Tag: Premier Manufacturing

  • USTC Acquires VP Distributors

    USTC Acquires VP Distributors

    Image: Natee Meepian

    The consumer products division of U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc. (USTC), Premier Manufacturing, of Chesterfield, Missouri, USA, has acquired VP Distributors of Williamston, West Virginia, USA.

    By combining the strengths of both organizations, USTC aims to leverage synergies, grow its customer base and ultimately provide an improved customer experience.

    “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of VP Distributors, a move that underscores our commitment to providing unparalleled convenience, blend of quality products and exceptional service to our customers. This strategic expansion aligns with our vision to enhance accessibility and elevate the overall c-store supply experience,” said Russ Mancuso, USTC’s senior vice president for consumer products.

    USTC anticipates that this acquisition will not only boost its market share but also create new opportunities for VP’s customers and their employees.

  • Stinchfield honored as ‘senior-level leader’

    Stinchfield honored as ‘senior-level leader’

    Photo: USTC

    Cheryl Stinchfield, regional account manager at Premier Manufacturing, was recognized as a senior-level leader at the U.S. National Association of Convenience Stores’ annual convention, U.S. Tobacco Cooperative announced on its website.

    Organized by Convenience Store News, the Top Women in Convenience program honors individuals across retailer, distributor and supplier businesses for outstanding contributions to their companies and the industry at large.

    The 10th class of Top Women in Convenience included 86 established and emerging female leaders in the convenience store industry. The honorees were selected from a pool of nominees based on their innovative corporate initiatives, extraordinary financial and strategic accomplishments, astute problem-solving acumen, exceptional performance, mentorship work and selfless charitable participation, along with other attributes that go above and beyond the call of duty.

    At the award ceremony of more than 450-plus people, Stinchfield was accompanied by Oscar House, Russ Mancuso, Steve Lucas, Mark Schueller and Irene Stinchfield.

  • Premier to Distribute NIC-S Pouches

    Premier to Distribute NIC-S Pouches

    Photo: Premier Manufacturing/Enorama Pharma

    Premier Manufacturing, a subsidiary of U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, and Enorama Pharma have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement regarding the sale of NIC-S, tobacco-free white snus, for the U.S. market.

    “The growth and sales potential in tobacco free nicotine pouch market is growing exponentially”, said Premier Manufacturing Sales Director Steve Lucas. “We wanted to offer our customers and their consumers a broader range of products and NIC-S is a great partner to achieve this”, said Lucas.

    “We at Enorama are very pleased to have entered into this distribution agreement with Premier Manufacturing and we look forward to a long and close collaboration. We are convinced that Premier Manufacturing, its extensive sales organization and a wide contact network, will be a valuable partner for Enorama’s expansion in the American market.” said CEO Annette Agerskov.

    NIC-S is available in a wide range of options allowing the consumer to tailor their nicotine intake. “With three different nicotine strengths—3 mg, 6 mg and 9 mg—and several flavors such as wintergreen, mint, orange, berry, cinnamon and flavor free; consumers will be sure to find a favorite style—or two,” said Lucas.

    “Everyone at Premier Manufacturing is excited about the opportunity to partner with Enorama Pharma to supply our customers with a superior quality premium tobacco-free white pouch that will satisfy the growing number of consumers entering this exciting category,” said U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Senior Vice President Russ Mancuso.

    Premier Manufacturing will be doing a full marketing campaign promoting NIC-S that will include point-of-sale materials, print and digital ad campaigns, display fixtures and various websites. Product will be available via Premier’s distribution network throughout the U.S. in the coming months.

  • New Packaging for ‘1839’ Cigarettes

    New Packaging for ‘1839’ Cigarettes

    Photo: USTC

    Premier Manufacturing, the consumer products division of U.S. Tobacco Cooperative (USTC), has redesigned the packaging for 1839 cigarettes.

    “Premier developed a premium visual design that showcases updated brand colors, a cleaner overall look and the distinctive 1839 logo; all while maintaining some traditional elements to help make 1839 attractive on stores cigarette fixtures,” USTC wrote in a press note.

    “The bold red and rich blues are just some of the colors used in the packaging design that is anchored by historic 1839 elements such as the silhouette of a farmer with the horse and plow on a field image that simulates a tobacco leaf. The 1839 quality seal refers to the heritage and premium blend of tobacco used in the product and the 1839 date is when the flue-cured tobacco process was discovered in North Carolina.”

    Also incorporated is “A Product of US Farmers” that reflects the brands commitment to USTC’s southeast based tobacco farmers who own the cooperative.

    “We believe our new packaging design better reflects the needs of today’s consumers, while reinforcing the brands strength and heritage across the full line of 1839 cigarettes,” said USTC Senior Vice President Russ Mancuso.