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Tag: JTI

  • JTI to Open New Romanian Factory in 2027

    JTI to Open New Romanian Factory in 2027

    JTI Romania announced it will build a new state-of-the-art factory in Ștefăneștii de Jos, Ilfov County, replacing its space-constrained Bucharest plant. Groundwork is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with completion slated for 2027.

    The Bucharest facility currently exports 75% of its output to more than 70 countries, making it one of JTI’s key European production hubs. Senior VP Philip Livingston said the investment supports JTI’s drive to optimize its global manufacturing footprint, while factory lead Klaus-Walter Thul highlighted continual upgrades since operations began in 1994.

    JTI has invested heavily in Romania, including €25m in 2012 and a €60m program launched in 2021. The company employs 630 staff at the Bucharest factory and more than 1,500 nationwide.

  • JT Announces Board, Leadership Changes

    JT Announces Board, Leadership Changes

    Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) announced several resolutions from its Board of Directors concerning the company’s new and revised executive appointments, including changes among its Representative Directors. The most notable change is that Takehiko Tsutsui is being promoted from executive vice president of JT International to assume the office as president and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Masamichi Terabatake, who will become the deputy chairperson of the Board. The move will be effective January 1, 2026, subject to ratification at the company’s shareholders’ meeting and approval of the Board of Directors. Tsutsui joined JT in 1997 and has been a vice president since 2012.

    The company also announced that Shigeaki Okamoto will become the new chairperson of the Board, appointed Yukiko Uchida to the Board, and announced the resignations of Yukiko Nagashima and current chair Mutsuo Iwai. The Board changes will be effective at the conclusion of the shareholders’ meeting scheduled for March 25, 2026.

    In other moves, Adam Vilalta was named senior vice president of marketing of Tobacco Business in Japan with the resignation of Igor Dzaja, and Hisashi Shimobayashi was promoted to senior vice president, Chief Technology & Information Security Officer.

  • JTI No Longer Sponsoring The British Museum

    JTI No Longer Sponsoring The British Museum

    The British Museum told The Guardian that it did not renew its 15-year sponsorship deal with Japan Tobacco International after government officials raised concerns that the partnership could breach the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which prohibits promotion of smoking products. The deal expired in September and JTI’s name was removed from the museum’s website.

    The move follows years of criticism from campaigners, including a 2016 open letter signed by 1,000 people calling the sponsorship “morally unacceptable.” A report by the University of Bath’s Tobacco Control Research Group described the deal as part of JTI’s lobbying strategy, which still sponsors the Royal Academy of Arts and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Critics, including Labour MP Dr Simon Opher, said cultural institutions should not “legitimize an industry that profits from harm.”

    The museum said it was grateful for JTI’s support, noting sponsorship helps secure financial stability and accessibility. However, the decision underscores ongoing controversies over corporate funding in UK cultural institutions, with the museum’s £50m deal with BP in 2023 still drawing protests from climate activists and scrutiny from the sector’s new code of ethics. Members of the Museums Association, an industry body, voted last month to adopt a code of ethics that expects museums to transition away from sponsorship by “organizations involved with environmental harm (including fossil fuels), human rights abuses, and other sponsorship that does not align with the values of the museum.”

  • JT Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results, Raises Full-Year Forecasts

    JT Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results, Raises Full-Year Forecasts

    Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) reported robust growth for the first nine months of 2025, with revenue up 13.2% to ¥2.63 trillion ($17.1 billion) and adjusted operating profit at constant FX up 27.2% to ¥849 billion ($5.5 billion), driven by solid pricing and higher tobacco volumes. The company also completed the transfer of its pharmaceutical business to Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary TORII PHARMACEUTICAL, marking a strategic shift to focus on its core tobacco operations.

    At the end of September 2025, total assets stood at ¥8.2 trillion ($53.2 billion), down ¥175.7 billion ($1.1 billion) year-to-date, mainly due to lower cash holdings, while equity increased to ¥4.17 trillion ($27.1 billion) on higher retained earnings. Operating cash flow remained strong at ¥287 billion ($1.9 billion), supported by steady contributions from the tobacco business, despite payments related to the Canadian litigation settlement.

    Reflecting strong performance, JT raised its full-year forecasts across all metrics, projecting a 13.1% rise in revenue and a 24.3% increase in adjusted operating profit at constant FX. CEO Masamichi Terabatake credited growth in the Ploom heated tobacco segment, with Ploom AURA and EVO premium sticks boosting Japan’s HTS market share to 15.5%. JT also announced a revised annual dividend of ¥234 ($1.52) per share, up ¥26 ($0.17), in line with record-high earnings and its shareholder return policy.

  • JTI UK Launches Strongest Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Yet

    JTI UK Launches Strongest Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Yet

    JTI UK announced the launch of its most potent nicotine pouch to date, Nordic Spirit Frosty Mint Max (17mg), which is now available via JTI360 and key multiple grocers, with wider rollout to independent and symbol retailers from November 3. Priced at £6.50 RRP, JTI said it is targeting the fast-growing “max strength” segment, which now accounts for 16% of nicotine pouch sales in the Independents & Symbols channel.

    The new variant debuts Nordic Spirit’s refreshed branding, featuring darker tones and bold design cues to emphasize strength. With the UK nicotine pouch market valued at £15.9 million per month, JTI says the product will help retailers meet rising demand for high-strength options.

  • JTI Introduces Ploom AURA in Romania

    JTI Introduces Ploom AURA in Romania

    Japan Tobacco International launched its latest heated tobacco device, Ploom AURA, in Romania, offering adult consumers a modern and premium experience. The device features “SMART HEATFLOW technology, which preserves authentic tobacco flavors without combustion or smoke, while its sleek, curved design ensures ease of use and a sophisticated look.” Sobranie refills with CleanSeal technology complement the device, preventing tobacco leakage and enhancing the overall experience.

    Marian Zamfir, Marketing Director for JTI Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria, said the device meets three essential consumer needs: taste, experience, and style, saying, “Ploom AURA was designed for adult consumers seeking solutions that align with their lifestyle and evolving preferences.” The launch follows JTI’s entry into Romania’s heated tobacco market in 2023 with the Ploom X device.

    Alexander Pitchka, General Manager of JTI Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria, highlighted the company’s long-term vision in the country, citing its success in developing premium brands like Sobranie. He emphasized that the launch reflects JTI’s commitment to sustainability, consumer choice, and innovation.

  • JTI Malaysia Backs Phased Tobacco Excise Hike, Stresses Illicit Concerns

    JTI Malaysia Backs Phased Tobacco Excise Hike, Stresses Illicit Concerns

    JTI Malaysia voiced support for the government’s phased tobacco excise increases for budget 2026, starting November 1, describing the approach as balanced for revenue stability and enforcement continuity. The company emphasized that illicit cigarettes remain a major concern, urging continued coordination between the Ministry of Finance, Royal Malaysian Customs, and industry players to ensure tax adjustments are matched by strong border enforcement.

    JTI also expressed disappointment that vape products were excluded from excise measures, despite full regulatory parity under the 2024 Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act.

  • JTI Releases White Paper on Tobacco Farmer Supply Chains

    JTI Releases White Paper on Tobacco Farmer Supply Chains

    JTI published a white paper highlighting its evolving relationship with tobacco farmers, focusing on improving yields, product quality, and sustainability. Paulo Saath, Global Head of Leaf Operations, emphasizes balancing business growth with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

    Titled, “Changes and Innovation in the Tobacco Supply Chain,” the paper details how JTI is tackling challenges like climate change and geopolitical volatility through digitization, AI, and integrated analytics, centralizing 15–20 systems into a unified data platform for better visibility across its global supply chain.

    Saath also stressed that technology succeeds when paired with human engagement, advising leaders to address concerns transparently and support teams through transitions, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations.

    Find the white paper here (e-mail registration required).

  • Bloomberg: JTI Bets on Discount Cigarettes Amid Global Shift to Smoke-Free Products

    Bloomberg: JTI Bets on Discount Cigarettes Amid Global Shift to Smoke-Free Products

    Today (September 25), Bloomberg published an article titled “Japan Tobacco is Doubling Down on Cheap Cigarettes,” examining Japan Tobacco International’s (JTI) revenue strategy since its $2.4 billion acquisition of Vector Group in October 2024.

    “While rivals Philip Morris International Inc. and British American Tobacco Plc have set ambitious targets for ‘smoke-free’ products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco sticks and nicotine pouches, JTI has focused more on conventional combustible tobacco products,” the article said. The strategy is paying off, according to the article, as JTI’s cigarette volumes rose 2%, revenue 9%, and profit 10%. While smoke-free products like Ploom and Nordic Spirit are expanding, JTI remains focused on conventional cigarettes in both mature and emerging markets.

    “In the U.S., the Vector acquisition has given JTI an advantageous position, as smokers contend with inflation and higher taxes, and tobacco makers increase prices to help compensate for a decline in cigarette volumes,” the article said. “Since 2021, premium brands have steadily lost share, falling from about 80% of tracked cigarette sales to about 70%, according to Connor Rattigan, analyst at Consumer Edge.”

  • JT Completes €500 Million Subordinated Bond Issuance

    JT Completes €500 Million Subordinated Bond Issuance

    Japan Tobacco International Financial Services B.V. (JTIFS), a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT), completed the issuance and settlement of €500 million Euro-denominated subordinated bonds due 2055. The transaction was first announced on August 27.

    The securities, which carry equity-like features while being classified as debt, were launched to refinance JTIFS’s existing subordinated bonds due 2081.

    JT said the transaction, which also included the settlement of a related tender offer, will help strengthen the group’s financial foundation. The new securities are callable at the issuer’s discretion from March 2031 and on subsequent interest payment dates.