Altria: News
September 2026: Altria Breaks Ground on $250 Million Manufacturing Expansion in Hopkinsville, Kentucky Altria Group has officially broken ground on a $250 million expansion of its U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The 270,000-square-foot project represents a strategic effort to optimize Altria’s traditional smokeless tobacco manufacturing footprint,
USA: Cigar Market
September 2026: STG Merges Cigar.com into Cigora in Major Direct-to-Consumer Consolidation Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) is streamlining its online direct-to-consumer retail footprint by transitioning long-running site cigar.com into cigora.com, effective September 28, 2026. Following the migration, the unified platform will operate under the brand name “CIGORA presented by Cigar.com.” When
ZYN USA
September 2026: PMI U.S. Boosts ZYN Can Size to 20 Pouches in Major Portfolio Expansion Philip Morris International’s U.S. division is increasing the pouch count in its core ZYN lineup, transitioning its flagship 3 mg and 6 mg dry pouch cans from 15 to 20 pouches per unit. Scheduled for
US FDA – Tobacco: News
September 2026: FDA Names Bret Koplow as Director of the Center for Tobacco Products The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially appointed Bret Koplow, Ph.D., J.D., as Director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Koplow, who previously served as the center’s Acting
USA: Vapes
September 2026: BAT Launches New Flavored Vuse Pods in U.S. Following Shift in FDA Enforcement Guidelines R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the U.S. subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), has initiated a phased U.S. rollout of new flavored Vuse Pro e-cigarette pods. The commercial move follows recent updates to the U.S.
Japan: Heated Tobacco Devices
September 2026: Japan Tobacco Redesigns Ploom CUBE Heated Tobacco Device Japan Tobacco (JT) announced the redesign of its Ploom CUBE heated tobacco device, introducing updated aesthetic options, fresh matte finishes, and a new lineup of customizable accessories. The revamped device features a tactile matte finish in two core colors, Pebble
Charlie’s Holdings: News
September 2026: Charlie’s Holdings Shifts Focus to Age-Gated Flavored Vapes Amid Improving US Regulatory Landscape Charlie’s Holdings announced a major strategic pivot toward launching America’s first age-gated, flavored disposable vapes, pointing to favorable federal court rulings and new FDA enforcement frameworks that are reshaping the U.S. nicotine market. In a
Altria: News
September 2026: Altria Breaks Ground on $250 Million Manufacturing Expansion in Hopkinsville, Kentucky Altria Group has officially broken ground on a $250 million expansion of its U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The 270,000-square-foot project represents a strategic effort to optimize Altria’s traditional smokeless tobacco manufacturing footprint,
Philip Morris International: News
September 2026: Philip Morris International Nudges Up 2026 Profit Outlook on Favorable Currency Winds Ahead of his presentation at the Barclays Global Consumer Conference, Philip Morris International (PMI) raised its full-year 2026 reported diluted earnings per share forecast, citing favorable foreign exchange rate movements as the sole driver behind the
22nd Century Group: News
August 2026: 22nd Century Group Advances Low-Nicotine Commercialization Amid Gross Margin Improvement and Retail Expansion 22nd Century Group is accelerating its commercial strategy as the company undergoes a strategic realignment of its revenue base, intentionally shifting away from low-margin contract manufacturing volume to prioritize its higher-margin proprietary brands, including VLN
ITC: News
September 2026: ITC Infotech and Happiest Minds Announce Merger to Create an AI-First Technology Services Enterprise ITC Infotech India Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of tobacco-to-FMCG conglomerate ITC, and Happiest Minds Technologies Limited have signed definitive agreements to merge their operations in a transaction designed to create a scaled, AI-first
Scandinavian Tobacco: Q2 2026 Results
Focus2030 Advances with Category Stabilization, Portfolio Rationalization, and Reaffirmed Guidance Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) published its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, demonstrating continued execution under its five-year strategic plan, Focus2030. Performance for the quarter was highlighted by top-line stabilization across core tobacco categories, solid organic growth in
USA: Cigar Market
September 2026: STG Merges Cigar.com into Cigora in Major Direct-to-Consumer Consolidation Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) is streamlining its online direct-to-consumer retail footprint by transitioning long-running site cigar.com into cigora.com, effective September 28, 2026. Following the migration, the unified platform will operate under the brand name “CIGORA presented by Cigar.com.” When
US FDA – Tobacco: News
September 2026: FDA Names Bret Koplow as Director of the Center for Tobacco Products The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially appointed Bret Koplow, Ph.D., J.D., as Director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Koplow, who previously served as the center’s Acting
USA: Vapes
September 2026: BAT Launches New Flavored Vuse Pods in U.S. Following Shift in FDA Enforcement Guidelines R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the U.S. subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), has initiated a phased U.S. rollout of new flavored Vuse Pro e-cigarette pods. The commercial move follows recent updates to the U.S.
Japan: Heated Tobacco Sticks
September 2026: Japan Tobacco Expands Ploom Lineup with EVO Cacao Mint Crystal and Mevius Tropical Option Japan Tobacco (JT) announced two additions to its Ploom heated tobacco stick portfolio: EVO Cacao Mint Crystal and Mevius Tropical Option. Both products are set for nationwide release on October 6, 2026. The EVO
Japan: Heated Tobacco Devices
September 2026: Japan Tobacco Redesigns Ploom CUBE Heated Tobacco Device Japan Tobacco (JT) announced the redesign of its Ploom CUBE heated tobacco device, introducing updated aesthetic options, fresh matte finishes, and a new lineup of customizable accessories. The revamped device features a tactile matte finish in two core colors, Pebble
India: Smokeless Tobacco Market
September 2026: India’s Tobacco Control Authority Recommends Rejection of Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Licenses India’s National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) has recommended the rejection of applications for manufacturing and import licenses for oral nicotine pouches, reinforcing New Delhi’s firm policy stance against emerging recreational nicotine products. The recommendation by the health
USA: Cigar Market
September 2026: STG Merges Cigar.com into Cigora in Major Direct-to-Consumer Consolidation Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) is streamlining its online direct-to-consumer retail footprint by transitioning long-running site cigar.com into cigora.com, effective September 28, 2026. Following the migration, the unified platform will operate under the brand name “CIGORA presented by Cigar.com.” When
Heated Tobacco: Products
September 2026: KT&G Will Launch ‘lil Tonino Lamborghini’ Featuring Ultra-Fast 3-Second Induction Heating Technology In a major technological leap for the heated tobacco category, KT&G announced today that it will launch its new flagship device platform, the lil Tonino Lamborghini, on September 15, 2026. The centerpiece of the announcement is
Soluble Nicotine Products
August 2026: Soluble Nicotine Products Emerge as the Next Billion-Dollar Oral Nicotine Opportunity A new category of nicotine products is emerging alongside the rapid expansion of nicotine pouches, with tobacco companies and specialist manufacturers developing nicotine lozenges, tablets, oral strips, gels, sticks and other products designed to dissolve in the
Cannabis: Canada
August 2026: Canadian Legal Cannabis Retail Reaches Record CA$517.8 Million in June Canada’s legal adult-use cannabis sector has reached a landmark milestone. Newly released retail data from Statistics Canada reveals that legal dispensaries nationwide generated CA$517.8 million in monthly sales in June 2026. This represents the single highest monthly sales
Global Vape Market
August 2026: China’s Vape Exports Hit 2026 Peak at $1.047 Billion as U.S. Demand Surges China’s exports across vaping products reached $1.047 billion in July 2026, marking a 16.5% year-over-year increase and the highest monthly total of the year. According to China Customs data, the expansion was heavily concentrated in
Cannabis: USA
August 2026: U.S. Marijuana Use Holds Near Record Highs as Public Remains Divided on Impact American marijuana consumption continues to hover at historic levels, driven primarily by younger demographics, even as public perception of the drug’s overall effect remains sharply split. According to recent Gallup survey data, 17% of U.S.
ZYN USA
September 2026: PMI U.S. Boosts ZYN Can Size to 20 Pouches in Major Portfolio Expansion Philip Morris International’s U.S. division is increasing the pouch count in its core ZYN lineup, transitioning its flagship 3 mg and 6 mg dry pouch cans from 15 to 20 pouches per unit. Scheduled for
New ZYN Flavors: ZYN Black Cherry, ZYN Peach, ZYN Dragonberry
ZYN Expands U.S. Lineup with Three New Permanent Flavors: Black Cherry, Peach, and Dragonberry America’s leading nicotine pouch brand, ZYN, has officially expanded its U.S. lineup with the rollout of three new permanent flavors: Black Cherry, Peach, and Dragonberry. Available nationwide in brick-and-mortar retailers as well as online through major
IQOS ILUMA
July 2026: PMI Unveils Limited-Edition IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Device Philip Morris International (PMI) has introduced the IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition, a special global release of its latest heated tobacco device that combines the technology of the IQOS ILUMA i platform with a distinctive seasonal design. The limited-edition
VEEV Vapes
June 2026: Philip Morris International (PMI) Expands Vaping Portfolio with European Roll-Out of VEEV ONE PLUS Philip Morris International (PMI) is officially extending its closed-pod vaping lineup with the release of the VEEV ONE PLUS. Designed as a direct evolution of their core VEEV portfolio, the new device targets a
ZYN Ultra vs. ZYN
ZYN vs. ZYN Ultra: The Ultimate Comparison Guide to Nicotine Pouches in the U.S. The U.S. smoke-free nicotine market is evolving rapidly, and Philip Morris International (PMI) continues to lead the space by catering to a wide range of adult nicotine preferences. While flagship ZYN remains the gold standard for
Velo Pouches: International Markets
June 2026: VELO Standardizes Nicotine Strength Spectrum to Simplify Product Selection Nicotine pouch brand VELO has outlined a standardized nicotine strength classification system designed to help adult consumers navigate its product lineup. By clarifying the distinction between raw nicotine content in milligrams and subjectively perceived nicotine strength, the brand aims
US FDA – Tobacco: News
September 2026: FDA Names Bret Koplow as Director of the Center for Tobacco Products The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially appointed Bret Koplow, Ph.D., J.D., as Director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Koplow, who previously served as the center’s Acting
Tobacco Industry: Acquisitions
Since 1990s, the fall of the Iron Curtain in the East and the fast decline of cigarette market volumes in the West have triggered a series of acquisitions in the Tobacco Industry as the leading companies try to maintain the economies of scale and boost the top-/bottom-line growth. As a result,
Tobacco Lawsuits: USA
September 2026: U.S. Cities Sue Tobacco Companies over Cigarette Litter A growing wave of municipal legal actions across the United States is seeking to hold major tobacco companies financially responsible for the toxic environmental toll of cigarette butts. Local governments are asserting the “polluter pays” principle, demanding that manufacturers cover
Tobacco Regulation: Asia
September 2026: Taiwan to Launch 431 Anonymous Vape Surrender Sites Ahead of Stricter Crackdown Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration (HPA) announced that it will establish 431 designated collection sites nationwide starting September 8, 2026, allowing citizens to anonymously turn in illegal e-cigarette devices without penalty. The initiative is part of an
Patents Wars: USA
Patent wars, long associated with the technology and software sectors, refer to legal battles between companies seeking to protect, challenge, or leverage intellectual property rights. The tobacco industry’s rapid transition toward reduced-risk products has triggered a similar wave of patent disputes in recent years, particularly since 2018, with no clear
Tobacco Industry Highlights: August 29 – September 4, 2026
Stay on top of the tobacco industry. Get weekly highlights straight to your inbox. Become a Free member today: Tobacco Insider – Free Membership — PMTA: Premarket Tobacco Product Application The FDA has authorized the marketing of JUUL Labs’ next-generation JUUL2 e-cigarette device, equipped with a user-authentication system, alongside tobacco-
Tobacco Pulse Surveys: Q2 2026
Every Sunday, we run a poll on the hottest subject in the Tobacco Industry. Hundreds of our Twitter/X followers vote, offering a collective wisdom on the subject matter or an immediate pulse on the market/industry developments. Results of the Sunday polls: May 31, 2026 What will you scrutinize first &
Credit Commentary: Tobacco Industry
May 2026: Most Tobacco Companies Receive Stronger Business Profile Assessments In a recent credit commentary, Fitch Ratings noted that most global tobacco companies received stronger business profile assessments following updates to its Corporate Rating Criteria. The revised criteria resulted in rating upgrades for British American Tobacco (BAT, A-/Stable) and Altria
Tobacco Pulse Surveys: Q1 2026
Every Sunday, we run a quick poll on the hottest subject in the Tobacco Industry. Hundreds of our Twitter/X followers vote, offering a collective wisdom on the subject matter or an immediate pulse on the market/industry developments. Results of the Sunday polls: March 28, 2026 What is your small-cap tobacco
Tobacco Pulse Surveys: Q4 2025
Every Sunday, we run a quick poll on the hottest subject in the Tobacco Industry. Hundreds of our Twitter/X followers vote, offering a collective wisdom on the subject matter or an immediate pulse on the market/industry developments. Results of the Sunday polls: Dec 28,2025 What is your small-cap tobacco (nicotine)
Tobacco Pulse Surveys: Q3 2025
Every Sunday, we run a quick poll on the hottest subject in the Tobacco Industry. Hundreds of our Twitter/X followers vote, offering a collective wisdom on the subject matter or an immediate pulse on the market/industry developments. Results of the Sunday polls: Sept 28, 2025 Considering a 20-year time horizon,
Dividend Changes – Tobacco Companies
September 2025: Philip Morris International increases its annual dividend by +8.9% Philip Morris International (PMI) increased the its regular quarterly dividend by 8.9% to an annualized rate of $5.88 per share. The new quarterly dividend of $1.47 per share, up from $1.35 per share, is payable on October 20, 2025,
