2firsts

Japan's Heated Tobacco Use Rises From 0.1% to 14.9% Over a Decade as Growth Extends Beyond Cigarette Switching

A decade-long study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific found that heated tobacco product use in Japan ...
2firsts

Russia Expands Temporary Administration of JTI Assets in Second Round: From Four to All Seven Russian Entities, With Approximately $9.5 Billion in Related Assets

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) confirmed on November 9, 2026, that all seven of its Russian entities had been placed under temporary ...
2firsts

Hawaii's Largest Independent Vape Retailer and Wholesaler Volcano to Close All 13 Stores Ahead of 2027 Sales Rules

Hawaii-based vaping company Volcano eCigs plans to close all 13 physical retail stores on December 31, 2026, affecting ...
2firsts

Special report｜Indonesia's Vape Industry Has 200 Manufacturers and $1.7 Billion in Investment. Could a Regulatory Divide Derail Its Rise as the World's No. 2 Manufact…

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry said at a November 3, 2026, policy forum that the country has about 200 electronic cigarette ...
2firsts

Athletes Back Skoka's $21.5 Million Nicotine Pouch Venture: Can Its Consumer Health Founder Make an FDA-Focused Strategy Pay Off?

U.S. nicotine pouch startup Skoka Inc. has raised $21.5 million and committed $15 million to an FDA regulatory and scientific ...
2firsts

Product | BAT Revises Japan's VELO Convenience Store Lineup, Adding ¥380 Mango Pouches as Selected SKUs Exit

British American Tobacco's Japanese subsidiary, BAT Japan, launched VELO Mango Ice Medium on November 2, 2026, with ...
2firsts

Special Report | Russia Places Four JTI Businesses Under Temporary Management, a First for Tobacco Majors

Russia has placed shares in four Japan Tobacco International businesses under temporary management, the first such move involving a major global tobacco manufacturer, according to Interfax. JTI held ...
2firsts

Product | Japan Tobacco Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Range to Eight SKUs in Japan, Launches Melon Variant and Broadens Mint Retail Distribution

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) launched Nordic Spirit Rich Melon Medium through selected tobacco retailers in Japan on November 2, 2026, while expanding physical retail distribution for three existing mint ...
2firsts

Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings

During its coverage of Altria's booth at NACS Show 2026, 2Firsts documented product displays that prompted questions about U.S. tobacco advertising warning requirements. Following public comments from ...