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  • BAT Fiji Cuts Emissions with Sustainable Curing Barn

    BAT Fiji Cuts Emissions with Sustainable Curing Barn

    British American Tobacco (BAT) Fiji has upgraded the curing barn at its Votualevu, Nadi leaf facility, enabling a shift from diesel to sustainable fuel and cutting annual carbon emissions by an estimated 428 tons, according to the Fiji Sun.

    The $1 million “Project GreenEN,” part of BAT’s wider ESG program, is expected to save $200,000 annually while supporting local agriculture. BAT Fiji employs about 1,100 seasonal workers and works with hundreds of farmers, as the group maintains leaf-growing operations in the country.

  • FDA Launches Pilot to Fast-Track Nicotine Pouch Reviews

    FDA Launches Pilot to Fast-Track Nicotine Pouch Reviews

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to fast-track reviews of nicotine pouches from Philip Morris International, Altria, Reynolds American, and Turning Point Brands in a pilot program launching Monday, according to Reuters. According to transcripts of an agency meeting last Friday, the agency aims to complete assessments by December, providing a quicker path to market for products like Zyn, on!, Velo, Fre, and Alp. The initiative comes amid pressure from the Trump administration to accelerate approvals and streamline the review process for the fastest-growing category of U.S. tobacco alternatives.

    The pilot program will reportedly feature reduced and expedited reviews, more frequent communication between FDA staff and companies, and a focus on essential scientific and safety data, including product characterization, manufacturing consistency, and abuse-liability information. For products already on the market without full authorization, the process could remove uncertainty over legality and potential enforcement actions. Tobacco firms have long lobbied for a faster FDA authorization route, noting that lengthy reviews have allowed competitors to capture market share in the meantime.

    “Adult nicotine and tobacco consumers are increasingly seeking nicotine pouches as a smoke-free alternative, and the industry is rapidly growing in response,” said Laura Leigh Oyler, vice president of U.S. Regulatory Affairs at Haypp Group, who will be speaking at GTNF 2025 in Brussels on the U.S. regulatory landscape. “These consumers deserve a marketplace of FDA-reviewed product choices to support their journey away from more harmful products. 

    “It makes sense that our government should also work to meet the demands of citizens, supporting a regulatory regime that quickly reviews well-designed and well-tested products from responsible and compliant manufacturers. This is a positive step not just for the regulator and the regulated industry, but for the millions of American adults looking for products they can trust.”

  • BAT Rothmans Launches Improved E-Cigarette Sticks in Korea

    BAT Rothmans Launches Improved E-Cigarette Sticks in Korea

    BAT Rothmans, South Korea’s third-largest tobacco company, today (September 2) unveiled new tobacco sticks for its Glo Hyper e-cigarette devices, featuring “StickSeal” technology to prevent tobacco residue from falling inside the device. The company said all 10 Neo stick types now include the innovation, and that packaging has been updated to promote cleanliness and convenience for users.

    BAT Rothmans said it aims to expand its e-cigarette market share with the upgrade. The company’s Glo Hyper Pro devices previously won the European Product Design Award 2024 and the iF Design Award for design and usability. BAT Group distributes to 175 countries and targets 50 million global e-cigarette users by 2030 as part of its carbon-neutral strategy.

  • BAT CFO Steps Down

    BAT CFO Steps Down

    British American Tobacco said Chief Financial Officer Soraya Benchikh will step down from the board and her role as CFO effective today (August 26). She will remain with the company through the calendar year to support the transition.

    Javed Iqbal, currently Director of Digital and Information, will serve as interim CFO as the company begins its search for a permanent successor. Iqbal previously acted as BAT’s Interim Finance Director from May 2023 to April 2024.

    CEO Tadeu Marroco thanked Benchikh for her “significant contribution,” noting that BAT’s first-half results were ahead of expectations and that the group remains on track to meet full-year guidance. Benchikh, who rejoined BAT in May 2024, said she was proud of embedding financial discipline and helping position BAT’s New Categories business for sustainable profitability.

  • BAT France Wants Coordinated EU Approach on Nicotine Pouch Regulation

    BAT France Wants Coordinated EU Approach on Nicotine Pouch Regulation

    In response to the European Commission’s proposal last month to include nicotine pouches under the Tobacco Excise Duty Directive, BAT France said it welcomed the initiative, marking the first time these tobacco-free alternatives were recognized in EU taxation. However, while acknowledging the move as a positive step for adult smokers seeking reduced-risk products, BAT France warns against two major risks: disproportionate taxation that could limit access, and the possibility of some member states, including France, acting unilaterally to ban these products.

    “It is important that nicotine pouches are recognized in European law,” said Sébastien Charbonneau, director of public affairs at BAT France. “But it is essential to adopt a differentiated tax approach that reflects their potential role in reducing risks for smokers.”

    BAT France highlighted Sweden’s experience, where nicotine pouches have contributed to one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe. The company stressed that excessive excise duties and unilateral bans could undermine public health goals, create trade barriers, and fuel illicit markets.

    The company called for risk-proportionate taxation, transparent parliamentary debate in France, and a coordinated EU-wide regulatory approach to support reduced-risk alternatives while respecting the single market and democratic process.

  • BAT Warns Ireland Could Become Smuggling Hotspot

    BAT Warns Ireland Could Become Smuggling Hotspot

    British American Tobacco urged the Irish government to fast-track enforcement measures alongside the delayed excise tax on vaping products, warning that weak oversight could further fuel the country’s growing illicit vape market. David Melinn, BAT Ireland’s country manager, said the Health Service Executive’s plan for just 40 annual inspections is “not sufficient” given the scale of the market. Citing a KPMG report, BAT claims illicit vapes now make up 34–45% of Ireland’s €550 million vape market.

    The industry is pushing for a tax stamp regime to help curb black market activity. Without it, BAT warns, Ireland risks becoming an even more attractive hub for criminal smuggling—especially as a vape flavor ban also looms. BAT says strong enforcement is critical to protect public health and ensure legal market stability.

  • BAT Announces Management Board Changes

    BAT Announces Management Board Changes

    Yesterday (July 14), BAT announced management board changes with Pascale Meulemeester effectively replacing Michael Dijanosic. Dijanosic will step down from the board and his role as regional director of Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) December 31 to dedicate more time to family and friends. Meulemeester will join BAT effective September 1, initially as regional director designate of APMEA, and become regional director of APMEA and a member of the management board January 1, 2026.   

    Meulemeester is currently president of Western Europe at Barry Callebaut Group, a global chocolate and cocoa organization, where she is a member of the executive leadership team, responsible for leading Barry Callebaut Group’s largest business segment and driving strategic initiatives across the region. Meulemeester held several other senior roles at Barry Callebaut Group, leading growth accelerations, transformation, and business turnarounds in different geographies, including in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to joining Barry Callebaut Group, Meulemeester spent seven years with Mars Inc. and worked at Sara Lee earlier in her career.

  • BAT Accuses Local Manufacturers of Fueling South African Illicit Cigarette Market

    BAT Accuses Local Manufacturers of Fueling South African Illicit Cigarette Market

    British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) accused local cigarette manufacturers of driving the country’s booming illicit tobacco trade, which it says is costing the state an estimated R28 billion ($1.6 billion) in lost annual tax revenue. The company’s regulatory head, Johny Moloto, said the crisis has shifted from a cross-border issue to a “homegrown problem,” with 76.7% of retail outlets selling cigarettes below the Minimum Collectable Tax price for a box of cigarettes, which “should sell for above R26.22 ($1.47) a pack after accounting for levies.”

    “We have repeatedly shown who the culprits are,” Moloto said. “If SARS [South African Revenue Service] and the police wanted to act, they could. Today.”

    A study, commissioned by BAT and independently conducted by Ipsos, revealed that 14 of the 23 manufacturers involved in the illicit trade are based in South Africa, accounting for 91% of the illegal market. Gold Leaf Tobacco Company was named as the most prevalent brand in these sales, with nearly 90% of its products selling below the legal threshold. BATSA had 1.5% of its products selling below the minimum.  

    Moloto urged SARS and police to act on existing intelligence and called for stricter enforcement, including SARS’ presence at manufacturing sites and a national minimum retail price to ease policing.

  • BAT COO Says Korea Key to Smokeless Expansion

    BAT COO Says Korea Key to Smokeless Expansion

    British American Tobacco (BAT) said it is focusing on South Korea as a strategic hub for its global smokeless transformation, citing the country’s tech-savvy consumers, dynamic regulatory landscape, and innovation-driven ecosystem. BAT Group Chief Operating Officer Johan Vandermeulen said Korea plays a vital role beyond sales, acting as a testing ground for the company’s next-generation products, during an interview with The Korea Herald.

    “Korea offers a unique blend of sophisticated consumers, cutting-edge technology, and a dynamic regulatory environment that makes it an ideal testing ground for our next-generation products,” said Vandermeulen.

    Vandermeulen called the company’s Sacheon facility “one of the best” in the global BAT network, and said with Korea now the second-largest heated tobacco market in the world (behind Japan), BAT is accelerating investments in product innovation, localization, and advanced manufacturing. BAT is also expanding its vapor brand VUSE in Korea with strict ingredient and marketing standards, while eyeing future opportunities for nicotine pouches, its fastest-growing category globally.

    Vandermeulen emphasized that tobacco harm reduction, responsible marketing, and clear, fair regulation are central to the company’s vision, but warned about the dangers of illicit vaping products, which he said undermine public trust and legitimate efforts.

    “We believe vaping has a vital role in encouraging adult smokers, who would otherwise continue smoking, to switch completely to smokeless alternatives,” Vandermeulen said. “But the category can only thrive if market order is preserved.”

  • BAT Bangladesh Forced to Relocate Headquarters

    BAT Bangladesh Forced to Relocate Headquarters

    British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh will move its registered office from Mohakhali to Ashulia by mid-July 2025, following a Supreme Court ruling that rejected its appeal to extend the lease on its Mohakhali premises. The company must vacate the site it has leased from the Dhaka Cantonment Board since 1964.

    The relocation also involves shutting down BAT’s Dhaka factory, though operations will continue at its Savar, Manikganj, and Kushtia facilities. A spokesperson acknowledged potential disruption but emphasized preparations were in place to minimize the impact and protect shareholder interests. BAT Bangladesh earned Tk9,597 crore in Q1 2025.

    The company had been leasing the factory on 30-year terms, with a maximum duration of 90 years. BAT applied for the final renewal, but was denied by the board, which initiated the legal proceedings. Environmental groups had long called for the factory’s relocation, citing pollution concerns.