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Category: Business & Finance

  • TPE and PCA Join Forces for TPE26

    TPE and PCA Join Forces for TPE26

    Total Product Expo (TPE) announced a partnership with the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today (September 2) for TPE26 to “enhance industry advocacy and education.” The collaboration will feature sessions led by PCA Executive Director Joshua Habursky, focusing on regulatory awareness and product knowledge for retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.

    “Education is the foundation of effective advocacy,” said Habursky. “By understanding both policy and product, our industry becomes more resilient and united.”

    TPE26 will be held March 31–April 2, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PCA26 follows April 17–20, 2026, in New Orleans.

    For more information, visit totalproductexpo.com and pcashow.org.

  • STG Posts Mixed Q2, Reaffirms 2025 Outlook

    STG Posts Mixed Q2, Reaffirms 2025 Outlook

    Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) reported Q2 2025 net sales of DKK 2.4 billion ($384 million), down 0.2% year-on-year, with organic sales slipping 4.1%. EBITDA before special items was DKK 499 million ($79.8 million), reflecting a margin of 21.1%, compared with 24.5% a year earlier.

    CEO Niels Frederiksen said performance was affected by tariffs, product mix, and the discontinued distribution of ZYN in the U.S., but noted gains in handmade and machine-rolled cigars, as well as double-digit growth in nicotine pouch brand XQS.

    Despite margin pressure, STG reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, targeting net sales of DKK 9.1–9.5 billion ($1.46 billion to $1.52 billion), an EBITDA margin of 18–22%, and free cash flow of DKK 0.8–1.0 billion ($128 million to $160 million).

  • Japan Tobacco to Issue Euro-Denominated Subordinated Bonds

    Japan Tobacco to Issue Euro-Denominated Subordinated Bonds

    Japan Tobacco Inc. said today (August 27) its foreign subsidiary, JT International Financial Services B.V. (JTIFS), will issue Euro-denominated Ordinary Subordinated Guaranteed Fixed Rate Resettable Capital Securities due 2055. The new hybrid-style subordinated bonds, which combine debt and equity characteristics, will be offered in international markets. Proceeds will be used to refinance JTIFS’s outstanding Euro-denominated deeply subordinated guaranteed bonds due 2081, for which a tender offer has been launched.

    JT said the move will help strengthen the group’s financial base, noting that rating agencies may recognize the new issuance as having partial equity credit.

  • Stoker’s Rolls Out Fine Cut Wintergreen in New Can Format

    Stoker’s Rolls Out Fine Cut Wintergreen in New Can Format

    Stoker’s introduced its Fine Cut Wintergreen in a 1.2-ounce can, now available in 15 states. The product, previously sold only in 12-ounce tubs, “brings the same smooth flavor and consistent quality in a portable, on-the-go format,” the company said. “Consumers have been asking for a Fine Cut Wintergreen can, and we listened,” said Thomas Helms III, senior brand director.

    The launch expands Stoker’s moist smokeless tobacco portfolio and gives retailers new growth opportunities, with internal data showing stores that carry both cans and tubs see up to fivefold higher sales. A nationwide rollout is planned through 2025.

  • China Tobacco International Posts Strong H1 2025 Results

    China Tobacco International Posts Strong H1 2025 Results

    China Tobacco International reported its unaudited consolidated interim results for the first half of 2025 this week, showing a revenue increase of 18.5% Y-Y to HK$10.32 billion ($1.3 billion). Profit for the period rose 6.3%, with profit attributable to shareholders up 9.8%. The board declared a 26.7% hike in interim dividends per share, underscoring its focus on shareholder returns.

  • BAT CFO Steps Down

    BAT CFO Steps Down

    British American Tobacco said Chief Financial Officer Soraya Benchikh will step down from the board and her role as CFO effective today (August 26). She will remain with the company through the calendar year to support the transition.

    Javed Iqbal, currently Director of Digital and Information, will serve as interim CFO as the company begins its search for a permanent successor. Iqbal previously acted as BAT’s Interim Finance Director from May 2023 to April 2024.

    CEO Tadeu Marroco thanked Benchikh for her “significant contribution,” noting that BAT’s first-half results were ahead of expectations and that the group remains on track to meet full-year guidance. Benchikh, who rejoined BAT in May 2024, said she was proud of embedding financial discipline and helping position BAT’s New Categories business for sustainable profitability.

  • Altria Increases Quarterly Dividend to $1.06 Per Share

    Altria Increases Quarterly Dividend to $1.06 Per Share

    Altria Group, Inc. today (August 21) announced that its board of directors voted to increase the company’s regular quarterly dividend by 3.9% to $1.06 per share versus the previous rate of $1.02 per share. This increase marks the 60th dividend increase in the past 56 years.

    The quarterly dividend is payable October 10 to shareholders of record as of September 15. The ex-dividend date is September 15. The new annualized dividend rate is $4.24 per share, representing a dividend yield of 6.3% based on Altria’s closing stock price of $67.58 on August 20.

  • 22nd Century Group Posts Q2 Results, Expands VLN Distribution

    22nd Century Group Posts Q2 Results, Expands VLN Distribution

    22nd Century Group reported second-quarter 2025 revenues of $4.1 million, down from $6 million in the first quarter, with a net loss holding steady at $3.3 million. Operating loss widened to $3 million, while adjusted EBITDA loss came in at $2.6 million. The company reduced its debt by an additional $1 million, bringing total debt down to $3.8 million.

    CEO Larry Firestone highlighted the momentum behind the company’s FDA-authorized VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes, which now have authorization for sale in 44 states. Partner brands, including Pinnacle VLN, are expanding distribution, with nearly 1,000 stores across 12 states expected to begin selling the product September 1. The company is also advancing new SKUs, including Pinnacle moist snuff, and preparing an FDA submission for a new 100mm VLN cigarette by year-end.

    Despite financial challenges, Firestone emphasized that 22nd Century is entering a “profitable growth phase” built on its proprietary low-nicotine tobacco technology. He said VLN® products are positioned to align with the FDA’s proposed nicotine standards, giving the company a first-mover advantage in the harm reduction market.

  • Dutch Treasury Loses €2.6 Billion as Smokers Buy Abroad

    Dutch Treasury Loses €2.6 Billion as Smokers Buy Abroad

    The Netherlands is losing an estimated €2.6 billion in annual tax revenue as more smokers purchase cigarettes and rolling tobacco abroad, according to tobacco industry association VSK. A new study by WSPM found that in 2020 the loss was €1.4 billion, but steep excise duty hikes in 2023 and 2024 have fueled cross-border buying and black-market sales.

    VSK director Jan Hein Sträter said smokers are not quitting but shifting to cheaper alternatives in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, or even social media channels. Researchers estimate that about 40% of cigarettes and nearly 50% of rolling tobacco consumed in the Netherlands are now sourced abroad, compared to 25% just a year earlier.

    The group urged the government to align tax rates with neighboring countries, warning that without action, billions in potential excise revenue will continue to slip away.

  • Tobacconist University Launches E-Commerce Platform for Retailers

    Tobacconist University Launches E-Commerce Platform for Retailers

    Tobacconist University (TU) has unveiled TUECOM, a fully customizable e-commerce platform built exclusively for Certified Retail Tobacconists. The standalone system is designed to give brick-and-mortar retailers full ownership of their online stores, offering a streamlined way to compete in the premium cigar mail-order market without relying on third-party platforms.

    The $6,500 package includes a custom-designed website with cigar filtering tools, Certified Cigar Reviews, a rewards program, built-in credit card processing, age verification, and advanced promotional features. Retailers also receive hosting and security for the first year, SSL certification, backups, and access to TU’s product image and description database for six months. Launch time averages four to six weeks, with optional POS integration available.

    Annual maintenance runs about $4,000, covering hosting, plugin updates, and card certification. TU emphasizes that while e-commerce requires ongoing effort, it can extend the reach of tobacconists by serving out-of-town and repeat customers. The program is open only to TU Certified Tobacconists, with priority given to CRTs. Interested retailers can contact Tobacconist University directly for enrollment, and Premium Cigar Association members may qualify for discounted TU certifications.

    For more information, click here.