Tobacco Asia

32 tobaccoasia PRODUCT NEWS 产品新闻 KT&G Debuts in India with Premium Superslim Cigarettes South Korea's top tobacco company, KT&G, is officially entering the Indian market through a strategic partnership with local distributor Kedara Trading LLP. This step is a key part of KT&G's plan to grow its presence across Asia, focusing on fast-expanding markets like India. On June 2, KT&G introduced four premium superslim products in India under its well-known superslim brand. Another 4 products will follow, bringing a total of 8 brands to the Indian market. Distribution will begin in major metro areas, with plans to expand to other large cities. KT&G and Kedara aim to meet current consumer trends by offering these premium products through paan shops, quick commerce platforms, and modern retail outlets. Quick commerce platforms, which provide rapid delivery, have gained popularity among urban Indian consumers who value convenience and instant access. By using these channels, KT&G and Kedara plan to increase product availability and boost visibility among digitally savvy, brand-aware customers. A KT&G spokesperson said, "We anticipate that our official entry into one of the world's most dynamic markets will generate significant growth momentum. Our premium products have already shown strong results globally, and we are confident they will connect well with Indian consumers. KT&G remains committed to long-term success through a diverse product portfolio and localized strategies." KT&G plans to steadily strengthen its presence in India by offering competitively priced premium products tailored to local preferences. BAT Launches glo™ Hilo with TurboStart™ Tech in Japan BAT introduced glo Hilo, a premium heated tobacco device featuring the groundbreaking TurboStart technology, in Japan. The glo Hilo is the first heated product that heats sticks in just 5 seconds, thanks to its advanced Quartz heating element, which combines resistive heating with infrared waves. This innovative system redefines glo's position in the heated products category, enabling it to compete strongly in the premium segment. Alongside the device, BAT launched a new myglo app offering enhanced customization options, including device location tracking and locking features. To complement glo Hilo, BAT also unveiled virto™ consumables, designed for precise heat transfer and equipped with StickSeal™ Technol- ogy to prevent tobacco fallout. Available in 8 flavors spanning tobacco, fresh, and novel profiles, virto offers a consistent and premium experience. "We are very excited to introduce glo Hilo in Japan," said Luciano Comin, chief marketing officer at BAT. "It's especially meaningful to bring glo back to its birthplace—nine years after its world-first launch in Sendai in 2016. "With over a decade of experience in new categories, we have transformed our innovation ecosystem to deliver compelling products tailored to consumer needs. We are confident glo Hilo will provide an all-new premium tobacco taste experience for Japanese consumers." JT Unveils Ploom Aura and Evo Sticks in Japan Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) launched its latest heated tobacco device, Ploom Aura, in Japan on May 27 through its Ploom stores and the Club JT online shop. The nationwide rollout began on July 1 in convenience stores and tobacco retailers across the country. JT also introduced Evo, a premium range of heated tobacco sticks (HTS) designed exclusively for the new device. Ploom Aura showcases JT's focus on flavor and innovation. The device features Smart Heatflow technology, which delivers a rich, satisfying tobacco experience without combus- tion or smoke smell. With the Heat Select System, users can personalize their sessions across 4 different modes. While maintaining Ploom's signature smooth contours, Aura introduces a more compact, modern design for added convenience and style. Evo, JT's global HTS brand, complements Ploom Aura's performance. Crafted from high-quality tobacco, Evo sticks are precisely cut and blended to deliver consistent flavor and a premium user experience. The combination of Ploom Aura and Evo aims to bring adult consumers a sophisticated and technologically advanced option in the evolving heated tobacco category. JT plans to launch Ploom Aura and Evo internationally in the near future as part of its ongoing innovation efforts in reduced-risk alternatives. Netherlands: High Nicotine Levels Flagged in Tobacco-Free Sticks Some tobacco-free smoking products sold in the Netherlands contain nicotine levels up to 18-25 times higher than the current advisory limit, according to a study by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), commissioned by the health ministry. Nicotine sticks entered the Dutch market in 2024. Currently, no European regulations set nicotine limits for non-tobacco nicotine products. RIVM recommends applying the same legal threshold that exists for tobacco products to these alternatives. RIVM tested four nicotine stick brands and found their nicotine content exceeded the suggested limit. Reported effects include elevated heart rate and lung irritation. The institute also noted that flavors—already restricted in vapes and traditional cigarettes—make these products more appealing, raising concerns. Esther Croes, tobacco expert at public health instituted Trimbos, said regulations should cover all nicotine-containing products with no tobacco. "Manufacturers have done this before, as with Swedish snus," she said. "That also used no tobacco, but cellulose with nicotine." Croes called for a ban on new nicotine products. "Tomorrow they will use something else. We've already seen nicotine-infused toothpicks. None of this falls under tobacco legislation," she said.

• Cover