TIM Alerts

CIGARS

A number of new cigar products were announced in July. On Instagram and via email, Swisher Sweets announced a new flavored cigarillo, Mango Blaze. The limited-edition flavor is sold in 2-packs. The new flavor isn’t on the Swisher Sweets website yet. Backwoods also introduced a new cigar on Instagram as part of their “Select” line. 

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

Altria recently held an earnings call where they talked about the performance of their products and future plans. On! was specifically mentioned, as a portion of the call was dedicated to the pouch line’s growth in the past year.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO

Camel Snus has been using a new “Let’s Be Real” tagline in their ads to describe their products. Recently, a direct mailing highlighted the limited ingredients and processing, and use of a native tobacco plant strain. While several other products, such as cigarettes, have taken a similar approach to highlighting the simplicity of their ingredients, we have not seen this marketing angle from snus brands before.

ENDS

Tariff-related price increases and port seizures of unauthorized vapes have contributed to a shortage of Geek Bar products available from U.S. retailers, as reported by Reuters. Overall vape shipments from China have drastically decreased from last year. Anecdotally, our team has seen consumer content on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram about this shortage. Retailers have begun to suggest similar brand alternatives, like this Eclipse product.

CIGARS

On the brand's Instagram, Backwoods promoted a new exclusive 7-Eleven flavor, Bourbon Dark Leaf Reserve, for 7-Eleven Day.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO

America’s Best Chew (Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP) sent a direct-email ad promoting a free trial of their sugar-free Silver Blend flavor. Consumers may redeem a coupons for this free trial once every six months. These coupons are available on the brand’s website, which is accessible to consumers who have registered for an account and provided their name, address, date of birth, and tobacco use status.

CIGARS

Zig-Zag (a brand of rolling papers from Turning Point Brands) launched a new line of cigarillos (Zig-Zag Woods), which come in five flavors—Crème Royale, Natural, Silk & Berries, Sweet Aromatic, and Velvet. Zig-Zag Woods are available for retailers to purchase via the Turning Point Brands Marketplace website but are not yet shown on Zig-Zag’s website or Instagram.

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

Lone nicotine pouches were recently reviewed on Snubie.com, a blog that primarily discusses and reviews snus and nicotine pouches. Lone’s website claims that Lone pouches contain “no sweeteners that destroy your gut,” “no pH agents that burn your mouth,” and “no synthetics that compromise long-term health.” Lone nicotine pouches contain xylitol (a commonly used sugar substitute, often found in sugar-free gum), which the company’s website claims is, “derived from fruits and veggies—shown to reduce cavity risk and support oral health.” Lone nicotine pouches come in two strengths (3mg and 6mg) and three flavors (Crisp, Raw Cinnamon, and Wintergreen) and are available in a limited number of stores in four states (Idaho, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas)

CIGARS

Crwnz promoted a new line of cigars in retailer magazines. Their line is called Crwnz Woods, and the ad describes the product as having a “natural leaf cut.” The cigars will begin shipping to retailers this month. The line includes “O.G.,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Royal Aromatic,” and “Honey Drip” flavors.

ENDS

Lost Mary is marketing a new, upgraded version of their popular Turbo device on Instagram and their website, called the MT35000 Turbo. It now offers up to 35000 puffs in five flavors, with names like Scary Berry and Tigers Blood.

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

VELO now offers a 3mg strength option for the Wintergreen and Wild Berry flavors of VELO Plus pouches. Previously, VELO Plus was only offered in 6mg and 9mg strength options. The new 3mg option was announced via VELO Pouch Talk (text message alerts) and on VELO’s website.