1 of 9
AirScream’s AirsPops ONE USE E30 takes vaping into the future. Photo credit: AirScream
2 of 9
David Lee, c.m.o. BR Cigars: “Indonesia is capable of making cigars that can compete with anything from the Caribbean.” Photo credit:Thomas Schmid
3 of 9
Fresh off the design table and globally launched at InterTabac 2023: the Metex NEX. Photo credit: Smoore/Metex
4 of 9
A box of Rebellion Cigars’ “Voodoo Child” label. Photo credit: Thomas Schmid.
5 of 9
The correct nicotine dose for anybody: Level nicotine pouches. Photo credit: Thomas Schmid
6 of 9
Pointful Korea is a private enterprise label not affiliated with KT&G. Photo credit: IKT
7 of 9
Tobias Overhoff, general manager of Breezer Lifestyle GmbH, marketer of Truemidity pads. Photo credit: Thomas Schmid
8 of 9
MyChoice Cosmic heat sticks are filled with granulated tobacco pellets instead of the more commonly used recon flakes. Photo credit: Thomas Schmid
9 of 9
Shivam Bihani, managing partner at AVB International, is visibly proud of his groundbreaking Mynt Zero pouches. Photo credit: Thomas Schmid
A roundup of intriguing new products launched at the most recent show.
Long the world’s largest tobacco industry exhibition (and easily the most diverse too in terms of product categories), the dual InterTabac/InterSupply exhibition in Dortmund, Germany has traditionally been a prime event for product launches. The most recent show, which sprawled out across a staggering 10 halls in the gigantic Westfalenhallen complex and hosted exhibitors from more than 60 countries, was no exception. As always, Tobacco Asia diligently did its rounds, scouting out the latest trends. In this article, we are showcasing a random selection of some of the most remarkable new products encountered during the busy three-day event. The list is far, far from complete, of course. Our list merely serves to prove that despite increasingly stringent legislation everywhere, innovation and entrepreneurship are flourishing in all sectors of the industry.
AirsPops ONE USE E30, AirScream (United Kingdom)
Although disposable vapes still dominate most markets, their environmental unfriendliness is drawing growing criticism. Accordingly, the trend is shifting towards recyclable and reusable devices. UK-based AirScream is one of the leading pioneers in this product segment. At InterTabac, the outfit officially introduced its award-winning AirsPops ONE USE E30, which is marketed as ONE USE Eco outside the UK and EU. The result of several years of r&d, AirScream claims Airspops ONE USE E30 to be “the world’s first true disposable vape recycling system.” This is primarily down to its trailblazing modular design, whereas the device can be easily disassembled into its components, which then can be either re-used or recycled. Consumers simply drop off their device at the nearest AirScream retailer to have its tank replaced in an instant. The electronics unit, which contains the battery and draw sensor, can be reused in another device shell after recharging. The shell itself is made of recycled plastic and can be turned into plastic pellets.
Airspops ONE USE E30 device specifications:
- Battery capacity: 550 mAh
- Coil resistance: 1.5 Ώ
- Tank capacity: 2 ml
- Working voltage: 3.7 V
- Dimensions: 118mm x 20.5mm
- Website: airscreamuk.com
Besuki Raya Cigars (Indonesia)
Considering Indonesia is one of the world’s most important tobacco producers (and with a long history reaching back to Dutch East India times to boot), premium cigar manufacturers are surprisingly thin on the ground. One of the few notable exceptions is Besuki Raya Cigars (a.k.a. BR Cigars), a subsidiary of well-known leaf supplier, Mangli Djaya Raya (MDR). Founded in 2014, the company made its international debut at this year’s InterTabac. David Lee, the company’s c.m.o., told Tobacco Asia that he intends to put Indonesian hand-rolled cigars back on the map. “Our mother company MDR has superb tobacco stocks aged for seven years or longer, which are perfect for premium cigars.” While depending on the cigar type, some imported binders and wrappers may be used, BR Cigars also offers products that exclusively impart Indonesian leaf. Lee said his showing at InterTabac exceeded expectations. “The level of interest was just amazing. Our booth was very busy throughout the three exhibition days and we gained a tremendous lot of exposure.” BR Cigars’ portfolio currently comprises 7 in-house brands, but also manufactures about 50 private labels. Website: besukirayacigars.co.id
Metex NEX, Smoore/Metex (China)
Consistently pouring huge resources into vigorous r&d, Smoore Technology Co. Ltd. is without doubt one of China’s most prolific vape innovators and manufacturers, as well as heated tobacco products (HTPs) under its Metex label. At InterTabac, the outfit launched its latest HTP device, the Metex NEX, which it claims to be the currently smallest and most lightweight in the world in its category. “Consumer demand calls for small, easy to carry devices but without compromising on the number of puffs on a single battery charge. The Metex NEX delivers exactly that,” said Marshall Ma, general manager of Smoore’s HNB business unit. Furthermore, contactless heating provides users with an excellent overall sensory experience. Thanks to the Metex NEX’s self-cleaning technology consumers also don’t have to mess around with sticky heating chambers or clogged mouth pieces anymore, either. As in zero, never. The Metex NEX features a dual component design consisting of a main battery unit and a detachable pen-style smoking device. Once detached, the tiny pen is good for about 40 puffs. Re-attaching it to the battery unit will speedily make it ready for yet another session. On a full battery, the Metex NEX enables at least 800 puffs in total (20+ pen sessions) before requiring recharging. Website: en.smooreholdings.com/metex/
Rebellion Cigars, United Kingdom
Rebellion Cigars was founded in 2019 by UK entrepreneur couple, Mandi and Shaun Wilkinson. The brand stands out through its rather unusual (or “rebellious”?) color scheme: pink. “It’s my favorite color, but even more importantly, when you look at other brands’ schemes, it’s a sea of browns and blacks,” explained Shaun Wilkinson. “In our case the logo’s pink, the cigar boxes are pink, the cigar bands are pink… you get the picture.” The second aspect that probably burns itself into customers’ minds are the very creative (or again “rebellious”?) names given to the Wilkinson’s handcrafted cigar lines. Starting out with the Rockstar, the portfolio was expanded to eventually also include Sweet Child O’Mine, Voodoo Child, and Ace of Spades. Then, earlier this year, Rebellion Cigars rolled out its country range for the US market, which presently comprises the Redneck Woman (what else?), Five O’Clock Somewhere, and Ring of Fire. InterTabac 2023 was Rebellion Cigars’ first international show, and where it also launched its latest products, the Sweet Child O’Mine toro and gordo. “The exhibition was a smashing success for us right from the start, as we got more than 100 inquiries,” Wilkinson said. Website: rebellioncigars.com
Level, Nico-Pouches Sp. z.o.o. (Poland)
Consumers often have difficulties glancing what strength the tin of nicotine pouches they purchase has. Once opened, the product may turn out to be either much too strong or way too weak. A Polish brand, aptly named Level, intends to do away with guesswork once and for all. “Our brand is really customer friendly, because each tin bears the relevant nicotine dosage in milligrams per gram on its lid in large lettering so customers can immediately select what is right for them,” Konstantin Kahalionak, c.e.o. of Level’s creator, Nico-Pouches Sp. z.o.o., told Tobacco Asia. Level comes in incremental strengths, starting with a mild 5mg/g all the way up to a tachycardia-inducing 50mg/g. The stacked dosages also allow users to switch between strengths easily after the motto: “I don’t feel like having a nicotine bomb today; 15mg will do just fine.” Kahalionak added that the prominent lid design makes Level stand out on shelves from a sea of other pouch products that require a magnifying glass to determine their respective nicotine strengths. Level is presently available in eight flavor variants (soon to be 10). Website: nico-pouches.eu
Pointful Korea, IKT – International Korea Tobacco (South Korea)
South Korean company International Korea Tobacco (IKT) – not to be confused with the country’s former monopoly Korea Tobacco & Ginseng (KT&G) – garnered headlines not long ago with its Pointful Korea cigarette brand, as the outfit had secured itself a quite interesting marketing channel: offshore sales on large cruise ships. The channel not only saves IKT from having to pay Korea’s hefty tobacco taxes but also has generated phenomenal volumes as passenger stock up on the brand duty-free before disembarking. But with its first appearance at InterTabac, it is clear that IKT is also set to push into regular markets. “At the show, we got a serious inquiry from a Peruvian distributor, who wants to market Pointful Korea in Latin America,” disclosed IKT’s director, Daeyoung Jung. The company also plans to place its products available at more airport duty-free shops outside South Korea. Pointful Korea is presently available in kingsize, light, slim, super slim, as well as flavor capsule variants. “But in order to cater to more market preferences, we are in the process of adding a strong flavored line to the portfolio that is reminiscent of Marlboro Red,” Daeyoung said. Website: ikt-tobacco.com
Truemidity, Breezer Lifestyle GmbH (Germany)
Gel pads for controlling cigar humidity during storage are nothing new. But they also hold the risk of spoiling the precious sticks when accidentally punctured. Furthermore, humidifying systems containing corrosive salts or pads sealed with acetone-based glue have been reported to cause aroma changes. German company Breezer Lifestyle has developed a solution for these potential issues. Their Truemidity pads are gel-free and pressure-sealed, effectively eliminating these potential risks. “Our pads are made from plant cellulose and remain pliable even when deep frozen, the standard 60-gram pad keeping up to 25 cigars in optimal condition for at least 3 months. They also contain no corrosive or aroma-altering agents,” said Breezer general manager, Tobias Overhoff. An additional benefit is that the “dry” pads can be taken onboard flights in hand luggage without problems. “Just put a Truemidity pad in a zip-lock bag or any other sealable container together with your cigars and you’re fine,” Overhoff asserted. Website: breezerlifestyle.de
MyChoice Cosmic, VCT International B.V. (Netherlands)
Dutch label MyChoice (MC) is reputed to be Europe’s bestselling heated tobacco product (HTP) brand – apart from the offerings of PMI and BAT, that is. MyChoice is well represented in Spain, Portugal, Hungary, as well as the Baltic countries. In addition, the brand is available through local part-nerships in some Middle Eastern and Asian markets. At InterTabac, brand owner VCT International B.V. launched its latest offerings, MyChoice Cosmic Red (regular strength) and MyChoice Cosmic Gold (light strength) heat sticks, which were specifically developed for the MyChoice device. The heat sticks are noteworthy because they use granulated tobacco pellets instead of more common recon flakes. “The granules consist of 100% tobacco without any additives or flavors,” asserted VCT’s trade marketing manager, Yoeri van Os. “When deployed in our device, the loosely packed granules are kept in motion thanks to a heated airstream passing through them, which in turn produces a more aromatic taste and, thus, a way better smoking experience.” While the MyChoice device also will work with other heat sticks, van Os cautioned that the sensory experience won’t be nearly the same as with the proprietary granule tobacco product. Website: heatnotburncenter.com
Mynt Zero, AVB International (India)
Indian outfit AVB International has made a name for itself as the creator and manufacturer of innovative snus and nicotine pouch products, including under the internationally successful Mynt brand. At InterTabac, the company launched its latest offering under that very label, Mynt Zero, which managing partner Shivam Bihani described as “nothing short of revolutionary”. As their name suggests, Mynt Zero pouches contain no nicotine. Instead, the product makes use of a new, in-house developed substance, which according to Bihani “has the same stimulating effect as nicotine.” While he declined to disclose the substance’s exact chemical name, he claimed it was unique in the sense that it allows Mynt Zero to be marketed in territories where conventional nicotine pouches are banned or require a tobacco product sales license, or where the local tobacco authority exudes a monopoly over all nicotine-containing products. “In addition,” Bihani said, “Mynt Zero is of course the perfect solution for consumers who have quit smoking but don’t want to give up on the stimulation gained from nicotine.” Website: myntpouches.com