U.S. Tobacco Cooperative - Tobacco Reporter

USTC Acquires VP Distributors

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.

December 14, 2023

Stinchfield honored as ‘senior-level leader’

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.

October 19, 2023

Premier to Distribute NIC-S Pouches

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.

September 8, 2023

Industry Mourns Tommy Bunn

Jessie Thomas “Tommy” Bunn, a distinguished leader in U.S. national and state level agricultural policy and marketing and the husband of North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall, passed away unexpectedly July 24 after suffering a traumatic brain event, the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State reported.

A native of Zebulon, North Carolina, Bunn formerly served as president of the U.S. Tobacco Cooperative following a 21-year career as executive vice-president of the Leaf Tobacco Exporters Association and Tobacco Association of the United States.

In addition, he served as deputy director and acting director of the Agricultural Marketing Service Tobacco Division for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and served under Commissioner Jim Graham with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

At the time of his death, he was serving as a consultant to the tobacco industry.

Bunn was named by the North Carolina State Grange as Man of the Year in 1988 and was honored as a Distinguished Alumni with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University in 2012, where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture Business/Crop Science in 1966.

July 26, 2023

New Packaging for ‘1839’ Cigarettes

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.

July 29, 2022

USTC Exits Bankruptcy

U.S. Tobacco Cooperative (USTC) exited bankruptcy on July 14. The announcement follows the federal Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the cooperative’s Chapter 11 plan of reorganization on June 23, 2022, along with approval of the settlement terms with the Lewis Class.

USTC filed for bankruptcy protection in July 2021 in order to meet contractual obligations to its member growers while the company addressed uncertainty presented by the ongoing Lewis class action lawsuit.

“Today’s exit from bankruptcy marks the end of more than 17 years of class action lawsuits following the termination of the federal price support program that ran from 1946 to 2005,” said USTC CEO Oscar J. House in a statement.

“Our exit allows us to now focus solely on the services and products our cooperative is known for. I want to thank our customers, employees, suppliers, board of directors and especially our member growers for their continual support throughout the bankruptcy proceedings, which are now officially behind us.”

In accordance with the plan, the cooperative pays in full its secured lenders, suppliers and unsecured creditors in addition to settlement amounts to the Lewis Class.

“We are energized,” continued House. “Our business is robust with our farmer members contracting for this fall’s harvest, customers ordering our products and shipments processing daily. With our experienced management team, dedicated employees and our strong market position, the cooperative is poised for a successful future.”

July 18, 2022

USTC Plans Bankruptcy Exit

U.S. Tobacco Cooperative (USTC) has begun planning an exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy later this summer. The cooperative originally filed for protection in July 2021 to meet contractual obligations to its member growers while the company faced uncertainty presented by an ongoing class-action lawsuit.

“On February 2, after 17 years of litigation, we were able to reach economic terms of a settlement with the Lewis Class,” said USTC CEO Oscar J. House. “As we await final approval from the court this summer, we are beginning to prepare our exit from bankruptcy and continue providing the exceptional service and quality products our organization is known for across the globe.”

USTC originally filed for protection in federal bankruptcy court to satisfy obligations to its 550-plus member-growers, 200-plus employees, suppliers and customers. The settlement and plan of reorganization will allow the cooperative to honor its commitments worldwide and emerge from bankruptcy well positioned to serve its member-growers. Details of the agreement will be provided in the ordinary course of obtaining formal court approval of the settlement and USTC’s plan of reorganization.

“USTC is healthy and set for a sustainable, successful future,” continued House. “Throughout the bankruptcy process we have fulfilled all obligations to all stakeholders: our customers, grower-members, vendors and employees. Going forward we will continue to do so, stronger than ever.”

February 17, 2022

Tag: U.S. Tobacco Cooperative