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  • 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.

  • Former CSTMA Deputy Chief Indicted

    Former CSTMA Deputy Chief Indicted

    Today (November 4), Zhang Tianfeng, the former deputy chief of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, was indicted on charges of accepting bribes, according to the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. Zhang is accused of taking advantage of his various posts in the tobacco system to seek benefits for others, while illegally accepting significant amounts of money and gifts in return.

    The case has been filed by the People’s Procuratorate of Ganzhou City, East China’s Jiangxi province, to the city’s intermediate people’s court.

  • Drew Estate Names GRE German Distributor

    Drew Estate Names GRE German Distributor

    Drew Estate announced that, effective January 1, 2026, its cigars will be distributed in Germany by GRE Trade GmbH, part of Czech company DanCzek Teplice A.S. GRE Trade. GRE, led by Olaf Ruf, who previously managed Davidoff’s German operations, recently became the distributor of Gurkha cigars.

    Drew Estate, formerly distributed in Germany by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, said the partnership aligns with its focus on innovation and premium quality. CEO Glenn Wolfson expressed optimism about expanding the brand’s presence in the German market with GRE Trade.

  • Universal to Report Q2 Fiscal 2026 Results

    Universal to Report Q2 Fiscal 2026 Results

    Universal Corporation announced it will release its second-quarter fiscal 2026 results after market close on November 5, followed by a conference call at 10 a.m. ET on November 6. The call will be webcast live on www.universalcorp.com and available for replay through February 6, 2026. The call will be “listen-only.”

  • Expert Urges Nigeria to Embrace THR for Health, Economy

    Expert Urges Nigeria to Embrace THR for Health, Economy

    Nigeria could become a hub for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) product development and export, supporting economic diversification and public health, says Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike‑Muonso of ValueFronteira Ltd., stressing that a balanced regulatory framework would protect minors, ensure product quality, and promote responsible marketing, unlocking both health and economic benefits for the country.

    In Nigeria, the 2015 Tobacco Control Act regulates traditional tobacco but does not cover alternative nicotine products, creating regulatory gaps that allow illicit trade and hinder public health progress. Ike‑Muonso argues that structured THR regulation could boost MSME entrepreneurship, generate tax revenue, and expand Nigeria’s non-oil industrial base, while aligning the country with global best practices.

    Ike‑Muonso points to global evidence that shows THR strategies have driven record declines in smoking rates in countries such as the UK, New Zealand, Japan, and Norway. Adult smoking in the UK dropped to 12.9% in 2022, while Norway’s daily smoking rate fell to 7% in 2023, largely due to regulated alternative nicotine products.

  • Bhutan Implements 115% E-Cigarette Tax

    Bhutan Implements 115% E-Cigarette Tax

    Bhutan’s Ministry of Health (MoH) announced a major fiscal crackdown on e-cigarettes, introducing a combined 115% tax on vaping products, including 100% excise, 10% customs duty, and 5% GST, all effective January 2026. Devices will also face a 20% excise tax alongside customs duty and GST.

    The MoH said the move aims to curb rising youth use of e-cigarettes and align vaping products with traditional tobacco under the country’s regulatory framework. The Tobacco Control Rules and Act are also being updated to explicitly cover e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products.

    The government continues to enforce bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of all tobacco and nicotine products.

  • PM to Pay Washington $66M Under MSA Deal

    PM to Pay Washington $66M Under MSA Deal

    The state of Washington said it expects to receive about $66 million from Philip Morris to settle long-running disputes tied to the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). The payment represents the state’s decision to resolve the dispute rather than continue prolonged arbitration, freeing funds held in escrow and ending years of uncertainty. The settlement addresses a portion of the state’s claim under the MSA tied to adjustments and enforcement issues, specifically covering obligations through 2015; arbitration will continue for subsequent years.

    The new agreement follows a similar $277 million settlement in April 2025 with R.J. Reynolds and other tobacco manufacturers. Together, these settlements resolve years of arbitration over provisions requiring enforcement against companies that never joined the MSA. Washington has received roughly $3.8 billion in MSA payments since 1998.

  • Maldives Implements First Generational Tobacco Ban

    Maldives Implements First Generational Tobacco Ban

    The Maldivian government enacted landmark amendments to its Tobacco Control Act, introducing a generational ban on tobacco use. Effective immediately, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, are prohibited from using tobacco, and vendors are barred from selling tobacco to anyone under 21 or within the generational cutoff. Maldives becomes the world’s first nation to permanently prohibit a generation from smoking.

    The legislation also imposes a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping products, including their use, possession, importation, and manufacture. President Mohamed Muizzu said the measures reflect his vision of fostering a “competent, morally upright, and diligent citizenry.”