Federal District Judge Richard Arcara temporarily ordered that the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act), a new law that disallows cigarettes to be shipped via the mail-which was set to go into effect yesterday-to be placed on hold, the Associated Press reported. A Seneca Indian Nation tobacco business owner asked for the restraining order…
Cigars and Papers
HBI International offers Juicy Bluntarillo Quad Wrapped Cigars, which are smaller than a blunt, but bigger than a cigarillo. The Bluntarillos have four wraps because the flavor of a cigar is mostly held in its wrapper. By using four, this cigar has four times the flavor. Plus some of the wraps can be peeled off…
NY Cigarette Taxes To Hit $4.35 A Pack
On Monday night, June 21, 2010, the New York Legislature narrowly agreed to increase the state’s tax on cigarettes. The tax is now set to grow by an additional $1.60-to a national-high $4.35 a pack, the New York Daily News reported. When adding in city and federal taxes, the tax charged on one pack…
Ruyan America Goes Prime Time
Ruyan America Inc. and Prime Time International Co. have inked an exclusive product development, brand marketing and supply agreement, CSD has learned. Under the terms of the agreement, Phoenix-based Prime Time will become the exclusive North American distributor and marketer of Ruyan America’s digital smoking alternatives and will provide input and direction with respect to…
Mini Wine Flavor Cigarillos
Swisher International Inc. has combined one of its newest and most popular flavors with the convenient shape of mini cigarillos to make the new Swisher Sweets Mini Wine Cigarillos. These new, smaller cigars offer the quick smoke many customers prefer, and come individually wrapped with the company’s unique sealed-fresh wrapper to ensure fresh, flavorful cigars…
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…
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…
Seizing Smokeless Opportunities
Just when you think you know everything about the mercurial business of tobacco, a bit of trivia comes along that gets your attention. Distributors and retailers have had reams of information to study in the past two years as major changes in legislation, taxation and consumer habits have forced domino-effect adjustments. Manufacturers, chain executives, category…
A Rocky Ride for RYO
Proper Handling Quality counts—especially with tobacco, something c-store operators had better keep in mind. Kevin Paige, owner of three Butthead’s Tobacco Emporiums in Danbury, Conn., said he is trying to distance himself from the c-store channel when it comes to tobacco. “Although I operated my own c-stores for over 20 years, I don’t think the…
JTI Takes flight with “WINGS”
JT International U.S.A. (JTI) has introduced its newest brand: WINGS. The product will be available to distributors June 21. A high-quality, American blend cigarette with a smooth flavor, WINGS is designed for today’s value-seeking adult smokers with its bold, premium packaging and attractive price. WINGS will be available in six top-selling box styles, including Red,…