Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

Casa 1910 AG today announced a series of significant developments that mark the next stage in its growth: the closing of a $3 million USD funding round, a strategic price realignment across its portfolio, and new partnerships with respected retailers and distributors worldwide. 

Empowering Growth Through New Investment 

On September 1, Casa 1910 successfully closed a $3 million USD funding round with the participation of global investors whose expertise extends beyond capital. The investment will enable the company to scale production, strengthen inventory capabilities, and accelerate product development, ensuring it can meet the steadily growing demand for both Casa 1910 and Mexigars. 

Co-founders Jamie Bär and Serge Bollag emphasized the long-term focus of the raise:
“We are pleased to welcome investors who not only believe in our vision but also bring valuable networks and experience. Their support allows us to continue building Casa 1910 with a longterm perspective — creating sustainable benefits for our brand, our partners, and our consumers.” 

Rethinking Pricing: A Partnership-First Approach 

As part of its long-term strategy, Casa 1910 has announced a price adjustment across its full portfolio of products, effective immediately. With demand for Mexican San Andrés tobacco continuing to grow worldwide, the decision is aimed at strengthening retailer partnerships while ensuring broader consumer access. 

Rob Maneson, Global Chief Commercial Officer, who joined Casa 1910 in April 2025, reinforced this perspective: 

“This decision is about listening to the market and acting with conviction. Demand for our cigars continues to rise, yet we recognize the pressures retailers face in today’s economic environment. By reducing prices, we are giving our partners greater flexibility and supporting their longterm success. This is not about short-term sacrifice — it is an investment in the strength and resilience of our community.” 

Recognizing that partners may have existing inventory, Casa 1910 is introducing a special onetime program to ensure consumers can immediately benefit from the new pricing. Casa 1910 representatives will reach out directly to all trade partners to provide details and support throughout this transition. 

Due to the overwhelming demand for Mexigars, additional inventory will be available as of November 2025. 

Expanding the Global Footprint 

Casa 1910’s international growth continues with the addition of new partnerships: 

• Avolta and Heinemann Group – leading players in global travel retail and duty free.
• Premium Brands (Spain) – introducing Casa 1910 to one of Europe’s key cigar markets, highlighting the cultural and historical ties between Mexico and Spain.
• Cigraal (Hong Kong & APAC) – extending Casa 1910’s reach across Asia-Pacific.
• Cigar Must (Switzerland) – partnering with a leading distributor in Switzerland, the founders’ country of origin.
• Wild Bill’s (USA) – expanding into one of America’s most established retail networks.
• Additional U.S. partnerships – including Brandshopper (PA), Churchills (MI), Stoa (TX), Neptune (FL), Cigarbros (CA), and RYO Distribution (MI), complementing Casa 1910’s existing presence across 17 states and 22 countries worldwide.

MEDIA STATEMENT

The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) takes note of the latest report by the Health Parliament Special select Committee (PSSC) regarding the use of vape in Malaysia. However, the report appears biased as it proposes a blanket ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vape without involving all relevant stakeholders in the process.

It is clear that the report was prepared without any consultation with the industry, be it manufacturers, importers, or distributors, or even consumers and independent experts. The voices of these groups should be considered to ensure that the recommendations truly reflect the realities on the ground.

What is more concerning is that accusations were made against the industry without giving us the opportunity to provide clarification or a counter-argument. The industry should have first been called in to explain before any allegations were presented.

Furthermore, every allegation put forward must go through a thorough review and verification process. Accepting claims without solid evidence risks creating a biased perception and undermines the credibility of the report itself.

The vape industry is not against regulations. In fact, we support clear, firm, and balanced regulations, including age restrictions, product standards, and consumer safety measures. What we stress is the need for a transparent and inclusive process, where all voices are taken into account and recommendations are truly based on facts and scientific evidence.

Therefore, MRECA urges the Health PSSC to hold consultation sessions to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide clarification. This is a critical step to ensure that future recommendations are not biased and are aligned with public health objectives.

We also call for every allegation made against the industry to be reviewed and verified using independent data and scientific evidence not perceptions. Only then can the recommendations be considered valid and credible.

Without a fair and comprehensive process, this proposed blanket ban will be seen as unfairly punishing the vape industry as a whole. MRECA believes that rationale and responsible decisions can only be achieved when all parties are given the space to be heard, and when the industry is seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas

President

Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA)

PRESS RELEASE

KUALA LUMPUR, 2nd September 2025 – Consumer Choice Center (CCC) Malaysia expresses deep concern over the lack of transparency by the Ministry of Health (KKM) on the issue of e-cigarettes and vaping products, following a closed-door briefing by the Minister of Health to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (JKPK) on Health on 21st July 2025.

To date, the details of this briefing have not been made available to the public or Members of Parliament beyond the JKPK. Requests from other MPs for more information were reportedly dismissed on the grounds that the session was strictly an internal JKPK matter.

“Transparency and accountability are fundamental to policy-making. Withholding crucial information not only contradicts democratic principles but also risks eroding public trust. Policies cannot succeed if they are developed behind closed doors without meaningful stakeholder engagement,” said Tarmizi Anuwar, Malaysia Country Associate at the Consumer Choice Center.

CCC is particularly alarmed by the Minister of Health’s intention to submit a Cabinet Memorandum proposing a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products. According to CCC, such a move would be misguided and ultimately ineffective for three key reasons:

1. Act 852 is still new. The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) only came into effect on 1st October 2024, less than a year ago. Instead of rushing into new prohibitions, the government should first evaluate and enforce the law already passed by Parliament.
   
   
2. Policy incoherence across jurisdictions. A lack of coordination between federal, state, and local governments has created confusion regarding vape sales and misunderstanding about the potential for use as a smoking cessation tool. In some states, this failure of coordination has even led to outright bans on vape sales, despite Act 852 being a federal law. Such inconsistencies not only undermine enforcement but also cause uncertainty for consumers and businesses, making it harder to distinguish between legal and illegal products. This fragmented approach risks driving consumers toward unregulated alternatives and eroding public confidence in the government’s overall tobacco-control strategy.
   
   
3. Evidence from abroad – The United Kingdom, for instance, has regulated vaping products while recognising them as effective harm-reduction alternatives, successfully reducing smoking rates without resorting to bans. Global experience also shows prohibition backfires. In South Africa, a five-month tobacco sales ban in 2020 saw 93% of smokers continue buying from informal markets, with prices surging by 250% and the illicit trade expanding. In Brazil, vape bans have similarly failed, with weak enforcement and continued black market access proving that prohibition fuels rather than curbs illicit use.
   
   

Tarmizi further warned:
“Pursuing a blanket ban will only fuel black-market growth, making enforcement harder and denying consumers access to regulated, safer alternatives. Malaysia must learn from international experiences where prohibitions have backfired and only empowered illicit trade.”

To ensure coherent policy implementation, CCC urges the Ministry of Health to establish an Implementation Committee on Vape Policy, comprising representatives from federal and state governments, local authorities, NGOs, consumers, and industry stakeholders. Such a body would ensure inclusive dialogue, better enforcement, and practical solutions that reflect both public health goals and consumer choice.

“Malaysia should strengthen regulation, not weaken it through prohibition. By enforcing existing laws and embracing evidence-based approaches, we can protect consumers, improve health outcomes, and avoid repeating mistakes seen elsewhere,” Tarmizi concluded.

PREE RELEASE

CPG branding and packaging experts Levity has partnered with Cohiba, one of the most iconic cigar brands, to deliver a bold new packaging design for the latest edition of its ultra-luxury Spectre.

With just 750 units produced, the 2025 Cohiba Spectre release features 10 hand-rolled cigars using a rare, limited-edition blend – making it one of the most anticipated launches in the luxury cigar world.

After four consecutive Halfwheel Packaging Awards for previous Spectre editions, Cohiba set out to raise the bar once again. It challenged Levity to create a packaging experience that sparked intrigue, honor the brand’s heritage, and deliver an unforgettable moment of discovery from the very first touch.

Leveraging its proprietary Concept-to-Commerce™ (C2C) methodology, Levity developed a six-component packaging system that blends high-end craftsmanship with precision engineering – ensuring both manufacturability and sensory impact. Spectre comprises:

1.       A sculpted wooden case

2.       Precision-crafted metal cigar tubes

3.       Travel humidor for three cigars

4.       Embossed and varnished cigar band and sleeve

5.       Etched metal card of authenticity

6.       Modular secondary packaging

Inspired by the world of luxury automotive and cinematic icons, Spectre is a convergence of timeless tradition and modern innovation, combining tactile materials like solid wood and precision-milled metal. At its heart is a bespoke analog coreset mechanism – a rotating reveal system engineered for a slow, dramatic unveil that mirrors the elegance of the product inside. The result: a truly theatrical, one-of-a-kind unboxing ritual.

Matt Wilson, Senior Brand Manager at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, parent company to Cohiba, said: “We chose Levity as we wanted a partner that embraced our brand heritage while challenging us creatively to create something exceptional, unexpected and truly luxurious. 

“From the outset, it was a masterclass in collaboration. The Levity team quickly understood the luxury market we exist in and asked the right questions to gain deeper insight that allowed them to understand the feeling we wanted to create for our customers.

“They went above and beyond, not just to create something beautiful, but to think about the feasibility of every element to ensure our customers would experience luxury.”

Theo van Blyenburgh, Executive Creative Director + President at Levity, added: “Cohiba is a brand that defines luxury – so every detail, from the packaging’s aesthetic to the way it moved in the hand, had to deliver on that promise. The unboxing experience couldn’t just be beautiful, it had to feel elevated, intentional, and effortless.

“Working with Matt and the team was a true creative partnership. From the very first sketch, we were aligned on the vision – and remarkably, the first concept we presented is exactly what made it to shelf. That almost never happens, and it speaks volumes about the trust, clarity, and collaboration behind this project.”

Levity designs with purpose – measured by business goals, not just aesthetics. Whether it’s bolstering market share, optimizing portfolio acquisitions, or enhancing equity scores, Levity gets your math. To find out more, visit www.levity.org.

PRESS RELEASE

Philip Morris South Africa (PMSA) has urged Members of Parliament in the Portfolio Committee on Health to adopt a science-driven approach to tobacco regulation that protects young people while empowering the country’s 11 million adult smokers with better choices. The company stressed that South Africa has a historic opportunity to reduce smoking-related disease by embracing harm reduction – the same strategy that helped turn the tide against HIV/AIDS.

Presenting to the committee on Tuesday, PMSA Director of External Affairs, Southern Africa, Themba Mathebula, explained that South Africa already knew harm reduction works.

“In this country, we know that harm reduction saved lives. South Africa was at the forefront of the battle against HIV/AIDS. We met people where they were. We gave them options. We gave them tools, and most of all, we gave them choice. The quit or die approach has not been proven to be effective, and we know it will not work. Without a doubt, smoke-free products can give smokers a fighting chance, not just to survive, but to quit smoking for good,” he said.

PMSA cautioned that the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, in its current form, treats all products as equal and risks undermining progress by failing to distinguish between combustible cigarettes and far less harmful smoke-free alternatives such as heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products.

Buhle Binta, PMSA Head of Scientific Engagement, Sub-Saharan Africa, presented independent research which showed that heated tobacco products (HTP) expose users to far fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes. A 2020 report from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health found that users of HTP were exposed to 10 to 25 times fewer carcinogens. Countries such as Japan, the UK and New Zealand have already recorded major drops in smoking rates after introducing smoke-free alternatives, while Sweden is on track to become the first smoke-free nation in Europe, largely due to its practical stance on oral nicotine products.

“The best choice a smoker can make for their health is to quit altogether. However, we appreciate from evidence that not everyone does. So the next best option for those who do not quit is to change and we believe they need to be supported to switch to scientifically proven reduced-risk products,” said Binta.

She said PMSA had submitted a comprehensive dossier of the studies it had accumulated over the years to the committee.

“It is about 19 books’ worth of research that undeniably shows that smoke-free products are less harmful alternatives for adult smokers who make the choice to continue smoking. Scientific evidence needs to be the North Star that informs our health policies. This is an opportunity for us to accelerate the decline in smoking rates in South Africa. Let us strive to be the example in Africa that will be used as a benchmark. We have done this in the case of the HIV pandemic and we can do it in dealing with the burden of tobacco-related illnesses,” said Binta.

Mathebula underscored that no tobacco product is risk-free but science has consistently shown that non-combustible alternatives present significantly less harm.

“Our scientific assessments of our heated tobacco products have shown that, by removing the process of combustion, the aerosol produced by our products contains 90 to 95 percent lower levels of harmful chemicals than in cigarette smoke.”

“Seeking to regulate empirically different products the same way is not rational. Also, ignoring evidence of the different risks and benefits that are presented by smoke-free products is not rational. It is highly irrational to embrace a theory over robust scientific evidence to make a policy determination. We were told several times that harm is harm and I hope by now the committee will appreciate that such a statement does not have a place in the Bill.”

Mathebula concluded with a direct appeal.

“Our recommendation to the committee is to let us save lives. We’ve done it before. We can do it again, despite a lot of skepticism. We can do so by regulating based on available evolving scientific evidence. We can adopt tobacco harm reduction strategies alongside control measures. The two are not enemies. They can work together.”

PMSA recommended that the Bill be comprehensive enough to cover all products, including oral nicotine pouches. It stressed that harm reduction should work alongside tobacco control, noting that the two approaches are complementary and effective when combined.

The Bill should embed a risk-proportionate framework, applying stricter measures to combustible products while setting differentiated rules for less harmful alternatives. Addressing youth access, PMSA called for urgent action and rejected packaging that could appeal to minors, saying “a vape does not need to look like a milkshake for adults to use it.”

PMSA urged a review of the Bill’s broad definition of “promote,” warning that, in its current form, it could criminalise even health experts or families for sharing accurate information about smoke-free products.

Mathebula said PMSA had already invested billions globally in developing scientifically substantiated smoke-free products, available in 97 markets including South Africa, with a single aim.

“We have committed and we want to make cigarettes obsolete,” said Mathebula.

PRESS RELEASE

The Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA), a local advocacy group for vape consumers, has warned that ongoing uncertainty over vape regulations, from state bans to talk of a nationwide ban, is undermining the effective implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and pushing consumers toward unregulated channels.

Khairil Azizi Khairuddin, President of Malaysian Vapers Alliance said, “The conversation has now shifted from state bans to talk of a nationwide ban, but the message from consumers is clear – prohibition, in any form, is not the answer. Our survey shows that Malaysians want responsible regulation under Act 852, which protects consumers and prevents the illegal market from growing.”

The survey, conducted online with 641 respondents across Malaysia, found that awareness of Act 852 is already high, with 83% of respondents saying they know it was implemented in October 2024. Most consumers (68%) said they would prefer to buy vape products that are approved and regulated by the government rather than from unregulated sources.

An overwhelming 74% expressed concern that bans would drive the growth of the illegal market, and 80% worried that such products could be lower quality or unsafe. When asked about the impact of a ban, 65% said they do not support states or the federal government imposing prohibitions, and 67% said that enforcing Act 852 protects consumers better rather than a total ban.

These concerns are reflected in enforcement trends since Act 852 came into force.

“Between 1 October 2024 and 30 June 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reported carrying out 15,775 operations, issuing 78,424 offence notices, and opening 524 investigation papers. Recent cases underscore the risks of the illegal market: a business in Titiwangsa was fined for online sales; Selangor police dismantled a syndicate selling drug-laced vape liquid worth more than RM5 million; and RM8.8 million worth of illegal vape products were seized in Pasir Mas during a roadside raid. These cases all involved unapproved devices and products that did not meet Malaysian standards, showing that non-compliant products originate from illegal operators, not legal businesses following the rules,” Khairil added.

At the same time, MoH data shows the immense pressure on legitimate businesses. Before Act 852 came into force, there were 3,200 brands of vape products in Malaysia. Today, fewer than 400 brands remain.

“From 3,200 brands, only 390 have registered in less than a year. This collapse is driven by regulatory uncertainty. When the rules keep changing, legal players walk away, leaving consumers exposed to unregulated, unsafe products. A ban, whether state-wide or nationwide, will only make matters worse.”

“Act 852 already provides a solid national framework with strict protections for minors. What’s needed is consistent enforcement, clear direction, and collaborative problem-solving, not uncertainty that drives consumers underground,” Khairil concluded.

About the Malaysian Vapers Alliance

The Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA) is a nonprofit advocacy group that champions the use of vape products to help smokers quit. MVA’s work is dedicated to empowering consumers and representing their interests in various legislative, policy making, and rule-making arenas.

PRESS RELEASE from Wellness Collective

South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill carries major implications for the region and could set a precedent for the rest of Africa.

This is according to Dr Vivian Manyeki, a public health physician and epidemiologist at Kenyatta National Hospital, the largest referral hospital in East and Central Africa.

Manyeki, a speaker at the recent Wellness Collective in Johannesburg — a forum aimed at shifting South Africa from selling harm to promoting wellness — said while the Bill addresses gaps in youth access control and advertising, it risks placing combustible cigarettes and significantly less harmful nicotine products under the same strict regulations.

“If passed in its current form, the Bill may unintentionally discourage smokers from switching to safer alternatives, thereby undermining public health goals and counteracting objectives of harm reduction advocates. This could make it too costly and complicated for smokers to shift to much safer options. A sensible policy would ensure strict regulation on the protection of youth, clearly communicate the risks involved, and most importantly, support, not restrict, nicotine smokers transitioning to safer options,” she said. 

Manyeki’s comments come as Parliament continues public hearings on the Bill.

“The adoption of tobacco harm reduction policies is lacking on the African continent when compared to high-income regions like the UK, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. The UK, for example, integrates harm reduction into national tobacco control policies and has sponsored programs aimed at moving smokers to less harmful products.”

“Afforded the least attention is Africa, with abstinence and cessation still viewed as the only viable pathways to nicotine harm reduction? There is also no room for harm reduction products,” she said.

Manyeki said the available policies were “backwards, steered by the burden of precautionary political frameworks stifling creativity and, at times, misinformed narratives about safer nicotine products.”

“The result is that the opportunity to mitigate the growing burden of tobacco-related deaths, which is increasingly emerging from low and middle-income countries, is stifled,” she added.

She said there must be a clear understanding of harm reduction. “The process of minimising the negative impact of health behaviours through focused public policy action is referred to as harm reduction. Unlike more conventional frameworks, this reduces the health, social, and economic burdens in public health by not necessarily eliminating the behaviours, focusing more on mitigation.”

She listed everyday examples such as seatbelts in cars, which do not stop people from driving, but they do make it much less likely that someone will die or get hurt in a crash. Helmets allow people to still ride a bike or motorcycle but it lowers the risk of head injury, while water treatment and chlorination allows people to still drink water, but treating it lowers the chance of getting sick.

“Sunscreen does not keep you from being in the sun, but it does lower your risk of skin damage and cancer. Using condoms lets you have sex while lowering your risk of getting HIV, STIs, and an unwanted pregnancy. Sugar-free or low-fat substitutes. People continue to consume fatty or sweet foods, but their health effects are lessened. Road bumps and speed limits lessen the frequency and severity of accidents, but do not stop driving.”

“In the case of tobacco usage, harm reduction refers to the use of e-cigarettes, pouches, and heated tobacco products to smoke less dangerous nicotine alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Supporting evidence demonstrates that nicotine addiction is the primary reason why individuals smoke. However, studies have further revealed that those addicted to smoking tobacco are at a higher risk of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness,” explained Manyeki.

She added that harm reduction approaches are effective in saving lives due to their flexible frameworks, however, they face resistance. “There are several factors that contribute to the limited acceptance of tobacco harm reduction, such as misinformation and risk misperception. Surveys show over and over that a lot of people, even health professionals, think that vaping is just as bad or worse than smoking. There is also regulatory inertia. Policymakers often choose to ban innovative concepts instead of exploring them because they are reluctant of industry influence or unintended consequences.”

“There is also mistrust of the tobacco industry, given that cigarette companies have done bad things in the past, many people in public health are wary of any new product, no matter how harmful it is. There is also insufficient research in Africa. Most harm reduction evidence comes from high-income countries, which means there isn’t enough data from low-income countries, which in turn creates a gap in locally relevant data to guide decision-making.”

Manyeki said the key is to make appropriate regulations. “These will make sure products are safe and of good quality, curtail young people from using them, and educate citizens about the potential hazards. Lives are lost, productivity goes down, and healthcare resources are drained when nothing is done. Tobacco harm reduction is not about letting the tobacco industry off the hook; it’s about giving smokers a chance to have a healthier future.”

PRESS RELEASE

It comes as no surprise to the UK Vaping Industry Association that one in four vapers who previously used disposables, have returned to smoking or switched to illicit products since the single use ban came into effect.

The UKVIA has always held that blanket bans don’t work and actually do more harm than good. We said as much when the move was first announced and urged the government to rethink their plans.

New research from ELFBAR clearly demonstrates that we were right to be concerned and highlights the scale of the problem.

The survey of 6,000 UK vapers and smokers also shows that awareness of illicit vapes is increasing and reflects previous survey findings that the misperceptions about the relative harms or vaping and smoking are worryingly high.

The findings include:

• One in four (26%) single-use vapers have turned to illegal vapes, started smoking more or returned to tobacco following the ban.
• More than half of adults (51%) incorrectly believe that vaping is as, or more, harmful than smoking and
• One in five (22%) respondents are aware of illegal vapes being sold in their area, which is up from 19% in December 2024

UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “Successive governments have made huge play about how they need to bring down smoking rates to achieve a smoke-free UK but they seem to completely overlook the vital role that vaping can play here.

“Vaping is by far the best way to help adult smokers quit and the single use devices were the most popular vaping products to help them do so.

“It never made any sense to us to ban this entire category and now we have concrete evidence that more than a quarter of vapers have either resumed smoking, increased tobacco use or purchased illicit products since the ban.

“Any one of those outcomes would be bad enough but all three combined should be deeply worrying and urgent action must be taken to reverse this trend. If these are the numbers we are seeing after two months then I dread to think where we will be in a year’s time.”

John said it was now clearer than ever that a multi-faceted approach was needed to reverse the trend and to reach the remaining six million adult smokers in the UK.

The UKVIA is calling for:

• A nationwide public health information campaign to highlight that vaping represents only a fraction of the risks of smoking. This would combat growing misperceptions about the relative risks which are preventing smokers from switching.
• The introduction of a vape licensing scheme – similar to alcohol licensing – to ensure only legitimate retailers can sell vaping products and discourage those who are tempted to break the law.
• Use income generated from vape licensing (upwards of £50M a year) to fund a robust enforcement programme across the country to ensure Trading Standards have sufficient dedicated resource to effectively clamp down on lawbreakers.
• Bring in fines of £10,000 – per instance – for those convicted of selling to minors or selling illicit or illegal products, with the loss of the vape license for persistent offenders.

Dunne added: “We literally have the very best tool at our disposal to help ensure a smoke-free UK but we are not using it effectively and, as a result, 220 smokers in the UK are dying prematurely every day.

“Instead of imposing blanket bans which makes it harder for the legitimate, law-abiding vape industry to help smokers quit, let’s focus on those who sell to children and are prepared to flood the market with illegal or illicit products.

“It is only by making the consequences of flouting the law so prohibitive that it is not worth taking the risk and by educating smokers that vaping is a far better option for consuming nicotine that we can drive down smoking rates once and for all.”