Sale et tabacchi, the inscription on the logo of Italian tobacconist shops, still speaks of tobacco’s long history on the peninsula. It calls to mind the country’s monopoly on salt and tobacco in colonial times.
Today, Italy is the European Union’s largest producer of leaf tobacco, with an annual production of 50 million kg, representing a market share of 27 percent. The country’s economic powerhouse in the north is home not only to leaf tobacco cultivation but also to leading cigarette companies’ and suppliers’ manufacturing sites, which continue to invest in the region.
Philip Morris International has a state-of-the-art tobacco heating factory in Bologna, BAT recently inaugurated an innovation hub in Trieste, Tobacco Technology has a set up a flavorings lab in the region and Montrade is expanding its operations, to name just a few developments.
In the runup to TabExpo Bologna 2023, Tobacco Reporter’s Stefanie Rossel traveled through northern Italy to learn about the tobacco industry’s latest investments. In this special report, she shares her insights.
22nd Century Group Expands VLN Cigarette Sales Across U.S.
CEO Larry Firestone said the approvals clear the way for VLN and partner brands to launch in more than 2,000 retail outlets by the second half of 2025.
PDI Technologies Prepares Retailers for Altria’s 2026 Digital Trade Program
Our goal is to help retailers fully leverage AGDC’s DTP at all levels and deliver value to engaged adult tobacco consumers 21 and older.
$3.2M of Contraband Tobacco Seized in Canadian Traffic Stop
Authorities say the illicit shipment would have cost the government an estimated C$9.1 million ($6.6 million) in lost taxes.
UK Vaping Industry Sounds Alarm Over Rising Youth Smoking Rates
While youth vaping rates remain steady at one-in-five, officials called the uptick in youth smoking “deeply troubling” and urged urgent action.
WCTC Gets Protestors Wanting Input
The campaign comes at a time when the WHO is pushing for sweeping bans on flavored nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
WVA Raises Alarm About Misperceptions
The consumer group organized a protest in front of the WHO headquarters today.
EU Urged to Adopt Science-Based Strategy
Health Ministers are currently debating Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in Brussels.
Activists Lament EU Stance on THR
The EU Commission’s approach is out of touch with citizens’ views, according to the WVA.
WHO Announcement Provokes Backlash
THR activists say the health body’s stance is based on discredited research.
Finland: Smoke-Free Tax Plans Draw Fire
Critics believe the proposal will steer smokers away from less harmful options.
Vapers Cheer EU Recognition of E-cigs as Possible Quit Aid
But a proposal to treat vaping as smoking in public spaces generates less enthusiasm.
Activists Slam Report
The WHO’s recent publication discounts the impact of tobacco harm reduction, says World Vapers Alliance.
Campaign for Harm Reduction in Strasbourg
The World Vapers Alliance speaks out against flavor bans and excessive regulation.
