Altria to test Marlboro and Skoal Smokeless Sticks

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Altria to test Marlboro and Skoal Smokeless Sticks
Philip Morris USA and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco owned by Altria Group are set to start test-marketing of new smokeless tobacco products across Kansas. The new products are created for cigarette smokers or consumers of snuff tobacco, who are willing to try new spit-free products,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], according to the company’s statement released last month.
The leading cigarette maker in the nation, Philip Morris USA, is going to test the smokeless tobacco product named under its flagship brand,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], Marlboro cigarettes. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co, fellow Altria Group subsidiary is introducing new product,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which is named Skoal Smokeless Tobacco Sticks.
The smokeless tobacco sticks became the latest products in the streak of alternative tobacco products launched in past years by Altria and other tobacco companies trying to offer adult tobacco users new products to replace cigarettes,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych],[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], especially as cigarette market is declining constantly in recent years. Another reason why major U.S. tobacco groups focused on smokeless tobacco products is that they can be a good alternative for smokers from the states where smoking in indoor and some outdoor venues is banned.
Some public health organizations oppose smokeless products as well. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, issued a statement last week opposing the products, stating they are just another way to attract people,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], including minors to consuming tobacco. The organization urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to thoroughly examine the new products and regulate them more strictly. It is unclear how the FDA authority to regulate tobacco industry could be impact on the sales of smokeless tobacco items. In 2009 the FDA was entitled by Congress to regulate tobacco industry, and the Body has adopted rules demanding all new tobacco products or changed ones to submitted for the agency’s approval. However, the products significantly equivalent to those already represented in the market by 2007 are exempted for the submission.
The smokeless sticks are made of finely blended tobacco that is coated on nearly 2.5-inch-long wooden sticks, PM USA spokesman said. Roughly 75 percent of the stick is covered with tobacco. The users put the stick in the mouth and “get the inimitable tobacco flavor,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych],” and remove the stick after done.

The new products will come in 10 stick per pack and priced nearly equal to premium moist snuff brands. Both Marlboro and Skoal sticks will come in for styles – Rich Tobacco, Original Tobacco Smooth Mint and Cool Mint.