TIM Alerts
Tobacco Industry Marketing (TIM) Alerts provide weekly newsletters to subscribers to keep up to date with tobacco industry marketing and emerging tobacco products. Below are excerpts from the five most recent TIM Alerts. To see an archive of all previous alerts, click here.
Excerpt from the Dec 19, 2025 TIM Alert
ENDS
Juul is using their mobile coupons program to promote their brand in retailer magazines. The ad focuses on the potential of the program to boost sales and foot traffic for retailers that participate. It even goes on to specifically mention that “over 10,000 customers have made repeat purchases through the Mobile Coupons program” in 2025.
MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS
Bridge nicotine pouches are now available at Buc-ee's convenience stores, according to an ad on Convenience Store Decisions’ website. Bridge comes in five flavors (Citrus, Mint, Original, Spearmint, and Wintergreen) and three nicotine strengths (4mg, 10mg, and 15mg).
Excerpt from the Dec 12, 2025 TIM Alert
MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS
Alp announced on its Instagram page that a new flavor (Classic) is available to California customers. The new Classic flavor is available through Alp’s website, which states that this new flavor only ships to California (describing it as “California Exclusive”).
IQOS
IQOS announced on its social media accounts that HEETS inserts will be available to consumers in select Sprint Mart stores in Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson is one of three locations where IQOS products are currently sold, in addition to Austin, Texas and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. IQOS is also encouraging consumers to explore their Austin pop-up shops by promoting a free non-alcoholic beverage at 7-Eleven and Circle K from Dec 3 to 16.
Excerpt from the Dec 5, 2025 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Swisher Sweets recently announced the return of their limited-edition Peppermint cigarillos on Instagram. The packaging features a snowflake theme.
ENDS
Geek Bar recently introduced two new products on Instagram: a new Marble Edition for the Meloso Mini, and a new model called the Hookah X, which appears indistinguishable from their Pulse X models but includes an adjustable airflow mechanism. According to the website, the Hookah X will be available in 10 new flavors like “Pink Berry,” “Lemon Ice,” and “Bali.” The Marble Edition Meloso Mini has a marbled pastel appearance and introduces new flavors like “Pink Lemonade” and “Raspberry Watermelon.” As always, it remains to be seen if these products will appear at point of sale in the US.
Excerpt from the Nov 21, 2025 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Dutch Masters recently introduced a new flavored cigar on Instagram, Cocoa, “crafted for crisp days, chill nights, and holiday sessions.” The cigars are sold in a 2-pack and feature an image of a mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows.
ENDS
Geek Bar now promotes a rewards program, G-Points Rewards, with an animated pop-up banner on their website (geekbar.com). Customers can register on a separate website that relies on self-report for age verification, and scan product security codes to earn points. Other ways to earn points include inviting friends, daily check-ins, and birthday bonus points. Prizes range from gift cards to an Apple iPhone 17.
Excerpt from the Nov 14, 2025 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Backwoods promoted a new limited-edition flavor – Rum Cake – on their Instagram this week, displaying the 5-cigar pack on a plate alongside the eponymous cake. The product features “all natural leaf wrappers.”
SMOKELESS TOBACCO
Marlboro has recently advertised Copenhagen on the home page of their website. A header on the top of the home page reads “Want smoke-free American-grown tobacco? LEARN MORE”, and it brings up a pop-up ad for Copenhagen’s spit-free tobacco pouches when you click on it. The ad also has a link to DipDirect.com so customers can order it online.