Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 21 & 22
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 21 and 22 highlights:
Philippines
Nicotine Pouches: JTI Reports Monthly Growth of their sales in the Philippines, +23%
Japan Tobacco International is optimistic about the growth potential of its smoke-free nicotine product “Nordic Spirit” in the Philippine market. Since their launch in May 2023, nicotine pouches have experienced strong sales growth in the Philippines, as reported by their Category Director for Low Risk Products.
USA
NGND: Thin nicotine strips from Sweden are entering the US market
Pending market authorisation, Zolv plans to launch its nicotine strips in the United States, starting with East Coast cities such as Boston, New York City, and Washington DC — urban centres with large populations of young professionals who are highly health- and environmentally-conscious.
USA
Trump effect: JTI Plans to Produce Ploom X in the US
Japan Tobacco International plans to produce Ploom X in the US due to Trump’s tariff policies and supply chain trends, aiming for FDA approval. This plan will be implemented through a joint venture with Altria, with products currently being primarily manufactured in Indonesia.
Japan
Japan Tobacco Launches Ploom AURA and EVO Tobacco Device
JT launched in Japan its new heated tobacco device, Ploom AURA, featuring four heating modes and priced at around $20.94.
UK
British American Tobacco Cuts Stake in India’s ITC by $1.5 Billion
British American Tobacco has sold a 2.5% stake in ITC for $1.5B, exceeding its initial target. BAT remains ITC’s largest shareholder post-sale. The move will add £200M to BAT’s £1.1B 2025 share buyback programme.
Switzerland
Swiss Canton of Solothurn Bans Sale of Disposable E-Cigarettes
In May 2025, the state parliament of Solothurn in Switzerland passed a law banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, making it the latest state to impose a ban following Valais, Jura, and Bern.
Russia
LOST MARY Launches a New Brand in Russia
LOST MARY launched its new e-cigarette brand, ONIQUE, in Russia in May and it includes two new products: ONIQUE 10000 and ONIQUE 20000.
Mexico
Vaping in Mexico: the president Sheinbaum will keep the ban
The president of Mexico replied to some question received on vaping saying that “It is already prohibited by the law”, and in June they will define sanctions and fines for wholesalers that are selling vapes in the domestic market.