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Category: News This Week

  • PMI to Host 2Q, First-Half Webcast

    PMI to Host 2Q, First-Half Webcast

    Today (July 15), Philip Morris International Inc. announced it will host a live audio webcast on July 22 at 9 a.m. ET, to discuss its 2025 second quarter and first-half results, which will be issued at approximately 7 a.m. that day. The webcast will be available at at www.pmi.com/2025Q2earnings.

    The webcast will be hosted by Emmanuel Babeau, Chief Financial Officer, and will include a discussion of PMI’s financial results and a Q&A session with the investment community. The webcast will be in a listen-only mode. The webcast may also be accessed on mobile devices by downloading PMI’s Investor Relations App at www.pmi.com/irapp.

    The webcast recording, slides, and script will be available at www.pmi.com/2025Q2earnings for one year post-event.

  • PCA Partners to Offer Cigar Retailers Financial Services

    PCA Partners to Offer Cigar Retailers Financial Services

    The Premium Cigar Association announced a new preferred vendor partnership with JeisonGermanGroup, in collaboration with NewtekBank, to offer specialized banking and lending solutions tailored for premium cigar retailers.

    Led by CEO Jeison German, the firm brings financial expertise and custom strategies to support PCA members, with access to services including business banking, loans from $5,000 to $15 million, POS and payment processing solutions, and support for insurance, payroll, HR, and IT.

    This initiative aims to strengthen financial stability and support business growth within the premium tobacco industry.

  • Minneapolis Sets $25 Minimum on Vapes in Landmark Ordinance

    Minneapolis Sets $25 Minimum on Vapes in Landmark Ordinance

    The Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance establishing a minimum price of $25 for all vaping devices, making it the first known law of its kind in the U.S. Approved at the council’s July 10 meeting, the law is expected to take effect soon, with Mayor Jacob Frey signaling his support.

    The new rule extends the city’s existing tobacco pricing policies and is aimed squarely at curbing youth access to “cheap disposable vapes.” The ordinance applies to any type of electronic delivery device, regardless of whether it contains e-liquid, but excludes e-liquid bottles, prefilled pods, and accessories. Retailers must now price each vape device at no less than $25 before taxes or fees, even if sold in multipacks.

    While public health advocates support the measure, local retailers may face sales losses as customers travel outside the city to avoid higher prices.

    Minneapolis already has minimum prices on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

  • Cambodia Orders Pollution Controls at Tobacco Facility

    Cambodia Orders Pollution Controls at Tobacco Facility

    Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment issued corrective orders to the Koh Pen Small Tobacco Processing Enterprise in Kong Pisey District following multiple complaints of strong odors and air pollution. An inspection this week led by deputy director Ung Vutthy, found the facility operating without an environmental permit and lacking proper ventilation and waste management systems.

    The factory must now separate production areas, install odor and dust control equipment, and obtain an environmental management license. The Ministry will continue monitoring to ensure full compliance with national environmental standards.

  • E-liquids.com Launches New Line After UK Ban

    E-liquids.com Launches New Line After UK Ban

    With the UK’s ban on traditional single-use vapes, E-liquids.com introduced a wide range of disposable vape alternatives featuring brands like Lost Mary BM600, Elf Bar 600, SKE BAR 600 Pre-filled Pod Kit, and PIXL 8000. E-liquids.com’s new lineup includes vape kits, vape pods, and juices in 3,000 flavors and strengths.

    Designed to deliver the same flavors and convenience as banned single-use models, the new alternatives include pre-filled and refillable pod kits, starter kits, and advanced vape devices. The company hopes these options offer a more sustainable, cost-effective, and customizable vaping experience.

  • EU’s Plan to Tax Tobacco, Large Companies Continues

    EU’s Plan to Tax Tobacco, Large Companies Continues

    Last week, Euractiv reported reviewing a document where the European Commission was pushing for new taxes on tobacco, large corporations, electronics waste, and carbon emissions, to help fund its next long-term budget (2028–2034). This week, more details and context are emerging.

    With the costs of most everything increasing, and the fact that the EU needs to begin repayment of €650 billion in Covid recovery loans starting in 2028, Euractiv said the EU needs new income sources beyond traditional gross national income-based contributions, which fund 56% of the current budget.

    The reported plan includes a Tobacco Excise Duty Own Resource (TEDOR), expected to bring in major revenue while supporting public health goals. Previous reports suggest the Commission has floated a 139% tax hike on cigarettes. Other proposed revenue sources include a Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE) for firms with over €50 million turnover, and green taxes like carbon levies (ETS1, CBAM) and electronics waste contributions.

    All 27 member states must approve the plan unanimously, making negotiations politically complex. However, the Commission views the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as a critical moment to secure the bloc’s economic, environmental, and defense goals.

  • Dominican Republic Leads Premium Cigar Market with $1.3B in Exports

    Dominican Republic Leads Premium Cigar Market with $1.3B in Exports

    Iván Hernández Guzmán, the director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (Intabaco), appeared on “Entre Periodistas,” and confirmed that he expects the nation’s cigar exports to surpass $1.34 billion this year. Hernández said the Dominican’s meticulous cigar-making process, from seed selection to aging, has helped build its global reputation. Tobacco and cigars were declared Cultural Heritage in 2022, emphasizing their role in national identity.

    Hernández said the industry generates 120,000 direct jobs, supporting thousands of families, and that women make up 70% of the workforce. He also called for market diversification, especially targeting China and Europe, and stressed the importance of training young artisans to preserve the tradition.

  • South Korea Expands Use of Mobile ID for Tobacco Purchases

    South Korea Expands Use of Mobile ID for Tobacco Purchases

    In response to a growing number of young adults who carry only smartphones, the South Korean government is promoting the use of its certified mobile identification card for verifying age when purchasing alcohol and tobacco. The mobile ID holds the same legal status as a physical card, and officials say it could boost small business sales by making age verification easier and more accessible.

    The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and HiteJinro announced a campaign in Seoul’s Seocho district to raise awareness among retailers. The initiative includes 1.5 million bottles of Soju labeled with mobile ID promotion and guides for store owners on verifying ID authenticity using anti-counterfeiting features like animated backgrounds and tilt-responsive effects.

    Starting late July, mobile ID access will expand beyond Samsung Wallet to include platforms like KB Star Banking, Naver, NH AllOne Bank, Toss, and KakaoBank.

  • Parkside Champions Flexible Packaging for the Future of Tobacco

    Parkside Champions Flexible Packaging for the Future of Tobacco

    As the tobacco industry evolves toward reduced-risk products (RRPs), Parkside is urging manufacturers to rethink traditional packaging formats. Highlighting sustainability, convenience, and performance, the company says flexible packaging—especially high-barrier pouches and flow wraps—is the next step for modern nicotine delivery.

    “Next-generation products demand next-generation packaging,” said Laura Haggerty, Sales Account Manager, Tobacco at Parkside. Rigid jars and boxes, she explained, are increasingly misaligned with the needs of nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and CBD formats, as well as shifting consumer expectations.

    Parkside offers recyclable, compostable, and mono-material solutions, enabling brands to lower their environmental impact while improving product protection and portability.

    “Flexible packaging is the next logical step for brands looking to future-proof their products,” Haggerty said.

  • Samsung SDI Avoids Liability in Vape Battery Explosion Case

    Samsung SDI Avoids Liability in Vape Battery Explosion Case

    Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. has been cleared of liability in a high-profile lawsuit over a vape battery explosion that severely injured a teenager, after the Seventh Circuit Court ruled the company had no direct ties to the Indiana vape market. In a unanimous 3–0 decision, the court upheld the dismissal of the case filed by B.D., a minor, who suffered third-degree burns and required skin grafts after a loose 18650 lithium-ion battery exploded in his pocket.

    The battery, manufactured by Samsung SDI, had been purchased from a local vape shop by B.D.’s stepfather. The court determined that Samsung SDI did not purposefully sell or market its batteries for standalone consumer vape use, and thus could not be held liable under Indiana jurisdiction. The company produces batteries for integration into finished products like laptops and power tools, not for resale as individual units.

    The ruling highlights the fine line between manufacturer liability and third-party misuse in the growing aftermarket battery trade, particularly as injuries linked to unregulated vape components continue to rise.