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Tag: Philip Morris

  • PMI Releases Value Report 2025, Sets Value Plan 2030+

    PMI Releases Value Report 2025, Sets Value Plan 2030+

    Philip Morris International released its Value Report 2025, marking the completion of its 2025 Roadmap and introducing a new Value Plan 2030+ to guide future growth. The report outlines progress in PMI’s shift toward smoke-free products and details performance across business transformation, environmental, and social metrics. In 2025, PMI reported around 43.5 million adult users of its smoke-free products across 106 markets, with smoke-free net revenues reaching $16.9 billion, representing 41.5% of total annual net revenues.

    The company also reported 98% coverage of shipment volumes with youth access prevention programs in indirect retail channels, 91% coverage with anti-littering programs for cigarette butts, and 76% of employees having access to structured lifelong learning opportunities. Among agricultural metrics, PMI said 99.6% of contracted farmers supplying tobacco achieved a living income, while 99.3% of tobacco purchased was at no risk of net deforestation. PMI reported a 46% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared with 2019 and a 31% reduction in Scope 3 Forest, Land, and Agriculture emissions compared with 2010.

    PMI said its Value Plan 2030+ will focus on six priorities: consumers and product health impact, circularity, climate change, nature and biodiversity, its workforce, and workers across its value chain. The company stated the report was prepared with reference to Global Reporting Initiative standards and guidance from the International Sustainability Standards Board.

  • Japanese Consumers Facing Double Hit

    Japanese Consumers Facing Double Hit

    The first phase of Japan’s tax increases on tobacco products and corporate income will take effect April 1, marking the first phase of a broader revenue plan to finance expanded defense spending, with additional increases planned for October and January 2027. Both conventional cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be affected, with the long-standing tax gap between the two categories set to narrow. The government aims to raise ¥1.3 trillion ($8.2 billion) in fiscal 2027 through staged hikes on tobacco, corporate, and personal income taxes to help fund a ¥43 trillion ($271 billion), five-year defense buildup that began in 2023.

    In response to the new corporate taxes, Philip Morris Japan said it will raise prices by ¥40–¥50 (25 to 32 cents) per pack on 50 heated tobacco products from April 1, while Japan Tobacco plans ¥20–¥30 (13 to 19 cent) increases on 37 products. Manufacturers have not yet outlined pricing responses for October’s tax hike.

    The Finance Ministry estimates tobacco tax revenue will increase by ¥44 billion ($277 million) in fiscal 2026, ¥116 billion in 2027 ($731 million), and ¥212 billion ($1.3 billion) annually thereafter as additional levies take effect. The measures come as Japan seeks to secure more than ¥9 trillion ($56.7 billion) in defense spending for fiscal 2026, reaching its 2% of GDP target ahead of schedule.

  • Baltimore Argues 1998 MSA Doesn’t Cover Cigarette Litter

    Baltimore Argues 1998 MSA Doesn’t Cover Cigarette Litter

    The City of Baltimore told a Maryland state court that the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement does not shield tobacco companies from liability in its lawsuit over environmental harm caused by nonbiodegradable cigarette filters. The city is seeking to proceed with claims against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Philip Morris USA, and Liggett Group LLC, arguing that the decades-old settlement addressed healthcare costs related to smoking, not municipal expenses tied to cigarette butt litter and environmental cleanup. Baltimore contends that its suit targets a separate issue involving plastic filter waste and the burden placed on city services, and therefore should not be dismissed on preemption grounds.

  • Appeals Court Vacates 93A Defense Verdict in Philip Morris Case

    Appeals Court Vacates 93A Defense Verdict in Philip Morris Case

    The Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled that a jury does not need to find liability on underlying tort claims to hold a tobacco company accountable under Chapter 93A, the state’s consumer protection statute. The decision comes in the case of Peter Agnitti, who sued Philip Morris USA over the death of his wife, alleging negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, breach of warranty, and Chapter 93A violations.

    At trial, the Superior Court instructed jurors that a 93A violation could only be found if they also found Philip Morris liable for fraud or misrepresentation. The jury returned a defense verdict on all counts. On appeal, the court found that the instruction improperly conflated 93A liability with fraud, noting that a 93A claim based on deceptive acts does not require proof of reliance or intent to deceive. The panel also clarified that the plaintiff’s pre-charge objections preserved the issue for appeal under Rule 51(b).

    The court emphasized that Chapter 93A is a standalone statutory cause of action, intended to protect consumers independently of other tort claims. Citing evidence that Philip Morris misrepresented the risks of smoking and marketed “light” and “low-tar” cigarettes as safer alternatives despite knowing otherwise, the Appeals Court vacated the 93A judgment and allowed the claim to proceed.

    Legal experts say the ruling reinforces that 93A claims are sui generis and provides guidance on preserving jury instruction objections at trial.

  • PMI Donates Drones to Help Lithuania Fight Smuggling

    PMI Donates Drones to Help Lithuania Fight Smuggling

    Philip Morris International donated seven drone systems to Lithuania to support efforts to combat cigarette smuggling, particularly illicit shipments transported by balloons from neighboring Belarus. The drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, will be operated by the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union to monitor landing sites and track individuals collecting contraband, enhancing surveillance capabilities rather than direct interception. The move comes as Lithuanian authorities intensify enforcement against a persistent illicit tobacco trade that also involves road transport, with officials noting the challenge remains ongoing despite seizures and arrests.

  • PMI to Launch New Business Solutions Center, Creating 180 Jobs in Tampa Bay Area

    PMI to Launch New Business Solutions Center, Creating 180 Jobs in Tampa Bay Area

    March 17, 2026 — Today, Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (“PMI U.S.”) announced an investment of approximately $50 million in a new Business Solutions Center in Tampa, Florida. The Center will create approximately 180 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs and represents a pivotal expansion of PMI U.S. operations, consolidating key functions—business solutions, distribution operations, and customer service—into a single hub. This investment is designed to enhance operational efficiency across these functions and underscores PMI U.S.’s commitment to supporting Florida’s business community and broader economic development.

    “Florida has proven to be an exceptional partner—offering a business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure, and a deep pool of highly skilled talent,” said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. “Our new Business Solutions Center underscores PMI U.S.’s long-term commitment to investing in American communities and the people who power them. It reflects our determination to build strong, local teams across the country to advance our mission of delivering a smoke‑free America. The Tampa Bay area, in particular, stands out for its dynamic culture and quality of life—both essential to attracting and retaining the talented workforce that drives our innovation.”

    The new Business Solutions Center will provide career opportunities across a wide range of skill levels, including finance, data engineering and analytics, information technology, project management, sales enablement, talent acquisition, people operations, and more. Career opportunities and benefits will be shared at uspmi.com/en/careers/.

    “Philip Morris International’s decision to establish a new office here is a strong vote of confidence in our region’s dynamic economy, talented workforce, and thriving business environment,” said Dr. Bob Rohrlack, Tampa Bay Chamber President and CEO. “Investments like these contribute to the continued economic growth and global competitiveness of the Tampa Bay area. We look forward to seeing PMI U.S. become an active member of our business community and a valued partner in shaping the region’s future.”

    Today’s announced investment includes capital expenditures for the build‑out of the new workspace and PMI U.S.’s 10‑year lease commitment for the site. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has invested more than $1 billion in American manufacturing, operational capabilities and people costs (through September 30, 2025) as it continues to grow its workforce of more than 3,000 employees. This includes a $600 million commitment to build a new ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing facility in Aurora, CO; a $232 million expansion of its existing ZYN production site in Owensboro, KY; and more than $37 million to support expanded operations in its Wilson, NC manufacturing facility.

    “Philip Morris International U.S.’s corporate philanthropy and community investment practices make the organization a perfect fit for Tampa,” said Craig J. Richard, CEcD, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “When we recruit companies like PMI U.S. to our market, we engage their teams with business leaders whose companies have not only created jobs here but have invested in making Tampa Bay an even better place to live, work and raise a family. We look forward to assisting the PMI U.S. team as they settle into their Westshore offices and supporting their success in Hillsborough County.” 

    In addition to these major capital investments, PMI U.S. contributes meaningfully to communities across the country through philanthropy and civic partnerships. Since 2022, the company has provided approximately $35 million to national and local charities—supporting veterans organizations, economic empowerment initiatives, and disaster relief efforts—and recently made donations to the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Tampa Bay Thrives, Urban League of Broward County, Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation, and University of Florida’s Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, all nonprofits in Florida. These efforts represent only a portion of PMI U.S.’s broader commitment to America, which includes creating hundreds of jobs, constructing new and expanded manufacturing facilities, and engaging thousands of suppliers and vendors nationwide.

    PMI U.S.’s new Business Solutions Center will be located at Highwoods Bay Center in the Westshore Business District at 5426 Bay Center Drive in Tampa, Florida.

  • PMI Director: Ukraine’s Flavor Ban ‘Largely Ineffective’

    PMI Director: Ukraine’s Flavor Ban ‘Largely Ineffective’

    The ban on flavoring and aromatic additives in electronic cigarettes in Ukraine, introduced by the Verkhovna Rada in July 2024, has proven largely ineffective due to a lack of enforcement, according to Mykhailo Polyakov, Deputy General Director for Corporate Relations at Philip Morris Ukraine. Speaking at the “Dialogues with NV” event on European integration, Polyakov said illegal vape shops remain widespread, with nine out of 10 shopping centers in Kyiv hosting such outlets. Despite the law formally prohibiting flavored e-cigarettes, no regulatory or law enforcement bodies are actively ensuring compliance, rendering the ban largely symbolic.

    Polyakov also highlighted broader issues in the tobacco sector, pointing out that while parliament has adopted legislative measures intended to curb the illegal market — such as tax posts, video surveillance, minimum price regulations, and production tracking — these measures are often circumvented. Illegal operations exploit gaps in monitoring, opening workshops outside regulated areas, and mislabeling products to avoid taxes or minimum price rules. He expressed hope that international partners, including the IMF, will help strengthen enforcement and ensure that legitimate companies can operate fairly while illegal operators are held accountable.

  • PMI Declares $1.47 Quarterly Dividend

    PMI Declares $1.47 Quarterly Dividend

    The Board of Directors of Philip Morris International Inc. today (March 5) declared a regular quarterly dividend of $1.47 per common share, payable on April 13, to shareholders of record as of March 19. The ex-dividend date is March 19. For more details, visit www.pmi.com/dividend.

  • PMJ Launches First IQOS Capsule

    PMJ Launches First IQOS Capsule

    Philip Morris Japan launched its first capsule-equipped cigarette stick, the “Sentia Purple Capsule,” for the IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco series on March 2. Initially available at IQOS stores nationwide, the rollout at convenience stores and other tobacco retailers begins April 6, with the Nagoya IQOS store relocating on March 7.

    The capsule product features blueberry-flavored capsules with invigorating menthol, allowing users to release a burst of menthol and blueberry aroma by crushing the capsule. The product’s purple color reflects the blueberry inspiration. This addition brings the SENTIA lineup to 18 brands, including regular, menthol, flavored, and capsule variants.

    The price is 530 yen ($3.34) per 20-stick pack, rising to 570 yen ($3.59) from April 1. Daniel Sevsick, Philip Morris Japan’s portfolio marketing director, highlighted that this is SENTIA’s first menthol capsule product.

  • PMI Ramps Up Zyn Production in New Colorado Plant

    PMI Ramps Up Zyn Production in New Colorado Plant

    Philip Morris International said it has launched “large-scale production” of its ZYN nicotine pouches at a new 600,000-square-foot facility in Aurora, Colorado, representing a $600 million investment as U.S. demand for oral nicotine products accelerates. The plant, which began limited production in September 2025 as construction continued, is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic contributions for the Denver-area suburb as it becomes fully operational in 2026, will host at least 500 full-time employees, and generate upward of $550 million annually in economic benefits statewide.