TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: bat

  • BAT Launches New Campaign as it Updates Neo Series

    BAT Launches New Campaign as it Updates Neo Series

    British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan announced the fourth cycle of the “Live Life in Color” campaign with the launch of its Limited Edition glo Hyper Pro Aurora heated tobacco device. BAT is looking to revive the glo franchise in Japan, the world’s largest and most competitive heated tobacco market, as its category share dipped from 20.1% in 2022 to 17.8% in 2024.

    The device will only be available at the official VELO online store beginning May 26, with a price of ¥4,980 (US$33.6). “Live Life in Color” is glo’s brand campaign with the theme “Turn vibrant days into joy.” BAT further enhanced the richness and fullness of the fruity flavors, improving the aroma and taste, while also enhancing the cooling sensation for an even more refreshing experience.

    In addition, BAT also revamped the entire neo series by upgrading the packaging colors and changing the flavor names. The packaging colors now match the flavors, making it easier for consumers to recognize the flavor. In particular, the color of the menthol packs changed from dark to light as the flavor changed from strong to weak menthol.

  • BAT Debuts New Cigarette in Korea

    BAT Debuts New Cigarette in Korea

    BAT Rothmans, the South Korean subsidiary of British American Tobacco, announced today (May 7) the global launch of a new cigarette brand, Global Editions by Dunhill, with Korea serving as the first market. The release marks the debut of Dunhill’s first-ever sub-brand.

    Inspired by three of the world’s most iconic cities—New York, Paris, and London—the Global Editions aim to capture the spirit of travel and the allure of brief escapes from everyday life. The company said the brand is designed specifically with Korean consumers in mind, reflecting their tastes in both flavor and design.

    The new line includes two King Size products—the New York Edition and the Paris Edition—each featuring a dual capsule system and delivering distinctive flavor combinations. The London Edition, a Fine Cut Super Slim cigarette, offers a crisp, single-capsule experience. Tar and nicotine levels range from 3.0mg to 0.20mg in the King Size variants to 1.5mg to 0.10mg in the Super Slim.

     “Global Editions by Dunhill captures special moments of travel and offers consumers a distinctive sensory experience,” said a BAT Rothmans representative. “As we take this first step, we are committed to establishing a strong presence in the combustible cigarette market and building a new global brand story beyond Korea.”

    The three editions will be available nationwide at convenience stores and tobacco retailers, priced at 4,500 won ($3.22).

  • BAT’s Vuse Out of Malaysia by Q3 2025

    BAT’s Vuse Out of Malaysia by Q3 2025

    Today (April 28), British American Tobacco Malaysia Bhd said it will phase out its vapor products from the Malaysian market by the third quarter of 2025 to comply with the new Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

    “In order to comply with the new regulatory requirements for vapor products as set out in Act 852 and its regulations that will take effect on Oct 1, 2025, the company will be transitioning out its current range of Vuse products in the third quarter of 2025,” BAT Malaysia said in a filing.

    The company said the transition will undertake commercial assessments of Vuse products while adhering to the new regulations, with a continued focus on “delivering combustible value growth.” BAT Malaysia expects that the exit will have a minimal impact on its financial performance for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025. Vuse, the No. 1 global vaping brand by market share, is currently the only vapor product sold by BAT Malaysia.

    Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government will intensify enforcement and regulation of electronic cigarettes and vape products under Act 852. Act 852, which first came into effect in October of last year, specifically targets individuals under the age of 18, who are prohibited from purchasing or using any smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape devices, in Malaysia.

    In FY2024, BAT Malaysia’s gross profit margin slipped 1.2 percentage points to 23.4% or RM541 million ($124.4 million), from RM568 million ($130.6 million) in FY2023, largely due to lower margins from vapor products. 

  • BAT Hosts Annual General Meeting

    BAT Hosts Annual General Meeting

    At its 2025 General Meeting, British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that its sales had fallen by 5.2% as reported in 2024, although has risen 1.3% organically. The company presented its updated strategy based on three pillars: quality growth, a sustainable future, and a dynamic company.

    “2024 was an investment year for BAT, with delivery in line with our guidance,” Luc Jobin said in BAT’s chair address. “I was pleased to see another solid performance in our new categories business. New categories’ contribution increased by £251 million, on an adjusted organic basis at constant currency rates, and category contribution margin is now at 7.1%.”

    BAT said it would continue its strategy towards a smoke-free world, aiming for a largely combustion-free business by 2035. Smokeless products now account for 17.5% of sales, with 29.1 million adult consumers. For 2025, BAT expects 1% sales growth, with its adjusted operating profit up by between 1.5% and 2.5%, with an unfavorable exchange rate effect. The company is targeting 3%-5% growth in sales for 2026, with adjusted profit up 4%-6%. The £900m share buyback program and a 2% increase in its dividend have been confirmed.
    The Board announced the addition of Soraya Benchikh as Chief Financial Officer and Uta Kemmerich-Keil as an independent director.

  • Former Tory Contender to Work for BAT

    Former Tory Contender to Work for BAT

    The Guardian reported today (April 10) that Penny Mordaunt, the former U.K. Conservative leadership contender who served in cabinet roles from defense secretary to leader of the House of Commons, has taken a job advising British American Tobacco’s (BAT) “transformation advisory group” on harm-reduction.

    Mordaunt’s new job was revealed by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, which said she should not lobby the government for two years after leaving office or advise on any public contracts.

    In its analysis, the committee said, “British American Tobacco has a significant interest in government policy and regulation and has resources focused on influencing government decisions – for example lobbying for a reduction in taxes for cigarettes, legislation on vaping and the prevention of counterfeit goods.”

    The committee said there were only limited risks associated with Mordaunt’s access to information that could help BAT given the change of government and the amount of time that had passed.

    However, it added: “Whilst you said you will not lobby, there is a risk your former role as a cabinet minister will be seen to offer British American Tobacco unfair access to and influence within government. Therefore, the committee’s advice is that you should have no direct engagement with government on behalf of the company, as to do so would raise significant risks under the government’s rules.”

    When asked about Mordaunt’s role, BAT chief corporate officer Kingsley Wheaton said, “BAT has launched a manifesto for change … it is founded on the very best tobacco harm reduction [THR] thinking and science. To accelerate that ambition, we understand alternative viewpoints that challenge our thinking will maximize success. This THR advisory board is designed to do just that.”

  • Report Outlines the Mozambique Tobacco Industry

    Report Outlines the Mozambique Tobacco Industry

    ResearchAndMarkets.com has released a report on the tobacco industry in Mozambique, including information on production, manufacture and retail, key trends and issues, notable players, trade, and regulations. “Tobacco Industry in Mozambique” also provides information on major influencing factors such as the security situation, economic environment health, environmental issues, and illegal trading. The report includes company profiles of three players including British American Tobacco, Mozambique Leaf Tobacco, and Afro Tobacco Company.

    For marketing trends, it reports on:

    • An increase in tobacco sales revenues
    • Growth in tobacco exports
    • The concession system provides smallholder farmers with a market to sell their tobacco
    • The introduction of seal stamps on tobacco products, to reduce illicit cigarettes
    • The potential for increased tobacco production
  • BAT Gives Notice of Annual Meeting 

    BAT Gives Notice of Annual Meeting 

    BAT announced that it has published its Notice of Annual General Meeting 2025 on its website ahead of the meeting on April 16. The following documents are being mailed and made available to its shareholders today (March 13):

    1)    Annual Report and Form 20-F 2024 (including the Strategic Report 2024) www.bat.com/annualreport

    2)    Combined Performance and Sustainability Summary 2024 www.bat.com/annualreport

    3)    AGM Notice 2025 www.bat.com/AGM

    4)    Proxy Form 

    5)    Proxy Form – South Africa 

    6)    Voting Instruction Form – South Africa

    Click here for details on document submissions and local compliance.

  • BAT Announces Pricing of $2.5B Notes Offerings

    BAT Announces Pricing of $2.5B Notes Offerings

    British American Tobacco today (March 12) announced that B.A.T Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, has priced an offering of $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of guaranteed debt securities consisting of (1) $1 billion 5.350% notes due in 2032, (2) $1 billion 5.625% notes due in 2035, and (3) $500 million 6.250% notes due in 2055.

    The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior and unsecured and joint and several basis by BAT, B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. and, unless its guarantee is released in accordance with the relevant indenture, Reynolds American Inc.

    The issuance of the notes is expected to close March 13, subject to customary closing conditions.

    BAT intends to use the net proceeds of the offering of the notes for general corporate purposes, including the potential repayment of existing indebtedness.

    The preliminary prospectus supplement is available at: 424B2 (sec.gov)

    The shelf registration statement is also available at: F-3ASR (sec.gov)

  • Canadian Tobacco Settlement a Step Closer to Complete

    Canadian Tobacco Settlement a Step Closer to Complete

    After years of mediation to resolve long-pending tobacco product-related litigation in Canada, the court-appointed Mediator’s and Monitor’s Plan of Compromise and Arrangement was today (March 7) sanctioned by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the ongoing proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The sanctioning was a significant step in finalizing the $22.7 billion settlement agreement with Imperial Tobacco Canada (a BAT subsidiary), JTI-Macdonald Corp., and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges (a PMI subsidiary). The settlement has been in negotiations since March 2019.

    Following a judicial hearing on the proposed plan, the three companies reached a consensual resolution of all outstanding objections to it. The plan will resolve all Canadian tobacco litigation and provide a full and comprehensive release to the companies.

    “We are pleased that the Court has sanctioned the Mediator’s and Monitor’s Plan of Compromise and Arrangement, a critical milestone in the CCAA process, Imperial Tobacco Canada wrote in a statement. “We look forward to the successful implementation of this plan, which maximizes value for claimants, resolves outstanding tobacco litigation, and allows us to emerge from CCAA protection. While there are still some steps that must be taken to implement the settlement, Imperial Tobacco Canada is committed to continue working with the relevant parties to complete this process as quickly as possible for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

  • PMI Retains European Vape Patent

    PMI Retains European Vape Patent

    European patent officials tossed a challenge from a British American Tobacco subsidiary allowing Philip Morris to retain its patent for a type of power supply for electronic vapes.

    The patent from PMI primarily describes a power supply system for an e-vaping device, including a sensor and a sensor holder designed to regulate airflow and house a power source. Nicoventures claimed the patent was not new because it used similar features in three older patents for its “Vuse Solo.” The BAT side argued that there were several features in the older patents that effectively served as sensor holders similar to the PMI design.

    In a Feb. 20 decision that was published yesterday (March 5), the appellate board at the European Patent Office upheld an earlier decision dismissing Nicoventures’ opposition because Philip Morris’ power supply design contains a unique structure.

    “The board concurs with the respondent’s arguments [that] the structure of the e-vaping device in [the older inventions] and the patent are not identical,” the Technical Board of Appeal said.

    PMI further argued that Nicoventures failed to prove that Vuse Solo “was available to the public before it filed its own patent application, therefore Nicoventures cannot argue that its design is not new,” Law360 wrote.