The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that, alongside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it has seized approximately 1.4 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products. The estimated retail value of the seized products totals more than $18 million. The seizures were part of a three-day joint operation, which resulted in the seizure of…
Vape Grapples With Shifting Landscape
Looking back over 2023, the vape category has faced many hurdles this past year as retailers adapted to regulations and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) vape product marketing decisions. In May, the FDA issued warning letters to 30 retailers for illegally selling various types of Puff and Hyde disposable e-cigarettes. Shortly after, in June,…
Pilot Opens First Stations in Coast-to-Coast EV Charging Network
Pilot Travel Centers has announced the opening of 17 locations of its electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network, launched alongside General Motors (GM) and EVgo. Now available in 13 states, the network features an elevated charging experience, providing EV travelers access to the same amenities offered at existing Pilot and Flying J locations. “EV drivers…
Adapting to New Cigar Trends
Along with keeping an eye on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision regarding the flavored cigar ban, retailers are also finding new ways to keep up with consumers’ demands and the different cigar trends they’re seeing. Last year, the FDA announced the proposed rule to ban all flavors in cigars. As of now, the…
Monitoring Congressional and FDA Tobacco Developments
With most state legislatures adjourned until January, recent tobacco regulatory and legislative developments have centered around Congress and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Congressional Bills Two separate bills have been introduced that would substantially increase the federal excise tax on all tobacco products. The “Care for Moms Act” and…
The Tobacco Flavor Ban Means More than Resetting the Backbar
The FDA has restricted consumer visibility and access to tobacco for 14 years. During that time, cigarette consumption has declined more than 35%; down more than 4% in 2023 vs. last year (8% according to the Wall Street Journal). The bans will rearrange everything starting in mid-2024. It will be smaller. Chain managers are already…
What’s the Difference Between Dip and Chew?
It is important for convenience store employees to know the difference between chewing tobacco and dip — even if a great many of their customers may not. Though they sound the same, chew and dip are different in some essential ways. Chewing tobacco is a variety of smokeless tobacco product made from cured and fermented…
MDOs Issued to Vuse Alto E-Cigarette Products
Six more e-cigarette products have received marketing denial orders (MDOs) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The MDOs were issued to R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. for flavored e-cigarette products under its Vuse Alto brand. This includes three menthol-flavored and three mixed berry-flavored products, with each flavor being offered in three nicotine strengths. The company is…
Smoker Friendly Adds Hemper Products to Select Stores
The Cigarette Store LLC (TCS) dba Smoker Friendly has added HARA’s Hemper products, including Quick Hitters, Ultra Thin Cones and a diverse set of novelty glass products to select locations. The collaboration allows more consumers around the country to enhance their smoking experience with Hemper’s convenient and affordable high-quality products. First launched in 1988, the…
Is Everything Going According to Plan?
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) now says “by the end of 2023” will be their announcement date of final regulations for the ban of menthol tobacco products and flavored cigars. If this new timetable and the FDA’s 12-month enactment period are the mileposts, c-store chains and independents now have all of 2024 to figure…