Tobacco Asia

70 tobaccoasia CLOSING NEWS 卷尾新闻 WHO Pushing for Plain Packaging in Indonesia The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the Indonesian government to move forward with standardized plain packaging for cigarettes. WHO representative to Indonesia, N. Paranietharan, said that several countries in Southeast Asia have already adopted similar policies, and Indonesia has an opportunity to align with that trend. Under the proposal, cigarette packs would feature graphic health warnings and neutral formatting—removing brand logos, color schemes, and promotional visuals while retaining product information in standardized text. "This approach reduces the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly among younger people," Paranietharan explained. "It minimizes the marketing function of packaging and makes health warnings more visible." So far, 25 countries have adopted plain packaging rules, and four others are preparing to do the same. Among Indone- sia's G20 peers, countries such as Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have already introduced the policy. Within Southeast Asia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand have taken similar steps. Paranietharan acknowledged concerns raised by some industry stakeholders, including claims that plain packaging could lead to more illicit trade, harm small retailers, or conflict with trade agreements. However, he challenged those concerns, saying: "There is no credible evidence to support those argu- ments." He cited Australia's experience as an example. Since introducing plain packaging in 2012, the country has reported declining smoking rates and improvements in public health. According to Paranietharan, Indonesia has already laid the legal foundation for implementing such measures. Govern- ment Regulation No. 28/2024, Article 435, requires cigarette and e-cigarette manufacturers and importers to follow stan- dardized rules for product packaging and labeling. "What the country needs now is a set of technical guidelines to bring the regulation into effect," he said. "With the legal framework already in place, the time for action is now." Remembering Mark Ryan: An Industry Icon Mark Ryan, a beloved figure in the tobacco world and founder of Daughters & Ryan, passed away on May 5 at the age of 69. Known for his deep voice, tuxedoed trade show appearances, and infectious laugh, Ryan was a larger-than-life presence whose passion for tobacco left a lasting mark on the industry. In 1992, he launched Daughters & Ryan, starting with roll-your-own tobacco and later expanding into premium blends like Two Timer, Windsail, Rimboche, and Picayune. But his most enduring legacy may be saving Perique tobacco. When he acquired the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco Company in 2005, the rare tobacco was nearly extinct, with just one barrel produced annually. Under his leadership, production grew to 80,000 pounds per year, reviving a local Louisiana tradition. Ryan played a key role during the Master Settlement Agreement and became a vocal opponent of what he viewed as excessive regulation from the US Food and Drug Administra- tion (FDA). In 2020, he sold a majority stake in Daughters & Ryan to Inter-Continental Trading USA but held onto L.A. Poche to ensure Perique's continued future. Known as a mentor, advocate, and innovator, Ryan earned accolades like the Golden Leaf Award and admiration from colleagues and competitors alike. "He had an infectious laugh and an amazing enthusiasm about life," said Halfwheel's Brooks Whittington. Friend and entrepreneur Trent Bohl added, "The hole left by his absence will never be filled." Ryan is survived by his partner Emily; daughters Patricia and Rebecca; sons-in-law Adam and Anil; and grandchildren Caleb, Amelia, and Rishi. His legacy lives on in every puff of Perique and in the people he inspired. New C.C.O. at PMI Philip Morris International (PMI) named Jody Sunna chief communications officer for its US operations, with her appointment taking effect on September 1. Sunna will oversee corporate, regulatory, public affairs, and product category communications across PMI's US operation. She will also join the company's US senior manage- ment team. Since joining PMI in 2018 as director of corporate communications and executive brands, Sunna took on increasingly senior roles. She became vice president of corporate communications in 2022, where she played a key role in developing and executing global communication strategies that supported the company's reputation and engagement with key stakeholders, according to PMI. Before joining PMI, Sunna held the position of executive vice president of consumer and lifestyle at Havas PR US. In April, PMI named former top communications executive Marian Salzman as senior vice president of corporate development and senior adviser to the US c.e.o.. Moira Gilchrist took on the role of global chief communications officer earlier this year. Kim Jong Un's Cigarettes Spark Demand in China North Korea's 7.27 cigarette brand — reportedly a favorite of leader Kim Jong Un — is gaining traction in parts of China's Liaoning province, where it commands a premium price despite being far more expensive than most local brands. A source in China told Daily NK that "7.27 cigarettes from North Korea are selling well here even though they cost several times more than Chinese cigarettes," noting that "people without economic means find the price burdensome." In cities like Dandong and Shenyang, a carton of 7.27s sells for around RMB500 (US$69), making them up to six times pricier than standard Chinese brands, which typically range from RMB80-120 (US$11-17) per carton. At this price point, 7.27 competes with China's top-tier cigarette brands and has caught the attention of well-off smokers. "There are cigarettes here that cost over 500 yuan per carton, but people usually smoke RMB10 packs (RMB100 per The industry lost a beloved mentor, advocate, and innovator with Mark Ryan's passing. Credit: Timothy Donahue.

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