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Tag: investment

  • PMI to Double Zyn Investment in Ukraine

    PMI to Double Zyn Investment in Ukraine

    Philip Morris International said it plans to invest $10 million in 2026 to expand the nicotine pouch category in Ukraine and launch a new line of Zyn, following a $5 million investment in 2025. According to Interfax Ukraine, the company said funds will support portfolio expansion, infrastructure, and adult consumer awareness. The new “dry” pouches contain no water or glycerin, are smaller, less flavored, and range from 1.5 mg to 6 mg nicotine across nine SKUs. Initial supply will be imported from Sweden.

    The company estimates nicotine pouches in Ukraine could grow 20% annually. PMI cited Zyn’s U.S. marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as supporting further investment. PMI reported that smoke-free products were available in 105 markets at the end of 2025, used by 43 million adult consumers, and accounted for 41.5% of net revenue.

  • Zimbabwe’s Increased Efficiency Base for Market Growth

    Zimbabwe’s Increased Efficiency Base for Market Growth

    Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) released projections for the 2025/26 growing season, interpreting the numbers as a nation that is becoming more efficient. Registered farmers declined 19.3% to 101,443, yet planted area increased 21.7% to 113,536 hectares, suggesting rising productivity and capital intensity. One such example of progress, according to the TIMB, is the irrigated planted area increasing to 24,000 hectares this season, up from 19,700 hectares last season.

    Contract farming continues to dominate, accounting for about 75.6% of planted area, though industry observers note that the 15% share of self- or bank-financed growers offers renewed support for Zimbabwe’s traditional auction system.

    Output is projected to climb to 400 million kg this year from 354 million kg last season, reinforcing tobacco’s position as Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export and second-biggest foreign currency earner after gold. Export earnings reached $1.4 billion by mid-December 2025, down slightly year on year, as weaker demand from traditional Asian markets—particularly China—was offset by strong growth in Europe and steady gains within Africa. The European Union stood out, with export earnings surging 64.5% to $169.6 million, reflecting rising demand for Zimbabwe’s flue-cured Virginia leaf, while the Far East remains the largest market, accounting for 60% of total export value despite a 14% decline.