PMI at the Global Launch of iQOS 3 in Tokyo

“IQOS 3 and IQOS 3 Multi will officially go on sale on November 15th in Japan, Switzerland, UK, Russia and Colombia, and will be rolled-out across our global markets from November 15, 2018, onward,” read a release on the PMI website.

 

Big Tobacco Companies consider Japan as the ideal test ground for HNB tobacco products, since regular e-cigarettes are not allowed due to the country’s strict nicotine regulations. Additionally this nation is one renowned for having a high regard for cleanliness and health, hence non-combustible cigarettes are also sought after as they are in line with these values.

Hence it comes as no surprise that PMI chose Tokyo for the launch of iQOS 3. “I don’t think it’s reasonable to essentially condemn your population to only smoke cigarettes when there are vastly different alternatives,” said PMI Chief Executive Officer Andre Calantzopoulos during an interview in Tokyo, when asked about countries that ban smokeless alternatives whilst still allowing the sale of regular cigarettes.

PMI’s claims about wanting to phase out cigarettes

Calantzopoulos has in the past claimed that within a few years, talks about phasing out cigarettes should commence. “If you extrapolate the figures, then logically we could reach the tipping point in five years,” said Calantzopoulos last year, adding “That is when we could start talking to governments about phasing out combustible cigarettes entirely.”

 

However, many of course remain sceptical about PMI’s intentions and consider such statements about wanting to “stop selling conventional cigarettes” as nothing but a clever marketing strategy. Their direct competitors in these countries Japan Tobacco and KT&G, are also selling their own ‘Heat not Burn’ products, however Calantzopoulos is confident that PMI will remain at the top.

Read Further: CNBC