Category: Featured

  • KT&G Supports Flood Victims

    KT&G Supports Flood Victims

    Photo: Mdv Edwards

    KT&G pledged an emergency donation of KRW500 million ($394,252) in support of the prompt restoration of regions impacted by the intensified rainfall as well as relief for all affected individuals.

    The donation will be directed to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, and the funds will be utilized for the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure in the affected areas as well as to support livelihoods and provide relief supplies to those affected by the disaster.

    The contribution is derived from the Sangsang Fund, a charitable fund established by voluntary contributions from KT&G executives and employees. The Sangsang Fund is a unique social contribution fund that combines monthly contributions collected from executive and employee salaries with company contributions equal in amount.

    Additionally, Korea Ginseng Corporation plans to deliver CheongKwanJang red ginseng products worth KRW100 million to residents in the areas severely affected by the intensified rainfall.

    “With the intention of assisting those regions who are facing hardship due to the devastating floods, we have gathered the heartfelt intentions of our employees and executives, which has led to the decision to provide urgent assistance,” said Shim Young-ah, head of KT&G’s social contribution division, in a statement. “We sincerely hope that this donation will contribute, even in a small way, to the rapid recovery and restoration of the affected communities and their daily lives.”

  • Philip Morris to Acquire Syqe Medical

    Philip Morris to Acquire Syqe Medical

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Philip Morris International plans to acquire Syqe Medical, an Israeli company, according to Calcalist. The deal could reach $650 million.

    Syqe’s main product is a metered-dose inhaler for pain reduction using medical marijuana.

    PMI will initially invest $120 million to aid in the process of obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for Syqe’s inhaler. If approval is received, PMI will purchase all shares of Syqe for $650 million.

    PMI subsidiary Vectura will conduct the transaction.

    In 2016, PMI invested $20 million in Syqe.

  • Brazilian Minister Voices Supports for Tobacco Farming

    Brazilian Minister Voices Supports for Tobacco Farming

    Image: SindiTabaco

    Brazil’s minister of agrarian development, Paulo Teixeira, has spoken out against initiatives to replace tobacco as a cash crop.

    During a meeting with representatives of the domestic tobacco industry, Teixeira said farmers must be assured the right to grow tobacco, especially in light of the crop’s economic contribution.

    Industry representatives had requested the meeting to discuss the sector’s concerns about the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) organized by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. They stressed the economic and social importance of the production and export of tobacco for Brazil and addressed the concern about the Brazilian stance at the meeting in Panama, particularly with regard to a possible interference with the cultivation of tobacco.

    In addition to Iro Schunke of the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco), the group comprised Benicio Albano Werner, president of the Tobacco Growers’ Association of Brazil (Afubra); Giuseppe Lobo, the executive director of the Brazilian Tobacco Industry Association (Abifumo); and Marcos Souza the executive director of the Bahia State Tobacco Industry Union (Sinditabaco-BA).

    While expressing support for the industry, Teixeira recommended that the industry use bioinputs to produce tobacco. “The companies have invested in biological pest control methods and have always sought the best solutions when it comes to farmers’ health and safety,” said Schunke in a statement.

    “We have a good grasp of the health issues that involve our product, but while there is demand, we need to preserve the jobs and the income generated by the supply chain.”

    Earlier in July, tobacco industry representatives met with Brazil’s minister of agriculture, Carlos Favaro, to share their concerns ahead of COP10.

  • Jean Gonnell Joins Troutman Pepper

    Jean Gonnell Joins Troutman Pepper

    Jean Gonnell, Partner, Troutman Pepper | Credit: Troutman Pepper

    Jean Gonnell, a regulatory attorney with a significant focus cannabis and tobacco law, has joined Troutman Pepper’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy and Enforcement (RISE) practice group. Resident in the firm’s Charlotte office, Gonnell joins from her private practice, Gonnell Law.

    Gonnell began her legal career in Colorado, where she was at the forefront of cannabis legislation before the larger movement to legalize the drug. Over the course of her career, she has represented more than 100 clients in the cannabis industry, including approximately 15 percent of all licensed cannabis businesses in Colorado. With a deep commitment to her clients and dedication to the flourishing cannabis field, she continues to expand her practice and make a positive impact in the evolving landscape of cannabis law.

    “Jean’s addition to the firm will deepen the expertise of the firm’s established tobacco and nicotine and cannabis law practices,” said John West, chair of the business litigation department, in a statement. “Her extensive experience will enhance the innovative solutions we provide for our existing cannabis-focused clients as well as expand the services we can offer to potential new clients in the space.”

    “With the possibility of North Carolina passing a new medical marijuana regulatory regime, the timing of Jean joining our Charlotte office could not be better,” said Jason Evans, managing partner of the Charlotte office. “We welcome her and are confident that her guidance will help to expand our reach in providing service to clients.” Gonnell is the second partner to join the Charlotte office in recent months, following the arrival of white-collar partner Matt Orso in May.

    Gonnell is licensed to practice in Arizona, Colorado and North Carolina.

    “I’m thrilled to join Troutman Pepper due to its strong regulatory presence,” said Gonnell. “I chose the firm because it allows me to maintain top client service while also giving me the network to expand my practice to new fronts. I’m excited to continue working with my clients in Colorado while also expanding my client base here in North Carolina.”

  • Jordan: Health Activists Demand Stricter Rules

    Jordan: Health Activists Demand Stricter Rules

    Image: svarshik

    Health activists in Jordan are calling for stricter tobacco rules, given the country’s high rates of smoking-related diseases, according to The Jordan Times.

    Smoking-related deaths in Jordan are estimated to be around 8,000 annually with high rates of cancer and hundreds of cases of chronic disease.

    The smoking rate in Jordan is around 41 percent, according to recent studies. Jordanian households spend more on tobacco products than on food items, according to a World Health Organization study.

    Smoking is defined by the WHO as a pandemic, according to Bassam Hijjawi, head of the Jordanian National Association for Smoking Control, who called for “stricter penalties” and more measures to reduce smoking.

    Smoking cessation is low in the country despite the availability of 29 free specialized clinics for smoking cessation.

    “Healthcare costs associated with smoking-related diseases impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system and contribute to limiting resources available for other health services as well as other important sectors such as education,” said economist Khaled Salameh.

    “The statistics revealing the number of smoking-related deaths and the prevalence of chronic illnesses are alarming,” said Abdel Rahman Shaher, former health director at the Ministry of Health.

    “Stricter regulations on tobacco sales, especially on e-cigarettes for underage individuals, is crucial,” Shaher said, noting that a multi-faceted approach to limit smoking must be prioritized.

    “Social norms and cultural practices play a significant role in shaping individuals’ behavior, and smoking may be perceived as a socially acceptable or even desirable activity in certain contexts,” said sociologist Hussein Khuzai.

    “To address this issue, comprehensive strategies should be implemented, including awareness campaigns, education about the health risks and addressing the underlying social and economic determinants that drive smoking behavior,” Khuzai said.

  • Support with Flavors Helps Smokers Quit

    Support with Flavors Helps Smokers Quit

    no smoking
    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    A new study has found that smokers who get help picking flavored e-cigarettes and receive supportive text messages are more likely to quit smoking, reports The Guardian.

    The study was led by London South Bank University (LSBU), and it explored in what settings vapes could help smokers quit. After three months, about 25 percent had quit and a further 13 percent reduced cigarette consumption by more than half.

    Those who received help choosing a vape flavor and got supportive texts were 55 percent more likely to quit smoking in three months.

    “Smoking kills approximately 8 million people worldwide every year, and even some of the often most effective treatments have little effect on reducing the number of smokers,” said Lynne Dawkins, professor of nicotine and tobacco studies at LSBU. “From this treatment, 24.5 percent were smoke-free after three months and a further 13 percent had reduced their cigarette consumption by more than 50 percent.

    “The simplicity of tailored support through flavor advice and supportive messages could have a huge impact in helping people lead smoke-free lives.”

    The research examined: tailored advice on which product, nicotine strength or flavor to buy; brief information on vaping harms relative to smoking; and text message support. Some people received all of these, others received none and some received some but not all.

  • Hong Kong Deploys Evil Eye Against Smoking

    Hong Kong Deploys Evil Eye Against Smoking

    Photo: xixinxing

    Hong Kong Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau stated that citizens can help create a smoke-free Hong Kong by staring at smokers who light up in smoke-free areas, according to the South China Morning Post.

    “Cigarettes can harm the health of all of us,” Lo said. “When the members of the public see people smoking in nonsmoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers.

    “When someone takes out a cigarette at a restaurant, everyone on the premises can stare at that person. I do not believe that person would dare to hit back at everyone at the restaurant as they are simply staring.”

    Lo promised to improve law enforcement efforts but stated that societal pressure can help promote a smoke-free environment.

    “We understand that law enforcement officers cannot always take action at the scene of the crime. When they arrive at the scene, the crime may have already stopped,” he said. “Take queuing at a bus stop as an example. No one will say it requires the law to compel people to queue. Our society is able to create a culture where people will comply with this rule of queuing when waiting for buses. I hope the whole of society can build a nonsmoking culture.”

    Critics warned the proposal would cause needless “turmoil and conflict.”

    “Even when officers from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office head to the scene where smokers are found, they will go as a team instead of alone as these actions can trigger arguments and conflicts,” said lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan. “They should not teach the public to stare at people. The problem is someone violated the law but no one is there enforcing it.”

    “Very few countries around the world have implemented similar measures,” said legislator Chan Kin-por, referring to the tobacco endgame age restrictions. “Tobacco control measures should be gradual. One-size-fits-all policies may backfire.”

  • UK Councils Want to Ban Disposables

    UK Councils Want to Ban Disposables

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Councils in England and Wales are urging the U.K. government to ban sales of single-use vapor devices by 2024, citing environmental and health concerns, reports Reuters.

    The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, argued that a ban needs to be implemented quickly to prevent disposables from flooding the U.K. market as other markets close. The European Union has proposed a ban in 2026, and France is implementing a ban in December 2023.

    “Disposable vapes are fundamentally flawed in their design and inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban will prove more effective than attempts to recycle more vapes,” said David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s community well-being board, referring to disposable vapes’ inability to be easily recycled due to the batteries not being a separate unit.

    “Disposables have been around for well over a decade and provide a low-priced accessible product that helps smokers to quit smoking tobacco,” said John Dunne, director-general of the U.K. Vaping Industry Association, defending disposable vapes. He said the industry is working to limit environmental impact, and he warned that a ban would lead to a larger black market. 

  • China Companies Crack Down on Nepotism

    China Companies Crack Down on Nepotism

    Photo: David Carillet

    Several subsidiaries of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) have stated that close relatives of employees in leadership positions should not be hired in order to prevent nepotism and ensure fairness, reports China Daily.

    A notice from the Shandong Tobacco Monopoly Administration stated that new college graduates who are spouses or immediate family members of company leaders should not be employed. It also stated that relatives within three generations and those related by marriage should not be hired.

    Tobacco monopoly administrations in Shanxi, Qinghai, Gansu, Henan and Yunnan released similar notices this year.

    As China’s economic recovery loses momentum, more graduates are opting for stable jobs at state-owned enterprises, making competition for such positions more intense. Online citizens said that preventing close relatives of workers at these enterprises from being hired would create a more fair employment environment, and they called for more transparent hiring practices.

    The STMA implemented restrictions on nepotism in job hiring in 2020 while the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security issued requirements in 2019 to prevent nepotism in government institutions.

    There have been frequent reports of nepotism in state-owned enterprises in the finance, telecommunications, electric power and tobacco sectors, according to a 2020 Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision release.

  • Russia to Increase Tobacco Taxes

    Russia to Increase Tobacco Taxes

    Photo: Sabphoto

    Excises for strong drinks, cigarettes and cars will increase effective Jan. 1, 2024, following the relevant amendment to the Internal Revenue Code approved by the State Duma budget and taxes committee, according to Tass.

    “Excise rates are adjusted by the inflation level in accordance with the forecast of the Ministry of Economic Development,” said Deputy Finance Minister Aleksey Sazanov. “In other words, rates provided for the year of 2023 are adjusted upward for the years of 2024, 2025 and 2026 in line with inflation level expected for these years under the forecast of the Ministry of Economic Development. Accordingly, 5 percent in 2024, 4 percent in 2025 and 4 percent in 2026.”

    Excises on cigarettes and papirosa cigarettes will go up by 5 percent in 2024 to RUB2,731 ($30.13) per 1,000 units plus 16 percent of the estimated value based on the maximum retail price but not less than RUB3,709, according to Interfax. This will increase to RUB2,840 plus 16 percent of the maximum retail price but not less than RUB3,857 in 2025 and to RUB2,954 per 1,000 units plus 16 percent of the maximum retail price but not less than RUB4,011 in 2026.

    The excise on cigars will increase by 5 percent to RUB292 per unit in 2024 instead of the planned RUB289 and increase to RUB304 in 2025 and RUB316 in 2026.

    The previously planned indexation for liquids for electronic nicotine-delivery systems will remain unchanged.