Building on the success of the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) 2010, the Tobacco Plus Expo slated for March 2-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is attracting a record level of early interest from both exhibitors and attendees. “A full 10 months out we already have commitments from the majority of last year’s exhibitors, as [...]
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 [...]
The federal Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) goes into effect today, June 29, 2010. PACT Act is set to regulate the sale of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco sold over the Internet or by mail order to consumers. But, one provision of the PACT Act has caused some confusion, according to the [...]
Smoker Friendly International (SFI) is set to host its annual Tobacco Festival and Conference from Aug. 30- Sept. 1 at the Millennium Harvest House in Boulder, Colo. SFI also has announced the members of its 2010 legislative panel. This year’s distinguished group will include: David Riser, vice president of External Relations Trade Marketing, RJ Reynolds [...]
New tobacco rules hit tomorrow, June 22, and the FDA has issued separate letters to retailers and manufacturers to ensure the industry is prepared. Starting tomorrow, manufacturers can no longer manufacture cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco products labeled or advertised with the descriptors “light,” “low,” “mild,” or similar descriptive words. Beginning on July 22, [...]
Altria Group, Lorillard Inc., Reynolds American Inc., two retailers and two retail trade associations have filed a lawsuit in U.S. Federal District Court challenging the New York City Board of Health’s ordinance requiring graphic anti-tobacco health warning signs to be posted in retail stores that sell tobacco products. The lawsuit asserts that the federal government warning [...]
As June 22 inches closer, the day the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products’ new tobacco regulations go into effect, the agency has responded to retailer confusion regarding the ability to sell existing inventory of tobacco products labeled “light” “mild,” etc. On Saturday, June 5, the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products issued a [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) is developing a retailer education campaign to raise awareness about new regulations regarding the sale and distribution of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. “The retail community plays a direct role in helping us protect our kids from tobacco,” the CTP noted in a press release. [...]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) is developing a retailer education campaign to raise awareness about new regulations regarding the sale and distribution of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. “The retail community plays a direct role in helping us protect our kids from tobacco,” the CTP noted in a press release. [...]
Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is warning that if the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is introduced as planned on tobacco products, tobacco prices would grow by 8%, redirecting millions of dollars in taxes to organized crime groups. As it stands now, sales of tobacco products are not subject to Ontario, Canada’s 8% Provincial Sales Tax [...]
In time for its 10th anniversary, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) is launching its inaugural NATO Show at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas next spring. The dates for the first NATO Show are April 12-14, 2011. The NATO show will feature educational seminars for retailers, the NATO Annual Awards Dinner, along with evening [...]