TIM Alerts

SMOKELESS TOBACCO

Stoker's, a brand of smokeless tobacco, has been promoting their smartphone app on Instagram; specifically, the opportunity to get cash back on products purchased in brick-and-mortar retailers by accessing mobile coupons. The app allows users to claim mobile coupons once a week (in states where they are not prohibited) and use the store locator feature.

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

On September 7, Sesh promoted its flavorless nicotine pouch, “Sesh Clear,” to California consumers on their Instagram account (@seshproductsusa), stating, "In light of the California flavor ban, we introduce Sesh Clear—the same great experience with a compliant twist. Stay satisfied, California." Other tobacco and nicotine brands have released “California-friendly” styles in the past in light of California’s flavor ban, including Camel and Backwoods.

ENDS

At least two disposable vape devices offering “Ice Control” options have been advertised in magazines for retailers selling “counter-culture” products (e.g., vape shops). These devices—Pillow Talk IC40000 and OXBAR 35K Ice-Nic Control—feature four “ice level” options that allow users to adjust the intensity of the cooling sensation delivered. 

GEEK BAR will soon offer five new “Sour Edition” flavors as part of its Pulse series—Sour Cranapple, Sour Watermelon Drop, Sour Strawberry, Sour Blue Dust, and Sour Gush—in addition to its two existing sour flavors—Sour Apple B-POP and Sour Apple Ice.

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

NYKD nicotine pouches (parent company: The Puff Brands) has advertised in magazines for retailers selling “counter-culture” products (e.g., vape shops). NYKD offers two “flavorless” options: “Pure” and “Vibe.”

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

Zyn has been noticeably inactive on the brand's Instagram account for the past 2 weeks; prior to this time period, marketing was relatively frequent, with one or two posts a week. A majority of consumer interaction with recent posts has referenced low stock in stores and inaccessibility of the online store, shut down in June due to ongoing legal procedures.

Black Buffalo has announced new can designs for their tobacco-alternative nicotine products; the new designs (pictured directly below) have more colors and patterns on the front and sides to distinguish between varieties. The new cans are set to be released in September 2024.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO 

Skoal has recently updated their website to celebrate their 90^th anniversary. The website has a timeline of the company’s history and an announcement that Skoal is releasing new limited-edition 90^th anniversary cans “inspired by the first Skoal cans from 1934” to celebrate the occasion.

ENDS 

Direct mail from Sensa – a new, nicotine-free vaping product manufactured by RJ Reynolds – promoted the product and its “six exciting flavors.” The mailing includes warning labels that say “Zero nicotine does not mean this product is safe.”

ENDS

A new disposable “smart e-vape” by fume (QRJOY), called wefume, has been advertised in B2B magazines and on the brand's social media. The vape device offers a full touch screen, 16 apps – including calculator, calendar, alarm, and games - and smartphone synchronization, allowing users to make calls, play music, and activate voice-based assistants (like Siri). 

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

Zimo, a newer nicotine pouch brand that launched in late 2023, has begun advertising in B2B magazines. This is a change from their previous marketing practices, as the brand seemed to primarily use X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to promote their products.