With new flavors, brand extensions and increased promotional activity, MST sales continue to post strong gains at convenience stores. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. The smokeless tobacco category remains strong, and not just because legislators have chased consumers away from cigarettes. New products and flavors combined with competitive pricing, increased promotional activity and effective merchandising…
Reynolds America Inc. Entering New Tobacco Categories
Reynolds’ is launching an NRT gum made by its Niconovum pharmaceutical subsidiary, among other products. Reynolds American Inc. is preparing, within the next six months, to delve into several categories, including vapor (likely electronic cigarettes), nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) and nicotine extract products, such as lozenges, Winston-Salem Journal reported. Reynolds also plans to launch new styles…
Swisher Offers New E-Cig Line
Swisher Sweets introduces its e-cig products to c-store retailers. Swisher Sweets entered the electronic cigarette and cigar business this summer season. The company plans to begin selling its line of e-cigs on Aug. 1 this year, giving consumers an alternative way to smoke Swisher’s products. Murphy Oil, Hess and several other major c-store retailers plan…
Understanding Today’s Tobacco Customers
MSA and Paradigm Sample, in partnership with Convenience Store Decisions, examine the purchasing habits of adult tobacco consumers at U.S. convenience stores. By Trish Temmerman, Management Science Associates, and John Lofstock, Editor. The tobacco industry continues to face challenges on multiple fronts, namely ongoing legislative initiatives and the ever-present high rate of taxation. These persistent…
Natural Cigarette Alternatives
Bluegrass Blends USA has introduced Rockfield Natural Cigarette Alternatives with no tobacco, no nicotine and no nitrosamines. Rockfield Natural Cigarette Alternatives sell for up to 70% less than traditional cigarettes and provide a low-cost alternative for consumers seeking relief from the high cost of traditional cigarettes. Benefits include no costly MSA tobacco taxes and higher…
Redrawing the Battle Lines
Separating nicotine from cigarettes and smoking could open new doors for tobacco. By Lou Maiellano. Imagine a natural ingredient so promising and intriguing that it is being clinically evaluated to address a variety of illnesses and conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, Tourette syndrome, ADHD, anger management and anxiety. Think about it, an ingredient that would…
R.J. Reynolds Introduces Camel SNUS Mint
R.J. Reynolds has announced the expansion of its Camel SNUS line, now available in select retail outlets in a Mint style. Camel SNUS Mint is the latest innovation from the brand known for transforming tobacco, giving adult tobacco consumers the freedom to “Break Free” and enjoy tobacco pleasure on their own terms. Offering innovative smoke-free…
FDA Introduces Draft Guidance on MRTPs and HPHCs for Tobacco
FDA intends to focus reporting enforcement on 20 HPHCs during 2012, and provides details for those seeking to market a tobacco product as modified or lower risk. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released two separate draft guidance documents to “help fight the tobacco epidemic and stop children from using tobacco.” The draft…
Meeting the Needs of Today’s C-Store Customers
CSD‘s 2012 Category Management Outlook offers trends and analysis from more than 25 key in-store categories. By John Lofstock and Erin Rigik. Tough economic times and stiff competition across the supply chain are making it critical for convenience store operators to have a solid understanding of their customers, particularly their high-frequency, high-value shoppers. Armed with…
Disposable E-Cigarettes
Size Matters! Smoker Friendly International is proud to announce the birth of their new disposable e-cigarette: Spirit 2. Made in the USA and using the same e-liquid used in the rechargeable version, the Spirit 2 is the most authentic e-cig ever produced. The e-cigarette is sized as a traditional cigarette and only .3 ounces (66%…