Marlboro Stops Cigar Sales in Mexico, Pushes Safer IQOS Instead
Philip Morris, the tobacco giant behind the Marlboro brand, is saying goodbye to cigars in Mexico, where they hold a 65% market share, and instead focusing on promoting and selling its smoke-free tobacco products such as IQOS. We hope to make a positive i
The tobacco giant behind the Marlboro brand, Philip Morris, is saying goodbye to cigars in Mexico, where they hold a 65% market share, and is instead focusing on promoting and selling its smoke-free tobacco products like IQOS.<\/span><\/div>
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“We want to make a positive impact on the 15 million smokers in the country. Therefore, we have decided to pave the way for a smoke-free future by introducing revolutionary products like IQOS, which will help achieve the country's goal of a smoke-free future by 2030,” said Philip Morris CEO Andrzej Dabrowski in a statement from Mexico.<\/span><\/div>
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“Currently, 80,000 people in Mexico are interested in new consumption alternatives, especially IQOS. Therefore, Philip Morris continues its “Choice Transformation” initiative aimed at encouraging and providing information related to this new smoke-free and ash-free product portfolio.”<\/span><\/div>
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PMI believes that about 26,000 Mexicans are already using their IQOS devices. However, Mexican authorities insist that electronic devices may be as harmful and addictive as regular cigarettes. To this end, they have banned the import of such products.<\/span><\/div>
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In certain markets, cigarettes may be phased out within 10 years.<\/span><\/div>
Meanwhile, Philip Morris International CEO Andre Calantzopoulos continues to point out that as smokers become more health-conscious and begin to turn to safer alternatives, cigarette sales in certain markets may become obsolete within 10 to 15 years.<\/span><\/div>
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In a sustainability report released last July, he stated: “I firmly believe that it is possible to completely end cigarette sales in many countries within 10 to 15 years.” However, he added that regulatory support is needed to make this a reality.<\/span><\/div>
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The manufacturer of Marlboro has long stated that the company's goal is to achieve a “smoke-free future,” and is now starting to provide a specific timeline. The company has nearly one-fifth of its revenue coming from non-combustible products like IQOS.<\/span><\/div>
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In recent years, PMI has been working hard to emphasize its shift in direction and regain credibility. “The message about smoking has always been clear: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you already smoke, quit. But for anyone who decides not to quit, they should have the opportunity to access information and other options,” Dabrowski said.<\/span><\/div>
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