The FDA Center for Tobacco Products has republished a rule, which becomes effective June 22, 2010, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. As of June 22 the rule will impose certain restrictions on the sale, distribution, advertising and marketing of cigarettes, rolling tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The regulations in this rule do not…
Forecast Strong for Cigars
Amid all the chaos of legislation, regulation and taxation, it’s good to have tobacco category managers like Gate Petroleum’s Matt Hieb. Hieb’s approach to his chain’s market-leading cigar performance is calm and measured, driven by data, common sense and manufacturer promotions. In 225 locations throughout six southeastern states, Gate’s cigar offering exceeds the southeast market…
Tobacco Companies Fight Display Ban In Britain
Britain’s three biggest tobacco companies are fighting for the right to display their products, asking for a judicial review of the Government’s upcoming ban on the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in stores, Brand Republic reported. Britain’s Health Act 2009 requires all cigarettes, cigars, pipe and rolling tobacco products to be hidden from…
Kansas Debates Higher Sin Taxes
The Kansas Senate Assessment and Taxation committee had a hearing Wednesday to hear all sides before ruling on the legislature’s proposed tax increases on cigarettes, liquor and fuel that would cover an estimated $400 million budget shortfall, the Kansas Reporter reported. Tom Palace, executive director of the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas,…
Kretek Drops Cigar Lawsuit Against FDA
Kretek International Inc., importer and marketer of Djarum clove cigars has withdrawn its lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding the distribution and sale of clove cigar products. In light of statements made by the FDA, Kretek in September of 2009 filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District…
Opportunities Exist for Cigars
TOP PERFORMERS Altria Sales & Distribution (John Middleton) Swisher Swedish Match HONORABLE MENTIONS Altadis USA Republic Tobacco The SCHIP tobacco tax rates that hit in April 2009 are costing cigar smokers more, but sales continue to persevere. As of April, the federal taxes on large cigars rose from 20.719% of the wholesale price with a…
What’s in Store in the Humidor
As if the turbulent economy, rising state taxes and local anti-smoking regulations hadn’t rendered the retail cigar landscape dangerous enough, enter the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which wants to significantly reshape that landscape, but so far hasn’t told anyone—most notably the retailers that will be selling the products—how. Some background: The law granting…
Wawa’s Cigar Sales Flourish With Middleton Partnership
“John Middleton has some very strong sellers in our stores, but the new merchandiser they developed with us has been an overall improvement to the [cigar] category.” John Middleton Inc. has been operating in the Philadelphia area since 1856, beginning with a retail tobacco shop. More than a hundred years later, John Middleton divested its…
Swisher International
Swisher International has added Peach, Mild and Mild Menthol packs to the Santa Fe Little Cigar line. The three new flavors, in addition to Santa Fe Original and Santa Fe Menthol, offer customers one of the widest selections of high-quality little cigars that are sold at every day low prices. Santa Fe Little Cigars are…
Sweet Surprise
Swisher International introduces the newest addition to the family Swisher Sweets Grape Little Cigars. This mild, sweet, new little cigar offers high profits per ring and is bursting with grape taste and aroma. It’s the perfect little cigar to sell and for customers to enjoy. Available in 10-pack cartons and displays with 20 Little Cigars…