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 Jun 6, 2025 TIM Alert
CIGARS
White Owl recently promoted an upcoming cigar flavor on their website. The flavor is called “Red, White, and Berry” and is described as a vibrant berry blend and has a pack that is reminiscent of rocket pops. The new flavor will be a limited-edition release.
ENDS
In the process of routine surveillance, we noticed that the Geek Bar Instagram account currently linked on the brand’s website, @geekbarvape, returns a “page not found” error. However, another account, @geekbar_official, currently linked from the brand’s official X account, continues to provide recent updates. It is uncertain whether the brand will link this new account on their website.
Excerpt from the May 30, 2025 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Dutch Masters has promoted their pre-festival party for Roots Picnic in Philadelphia on Instagram, called Planet Bloom – with musical guests, live interviews, merchandise booths, and the “Slow Burn Hour,” promising “the perfect smoke, perfect sound” vibes.
ENDS
Geek Bar launched a new line of e-cigarettes, GeekBar 2Go, on Friday, May 30. GeekBar 2Go offers a “2 Flavor Series” and an “Ice Series.” The 2 Flavor Series devices each contain two flavors (e.g., Strawberry and Kiwi) and feature a 3-level “flavor switch” that allows consumers to adjust the intensity of each flavor. The 2 Flavor Series offers six flavor options. The Ice Series offers seven flavor options and features a 3-level switch that allows users to adjust the intensity of the cooling sensation delivered. The company states that the device can deliver up to 50,000 puffs, while also describing GeekBar 2Go as “pocket-friendly” in an Instagram post.
Excerpt from the May 23, 2025 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Swisher Sweets announced via Instagram a limited time product in their Leaf cigarillos line, Dark Leaf, that will be available exclusively at 7-11 stores through July.
ENDS
Geek Bar revealed a new product design on Instagram and the brand website, the Slimor 32k, described as an “ultra-slim design” and “sleek and portable.”
Excerpt from the May 9, 2025 TIM Alert
MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS
Tom Segura, comedian and actor, has become a paid sponsor for Rogue nicotine pouches, as seen in emails from the brand and a YouTube video highlighting his experiences learning to drift in a Texas driving school. Tom and the instructor talk about the product flavor options and use the pouches during the course of the video.
VNM nicotine pouches were advertised in the first 2025 issue of Avanti Magazine (a trade publication for 7-Eleven franchise owners). The Avanti ad indicates that VNM pouches are available in 6mg and 9mg strengths; however, the VNM website only offers 3mg and 6mg strengths. The nicotine pouch cans shown in the Avanti ad also state, "3 bonus flavors with this purchase." VNM also offers disposable e-cigarettes.
Excerpt from the May 2, 2025 TIM Alert
ENDS
Altria recently had an earnings call where they shared that a cease-and-desist order went into effect for NJOY’s Ace device. The company has ceased all importation and distribution of the device to comply while they look to appeal. Their website also reflects this, as a link with information about the legal order is posted on the home page, and the Ace device is no longer shown on the website. The only device shown now is their disposable Daily e-cigarette.
IQOS
IQOS posted on Instagram this week that users can now order IQOS online for delivery to those who live in the greater Austin, Texas area. Currently, Austin is the only location where IQOS is sold in the U.S.