modify their promotions to account for these tariffs.

  • Black Buffalo Adds Pro Slapper as Brand Ambassador

    Black Buffalo Adds Pro Slapper as Brand Ambassador

    Black Buffalo announced the addition of Power Slap standout Branden “The Butcher” Bordeaux to its growing roster of brand ambassadors. The alternative tobacco company’s roster of ambassadors includes UFC legends, pro athletes, and military heroes “who believe in hard work and resilience.”

    “A butcher, family man, and rising force in the world of Power Slap, Bordeaux embodies the resilience, grit, and work ethic at the core of the Black Buffalo brand,” the company said in its press release. “From running a mobile slaughter business in West Michigan to delivering heavy-handed performances in one of the fastest-growing combat sports, Branden brings a blue-collar mentality and unwavering purpose to everything he does.”

    As part of the partnership, Bordeaux will collaborate with the brand on exclusive content, community engagement, and bringing more visibility to Black Buffalo’s tobacco-alternative offerings.

    “I was introduced to Black Buffalo because I am a longtime dipper,” Bordeaux said. “Amazing company, with amazing products, run by even better people, and that’s what means the most to me. I am very honored to be part of the Black Buffalo family and to have such a great team of individuals behind me.”

  • STG Adds Three Flavors to Nicotine Pouch Line

    STG Adds Three Flavors to Nicotine Pouch Line

    Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK has added three fruit-flavored varieties to its XQS nicotine pouch range: Raspberry Blackcurrant, Strawberry Kiwi, and Berrynana Twist. Each product has a nicotine strength of 8 mg, and a suggested retail price of £5.50.

    The launch comes as nicotine pouches have seen 79% annual volume growth to be worth just under £136m, not including online sales. With the disposable vape ban coming into force in June, STG expects nicotine pouch sales will receive a further boost as many vape users look for different next-gen nicotine options.

    STG UK’s head of marketing Prianka Jhingan said the supplier’s sales force would visit stores around the UK to encourage stocking the lines and offer a new countertop merchandising unit to display them.

  • Washington: State Lawmakers Want to Increase Taxes and Ban Products

    Washington: State Lawmakers Want to Increase Taxes and Ban Products

    Democratic lawmakers in the state of Washington have revamped their approach to banning flavored tobacco products and combined it with an increase in cigarette taxes. The new legislation, House Bill 2068, revives the ambitious and controversial prohibition that made little progress in the state so far this year.

    The initial proposal banned flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine products beginning 90 days after the legislative session ends. The new ban, however, would begin July 1, 2027, allowing the state to continue collecting tax revenue for a budget that is predicted to have a $16 billion deficit over the next four years.

    Critics of such bans argue they lead to increased cigarette use as consumers look for alternatives, and that people who’ve turned to electronic cigarettes to quit smoking traditional cigarettes would no longer have flavored options. 

    Also in the new bill, according to Jake Goldstein-Street writing for the Washington Standard, the age to purchase nicotine pouches would be raised to 21 and “a $2-per-pack tax on cigarettes would be added that would rise with inflation. The first $5 million from the new tax would go toward preventing youth tobacco and vape use, while the rest would go into the state’s general fund.” Washington smokers already face one of the nation’s highest state cigarette taxes, totaling $3.77 between excise and sales taxes, he said. The tax new provisions would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

  • Vape Batteries Causing Rise in Waste Fires

    Vape Batteries Causing Rise in Waste Fires

    Last year was “a year of growth” for Fire Rover, but as a company that specializes in fire detection and suppression, that’s not entirely good news. The company, which releases annual reports on waste and recycling facility fires in the U.S. and Canada, said it saw a 60% increase in fire identifications in 2024. Confirmed fires have increased from 1,409 in 2022, to 1,809 in 2023, to 2,910 last year. Publicly reported fire incidents at waste and recycling facilities also hit 398, a new high since Fire Rover began compiling its report eight years ago.

    Fires at waste facilities are nothing new and can be sparked from numerous causes. However, Ryan Fogelman, CEO of Fire Rover, says lithium-ion batteries pose a growing problem, specifically those from e-cigarettes, vapes, and other battery-powered nicotine devices. He said, based on his experience and some assumptions, that about half of the fires he’s tracking originate with batteries. Roughly $2.5 billion of loss to facilities and infrastructure came from fires last year, divided between traditional hazards and batteries.

    “Not only are their batteries being improperly discarded in waste and recycling bins, but the vape industry has done the bare minimum to invest in the technology needed to address the 1.2 billion vapes entering our waste and recycling streams annually,” Fogelman said.

    “Vapes are perhaps the most effective single thing the e-waste and recycling industries could target,” Kevin Purdy, wrote for ARS Technica. “If everybody knew how to dispose of vapes properly, at sites that can safely handle them, there could be a reduction in risk.

    “But that safe, evenly distributed vape disposal network does not exist.”

  • Escobar Cigars to France

    Escobar Cigars to France

    Escobar Cigars continues its international expansion, announcing that it has signed a distribution agreement with Eurotab to distribute its products in France.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Eurotab France to bring our handcrafted cigars to discerning smokers in France,” said David Gomes, founder of Escobar, in a press release. Eurotab expects to have Escobar’s cigars in 30 shops by the end of April.

  • Fratello Cigars Signs New Deal in U.K.

    Fratello Cigars Signs New Deal in U.K.

    Fratello announced that it has signed a new agreement with Tabac World Ltd., to distribute its cigars in the U.K. Tabac World is run by Keith Allen and his daughter Lyndsay France.

    “I am ecstatic to join Keith and Lyndsay in this journey,” said Omar de Frias, founder of Fratello, in a press release. “When we met a few years back at the Premium Cigar Association, their passion for cigars and dedication to their customers aligned perfectly with our core values.”

    With the addition of the U.K., Fratello says its cigars are sold in approximately 30 countries.

    “We’re thrilled to bring Fratello Cigars to the UK market,” said France. “Fratello’s distinctive style offers something truly exciting for our specialist retailers. We’re proud to partner with a brand that shares our passion for quality, relationships, and innovation in the premium cigar space.”

  • Plasencia to Feature New 5-Packs at PCA

    Plasencia to Feature New 5-Packs at PCA

    With PCA 2025 around the corner, many cigar companies are announcing their upcoming releases this week. Plasencia Cigars said it plans to introduce a new series of five-packs, featuring the popular award-winning Alma Fuerte and Alma Del Campo blends. Six variations of the five-packs will now be available on the market. After strong sales performance on the global Duty-Free channel, and successful tests in a limited number of duty-paid markets, Plasencia is introducing these formats across all channels.

    “The new 5-pack presentation features our finest cigars, meticulously crafted with the same dedication and expertise that Plasencia Cigars is renowned for,” the company said in a release. “This compact size is ideal for busy individuals who appreciate the luxury of a premium cigar but also require a more practical option for their active lifestyles.”

    There are six variations of the five packs, ranging in price from $85.50 per pack to $116.75.

    “This offering not only meets the needs of our on-the-go premium cigar consumer but also provides retailers with an excellent opportunity to enhance their merchandising and sales strategies,” said Victor Lilue, CMO of Plasencia Cigars.

  • Fire Ravages AJ Fernandez’s Main Factory in Nicaragua

    Fire Ravages AJ Fernandez’s Main Factory in Nicaragua

    A fire has ravaged Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua, the main factory for the AJ Fernandez operation. According to local news reports, everyone including the company’s school, was evacuated safely with no serious injuries reported.

    According to Halfwheel, the factory is one of the largest in the world, producing cigars for a long list of companies, including some of the world’s largest, like Altadis U.S.A. and General Cigar Co., and smaller brands like Foundation Cigar Co. and Artesano del Tobacco. AJ Fernandez operates another factory, the San Lotano Factory, in Ocotal, about 40 miles north of Estelí.

    Videos showed firefighters battling a large blaze in one of the buildings. Multiple sources said the fire appears to be in the packaging department, and it’s unclear how much of the rest of the building has been damaged.

    “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has reached out, prayed for us, and stood by our side during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said in a statement. “Your love and support mean more than words can express. We are beyond grateful for the strength of our community, our team, and all those who have shown up for us. Above all, we are thankful that everyone is safe. In moments like these, we’re reminded of the power of unity and we feel it now more than ever. We will move forward, united, resilient, and more committed than ever to what we stand for.”