Altria releases a new smoking product that contains no tobacco. U.S. tobacco giant Altria Group Inc. moved into uncharted territory this week as it released the Verve: a tobacco-less nicotine product. The maker of Marlboro plans to launch a non-dissolving, lozenge-shaped nicotine disc called Verve in the next several days. It’s the latest advance by…
High Expectations for Cigarettes
While there are those who would like to see cigarettes go up in smoke, c-store operators can rest assured that this critical category will continue to be ablaze with activity. “Among the trends I see for 2012 is that there is going to be continued or heightened competition among the second tier brands,” said Bonnie…
New Lagunas Premium Cigarettes
Kretek International Inc. has launched Lagunas brand premium imported cigarettes by Djarum in the U.S. The Lagunas blend was developed by an international team from Djarum and Kretek over a two-year period of blending and testing. Lagunas’ taste is characterized by a unique combination of tobaccos from the U. S., Brazil Indonesia, Turkey and Greece,…
Seizing Control of Smokeless Sales
Convenience store retailers are still concerned over the FDA’s involvement in smokeless tobacco, but many expressed optimism that the category can continue to thrive. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. While taxes and regulations haven’t impacted sales of smokeless tobacco products as much as some had predicted, it remains up to retailers to continue aggressively marketing…
FDA Concerned Over Marlboro Onserts
New tobacco rules hit tomorrow, June 22, and the FDA has issued separate letters to retailers and manufacturers to ensure the industry is prepared. Starting tomorrow, manufacturers can no longer manufacture cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco products labeled or advertised with the descriptors “light,” “low,” “mild,” or similar descriptive words. Beginning on July 22,…
Managing Tobacco’s Four Tier War
A Closer Look at Who’s Trading Down According to Mintel International, 80% of smokers polled said it’s worthwhile to have a quality cigarette, which is contributing to sales of premium cigarettes. Other factors influencing sales include: • 51% of smokers have one preferred brand they always like to buy. • Less than 2% of smokers…
Selling Smokes Still Profitable
While foodservice sales are soaring, the tobacco category is still as important as ever. I heard recently that the the profit convenience stores derive from foodservice has overtaken that of tobacco. Now I’m right there with the rest of the industry in joining the deli revolution, but that does not mean that I’m ready to…
Preparing for Drastic Tobacco Regulations
Not surprisingly, convenience store industry operators identified the future of tobacco as one of their top five concerns heading into 2010. And with good reason. Operators have entered a period of unprecedented challenges when it comes to selling cigarettes, which means they must find new and innovative ways to market and merchandise this essential product…