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Category: News This Week

  • BAT and McLaren Collaborate on Limited Edition Glo

    BAT and McLaren Collaborate on Limited Edition Glo

    British American Tobacco Japan announced that it has teamed up with McLaren Racing to launch the “glo Hilo Plus McLaren Racing-inspired limited edition set,” available from March 3 at glo Store Ginza and glo’s online store.

    This premium collection features a limited-edition glo Hilo Plus device with McLaren’s signature papaya colors inside the device and on the charging case slide, along with exclusive glo and McLaren logos. The charging case also offers a rubberized grip for stability and a brushed metal finish that reflects motorsports engineering aesthetics.

    The set includes a special Alcantara sleeve, a limited-design charging dock, and a warranty card confirming its limited-edition status, all packaged in a dedicated box. It is priced at 30,000 yen ($189).

  • JTI Refreshes Nordic Spirit Look

    JTI Refreshes Nordic Spirit Look

    Today (March 3), JTI UK unveiled a refreshed brand identity for its Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches, introducing “striking new packaging” designed to enhance shelf visibility and provide clearer guidance for adult nicotine users. Inspired by the “North Star,” the updated packs — now live across JTI360 and rolling out in stores — feature Dry or Moist indicators for slower or faster nicotine release, alongside a six-dot strength system ranging from 6mg to 17mg. Each can contains 20 pouches and includes a compartment for used pouches, with recyclable polypropylene packaging.

    The refresh follows the launch of Nordic Spirit Frosty Mint Max and comes as the UK nicotine pouch category grows to £15.9 million per month. Brand Lead Manager James Richards said the redesign aims to improve shelf standout and help retailers better guide customers, while maintaining the same product quality and flavor range. The brand’s Moist Range was also named Product of the Year 2026 in the Nicotine Pouch category, marking its third major award in five years and reinforcing its position in the expanding UK market.

  • NSW Tops 100 Store Closures as New Tobacco Taxes Begin  

    NSW Tops 100 Store Closures as New Tobacco Taxes Begin  

    Authorities in Australia’s New South Wales have closed 105 tobacconist shops operating illegally since strengthened tobacco and vaping laws took effect in November 2025. In the past 10 days alone, 30 stores across multiple Local Health Districts were ordered to close for 90 days, with inspectors seizing about 700,000 illicit cigarettes and 3,900 illegal vapes. This comes as a federal tobacco excise increase takes effect today (March 3), raising concerns about a widening price gap between legal and illicit products.

    Under the new laws, NSW Health, supported by NSW Police, can impose 90-day closures on premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or operating without a license, while courts may issue long-term closures of up to one year. The legislation also introduces penalties of more than A$1.5 million ($1.1 million) and up to seven years’ imprisonment for possession or sale of commercial quantities of illicit tobacco, along with new offences and lease termination powers for landlords. Health Minister Ryan Park said enforcement would intensify with 30 additional inspectors added statewide, bringing the dedicated tobacco compliance team to 78 staff.

  • Bangladesh Questions Constitutionality of Vape Ban

    Bangladesh Questions Constitutionality of Vape Ban

    The High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh directed the government not to confiscate or seize vapes lawfully imported by 41 businessmen and issued a rule questioning the constitutionality of Section 6(Ga) of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005. The bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar asked authorities to explain why the provision, which restricts the manufacture, import, export, storage, sale, and promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems, should not be declared unconstitutional and void.

    The order followed a writ petition filed by 41 traders, including Masud Uz Zaman, managing director of Vapor Cloud Ltd. Petitioners argued that Section 6(Ga) is discriminatory, banning vapes — described as a harm-reduction alternative — while permitting traditional cigarettes, allegedly violating the equality clause under Article 27 of the Constitution. The state was represented by the Deputy Attorney General during the hearing.

  • Turning Point Reports 31% Profit Increase for FY25

    Turning Point Reports 31% Profit Increase for FY25

    Turning Point Brands, Inc. reported strong growth in Q4 2025, driven by its Modern Oral category, which saw net sales surge 266% to $41.3 million, now accounting for 34% of total company net sales compared with 12% in Q4 2024. Total consolidated net sales rose 29.2% to $121.0 million, with Stoker’s segment up 69.5% and Zig-Zag segment down 12.8%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $30.0 million, while net income climbed 239.8% to $8.2 million. For the full year, consolidated net sales rose 28.4% to $463.1 million, with net income up 46.1% to $58.2 million and adjusted EBITDA up 14.4% to $119.5 million. CEO Graham Purdy highlighted strong performance from FRE and ALP brands, emphasizing Modern Oral as a key driver for long-term category share growth while legacy brands continue to generate reliable cash flows.

    The company said it is well-prepared for FY 2026, expecting Modern Oral gross revenue of $220–$240 million and net revenue of $180–$190 million, with Q1 2026 adjusted EBITDA projected at $24–$27 million, inclusive of marketing and trade investments. Stoker’s segment continues to lead sales at 67% of the total, driven by triple-digit Modern Oral growth, while Zig-Zag’s 33% contribution reflects declines due to the planned wind-down of Clipper products. TPB has strengthened operational systems, including digital tracking and FDA compliance support, and maintains liquidity of $290.1 million, comprising $222.8 million in cash and $68.1 million in asset-backed credit.

  • Ethical Holdings to Produce 8M Cigarettes per Month

    Ethical Holdings to Produce 8M Cigarettes per Month

    Zimbabwe’s Ethical Holdings will begin producing cigarettes under a toll manufacturing arrangement with a Chinese partner, a move aimed at boosting local beneficiation and maximizing export earnings from the golden leaf. The initiative aligns with the government’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which emphasizes shifting from raw leaf exports to high-value local manufacturing.

    Already a major player in tobacco farming and leaf processing, Ethical Holdings will produce 8 million sticks per month, marking its transition into a fully integrated tobacco company controlling the full value chain from primary production and auctioning to finished products. General Manager Tendai Ngongoni said the move supports national value-addition goals.

  • Court Certifies Juul Direct Purchaser Class in Altria Antitrust Case

    Court Certifies Juul Direct Purchaser Class in Altria Antitrust Case

    A U.S. federal court certified a class of direct purchasers of Juul Labs, Inc. products in California, allowing claims against Altria Group, Inc. over its 2018 $12.8 billion investment for a 35% stake in Juul, according to Law 360. Judge William H. Orrick cited “common, predominant questions” and a strong inference of class-wide impact, finding class resolution preferable to individual suits, while purchasers may opt out. Plaintiffs allege the investment led Altria to exit the e-cigarette market, reduce product variety, and raise prices.

    Law 360 said the direct purchaser class covers those buying Juul products from October 5, 2018, to the present. Judge Orrick rejected arguments that separate contracts and pricing arrangements make named purchasers atypical, noting claims are typical across the class and representatives are adequately motivated. An imperfect understanding of class membership does not undermine adequacy so long as representatives understand the claims and responsibilities.

    Indirect purchaser and reseller classes were also certified, though plaintiffs from Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia were excluded due to state law restrictions. The indirect purchaser class covers Juul pod purchases for personal use from October 25, 2018, to March 29, 2024, and the indirect reseller class covers purchases for resale from December 1, 2018, to March 31, 2025. The FTC had previously challenged Altria’s Juul stake but dropped its case in 2023 after the company fully unwound its investment.

  • Tech Hopes to Get Zimbabwean Tobacco Farmers Paid in Minutes

    Tech Hopes to Get Zimbabwean Tobacco Farmers Paid in Minutes

    Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe are now expected to receive payment within 30 minutes of concluding sales as the 2026 marketing season opens March 4, a major technological advancement for the sector. Traditionally, growers faced delays of up to two days or more under Statutory Instrument 77 of 2022, but a fully integrated digital system linking the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) platform to auction floors allows real-time tracking of every bale, instant dispute resolution, and rapid electronic payment confirmation. Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the system sets a new benchmark for agricultural efficiency, encouraging more farmers to participate, including in dryer regions of Matabeleland. Operators at the Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF), Premier Tobacco Auction Floor (PTAF), and Ethical Sales Floor (ESF) confirmed readiness, with upgraded logistics, bank integrations, and biometric systems to curb side marketing and enhance traceability, while TIMB strengthened online monitoring to ensure transparency and smooth operations throughout the season.

  • UK’s Black Market Booming as Legal Smokes Down 52%: Report

    UK’s Black Market Booming as Legal Smokes Down 52%: Report

    Sales of legal tobacco in the United Kingdom have dropped by 52% since 2021, according to new data from HMRC, however, smoking prevalence and consumption per smoker have remained relatively stable, indicating a sharp rise in the illicit cigarette trade. Reports show manufactured cigarette volumes fell 46% from 23.4 billion to 12.6 billion sticks, while rolling tobacco declined 59% from 8.6 million kilograms to 3.6 million kilograms. When converted into cigarette equivalents, just 19.8 billion sticks were sold legally in 2025, less than half the 40.6 billion sold in 2021.

    With excise duty on cigarettes and rolling tobacco rising 73% and 115%, respectively, since 2020, resulting tobacco duty revenues have fallen from £10.4 billion to £7.9 billion, the lowest on record after adjusting for inflation, highlighting the rapid expansion of the black market. Dr Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said the figures provide “conclusive proof” that illicit tobacco is proliferating, noting that the growth of the black market is evident to smokers and the general public alike. The analysis underscores concerns that high taxes, while intended to curb smoking, have inadvertently fueled illegal sales, presenting a major challenge for regulators and law enforcement.

  • Uzbekistan Imposes Vape Ban

    Uzbekistan Imposes Vape Ban

    Beginning March 1, Uzbekistan implemented a complete ban on vapes and electronic cigarettes, covering production, possession, sale, import, and export, with violations carrying criminal penalties including fines, corrective labor, restriction of liberty, or up to five years’ imprisonment, following a law signed last November by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Ministry of Justice stated that individuals who voluntarily surrender prohibited devices or report violations may avoid liability, while tourists are warned not to bring vapes or e-liquids into cities such as Tashkent and Samarkand. The move follows a similar policy in Kazakhstan, where a full ban on circulation has been in effect since June 2024, with criminal penalties applying to sales, distribution, and import but not personal use.