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  • Leaf Forge Appoints New Operations Director

    Leaf Forge Appoints New Operations Director

    Leaf Forge, an affiliate of Xcaliber International, named Steven Crossland as its new Director of Operations. Crossland brings more than 10 years of leadership experience in the tobacco and manufacturing sectors, most recently serving as Vice President of Cut Rag Sales at Hail & Cotton.

    In his new role, Crossland will oversee day-to-day operations, optimize supply chain performance, coordinate production schedules, and support Leaf Forge’s long-term growth strategy. Xcaliber CEO Derrick Taylor said Crossland’s industry expertise will be key as the company expands its operational infrastructure.

  • Bribery Claim Rekindles Malaysia Tobacco Policy Controversy

    Bribery Claim Rekindles Malaysia Tobacco Policy Controversy

    Malaysia’s tobacco and vape policy debate resurfaced after a senior PKR figure alleged that tobacco companies offered a RM50 million bribe to drop the proposed generational endgame (GEG) ban on tobacco and vape sales to future generations. According to Malaysia Now, Sivamalar Genapathy, a PKR deputy secretary-general and former aide to ex-health minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, claimed the offer was rejected, but confirmed no report was made to anti-corruption authorities—raising legal and political questions under Malaysia’s MACC Act, as not reporting a bribe is an offense punishable by a fine and up to 10 years in prison.

    The allegations revive scrutiny of the government’s earlier decision to abandon the GEG provision in the Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill, a move criticized by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and public health groups as capitulating to industry interests. The episode adds renewed pressure on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, highlighting ongoing tensions between public health objectives, regulatory decisions on vaping and nicotine, and the influence of tobacco industry lobbying in Malaysia.

  • Study Finds All Nicotine Products Pose Heart Health Risks

    Study Finds All Nicotine Products Pose Heart Health Risks

    A new review published in the European Heart Journal finds that nicotine, regardless of how it is consumed, raises blood pressure, harms blood vessels, and increases the risk of heart disease, challenging perceptions that vaping or other alternatives are safer for cardiovascular health. The researchers said all nicotine products—including vapes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, shisha, and cigarettes—can damage the heart and blood vessels, with risks extending to both users and people exposed to secondhand smoke or vapor.

    After analyzing decades of research, the authors warn that the rapid growth of vaping, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouch use—especially among teens and young adults driven by flavors and social media marketing—could worsen public health outcomes. Researchers found that secondhand exposure to smoke and vapor can impair vascular function in non-users, prompting calls for stricter regulation.

  • Don Emmanuel Cigars Enters South African Market

    Don Emmanuel Cigars Enters South African Market

    Don Emmanuel Cigars has announced its expansion into South Africa, marking the brand’s first entry into the African continent. Distribution will be handled by Amano Cigars, a leading South African importer and distributor that also operates the Pedro Portia Cigar & Champagne Lounge in Gauteng. The move follows recent expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, driven by growing demand for the brand’s debut line, Anunnaki, co-blended with master blender Eladio Díaz and produced in the Dominican Republic.

    All three Anunnaki vitolas—Anu, Ki, and Corona Fina—will be available in South Africa. Company executives said the expansion reflects a disciplined international growth strategy focused on markets with established premium cigar cultures and appreciation for craftsmanship.

  • Pennsylvania Vape Registry Bill Draws Opposition From Both Sides

    Pennsylvania Vape Registry Bill Draws Opposition From Both Sides

    Vaping industry representatives and anti-smoking advocates are both opposing legislation moving through Pennsylvania’s General Assembly that would establish a statewide list of sanctioned nicotine vape products, according to the Altoona Mirror. The state Senate has passed an amended version of House Bill 1425, which would require vape products to appear on a state-managed directory—based on FDA authorization—to be legally sold, and the bill now returns to the House for a concurrence vote.

    Supporters say the measure would help prosecutors crack down on illicit vape sales, but critics argue it would disproportionately benefit large tobacco companies whose products dominate the FDA registry, while forcing hundreds of independent vape shops out of business. Industry groups warn thousands of jobs could be affected, while public health advocates contend the bill could legitimize flavored products that appeal to youth. Under the proposal, manufacturers would face registration fees, and retailers selling non-listed products could be fined, with enforcement beginning after a phased implementation period.

  • Jordan Cuts Taxes on Tobacco Alternatives

    Jordan Cuts Taxes on Tobacco Alternatives

    Effective today (December 22), Jordan amended its Special Tax Law of 2025 to reduce taxes on tobacco alternatives sharply. The changes, published yesterday in the Official Gazette, are expected to lower retail prices and are aimed at better regulating the nicotine market, curbing smuggling, and potentially encouraging smokers to switch from combustible cigarettes.

    Under the amendments, the special tax on heated tobacco devices has been cut by 50%, from 20 JOD to 10 JOD ($28.20 to $14.10) per device. Taxes on pre-filled e-cigarettes were reduced from 5 JOD to 1.5 JOD ($7.05 to $2.12) per milliliter, while non-filled vape devices saw their tax lowered from 15 JOD to 10 JOD ($21.15 to $14.10). E-liquid refills were also reduced by half, from 1 JOD to 0.5 JOD ($1.41 to $0.71) per milliliter.

  • Bulgarian Police Seize 400 Kg of Illicit Hookah Tobacco

    Bulgarian Police Seize 400 Kg of Illicit Hookah Tobacco

    Bulgarian police arrested two men in Sofia for possessing more than 400 kg of untaxed hookah tobacco worth more than BGN 100,000 ($60,000), officials said. The suspects, identified as two brothers in their 50s, were detained following a police operation after officers found untaxed tobacco in their vehicle and later uncovered the large cache in a nearby building. Authorities said the tobacco was intended for nationwide commercial distribution and had been sold through direct deliveries and courier services for nearly a year. A third individual suspected of involvement was also detained, and pre-trial proceedings are underway.

  • Irish Retailers Lose Fight Against ‘Irrational’ License Fees

    Irish Retailers Lose Fight Against ‘Irrational’ License Fees

    A retailers’ group failed in a High Court challenge against Ireland’s new licensing fees of up to €1,800 for selling tobacco and nicotine products. Justice Rory Mulcahy ruled that the former health minister acted lawfully in setting the fees under the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, finding the charges were justified on public health grounds and not arbitrary.

    The new regime, effective from February, replaces a one-off €50 registration fee with renewable annual fees of €1,800 for tobacco and nicotine products, €1,000 for tobacco only, or €800 for nicotine products only. The court rejected claims that the fees were irrational or disproportionately harmful to small retailers, noting that discouraging tobacco sales would not make the regulations unlawful.

  • Zimbabwe Tobacco Planting Up 21%

    Zimbabwe Tobacco Planting Up 21%

    Zimbabwe’s tobacco hectarage increased by 21% to 100,594 hectares this season, up from 83,391 hectares during the same period last year, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). Mashonaland West leads production with the largest combined area under irrigated and dryland tobacco, followed by Manicaland and Mashonaland Central, reflecting strong growth across major producing regions. The TIMB said 90% of growers are operating under contract farming arrangements.

    While production has expanded into new regions, the government is seeking to reduce reliance on offshore funding and has proposed a $60 million facility to boost domestic financing, support sustainable growth, and promote value addition in the sector.

  • Haypp Says Mint and Berry Flavors Dominated UK Alternatives

    Haypp Says Mint and Berry Flavors Dominated UK Alternatives

    UK online retailer Haypp released its “2025 Wrapped” sales data, revealing that mint flavors dominated nicotine pouch purchases while berry flavors led among vape users. Peppermint accounted for 24% of nicotine pouch sales, followed by spearmint at 14%, while cold mint (13%) and blueberry (12%) were the most popular vape flavors. The data highlights the role of flavor variety in encouraging smokers to switch to alternative nicotine products, according to the company.

    Brand preferences in 2025 favored established names, with Velo (35%) and Nordic Spirit (14%) leading the nicotine pouch category, and Elf Bar (28%) and Vuse (25%) topping vape sales. Haypp said the findings underscore the importance of flavor diversity for adult consumers transitioning away from cigarettes, as policymakers consider future tobacco and vape regulations in the UK.