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  • Vapes Four Times More Profitable for C-Stores

    Vapes Four Times More Profitable for C-Stores

    Vapes are now four times more profitable for convenience stores than traditional tobacco products, according to a University of Edinburgh study. Retailers earn an average profit margin of 37.1% on vape sales compared to just 8.5% on tobacco. The surge in vape popularity has driven a nine-fold increase in weekly vape transactions, jumping from 10 in 2019 to 93 by 2022. Researchers suggest this upward trend has likely continued, signaling a significant shift in consumer preferences.

    Tobacco-related sales have plummeted in recent years, dropping nearly 40% since 2015. Transactions involving tobacco fell from 21% in 2015 to 12.8% in 2022, reflecting a broader decline in smoking rates. Office for National Statistics data shows the percentage of UK adults who smoke has decreased from 16% in 2016 to 12% in 2023.

  • 22nd Century & Smoker Friendly Expand Partnership

    22nd Century & Smoker Friendly Expand Partnership

    22nd Century Group, Inc. and Smoker Friendly have signed a new five-year agreement to expand their collaboration. The deal includes manufacturing 11 existing Smoker Friendly cigarette brands and launching eight new premium products. These additions aim to strengthen Smoker Friendly’s market position by tapping into the growing demand for natural tobacco products.

    The agreement deepens a decade-long partnership between the two companies and secures a significant production volume for 22nd Century’s North Carolina manufacturing facility. The new premium Smoker Friendly brands are expected to occupy a higher-tier market segment, broadening Smoker Friendly’s customer base and increasing sales opportunities for both companies.

    A key aspect of the partnership is the potential introduction of reduced nicotine content products, which align with 22nd Century’s VLN line of non-addictive cigarettes. These products, designed to help smokers control their nicotine intake, represent a growing category in the tobacco market. The companies plan to expand their collaboration further, integrating additional products like filtered cigars and companion VLN brands.

    “Our next focus will be to expand the range of products covered under this agreement as well as our projects currently underway to add VLN companion brands that will help to build out a new category of reduced nicotine content products, creating greater visibility and sales reach for products that use our proprietary tobacco strains containing 95% less nicotine – a level considered to be non-addictive and shown in clinical studies to reduce smoking activity among adult smokers,” said Keelan Gallagher, Vice President Operations at Smoker Friendly.

  • Maine: Advocates Push for Tax Increase

    Maine: Advocates Push for Tax Increase

    For the upcoming 2025 legislative session, the Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) is prioritizing a tobacco tax increase, unchanged for 20 years, to fund cancer prevention in a state with one of the region’s lowest tobacco taxes and higher-than-average cancer rates.

    “Maine has one of the lowest tobacco taxes in the region but a higher cancer rate than the national average,” said Matt Wellington, MPHA’s associate director. “One in three Mainers will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Raising the tobacco tax is a proven tool to reduce smoking rates and prevent cancer.”

    The proposed increase aims to address Maine’s growing cancer burden by deterring tobacco use, especially among youth, and funding critical public health initiatives. Advocates emphasize that higher tobacco taxes are directly linked to lower smoking rates and long-term health savings.

  • E-cigarettes, E-baraku Banned from Students in Thailand

    E-cigarettes, E-baraku Banned from Students in Thailand

    On January 7, the cabinet of Thailand approved a proposal from the Ministry of Education that prohibits students from possessing electronic cigarettes and electronic baraku. Those items join cigarettes and narcotics on the nation’s list of prohibited items under the Child Protection Act.

    E-cigarettes and baraku (also known as water pipes or hookahs) are already illegal in Thailand, but are still widely available. E-baraku is a fairly new item that allows users to imitate smoking a cigarette.

    Deputy government spokesman Karom Ponpornklang said there would be four levels of punishment for students, climbing from warning to probation to deduction of behavioral points to behavioral modification activities. Education minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob said the ministry did not have the right to confiscate banned items, so other parties would have to be responsible for preventing their spread.

  • FDA Rule on Nicotine Content Clears OMB

    FDA Rule on Nicotine Content Clears OMB

    The Biden administration has moved closer to implementing a rule that would limit nicotine levels in cigarettes, with the proposal clearing an Office of Management and Budget review on Friday.

    Public health experts are optimistic about the potential impact. Studies suggest significantly reducing nicotine—by as much as 95%—could render cigarettes non-addictive, prompting many smokers to quit or transition to less harmful alternatives like e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches. Dorothy Hatsukami, a tobacco policy researcher, noted that minimally addictive cigarettes have shown promise in helping people quit smoking.

    However, critics warn of unintended consequences. Guy Bentley of the libertarian Reason Foundation argued that restricting nicotine levels could effectively ban cigarettes, fueling a black market and benefiting foreign entities.  “Biden’s ban is a gift with a bow and balloons to organized crime cartels with it, whether it’s cartels, Chinese organized crime, or Russian mafia. It’s going to keep America smoking, and it’s going to make the streets more violent,” said Rich Marianos, former assistant director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the current chair of the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network.

    The future of the rule remains uncertain given the upcoming change of administration and the likelihood of litigation by industry.

  • Morocco Launches Next Phase to Curb Smoking

    Morocco Launches Next Phase to Curb Smoking

    Calling tobacco use one of Moracco’s most serious health concerns, Health Minister Amine Tahraoui announced the second phase of a national plan to address it. Speaking at the House of Representatives earlier this week, Tahraoui outlined the plan scheduled to run through 2029, part of a strategy to address non-communicable diseases and ultimately reduce smoking by 20% in the nation. Combating tobacco use was a priority under the first phase, the National Plan for Cancer Prevention and Control, which ran from 2010-2019.

    The second phase will have several new measures, mostly centered around raising public awareness and launching campaigns focused on educating citizens.

    “Every year, nearly 8 million lives are lost to tobacco worldwide,” Tahraoui said. “Morocco must take stronger steps to safeguard its population from this tragic reality.” The minister said 8% of Moroccan deaths are attributed to tobacco use, costing the nation $500 million each year, which represents 8.5% of total healthcare expenditures and 0.45% of the national GDP.

  • Dangerous Metals Found in Illegal Vape Devices

    Dangerous Metals Found in Illegal Vape Devices

    British scientists say they found “alarming levels of dangerous metals” and “dangerously high levels of nicotine” in a batch of illegal vapes seized during a raid in Derby, England in 2023. During the 18-month joint study by the University of Derby and public health and trading standards officers, toxicologists tested 10 illegal products and found “huge and often alarming levels of dangerous metals”, including cadmium, copper, nickel, and lead.

    “Lead is harmful to everyone and every organ,” said Dr. Ali Kermanizadeh, a senior lecturer in toxicology at the University of Derby. “It’s a neurotoxin. It can cause anemia, and it can cause severe conditions such as heart disease and strokes.

    “In some of the products, we found the nicotine content equivalent to smoking 200 traditional cigarettes.”

    The study concluded that using unregulated vapes, based on the chemicals found, could lead to severe long-term health conditions.

    “The toxicity varies from product to product,” Kermanizadeh said. “We’ve found these products cause cell death, they cause huge amounts of inflammation, they can change normal cell function, and they can also cause DNA damage. Long-term they can result in the development of cancers.”

    “The market is flooded with illegal vapes,” said Donna Dowse, service manager at Derby Trading Standards. “It’s important to get the message out that illegal vapes contain high levels of toxic chemicals, which are extremely harmful.”

  • Oliva Cigars See Price Increase

    Oliva Cigars See Price Increase

    Oliva Cigars announced its wholesale prices will increase either 3% or 5% beginning January 15. The company said it would honor its previous 2024 prices on any orders placed before January 15, and cited inflation as the main reason for the increase. The vast majority of Oliva’s cigars will increase by 3%, however, Oliva Serie V Melanio and Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro will increase by 5%.

  • BAT Expands VUSE Presence in Korea

    BAT Expands VUSE Presence in Korea

    BAT Rothmans, the Korean subsidiary of British American Tobacco, announced plans today to accelerate its growth in the country’s vaping market by broadening its product offerings and distribution network.

    The flagship VUSE Go Slim 2ml, initially available in limited districts within Seoul, will now be distributed across all of Seoul, Incheon, and Busan. The device features a transparent mouthpiece for checking liquid levels and a removable battery. To cater to varying preferences, six new flavors have been introduced: Cool Fresh, Pearl Spark, Forest Mix, Dark Smooth, Purple Smooth, and Blossom Smooth.

    The VUSE Go Box 6ml, launched last year, has become popular among adult users transitioning to vapor products. With three times the liquid volume of the VUSE Go Slim and additional features like a boost control button for enhanced flavor, the device is priced competitively at 25,000 won ($17.15).

    The company entered the Korean market 18 months ago, introducing the VUSE Go lineup as the first of its kind in Asia. The brand has gained recognition for its use of high-quality natural nicotine and odor-free technology. “VUSE is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of consumers by supporting the transition to non-combustible alternatives,” a BAT Rothmans official said. The company aims to strengthen VUSE’s position as a leading vapor brand in Korea by continuing to expand product options and accessibility.

  • PanelCompliance to Host Webinar on 21 CFR Part 11

    PanelCompliance to Host Webinar on 21 CFR Part 11

    The January 8th webinar will explore the significance of 21 CFR Part 11, a regulation critical for FDA-regulated companies transitioning to electronic records. The session will clarify how Part 11 extends beyond standard IT security by integrating specific measures for controlling electronic signatures and maintaining the integrity of electronic records, as outlined in FDA guidance. The regulation aims to balance the efficiency of electronic records with FDA’s priority on ensuring patient safety and preventing data compromise.

    Participants will gain insights into the regulatory framework, including the differences between open, closed, and hybrid systems, as well as the technical and procedural validation requirements for Part 11 compliance. The webinar will also address confusion stemming from the FDA’s initial regulation and its selective enforcement policy. By understanding these guidelines, companies can better navigate the intersection of data security and patient safety in FDA-regulated environments.