Not much has been predictable about the tobacco category over the past 18 months. Huge tax increases have renewed questions about just how much money smokers are willing to invest in their habit, and whether cigarette smokers would merely switch their nicotine fixes to other tobacco products, such as cigars. Amid the upheaval, the cigar…
Canada Cracks Down on Illegal Tobacco Sales
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is applauding Canadian police for their recent seizure of cash, an automobile and 220 cartons of illegal cigarettes at a local convenience store in the Windsor, Ontario area. “The OCSA maintains that it is never acceptable to purchase or sell illegal tobacco products, nor do we condone this activity…
Game Introduces its Newest Mild Offering of Red
Game by Garcia y Vega proudly announces the latest innovation in cigarillos, FoilFresh Red. Cigarillo lovers will enjoy the light mild taste of this natural leaf cigar. Small natural leaf is the fastest growing segment in the cigar category. This latest offering is yet another response to consumer demand from Game. Game Red is a…
NATO Talks Tobacco Taxes
As of June 28, 2013, three states have enacted either cigarette and/or tobacco tax rate increases or decreases, reports the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO). The new tax law changes and the respective effective dates are as follows: * Kentucky:House Bill 361 was passed and signed into law which lowers the state tax on…
Commonwealth-Altadis Bulks Up Staff
Commonwealth-Altadis Inc. has appointed Al Dejewski senior vice president for consumer marketing, and Eric Workman, senior vice president for strategic operations. Both report directly to Kevin Freudenthal, president & CEO of the tobacco company. “We are quite pleased to have Al join the team,” Freudenthal said. “He brings not only the strategically creative vision of…
Omaha Seeks 7% Occupation Tax On Tobacco Products
All tobacco products from cigarettes to OTP, including e-cigarettes, and even smoking devices like pipes, would be impacted by the tobacco taxation. The Omaha, Neb. City Council is introducing an ordinance today that if adopted would require an “occupational privilege tax” on tobacco retailers equal to 7% of the gross receipts from the sale of…
Maintaining Strong Cigar Sales
Despite a demand from adult consumers, retailers are continually forced to defend their right to sell flavored cigars responsibly. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor While tobacco has long been a bread-and-butter product for convenience stores, accounting for millions in individual unit sales and boosting the profits from the average smoker’s market basket, it remains a…
RYO Amendment In Congressional Bill
The House and Senate Conference Committee version of the transportation bill containing the RYO amendment must be voted on by both the full House and the full Senate this week. A new RYO machine amendment has been included in a Congressional transportation bill, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. The U.S. House and…
Lou Maiellano Joins CSD’s Tobacco Webcast
Management Science Associates (MSA) and Paradigm Sample, in partnership with Convenience Store Decisions, are teaming up to offer a free Webcast tomorrow that will examine the purchasing habits of adult tobacco consumers at U.S. convenience stores. The tobacco industry continues to face challenges on multiple fronts, namely ongoing legislative initiatives and the ever-present high rate…
FDA Scrutiny Clouds Cigar Outlook
While flavored and pre-priced cigar sales are booming, FDA’s pending regulation of the category could upset trends and profits. by Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Tedeschi Food Shops does a strong cigar business, and with 3-4 feet of space reserved for cigars on the back bar, consumers take notice. Sales on cigars were up for the…