Category: Press Releases

Nicotine pouch brand lands major boxing partnership as UK expansion accelerates

Nicotine pouch brand SNU has announced its sponsorship of the Usyk vs Dubois II heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium this Saturday (19 July). The partnership marks a major brand moment for SNU as it strengthens its position in mainstream UK retail.

SNU has been building momentum throughout 2025, securing distribution across hundreds of convenience stores, vape shops and wholesale outlets. Retailers have reported strong repeat rates and interest in SNU’s flavour-led formats, particularly in urban and high-footfall locations. The brand’s distinctive ‘rub-to-smell’ packaging has helped it stand out in an increasingly crowded nicotine pouch market.

“This fight is expected to break Wembley attendance records and reach millions globally,” said Omar Ali, Marketing Director at SNÜ. “It’s exactly the kind of platform we need to show consumers that tobacco-free nicotine pouches aren’t just another product category – they’re the future of nicotine.”

The sponsorship includes ringside advertising, VIP hospitality and digital content throughout fight week. SNU sees the boxing audience as a natural fit for its smoke-free, vapour-free product positioning.

Javier Soria De Vicente, International Business Development Lead, added: “We’re not just selling nicotine pouches – we’re building a lifestyle brand. Boxing fans appreciate performance and quality, which is exactly what SNU delivers.”

The brand plans to leverage the fight’s exposure to drive retail sales and secure additional distribution partnerships across the UK and Europe. Further sponsorship deals are already in the pipeline for later this year.

SNU’s rapid growth reflects the broader shift towards reduced-risk nicotine products, with the UK nicotine pouch market expected to continue expanding as consumers move away from traditional tobacco.

iBlend with 20 Percent Hemp Significantly Reduced Exhaled Carbon Monoxide (CO) Levels Over Reduced-Nicotine Cigarette Without Hemp

Cabbacis, a U.S. federally-licensed tobacco-product manufacturer focused on harm-reduction products being developed under the iBlend™ brand name, released its clinical trial results demonstrating that the Company’s patented iBlend™ cigarettes were highly rated for satisfaction on the standardized mCEQ questionnaire and significantly reduced cravings for usual brand cigarettes. Cabbacis contracted the Rose Research Center to carry out a pilot clinical trial on 16 smokers exclusively using four types of reduced-nicotine tobacco cigarettes made by Cabbacis during 3-hour ad libitum use sessions, which followed overnight abstinence from their usual brand cigarette. The nicotine content of all types was reduced by approximately 95 percent, as compared to the average of mainstream American brands. Three iBlend™ cigarette types contained reduced-nicotine tobacco and each type had a different level of hemp (5%, 10% and 20%), and the fourth cigarette type contained reduced-nicotine tobacco without any hemp. All cigarettes exclusively contained patent-pending tobacco licensed by Cabbacis and grown by its contracted farmers. The study measured the effects of the four cigarette types on smokers’ perceptions and smoking behavior. Although other measures in the study were evaluated, the most relevant measures were craving relief and those related to product acceptability. For, Did it immediately reduce your craving for cigarettes, participants across all four cigarette types reported a significant reduction in craving for their usual brand of cigarettes which was sustained over the 3-hours of ad libitum use of the study cigarettes. All four Cabbacis cigarette types were rated higher for satisfaction on the standardized mCEQ questionnaire than has been previously reported in the literature with other 95 percent reduced-nicotine cigarettes. An unexpected positive result of the study was that the use of the three iBlend™ hemp-containing cigarettes (5%, 10% and 20%) resulted in lower exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels, as compared to CO levels measured after use of the 0-percent hemp cigarettes, with the reduction in the 20-percent hemp iBlend™ cigarette being statistically significant at the 95 percent confidence level. Dr. Michael Moynihan, Cabbacis’s VP of R&D, stated, “The Company is quite pleased with the results of our initial study which confirmed that reduced-nicotine cigarettes containing hemp are acceptable to tobacco smokers and they significantly reduced cravings for their usual cigarette brand. In order for reduced-nicotine cigarettes to work in terms of reducing smoking and nicotine exposure, smokers must be willing to use them. The data from this study will be useful in designing and carrying out larger iBlend studies of longer duration in the coming months to support our submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” In January 2025, the FDA issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would make all cigarettes sold in the United States minimally or nonaddictive by limiting the level of nicotine in cigarettes (reduction of ~95%). Upon Cabbacis filing, and FDA issuing a PMTA, commercialization of the reduced-nicotine iBlend™ products would give smokers beneficial product choices with differentiated taste and sensory characteristics to expand the market for reduced-nicotine cigarettes. The FDA has already issued a PMTA and authorized modified-risk product claims on a reduced-nicotine cigarette brand, VLN® (unrelated to Cabbacis), including “Helps you smoke less®.” In parallel to the FDA process for the U.S. market, the Company is planning to market its products internationally. About Cabbacis Cabbacis is committed to commercializing reduced-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods. Both types of products in development are predominately tobacco and include hemp. The Company also plans to move forward with reduced-nicotine tobacco cigarettes and little cigars without hemp. Reduced-nicotine cigarettes without hemp that contain about 95 percent less nicotine than conventional cigarettes have been evaluated in dozens of independent studies. Results demonstrate, as reviewed in Donny and White 2022 (Int J Drug Policy 99:103436), that subjects smoked fewer cigarettes per day, reduced their nicotine dependence and exposure, doubled their quit attempts, and/or increased their number of smoke-free days. The Company believes including hemp flower in reduced-nicotine cigarettes improves product acceptability for most smokers and may improve effectiveness due to the presence of non-THC cannabinoids. The worldwide patent portfolio of Cabbacis LLC includes 35 issued patents and various pending patent applications across the United States, Europe, China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Russia, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil and other countries – where approximately two-thirds of the world’s smokers reside. Cabbacis holds 7 U.S. patents. Cabbacis LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabbacis Inc. To learn more about Cabbacis, please visit www.cabbacis.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts made in this document are forward-looking. We identify forward-looking statements in this document by using words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “consider,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foresee,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “objective,” “potential,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will” and similar words or phrases and their negatives. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual outcomes or results could differ materially for a variety of reasons. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are described in “Risk Factors” in our Regulation A Offering Circular filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in our Annual Report on Form 1-K for the period ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC. We undertake no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement except as required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Company’s securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of that state or jurisdiction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250715125483/en/ Media Contact Deborah Aguglia support@cabbacis.com

July 14, 2025 — Dubai, UAE & Online
The Cigar Academy, a leading global platform for premium cigar education, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Dubai Duty Free to provide specialized training for its team of cigar specialists. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in elevating cigar knowledge and customer service standards in one of the world’s busiest travel retail hubs. This collaboration was made possible with the support of The Leaf Master, the leading importer of premium New World cigars in the UAE, whose facilitation helped bring both parties together.

Through this partnership, Dubai Duty Free’s cigar retail staff will receive expert-led education via The Cigar Academy’s online learning platform. The training program is tailored to the unique needs of global travelers, focusing on product knowledge, humidor management, pairing recommendations, and customer engagement. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to premium service and global standards in luxury retail.

“We are honored to support Dubai Duty Free in its pursuit of world-class cigar service,” said Thomas Gryson, Co-Founder of the The Cigar Academy. “Our mission has always been to empower cigar professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. This partnership extends that mission to an international retail setting.”

The training will be delivered digitally through The Cigar Academy’s innovative e-learning system, ensuring accessibility, consistency, and certification. It reflects a broader trend among luxury retailers investing in specialist knowledge to meet the expectations of discerning clientele.

Dubai Duty Free emphasized that this collaboration ensures our staff are not only well-versed in our extensive cigar portfolio, but also confident in delivering an exceptional customer experience, backed by globally recognized expertise

This partnership is a testament to The Cigar Academy’s growing role as the trusted platform for industry-standard cigar education, and Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to raising the bar for retail excellence.

For more information, please visit www.thecigaracademy.com or contact thomas.gryson@thecigaracademy.com & ricardo.carioni@thecigaracademy.com

KT International, an independent tobacco manufacturer headquartered in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, proudly concluded its flagship KTI Distributor Conference 2025, held from June 25–27. Under the theme “Growing Together”, the event welcomed 50 distributor partners from over 30 countries, reinforcing KT International’s position as one of the fastest-growing tobacco companies, with operations in 70 markets across 4 continents.

With an international guest list spanning Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and East Asia, the conference underscored KT International’s global reach and its dedication to fostering long-term partnerships. Countries represented included France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, the UK, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Moldova, Czech Republic, Turkey, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, China, Cambodia, Mauritius, and Andorra — along with guests from Gibraltar and the Canary Islands.

The three-day event offered participants a deep dive into KT International’s world-class operations through a full visit to the company’s headquarters and production facility. Guests engaged in strategic discussions, experienced product innovation workshops, and participated in technical sessions with KT International’s expert blending and development teams. The agenda included time to showcase Plovdiv as a world-class tourist destination, with a tour of the Old Town, sampling some of the city’s finest restaurants, culminating in an evening of fun at a Gala Dinner.

In line with its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, KT International also announced the planting of 50 trees — one for each of the participating companies — in honor of their partnership and to symbolize a collective commitment to a greener future.

Founded on innovation, quality, and international collaboration, KT International continues to build a global business with proudly Bulgarian roots, remaining agile, independent, and focused on long-term value. The “Growing Together” conference marked another milestone in the company’s mission to exceed expectations while building a more sustainable and connected future with its partners worldwide.

Pertubuhan Transformasi Dayak (TRADA), an advocacy group for Sarawak’s youth, notes with concern the recent news highlighting that Sarawak recorded the highest number of underage vape users, based on the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). This is a serious issue that requires immediate and focused attention by all relevant authorities.

TRADA is encouraged by, and agree with, the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development’s commitment to finding a solution and determining the next course of action. Now that Malaysia has a legal framework in place, through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on 1 October 2024, the next step must be to strictly enforce this law to prevent underage access to vape products.

TRADA President, Joseph Janting said, “It is critical to recognise that in 2022, when the NHMS data was collected, there were no laws in place to regulate the vape industry. The absence of regulation at the time meant there were no clear controls to prevent underage access. The difference today is that we now have Act 852, a dedicated regulatory framework for vape products, and we must fully leverage this framework to address the issue through firm and consistent enforcement.”

“We are also deeply concerned by a recent reports which revealed the open sale of drug-laced vape products on social media and e-commerce platforms. These illegal products, often disguised as flavoured vape and marketed to younger users, highlight the urgent need for targeted enforcement rather than blanket bans.”

“We are encouraged that the Ministry is taking proactive steps to address this issue, and we hope to see strong enforcement against those who continue to sell to the underage. As a Sarawak-based NGO, TRADA stands ready to support efforts that safeguard our underaged from harm while ensuring regulations are fairly and effectively implemented.”

TRADA also stressed the importance of directing enforcement efforts at irresponsible and illegal sellers who are knowingly violating the law by selling to the underage.

“Legal players are now subject to strict licensing, registration, and compliance requirements under Act 852, but it is illegal, unregulated sellers who pose the real risk to underage individuals. These bad actors must be dealt with seriously, with tough penalties to deter future violations.”

“Proposals for state-level vape bans are not the solution. Banning legal vape sales will not stop the problem. The real danger lies in unregulated online platforms, where illegal, drug-laced products are being sold with little oversight. Enforcement, not prohibition, is what will protect the underage.”

“We urge all relevant agencies, at both federal and state levels, to work together to enforce Act 852 decisively, and ensure Sarawak’s next generation is protected from harm through smart, targeted action,” Joseph concluded.

The Dutch government says that the fancy packaging often found on cigars is enticing for young people, and as such, is considering passing a new law that would require them to have plain packaging, Halfwheel is reporting. The law being considered would require the outer boxes to be covered in a specifically-colored brown sticker with a health warning on it, would require tubes to be in a neutral color, and would prohibit retailers from displaying open boxes in stores.

According to the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA), the proposal’s language would allow for non-compliant packaging to be imported for six months after the proposal’s effective date, and retailers would have two years from the effective date to sell the non-compliant packaging.

“As niche and occasionally consumed products, cigars play no part in smoking initiation of young Dutch people with ever fewer adult connoisseurs consuming them,” said Paul Varakas, director general of the ECMA. “During this period during which cigars have been excluded from the scope of plain packaging, there has been no observed increase in cigar consumption in the Netherlands or in other countries with plain packaging. In fact, in these markets, cigars have continued a long-term downward trend in consumption. For these reasons, ECMA considers the introduction of plain packaging for cigars in parallel with e-cigarettes to be completely inappropriate and unjustified.”

The government has offered a comment period that will remain open until August 13. Those wanting to comment can click here.

Workers at the Columbia Care cannabis cultivation facility in Vineland, N.J., ratified their first union contract with United Food and Commercial Workers International (UFCW) Local 152, marking the end of a lengthy organizing effort that began in 2022.

The agreement, approved on June 23, includes retroactive wage increases that bring workers’ pay above industry standards, along with fully employer-paid benefits such as legal services, life insurance, and vision care.

A legal dispute over whether workers qualified as “agricultural workers” under federal law forced the union to seek state-level certification. The case helped build support for NJ Bill A4182, legislation aimed at protecting cannabis workers’ rights to unionize under state law. The bill passed the Assembly on June 30 and is awaiting a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A new study revealed that social influence, emotional stress, and easy access to vape products are key reasons why vaping has become widespread among high school students in the Philippines, despite existing anti-vaping laws.

“Vaping is no longer an addiction to nicotine, vaping is also an addiction to acceptance,” said Wilbert Wanas, a teacher at Guinaoang National High School in Mankayan, Benguet, who conducted the study. He said his findings show that students often vape to fit in with peers, express independence, or cope with stress and emotional challenges. The study criticized the lack of anti-vaping education in school curricula and called for more engaging, visual learning methods.

“They don’t vape to rebel, because they vape to cope, they vape to belong, they vape to survive something that they can even name it,” he said.

Presenting his findings at the 2025 International Educators Conference in Vietnam, Wanas received the Outstanding Global Researcher Award and Best Presenter honors.

PDR Cigars introduced Wayne Clarke as its new vice president of sales, effective July 1. Clarke brings more than 14 years of experience to the position and was most recently a regional sales manager for Plasencia, where he helped expand the company’s distribution across the northeast and mid-south regions. In his new role with PDR Cigars, he will oversee the company’s sales efforts and work to deepen relationships with retail partners nationwide.

“I’m genuinely excited to join the talented team at PDR Cigars,” Clarke said in a press release. “I look forward to helping push innovation, expanding the brand’s presence, and building profitable, winning partnerships with our retail purveyors. I can’t wait to get out and reconnect with our retail partners in the near future to grow the PDR family and bring new opportunities to the industry.”

Among his other roles in the premium cigar industry, Clarke served as a sales representative for Hiram & Solomon before being appointed to the role of general manager in 2018. He also spent two years as a sales manager for General Cigar Co.

“We’re very happy to welcome Wayne to the team,” said Abe Flores, owner of PDR Cigars. “I look forward to working with him and building on our strong foundation for the future. His experience and vision will be key as we continue to grow and innovate with PDR.”

Pakistan’s Fair Trade in Tobacco (FTT) called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to intensify efforts against the illegal cigarette trade, warning that the country is losing nearly Rs. 400 billion ($1.4 billion) annually to tax evasion in the tobacco sector.

Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, FTT chairman Ameen Virk praised recent enforcement actions but stressed the need for sustained, institutional measures. “This is not a minor leakage, it is a structural crisis that undermines national development,” he said.

Virk described the illicit trade as a “systematic economic crime” that not only drains public revenue but also defies health and consumer protection laws. He said that while licensed companies contribute around Rs. 300 billion ($1.1 billion) in taxes each year, over 40 illegal operators avoid taxes entirely and ignore regulations such as the Track and Trace System and health warnings.

Despite periodic crackdowns, many illegal manufacturers continue to operate openly, Virk said, urging the FBR to treat each enforcement action as part of a broader campaign. The FTT warned that illegal trade is part of a wider pattern of tax evasion across sectors like real estate and petroleum, hampering the government’s ability to fund essential services.

“The illegal cigarette trade is not just an economic issue; it is an attack on Pakistan’s regulatory authority and institutional credibility,” he said. “If we recovered even half of what is being lost to illegal cigarette trade every year, Pakistan would have new hospitals, upgraded schools, and a lower fiscal deficit.”