Kaival Marketing Services (KMS) announced it had hired Dean Simmons to maximize major retail and wholesale accounts for its top-selling, high-margin BIDI Stick. Simmons will join KMS as senior vice president of sales and corporate development effective immediately. Formerly vice president of sales at Swisher International, Simmons was responsible for leading its national sales department…
Juul Labs Reaches Settlements
Juul Labs has reached a global resolution for the 5,000-plus cases brought by approximately 10,000 plaintiffs in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) and related “JUUL Labs Product Cases” (JCCP) that have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. These cases in the MDL and JCCP, and subject to…
Will Menthol Smokers Leave Nicotine Behind?
It’s our nature to resist change. What seems like a terrible idea at the outset often gets better over time. New ideas become familiar. We adapt to change and leave the past to history. Inventions become necessities. Tesla sold $67 billion worth of electric cars in 2021, and they’re still filling backorders. High gas prices…
Youth Tobacco Use Declines
Youth tobacco use has continued to decline based on a national survey, said the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO). NATO said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) have collaborated to administer the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to middle and high school students across the country…
Getting Past Nicotine: New Priorities for Retail Tobacco
California’s statewide voter referendum banning retail sales of flavored tobacco just passed by 76%. All flavored tobacco is banned, significantly menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Projected nationally, that’s about $27 billion. The California ban was not unexpected. It requires removal of flavored tobacco products by Jan. 15, 2023. It’s doubtful that anything can be done…
Tobacco Companies Sue Over California’s Flavored Tobacco Ban
On Nov. 9, R.J. Reynolds and other tobacco companies filed a lawsuit against Bill 793, according to NATO. This bill would ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the state of California. The tobacco companies argued that Bill 793 falls under the Federal Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Act’s Preemption Clause. This law…
Swisher Promotes Chris Howard
Swisher has promoted Chris Howard to executive vice president, external affairs and new product compliance following the retirement of Joe Augustus, previous holder of the position, who had been with the company for more than 33 years. Howard previously held the role of senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer at E-Alternative Solutions…
Cigar Category Braces Against Proposed Flavor Bans
When it comes to the cigar category, c-store retailers are watching regulatory headwinds at the local, state and federal levels as legislatures increasingly target flavored tobacco. A ban on flavored cigars would clearly change the dynamic of the tobacco category at convenience stores. The good news is, despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) releasing…
Astrology-Themed Lighters
Consumers can show off their zodiac sign with the dazzling designs in the refreshed Astrology Special Edition Series by BIC. All 12 zodiac signs are brilliantly brought to life through the stunning work of the award-winning illustrator, graphic novel and story development artist Nathan Fox in this remarkable refresh. The lighters in this series have […]
California Voters Ban Flavored Tobacco Products
On Tuesday, California voters voted in favor of Proposition 31, which upholds a 2020 ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products in the state. Proposition 31 received 62% “yes” votes and 38% “no” votes, based on The New York Times’ reported election results. The law goes into effect five days after the election is…