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Tobacco Industry News
Research
Why California retailers stop selling tobacco products, and what their customers and employees think about it when they do: Case studies
A new studyreviewed the reasons behind voluntary abandonment of tobacco sales by seven retailers in California. Impetuses behind the retailers’ decisions to stop selling tobacco included overall health reasons, wanting to be seen as “making a difference,” and regulatory pressures. The study also delves into the employees’ opinions on the lack of tobacco sales. The findings indicate a voluntary ban on tobacco sales may be appreciated by consumers, and should be publicized in order to generate good public relations and tobacco norm changes. Click here to read the article in BMC Public Health.
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Reports
Social media news: The QR Code for quick response to big tobacco fact sheet
This fact sheet outlines how the tobacco industry uses QR Codes (quick response codes), a barcode-like picture that users scan with a QR Reader Smartphone application that then directs them to some tobacco-related activity (website, map, calendar, petition, online community, text message, email, etc.). It encourages tobacco control advocates to take advantage of this technology and lists three steps advocates can use to get started using QR codes to connect with other advocates in the field. Also lists ideas on how/when to use QR codes. Click here to view the fact sheet.
New Camel snus ads urge smokers to seek alternatives
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has begun a print ad campaign aimed at convincing smokers to change their favored tobacco product from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco products, particularly Camel Snus. The November 17th timing of the campaign’s release coincided with the Great American Smokeout, leading some to believe that the tobacco company is using broader smoking cessation messages to their advantage to get smokers to use their smokeless tobacco products. Read more here.
Dissolvable tobacco products appealing to women
R.J. Reynolds recently reported that its new Camel brand dissolvable tobacco products have gained traction among women. Camel Sticks, Camel Strips and Camel Orbs are being marketed as smokeless alternatives to cigarettes, and dissolve completely rather than being spit out like conventional smokeless tobacco products. While most smokeless tobacco products are more popular among men than women, a survey conducted in September and October revealed that 45% of the buyers of the three new dissolvable Camel products were females. By comparison, 31% of all tobacco consumers surveyed were adult females. These new products are currently available in test markets in Charlotte and Denver. R.J. Reynolds has not announced when a national rollout will occur. Click here to read the full story.
Imperial Tobacco earnings gain on prices, emerging markets
The England-based company Imperial Tobacco, maker of the Davidoff, Gauloises Blondes, West and JPS brands, reported a 1.2% increase in earnings this year. The tobacco company is getting more business from emerging international markets and has increased the price of its cigarettes, which has offset lost profits due to decreased cigarette consumption in North America and Spain. Read more here.
Liggett hikes 'deep-discount' cigarette prices
Liggett Vector Brands has increased prices on its deep-discount brands by eight cents. The price increase is notable because many reports have showed that smokers are switching to lower cost brands in response to increased tobacco tax or because of the bad economy. It is unclear how the increase in cigarette price will affect smokers. Read more here.
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International
Philip Morris closes plant in Uruguay amid lawsuit (Uruguay)
Philip Morris has shut down its tobacco plant in Uruguay because the country’s smoke-free policies make business unprofitable. Currently, smoking is banned in public spaces, taxes have been raised on tobacco products, and large warnings and graphic images must be included on cigarette packages. Cigarettes will now be imported into Uruguay from Argentina. Click here to ready more.
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