Information on the Tobacco industry
March 16th, 2010 — Current Issues, Nacs, Preventing Youth Consumption, Regulations: FDA etc.
NACS Offers Webinar on FDA Tobacco Compliance
March 12th, 2010 — Current Issues, General, Regulations: FDA etc., Science, Snus, Snuff & Alternative Products in US Markets, Tobacco Harm Reduction, Uncategorized
Star Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIGX) announced that on Friday, February 19 the company filed an application with the Food & Drug Administration for approval to market Ariva-BDL™ as a “modified risk” tobacco product under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. This submission is the first such application to be filed with the Tobacco Products Center of the FDA, which has been established to oversee all aspects of tobacco regulation outlined in the 2009 Act.
What are your thoughts?
Have you tried the “NEW” Ariva product?
Any expectations of others to follow Star’s lead.
Will the process work? Is harm reduction going to work?
March 12th, 2010 — Current Issues, Exhibitions
Who’s not helping the Tobacco Industry…?
Until recently we had one major exhibition in Europe every four years, TabExpo; then we had the announcement by WT that an additional event in Europe would be held. The industry wants less events – or at least lower cost – so we now have the organizations in direct competition for the same business in the same month and year. Two European exhibitions (TR’s TabExpo in Prague & WT in Munich) are set for November 2011 – and just five days apart!
Both have scheduled events in India this year – one an exhibition the other a Networking Forum.
As market leader TR moves ahead with 50 or so confirmed exhibitors already for TabExpo Prague in 2011, it is largely ignoring WT who is left looking desperate in attempting to undermine the viability of Prague in favor of Munich.
Why is this?
The stark reality is the Tobacco Industry is shrinking. Besides China, much of the tobacco industry is mature and driven by consolidation, regulations and taxation – resulting in reduced profitability. A handful of major players (CNTC, PMI, BAT, PM USA, and JTI & Imperial) dominate. The supply side – lagging well behind – has a plethora of players who have not rescaled their business. The result: Piranhas in a goldfish bowl. This reality defines the recent competitiveness between WT and TR as they compete for exhibitors and attendees
But it didn’t have to be this way…….
Seizing what appeared to be an opportunity caused by the debacle which became TabInfo Asia Bangkok last November, WT announced World Tobacco Expo 2011 in Munich. But this announcement came after TR announced TabExpo would be held in Prague.
Why do this?
It’s tempting to say – who knows – but the appearance of a direct confrontation by WT on TR is hard to ignore. Why else schedule another European exhibition immediately prior to TabExpo Prague, especially and knowingly that TabExpo was always held in November and every four years.
So who wins……………?
Until one organizer assembles an unassailable competitive position – not the tobacco Industry. Exhibitors now have to decide which show to attend and be able to justify it in this cost-conscious environment. It was an unnecessary move and a risky one by WT (that could easily have been avoided.) As it is, if both go ahead then each exhibition dilutes the other, diminishing profitability. If ever there was a time for Industry solidarity it is now.
How did this happen?
Like the Olympics, the Industry and TR agreed to hold TabExpo in Europe once every four years (excepting Barcelona, delayed until 2003.) This has been the case since 1994 and TR has kept to this agreement.
By contrast WT magazine, under the ownership of the Daily Mail Group (DMG) struggled to compete with the three other tobacco magazines; TR, TI and TJI. WT supplemented its profitability to DMG with trade shows which are now “two a year”. Sadly it was after WT Asia last year that DMG ceased publication of WT Magazine and sold the WT trade show business to Quartz Business Media and announced a merger with TJI (where TJI’s role is to publicize WT’s events.)
So…… Is there space for two events? Is there the need for annual events?
No. And certainly not in the space of five days in November 2011.
What was WT thinking………………….?
March 2nd, 2010 — Conferences, Current Issues, Exhibitions
The Show that means business for all those in the tobacco business. It’s @ the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 3rd & 4th 2010. Who’s going? Report back! Tell us what was good? What was new? What you learn? Have a great time! – See you at the show!
