Reports

Big Tobacco companies battle over Altria-Backed bill to impose FDA regulation
A new bill is scheduled for consideration in May that would give the FDA authority to regulate the tobacco industry by requiring a federal standard for marketing cigarettes and lower nicotine content in tobacco products. While the bill is backed by Philip Morris, who already dominates the lower nicotine product market, the rest of tobacco companies, some legislators and the National Association of Convenience Stores vehemently oppose the bill. Tobacco industry lobbyists are currently trying to delay consideration of bill to cast doubt in the minds of senators and representatives, while supporters of the bill feel confident that it will eventually be signed into law. To read more, click here.

Tobacco companies spending less on marketing
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently reported that spending on marketing by the five largest U.S. cigarette makers dropped from a record high $15.15 billion in 2003, to $14.15 billion in 2004, to $13.1 billion in 2005. However, this spending is still roughly double the amount reported to the FTC in 1998, which was $6.7 billion. The FTC report indicates that cigarette companies allocate most of their marketing funds for price discounts to cigarette retailers and wholesalers as a strategy to lower cigarette prices. To read more, click here, and to read the American Legacy Foundation response, click here.

Camel looks for ways to entice female smokers
RJ Reynolds’ new brand, Camel No. 9, is stirring debate on tobacco company marketing strategies. Camel No. 9 cigarettes are sold in a sleek black box and are marketed at gatherings featuring makeovers and free cigarettes. While RJ Reynolds contends that they are targeting only established adult female smokers, anti-smoking groups worry that the message is being transmitted to younger women and college students. To read more about the debate, click here.

Brand extension by RJ Reynolds draws ire of anti-smoking activists
After extensive testing with Camel consumers, RJ Reynolds has introduced four new flavors to its Camel brand of cigarettes that range from menthol to burley to spicy. Anti-smoking groups, including the American Legacy Foundation, are questioning the company’s claim that the products were tested solely on adult consumers. To read more, click here. The response from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids is available by clicking here.  Click here to read RJ Reynolds’ rebuttal.

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