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  • Universal Announces New Board Member

    Universal Announces New Board Member

    Universal Corporation appointed Gregory A. Trojan to its board of directors, effective immediately. Trojan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the restaurant, retail, and consumer products sectors. He previously served as CEO of BJ’s Restaurants from 2013 to 2021 and was a board member until September 2025. His past roles include CEO of Guitar Center and House of Blues Entertainment, along with senior positions at PepsiCo. He currently serves on the boards of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and CEC Brands, LLC (parent of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza).

    Universal chairman, president, and CEO Preston D. Wigner said Trojan’s strategic and operational expertise will support the company’s growth priorities across its tobacco and ingredients platforms.

  • Most Shops Comply with Abu Dhabi Tobacco and Vape Regulations

    Most Shops Comply with Abu Dhabi Tobacco and Vape Regulations

    Abu Dhabi authorities report strong compliance among local businesses following inspections of commercial establishments in 2025. Of 1,661 field visits and 21 targeted inspection campaigns, only two shops were shut down and 61 warnings issued for minor violations related to tobacco and e-cigarette sales. The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) focused on stores near schools to protect community health and ensure legal adherence. Violations included displaying tobacco at checkout, home delivery, and sales to minors.

    ADRA Director-General Mohammed Muneef Al Mansoori emphasized that the low number of infractions reflects widespread compliance and the success of awareness campaigns.

  • UK Public Strongly Backs Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds

    UK Public Strongly Backs Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds

    A new survey from Northerner UK found that the British public overwhelmingly supports stricter regulation of nicotine pouches and stronger safeguards for young people overall, as the government prepares to advance the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the survey, 84% of respondents want the government to introduce new rules governing nicotine pouches, aligning their regulation with that of cigarettes and vapes. A further 82% support a licensing scheme for vape sales, while 81% back age restrictions on social media, and 75% approve of mandatory ID checks for online pornography.

    Markus Lindblad, head of external affairs at Northerner, said the results show strong alignment between the public, government, and responsible retailers.

    “At the moment, a legal loophole means that there is no minimum age limit on the purchase of nicotine pouches, and this has been exploited by unscrupulous retailers,” Lindblad said. “This survey shows that the public wants action, and there is strong support for the government’s move to close this loophole through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”

  • Haypp Reports Q3 2025 Results Amid U.S. Expansion Investments

    Haypp Reports Q3 2025 Results Amid U.S. Expansion Investments

    Haypp reported Q3 2025 net sales of SEK 952.1 million ($95.2 million), an 0.8% increase, driven by strong performance in nicotine pouches, which accounted for 68% of total oral nicotine volume with like-for-like (LFL) volume growth of 21% (LFL excludes the impact of the ZYN shortage, U.S. state closures, and tobacco sales discontinuations.) Gross margin rose to 18.8%, while adjusted EBITDA reached SEK 53.0 million ($5.3 million) and adjusted EBIT was SEK 33.4 million ($3.3 million). Operating profit fell to SEK 6.2 million ($620,000) and net profit to SEK 4.5 million, reflecting a SEK 17.2 million ($1.7 million) litigation settlement.

    Key developments included the return of ZYN to the U.S. market, early indicators of strong sales, and continued growth in Swedish and German vaping and heated tobacco products, which now make up over 70% of Haypp’s Emerging segment. UK nicotine vaping and HnB sales will be discontinued in Q4 2025 pending regulatory clarity.

    “[The] U.S. return of Zyn, U.S. market developments and gross margin expansion strengthen our foundation for growth,” said Gavin O’Dowd, Haypp president and CEO. “The benefits of Zyn’s return will be realized in Q4 2025 with promising early indicators.”

    Haypp also completed most of its global e-commerce platform migration, improving infrastructure for agile growth. CEO Gavin O’Dowd emphasized that U.S. market developments, innovative product availability, and gross margin expansion are strengthening the company’s foundation for future growth.

  • Turning Point Reports Strong Q3 2025

    Turning Point Reports Strong Q3 2025

    Turning Point Brands, Inc. posted third-quarter 2025 net sales of $119.0 million, up 31.2% year-over-year, driven by Stoker’s segment growth of 80.8%. Gross profit rose 39.7% to $70.4 million, while net income increased 70.3% to $21.1 million, the company said today (November 5).

    The company highlighted Modern Oral sales of $36.7 million, up 628% from last year, with U.S. white pouch production lines expected to qualify in H1 2026. The Zig-Zag segment saw a 10.5% decline, mainly due to the Clipper business wind-down.

    TPB ended Q3 with $201.2 million in cash, total liquidity of $267.8 million, and net debt of $98.8 million. The company raised $97.5 million through its ATM offering to accelerate Modern Oral growth.

    For full-year 2025, TPB raised Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $115–120 million and Modern Oral sales forecast to $125–130 million.

  • Vaping Overtakes Smoking in UK

    Vaping Overtakes Smoking in UK

    For the first time, the number of adults in Britain who vape has surpassed those who smoke traditional cigarettes, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday (November 4). The ONS reported that 10% of adults (around 5.4 million people) in Great Britain used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2024, overtaking the 9.1% (4.9 million) who still smoke. Cigarette smoking has now fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2011.

    Public health specialist Professor John Ashton said “many people are vaping but haven’t stopped smoking.” He cautioned that the long-term effects of vaping remain unknown and that youth uptake is becoming a growing concern. While smoking rates among young adults (18–24) have plummeted from 25.7% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2024, vaping remains most common in the 16–24 age group at 13%.

  • Thailand’s Fast-Tracked Vape Ban Sparks Concerns

    Thailand’s Fast-Tracked Vape Ban Sparks Concerns

    Thailand’s Cabinet approved amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act, targeting e-cigarettes, on October 28, four days after Queen Sirikit’s passing, raising concerns over rushed policymaking during the national mourning period. Anti-vaping groups proposed a total ban to the House of Senators, which accepted it with minimal scrutiny before forwarding it to the Cabinet, which then tasked the Ministry of Public Health with leading a sub-committee to develop solutions within one month.  

    “Rushing through a total ban during national mourning demonstrates either disorganization or deliberate predatory timing,” said Asa Saligupta, president of Ends Cigarette Smoking Thailand. “Entrusting the process to those with clear biases risks outcomes that sideline evidence.”​ 

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) warned that the ban ignores evidence-based approaches, risks driving adults to unregulated products, and overlooks safer alternatives like refillable devices and heat-not-burn options. Vaping users in Thailand have grown from 78,000 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024.

    CAPHRA urged policymakers to focus on regulated harm-reduction strategies, environmental considerations, and using taxes on legal vaping products to protect youth, rather than prioritizing strict FCTC compliance at the expense of adult public health.

  • PMI to Restructure Organization in 2026

    PMI to Restructure Organization in 2026

    Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) further detailed its new organizational structure aimed at accelerating its transition to a smoke-free company. The changes establish two primary business units, PMI International and PMI U.S., along with its wellness unit, Aspeya, which will all report to CEO Jacek Olczak. The current four geographic segments will be replaced with three reportable segments: International Smoke-Free, International Combustibles, and U.S., with financial reporting under the new structure starting Q1 2026.

    First announced with its third-quarter financials, the changes will become effective January 1, 2026. Frederic de Wilde will serve as CEO of PMI International, and Stacey Kennedy will continue as CEO of PMI U.S.

    The restructuring reflects PMI’s focus on expanding smoke-free alternatives—which now account for 41% of the company’s net revenues—while maintaining growth in its combustibles business and exploring wellness and healthcare opportunities.

  • AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors

    AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors

    Global hookah company AIR Limited announced a collaboration with entrepreneur Snoop Dogg to launch a premium line of Al Fakher hookah flavors. The new collection includes “Cloud 92,” “Dogg’s Delight,” “Midnight Blues,” “Tha G’z Mix” and “Money Honey,” available internationally at hookah.com

    “The partnership blends Al Fakher’s expertise in hookah craftsmanship with Snoop Dogg’s cultural influence, offering premium ingredients and science-backed safety research,” the company said. AIR CEO Stuart Brazier highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, noting $115 million invested since 2019 and over 100 active or pending patents.

  • Imperial Encourages Retailers to Respond to UK Nicotine Survey

    Imperial Encourages Retailers to Respond to UK Nicotine Survey

    Imperial Brands is urging UK retailers to contribute to the government’s call for evidence on the proposed retail licensing scheme for nicotine products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The consultation, launched by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), will close December 3.

    Andrew Malm, Imperial’s UK market manager, emphasized that the survey is a key opportunity for retailers to shape policy, ensure fair competition, and address challenges such as illicit sales and age verification compliance. The proposed licensing scheme aims to regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, protecting both legitimate retailers and consumers.

    Retailers can participate by completing the online survey, providing their insights to influence the design and implementation of the new regulatory framework.