Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 29 & 30
Alchem NicSelect™ Nicotine Whispers
Welcome to Nicotine Whispers – a biweekly news digest on global developments in nicotine and tobacco, compiled by Alchem NicSelect™ in collaboration with PharmaCompass.
Stay informed on the latest regulations, market trends, and insights shaping the NGND industry.
Weeks 29 and 30 highlights:
UK
Philip Morris International Reports Record Q2 Earnings
Smoke-free products drive growth, now 41% of sales; IQOS and ZYN show strong momentum in key markets. PMI raises full-year guidance as net revenues and gross profit hit all-time highs.
Italy
ECIGATOR
Italy’s Vape Market Hits €750M in 2025 Amid New Rules
Vaping becomes mainstream with 3 million users and 29% market growth despite tighter regulations. The sector enters a phase of consolidation, driven by tech innovation, shifting habits, and evolving retail models.
USA
FDA Authorizes Juul’s Tobacco and Menthol E-Cigarettes for U.S. Market
Agency reverses 2022 ban, citing adult smoking cessation benefits despite past youth vaping concerns. Juul plans new submissions as criticism mounts from lawmakers wary of public health risks.
Greece
Japan Tobacco’s Greece Subsidiary Posts $900M Revenue
JTI Greece sees 2.5% revenue rise in 2024, with strong cash flow and €734M paid to the state.
Plans are underway to boost Ploom’s presence as Greece becomes a key market for heated tobacco.
Poland
BAT Challenges Polish Authorities Over Seizure of 200,000 Vape Pods
British American Tobacco alleges unlawful detention of goods, risking losses over $2.7 million. The case may trigger a legal showdown over regulatory overreach and investor rights in Poland.
Ukraine
ECIGATOR
Ukraine Mandates Electronic Labels for Vapes & Tobacco
From January 2026, all vape and tobacco products must carry DataMatrix codes for traceability. The move aims to curb illicit trade, improve tax collection, and empower consumers with product verification.
New undercover report shows 23% of shops are still selling illegal vapes
A new report from secret shoppers nationwide reveals 23% of shops selling banned vapes. London and Glasgow leading violations.
Australia
Australian Study Finds Vaping Triples Quit Rate for Smokers
A clinical trial shows 28.4% quit rate with vapes vs. 9.6% with gum or lozenges among low-income adults. Researchers highlight vaping’s effectiveness but stress need for long-term cessation support.
Philippines
Philippines Raises Floor Prices for Cigarettes and Vapes
New retail price minimums aim to boost tax compliance and reflect true production costs. Excise tax collections surge, with vape revenues up 738% in H1 2025.