Category: News This Week

Pakistan Urged to Swap Tobacco For Food

Photo: Taco Tuinstra
Pakistan should replace tobacco with food crops, according to experts in nutrition, agriculture and the environment, reports UrduPoint.
Speaking with the Associated Press of Pakistan, the specialists said such a transformation is necessary not only to improve public health but also to overcome the food insecurity faced by more than one third of the population.
In 2018, 36.9 percent of Pakistanis struggled with food insecurity, data from the National Nutrition Survey reveals. Massive floods at home and war in Ukraine have plunged an additional 2.5 million people into hunger according to the Pakistan Fruits and Vegetable Importers and Exporters Association (PFVA).
The group says Pakistan now relies on imports for food items such as wheat, pulses, chickpeas, garlic and ginger. However, a prevailing shortage of hard currency makes it difficult for importers to obtain letters of credit.
PFVA Chief Waheed Ahmad urged policymakers to capitalize on this year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, “Grow Food, Not Tobacco.”
Tobacco is grown in all four provinces and is a significant part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s economy, where farmers cultivate approximately 30,000 ha of the golden leaf.
Taimoor Khan, general secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Association for Excellence in Agriculture, suggested that if half of this area were converted into growing a new variety of garlic, NARC G1, the farmers would make a remarkable profit.
Khan also called into question the economic contribution of tobacco farming, which is believed to generate revenues of PKR120 billion annually ($416.24 million). The cost of dealing with the health impact of tobacco consumption exceeds the tobacco tax take by a factor of three, he said.
“By transforming tobacco farming to food production, we can create ripple effects that promotes food security, improves public health, contributes to the overall well-being of our communities and benefit the environment,” said Aftab Alam Khan, CEO of Resilient Future International.
The speakers also cited research showing that tobacco cultivation requires heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers, which causes soil degradation, thus lowering the used land’s capacity to grow other crops.
According to the National Health Services in 2018, almost 23.9 million adults currently use tobacco in any form in Pakistan. Around 163,600 people die each year in the country due to tobacco and almost 31,000 of these deaths are due to exposure to second-hand smoke.
Critics of “Grow Food, not Tobacco” campaign have suggested that the theme creates a false dichotomy, as tobacco and food production are not mutually exclusive.
November 19, 2023
Malaysia Minister Vows to Table Smoking Bill

Photo: somemeans
Malaysia’s health minister has vowed to table the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 before the end of the current parliament’s session on Nov. 30, reports The Star.
“God-willing, I assure you that we will table this Bill before the end of the current Parliament session,” Zaliha Mustafa was quoted as saying.
His comments came after the Attorney General Chambers reiterated an earlier statement that the Generational Endgame Ban (GEG) clause of the proposed legislation can be challenged in court.
The GEG seeks to ban tobacco and vape products for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007.
The Attorneys General Chambers insist this provision contravenes Article 8 of Malaysia’s constitution, as it creates unequal treatment before the law between a person born before that date and individuals born after the date.
It was unclear from contradictory reports whether the bill heading to parliament still includes the GEG. An earlier report by CodeBlue suggested the clause had been removed in response to the constitutional concerns raised by the Attorney General Chambers.
The legislation also includes provisions on registration of tobacco products, advertisement, packaging and smoke-free places, among other items.
November 19, 2023
Tobacco Key Contributor in Thailand: Report

Photo: PiyawatNandeenoparit
The tobacco industry remains an important contributor to Thailand’s economy, reports The Bangkok Post, citing a report by Oxford Business Group.
In 2022, the tobacco industry contributed nearly THB60 billion ($1.71 billion) in excise taxes—12 percent of Thailand’s total tax take that year. The previous year, Thailand exported THB7.4 billion worth of tobacco and related products.

Annually, Thailand directs THB4.1 of its tobacco-related tax collections to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
“In addition to being a significant contributor to Thailand’s economy, our research found that Thailand’s tobacco sector is an important employer and is crucial to rural communities and livelihoods, especially in the north and northeast of Thailand,” Marc-Andre de Blois, director of PR for Oxford Business Group was quotes as saying.
The industry supports nearly 50,000 households directly and indirectly, according to De Blois, who says that the crop is resilient to floods, droughts and poor soil conditions.
The Oxford Business Group report also highlights the challenges presented by the illicit cigarette trade in Thailand. According to the Thai Tobacco Trade Association, illicit trade through online channels grew 97 percent between July 2022 and September 2022.
Data from the Excise Department shows that illicit cigarettes accounted for 30 percent of the Thailand’s tobacco market in mid-2021.

November 17, 2023
Alexander Solomakhin To Lead Donskoy Tabak

Photo: JackF
Japan Tobacco International has appointed Alexander Solomakhin as director of its Donskoy Tabak factory in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, reports Interfax, citing data from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities.
Prior to his current position, Solomakhin was director of sales for JTI’s southern Russia region.
JTI Donskoy Tabak was previously headed by Sergei Lavrikov, who is currently director of the Pereslavl Tabak tobacco factory.
JTI closed the acquisition of Donskoy Tabak, which was previously part of Agrokom Group, in 2018 and completed its merger with JTI Russia in December 2021. After the reorganization, production at the Rostov factory was taken over by JTI Donskoy Tabak.
JTI Russia is the largest producer of tobacco products in Russia.
November 17, 2023
Screening ‘Snus Movie’ Opens Dialogue

Image: Mr. Music
On Nov. 15, 2023, We Are Innovation hosted the avant-premiere of the documentary How Sweden Quit Smoking at the Royal Society of Arts House in London. In addition to the screening of the documentary, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy an expert panel dialogue, dinner and networking with public health experts, advocates, activists and think-tankers from all over the world.
Directed by the Polish filmmaker Tomasz Agencki, How Sweden Quit Smoking delves deep into Sweden’s journey toward becoming a smoke-free country. The documentary shines a light on the personal determination, innovation and human creativity that propelled the Swedish people to achieve a milestone unmatched in contemporary times. This film combines the perspectives of scholars, medical doctors, innovators and activists, presenting a diverse range of voices that echo the expressions of artists. Through compelling storytelling, How Sweden Quit Smoking unveils the intricate interplay of science, politics, history and personal responsibility at the heart of this transformative journey.
“We are incredibly thrilled to bring this important documentary to a wide audience,” said We Are Innovation’s CEO, Federico Fernandez, in a statement. “Sweden’s smoke-free journey beautifully embodies innovation that solves problems and benefits society. By providing smokers safer alternatives, their model is making smoking obsolete and freeing human potential previously hindered by tobacco-related disease and death. We hope the Swedish experience catalyzes similar lifesaving innovations worldwide.”
Agencki said, “This film gives deserved recognition to the unsung heroes—the unrecognized innovators who take action to make our world healthier. Sweden’s remarkable smoke-free transformation was driven by cooperative creativity, personal initiative and a shared spirit of progress. My hope is that this film will inspire viewers to create positive change in their own communities.”
More than 100 international stakeholders met at the Royal Society of Arts. One of the highlights of the evening was an engaging panel discussion featuring experts such as Suely Castro from Knowledge Action Change, Martin Cullip from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance Consumer Center and Delon Human from Health Diplomats. The conversation was moderated by Federico N. Fernandez.
November 17, 2023
Japan Tobacco Appoints Executive Members

Image: Andrii Yalanskyi
Japan Tobacco has appointed new executive members to the board of directors.
Koji Shimayoshi has been appointed as executive vice president (effective Jan. 1, 2024) and representative director (effective March 22, 2024). Shimayoshi is currently executive vice president of JT International. He joined JT in April 1993.
Shimayoshi will take the place of Kiyohide Hirowatari, who will become a member of the board, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Hirowatari will resign as member of the board upon conclusion of the 39th annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled for March 22, 2024.
Hiroko Yamashina and Kenji Asakura have been appointed members of the board, effective March 22, 2024. Yamashina is currently a member of the audit and supervisory board, and Asakura is currently representative director and chairman of Nagase and Co. Ltd. Main Kohda will resign as member of the board, effective March 22, 2024. Emiko Takeishi will also join the audit and supervisory board as a member.
Igo Dzaja will take on the role of senior vice president of marketing and tobacco business for Japan, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Kazuyuki Inui will take on the role of senior vice president of sales and tobacco business for Japan, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The following executive directors will resign effective Dec. 31, 2023: Eiichi Kiyokawa, Chigusa Ogawa and Shuici Hirosue.
November 17, 2023
U.S. Crackdown on Youth Appealing Vapes Continues

Image: iCheer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to seven online retailers for selling and/or distributing unauthorized e-cigarettes packaged to look like youth-appealing toys and drink containers, including milk cartons, soft drink bottles and slushies, according to the FDA. The agency stated that the products’ designs may also help youth conceal the e-cigarettes from adults or be confused with an everyday object and the contents accidentally ingested by young children.
“As we continue into the school year, it’s critical that parents, teachers and other adults are aware of illegal e-cigarettes deceptively packaged to look like everyday items,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “These types of products can be easily concealed and contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain.”
The seven retailers that were issued warning letters were given 15 working days to respond with the steps they will take to correct any violations and to prevent future violations. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure and/or civil money penalties.
November 17, 2023
PMI Expands IQOS in Middle East

Image: TRITOOTH
Philip Morris International has launched IQOS Iluma in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, with a goal of creating a smoke-free future in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, according to the Saudi Gazette.
“Adult smokers may be unaware of the choices they are making, largely due to the lack of information and knowledge on products that bring them harm, versus scientifically backed products that reduce the likelihood of smoking-related disease,” said Tarkan Demirbas, area vice president of the Middle East at Philip Morris Management Services (Middle East) Limited. “At PMI, we are invested in providing existing adult smokers with better alternatives through harm reduction innovations, which can help them take a step back from cigarettes toward better alternatives.”
“Smoking-related diseases today call for a pragmatic solution that places consumers at the forefront while moving away from cigarettes,” said Saim Yasin, director of marketing and digital at PMMS. “IQOS Iluma is our latest innovation in tobacco-heating systems that will accelerate our goal toward a smoke-free future. Through a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives, we are reaffirming our commitment to create realistic, society-wide change that can reimagine the world we are living in—without cigarettes.”
The IQOS Iluma series offers three devices: IQOS Iluma Prime, IQOS Iluma and IQOS Iluma One. All the devices use new induction heating technology but offer different designs.
November 17, 2023
GIHC Completes Eastern Co. Share Purchase

Photo: artmim
Global Investment Holding Co. (GIHC) has completed its acquisition of a 30 percent share in Eastern Co., according to reports by Reuters and Ahram Online. The United Arab Emirates company paid EGP16.4 billion ($531.6 million) for its stake in the Egyptian tobacco firm.
First announced in September, the deal is part of Egypt’s floundering privatization program. In December 2022, the government promised the International Monetary Fund that it would allow private companies a greater role in Egypt’s economy in exchange for a $3 billion, 46-month financial support package.
In February, the government announced a list of 32 companies for privatization, subsequently adding Eastern Co., Telecom Egypt, and Ezz El-Dekheila to the roster, Ahram Online reported in a separate article. The government hopes to attract $5 billion through privatization between October 2023 and June 2024.
While it has announced a number of sales to foreign investors in principle, the sale to GIHC is the first to go through.
Under the agreement, the Emirati company will provide Eastern Co. with $150 million to procure tobacco materials for manufacturing.
In addition to CIHC, Eastern Co.’s primary shareholders are the state-owned Holding Company for Chemical Industries (20.9 percent), the Allan Gray Equity Fund (7.2 percent), the shareholders union of the Eastern Co. (6 percent), with the remaining 36 percent of shares trading freely on the stock exchange.
November 16, 2023
Health Groups Target Zonnic Pouch

Photo: Imperial Tobacco Canada
Anti-smoking advocates in Canada are calling for the federal government to restrict sales of Zonnic, a product of Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN), stating that it is aimed at youth. Health Canada recently approved the product, which is a nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) oral pouch containing up to 4 mg of nicotine.
Despite the criticism, Imperial Tobacco Canada has defended its product. ITCAN “believes that Zonnic, a nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) product authorized for sale by Health Canada, will help adult Canadian smokers quit,” the company wrote in a press release. “In addition to the youth access prevention measures ITCAN has already taken, ITCAN would support regulations that limit the sale [of the] NRT category to adults 18 years old and over.”
“I want to be absolutely clear: Zonnic is not a tobacco product,” said Eric Gagno, vice president of legal and external affairs at ITCAN. “It is licensed, regulated and advertised in the same way as any other smoking cessation product on the market. There should be no reason why ITCAN is singled out for adding another innovative choice to the market to help adult smokers quit.”
Zonnic is marketed as an NRT for adults, but it is available for sale at convenience stores and gas stations with no legal restrictions on who can purchase it, according to public health groups. The groups also stated that ITCAN’s social media posts feature young people and highlight Zonnic’s flavors, including Berry Frost and Tropic Breeze.
“It really is incomprehensible that this could have happened, but it has,” Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society, told The Globe and Mail. “And now it has to be fixed.”
ITCAN’s press release states that “Zonnic is not promoted any differently than any other competing smoking cessation product in Canada. ITCAN’s marketing guidelines require that all material be targeted at adults. Everyone appearing in Zonnic advertising is 25 years old and older. In addition, the company has gone above and beyond the regulatory requirements in the terms of its market authorization by instructing retailers to require proof of age to purchase Zonnic at convenience stores. Zonnic is also sold behind the counter, which means the retailer must hand the product to the consumer. Furthermore, Zonnic will be available in pharmacies before the end of the month.”
The public health groups, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Lung Association, Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, are calling on the Canadian government to make nicotine pouches prescription only or suspend the sale until changes can be made to prevent sales to minors. The groups are also calling for a moratorium on approval for any other nicotine pouches unless they are prescription only.
“As for all of our products,” Gagnon said, “our position has been consistent and strong on this point. Nicotine products are for adult consumers only. We believe that if we truly want to reduce the health risks of tobacco products, we need to introduce products that will be appealing to adult smokers and have them available where people traditionally buy their cigarettes. Health groups should be on our side with this rather than putting up roadblocks.”
“We are aligned to Health Canada’s goal of reducing smoking rates to below 5 percent by 2035,” Gagnon said. “But to get there, we need to change the conversation to bring about impactful outcomes. Governments, health groups and industry must work together in a meaningful manner to bring effective solutions to the market. Our door is always open to have those discussions.”
November 16, 2023