
Convinced that its earnings fall short of potential, Zimbabwe has set out to capture more value from its tobacco business.
By growing the crop and moving up the value chain, the country aims to build a $5 billion tobacco industry by 2025.
Will it succeed? Read our special report about the challenges and opportunities associated with Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan.

Ispire Reports 2Q Earnings and Growth Initiatives
Ispire Technology reported results for its fiscal second quarter 2025, which included a 0.3% YoY revenue increase, a 23.5% gross profit increase, and a 23% gross margin increase.

Hong Kong: Bill Would Strengthen Tobacco Control, Hurt Pubs
Hong Kong Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said an amendment bill to strengthen tobacco control will be submitted to the Legislative Council in April that would impact virtually every product, all on different timelines.

Korean Bill Stalls in Defining “Tobacco”
Today, a bill in South Korea that includes liquid-type electronic cigarettes in the legal definition of “tobacco” did not pass the Economic and Financial Subcommittee of the National Assembly.

Kutsaga Celebrates 75 Years, Looks to Expand in Zimbabwe
As Kutsaga Research celebrated its 75th anniversary in Zimbabwe, Obert Jiri said the organization needs to continue its good work and spread to the southern part of the nation.

Troutman Pepper Locke Officially Launches
Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord have merged to form Troutman Pepper Locke, a law firm with more than 1,600 attorneys across 33 offices in the United States and Europe.

Relx WeCreate Gets Approval in Philippines
Relx announced that its new WeCreate closed pod system gained approval to carry the Philippine Product Standard Mark.

PMI Posts Strong Fourth Quarter Behind ZYN Demand
Philip Morris International posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results with net sales rising 7.3% to $9.71 billion, topping the $9.44 billion estimated.

Universal Corporation Announces Quarterly Dividend
Universal Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share on the common shares.

Lithuanian Customs: Huge Increase in Counterfeit Cigarettes from Latvia
Lithuanian customs officials say there has been a huge increase in the production of counterfeit cigarettes in Latvia, which are ending up on the Western European market.

Dentsu to Operate U.K. Track-and-Trace System
The new system is scheduled to become operational on July 1, 2022.