Tobacco Industry News

Reports

Reynolds to acquire Swedish company that makes product to help people quit smoking
Reynolds American Inc. announced on December 2 that it will purchase Niconovum AB for $44 million, with the deal expected to be completed by the end of the year. Reynolds’ CEO says that the deal is mutually beneficial; Niconovum’s products will expand Reynolds’ harm reduction strategies and provide tobacco consumers with cessation products, while Reynolds will be able to provide Niconovum with funding for product development and testing. Niconovum will continue to operate as a separate company and remain headquartered in Sweden after the acquisition. Click here to read more about the deal.

Reynolds offers buyouts to manufacturing workers
In order to cut operating costs, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. will be offering buyouts to approximately 1,800 workers at its North Carolina factories. The company does not have a specified number of jobs it wishes to eliminate, and employees that do not opt for the buyout will retain their positions. Tax increases, smoking bans, health concerns, and stigma related to smoking have resulted in drops in cigarette sales, requiring companies to cut costs. Click here to read more.

Global Voices: Rebutting the Tobacco Industry, Winning Smokefree Air - 2009 Status Report
The Global Smokefree Partnership has launched its 2009 status report, Rebutting the Tobacco Industry, Winning Smokefree Air. The theme for the report is tobacco industry interference.The report details the tobacco industry’s attempts to hinder smokefree legislation, and highlights the efforts of governments, organizations, and individuals that are fighting against Big Tobacco. Success stories of countries that have developed measures to ensure smokefree air are also featured. Click here to learn more about the report, or to download a copy (available in English and Spanish).

Test marketing of new smokeless tobacco products in four U.S. cities
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research assessed the availability, price, and point-of-purchase marketing strategies for snus in 165 stores in four test markets in the U.S.: Columbus, Dallas/Fort Worth, Indianapolis, and Portland. Snus was available in the majority (64%) of the stores and was consistently marketed towards smokers. However, there was significant variation in the availability, price, and point-of-purchase marketing by brand. The results appear to reflect differences in marketing strategies by American snus manufacturers; store attendants indicated that Camel Snus had the highest demand, and it is also the most intensively marketed product. The findings could help predict future marketing of snus and other tobacco products and offer a baseline for later assessment of product acceptance. Click here for the study abstract.

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