Tag: Vuse

BAT: Sales of Noncombustible Products Accelerating

Photo: BAT
BAT added more than 1.4 million noncombustible product consumers in the first quarter of 2021, to reach a total of 14.9 million, CEO Jack Bowles announced in a trading update.
“We are investing and building strong, fast growing international brands in each segment, rapidly accelerating our reach and consumer acquisition, thanks to our digitalization and our multi-category consumer-centric approach, supported by the right resources and products, and our agile organization,” said Bowles.
“Our portfolio of noncombustible products is tailored to meet the needs of adult consumers. We are growing New Categories at pace, encouraging more smokers to switch to scientifically substantiated reduced risk alternatives.”
The company’s New Category products are now sold in 74 markets across 53 countries. Its Vuse/Vype vapor devices have been gaining value share in all Top 5 markets. Vuse is even approaching global leadership in vapor, reaching 31.4 percent category value share in the Top 5 vapor markets year-to-date in April, according to Bowles.

We are growing New Categories at pace, encouraging more smokers to switch to scientifically substantiated reduced risk alternatives.
Jack Bowles, CEO, BAT
BAT’s Glo tobacco-heating product (THP) recorded positive volume share momentum in many markets, including Japan. The device achieved 16.2 percent category volume share in the Top 9 THP markets year-to-date in April.
According to Bowles, BAT has also been consolidating its international volume share leadership in Modern Oral, with strong Velo volume share growth in the U.S. The company’s category share of Modern Oral in the Top 5 markets reached 40.2 percent year to date in April
BAT’s combustibles segment was characterized by strong pricing and robust volume, the company said. Group value and volume share were both up 10 base points year to date, with full year industry volume expected to be down about 3 percent.
For 2021, BAT now anticipates constant currency revenue growth of above 5 percent, ahead of its 3-5 percent guidance.
June 8, 2021
BAT: Vuse First Global Carbon Neutral Vape Brand
Photo: BAT
Vuse has become the first global carbon neutral vape brand, according to BAT.
Vuse’s carbon neutrality has been delivered through carbon offset through reforestation projects. This includes a project in Uruguay to plant trees across 21,298 ha, where intensive cattle grazing has eroded soil and degraded land. As well as removing carbon dioxide and delivering better soil quality and biodiversity, the project will also result in increased availability and quality of employment opportunities, BAT noted.
The carbon neutrality of Vuse has been independently validated by Vertis based on product life cycle assessment data provided by an independent third party.
“Vuse becoming the first global carbon neutral vaping brand is a significant milestone,” said Kingsley Wheaton, chief marketing officer at BAT, in a statement. “It is testimony to BAT’s deep and longstanding commitment to being a responsible business and reducing our impact on the environment.”

Vuse becoming the first global carbon neutral vaping brand is testimony to BAT’s deep and longstanding commitment to being a responsible business and reducing our impact on the environment.”
Kingsley Wheaton, chief marketing officer, BAT
According to BAT, Vuse’s carbon neutrality status is part of a bigger ambition to become an environmentally sustainable vape brand with initiatives including:
A global device and pod collection scheme, with approximately 200,000 pods collected since the start of the pilot in 2020
Cutting single use plastics from packaging, which has saved 100 tons of plastic or the equivalent of four million plastic bottles in 2020
Transitioning from air to sea freight through changes to the distribution chain. Vuse aims to have 80 percent of international shipments transported by sea by the end of 2022
BAT says it is also reducing its carbon footprint by improving the energy efficiency of factories by upgrading to more efficient and lower-impact equipment, and by increasing the use of renewable energy through renewable energy purchases and on-site energy generation.
Today’s announcement by BAT coincides with the opening of the 100th Vuse Inspiration Store. Vuse Inspiration Stores are now operating in the U.K., Canada, Poland, Germany, South Africa and the U.S
May 28, 2021
Judge Says RJR Vapor Products Infringe Fuma Patents
A North Carolina judge has ruled that R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co.’s (RJR) Vuse Solo and Ciro e-cigarettes infringe patents owned by Medina, Ohio-based e-cigarette maker Fuma International. U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles in Durham found Monday that RJR’s products infringed parts of both patents covering Fuma’s electronic-cigarette designs, but that one infringement question was best left for trial.
Fuma lead counsel Dirk Thomas of said in an email that the company is pleased with the ruling and “looks forward to presenting the rest of the case, including its damages claims, to the Judge and the jury,” a Reuters story states.
RJR spokesperson Kaelan Hollon said in an email that the company “looks forward to proving at trial that the Fuma patents are invalid” and that Solo doesn’t infringe the part of the patent still at issue. Fuma sued RJR in 2019 for infringing two of its patents that outline types of e-cigarettes made of a cartridge and power source.
According to Fuma’s complaint, RJR copied Fuma’s designs after meeting with Fuma about its e-cigarette technology in 2010. RJR introduced the Vuse Solo in 2013 and the Vuse Ciro in 2017. Vuse is one of the most popular e-cigarette brands in the country.
The parties only disputed whether Solo and Ciro included three relevant elements of the patents. Eagles found that the products included two of the disputed elements and infringed both patents, but that the question of whether they included the third element should go to trial.
The Vuse Solo has one of the patents’ “electrically conductive portion” that couples the cartridge to the power source, and the Vuse Ciro has a type of airflow passageway featured in both patents, Eagles said. However, remaining factual issues justified a trial on whether the Solo has the “electrically conductive threaded portion” from a Fuma patent. RJR provided enough evidence to show that the relevant part of its device may not be “threaded” under the patent’s definition, Eagles said.
May 27, 2021
Trade Commission: IQOS Infringes on Vuse Patents

Photo: JHVEPhoto
Philip Morris International’s IQOS device infringes two patents owned by British American Tobacco subsidiary Reynolds American Inc., reports Bloomberg, citing a note posted by Judge Clark Cheney on the U.S. International Trade Commission’s website.
The next step is a likely review by the full commission, which has the power to halt products at the U.S. border and is scheduled to complete the investigation by Sept. 15.
IQOS is the only heat-not-burn product authorized for sale in the U.S., where it’s sold by Altria. Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed the company to market IQOS as reducing consumers’ exposure to harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.
Reynolds claims PMI and Altria copied patented technology that it had developed for its Vuse Vibe and Vuse Solo vaping products, for which it’s filed for FDA approval. The company complained to the ITC in April 2020.
Altria responded with its own patent-infringement claims, and a separate suit against Reynolds in May. Altria also lodged petitions with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of a half-dozen Reynolds’ patents.

The judge has to make a determination on whether even temporarily removing such products is appropriate for public health and what alternatives there are for consumers.
Andre Calantzopoulos, executive chairman, PMI
Reynolds said it expects the judge will recommend an import ban, adding that the unauthorized use of its inventions “undermines our ability to invest and innovate and thereby reduce the health impact of our business.”
Philip Morris called the judge’s findings “one step in a long process that does not have an immediate effect” and it will present its position to the commission.
“BAT’s litigation in the U.S. is part of a worldwide attempt—which has been entirely unsuccessful to date—that is meant to undermine the heated-tobacco segment, where they lag far behind,” the company said.
PMI has also argued that, even if a patent violation is found, it’s not in the public’s interest to keep the IQOS out of the U.S.
“The judge has to make a determination on whether even temporarily removing such products is appropriate for public health and what alternatives there are for consumers,” said PMI Executive Chairman Andre Calantzopoulos. “If we remove a product that exists, and the only alternative that people have are cigarettes, it’s a consideration of public-health interest and that has to be taken into account.”
May 18, 2021
BATSA opens first VUSE Inspiration Store in Cape Town

Photo: BAT
British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) has opened the first VUSE Inspiration store in South Africa in the Canal Walk shopping center in Cape Town.
VUSE Inspiration stores will be opened at 67 existing sites throughout South Africa.
“To date, we have made an extensive investment in bringing Twisp into BATSA’s portfolio, and we plan to invest further in our tobacco harm reduction strategy in South Africa,” said BATSA General Manager Johnny Moloto in a statement. “We will be expanding our number of kiosks, investing in bringing our new products to market and enhancing the skills of our BAT team.”
Another 15 new sites in key locations will be added to the VUSE network by December as part of a significant expenditure project.
“The opening of our first flagship VUSE Inspiration store in South Africa is an important milestone in delivering on our harm reduction strategy and our investment in science and innovation to demonstrate the potential of our extended portfolio of products,” said Moloto.
March 29, 2021
Vuse Alto Going National Across United States
The Vuse vapor brand announced today a national expansion in the United States of Vuse Alto Golden Tobacco 5.0 percent and Alto Menthol 5.0 percent four-pod packs and the national release of Vuse Alto Golden Tobacco 2.4 percent and Alto Menthol 2.4 percent four-pod packs.
Credit: RJR Vapor Co.
The four-pod packs provide adult vapor consumers with three Vuse Alto configuration options as they can now choose from single-pod, two-pod or four-pod packs. The national availability of four-pod packs gives Vuse the most expansive portfolio of choice for adult vapor consumers with three flavors, in three nicotine strengths across three configuration formats, as well as the many options for device customization with a range of device colors, wraps and engraving options.
“Done responsibly, our ambition is to make Vuse the No. 1 vapor brand in the U.S. market,” said Christy Canary-Garner, vice president—Vuse commercial development at R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co, in a statement. “This portfolio expansion provides us with the opportunity to better compete and enhances our price competitiveness to drive conversion among existing adult vapor consumers and boost loyalty.
“The four-pod pack configuration is the most popular among competitive pod-mod vapor products and 4-pod packs enable Vuse Alto to compete against competitors on a per-pod price point. The new four-pod packs are available to all retail outlets.
Credit: RJR Vapor Co.
“Coupled with our release of single-pods in November of 2020, this national rollout of four-pod packs now gives adult Vuse consumers more options than any other brand.”
The national expansion of the four-pod packs will begin this week.
February 26, 2021
BAT Launches CBD Vapor Product in U.K. Test Market
British American Tobacco (BAT) has pilot-launched its first CBD vaping product, Vuse CBD Zone.
This new range is available in three e-liquid flavors—mint, mango, and berry—and two strengths—50 mg and 100 mg. Vuse CBD Zone is initially being launched Manchester, U.K., in convenience stores and online (online purchase is geofenced for Manchester residents). Further rollout plans are anticipated for later in the year.
“With the rollout of Vuse CBD Zone in Manchester, our unique multicategory portfolio now, for the first time, offers products that go beyond nicotine,” said Fredrik Svensson, general manager at BAT U.K. and Ireland, in a statement. “CBD vaping is a new category for us, and we will be using this pilot launch to gain key learnings about consumer and retailer experiences, combined with our extensive expertise and knowledge of vaping, to help inform plans for a potential nationwide roll-out of Vuse CBD Zone later in the year.”
January 12, 2021
Vuse Partners With Rudimental to Promote Brand
Vuse has partnered with award-winning band Rudimental on a series of initiatives that promise to electrify creativity and inspire audiences worldwide. The collaboration between the band and the British American Tobacco -owned (BAT) e-cigarette brand will feature a variety of activities which include exclusive competitions, performances and an exciting content series.
Credit: Rudimental
“This special activation with Rudimental and McLaren is a big move for Vuse as we look to Charge Beyond and connect with our adult consumers on a wider scale, bringing together our partnerships across music and sport,” says Elly Criticou, Vapour Category director, BAT. “With lockdowns still happening across the world, and the creative sector struggling because of it, we’re glad that we can provide fans with a creative outlet where they can find inspiration at home, along with enjoying an exclusive performance by Rudimental.”
The first Rudimental activation sees the band go on the hunt for inspiration with McLaren Racing, of which Vuse is a global partner. Bringing together two inspirational collaborators from the worlds of music and motorsport, Vuse wants to connect and inspire others through celebrating its brand passions, according to a press release.
The Rudimental x McLaren Racing activation will be brought to life via a four-part content series which will see Rudimental visit the home of McLaren in the UK and meet key team members to discover inspiration for an exclusive performance to mark the end of this year’s Formula 1 season.
“We’re all about inspiring and bringing people together from all walks of life through the music we create. We had a lot of fun and learnt a lot at McLaren and it’s crazy to think how much synergy there is with the world of music and sport when it comes to inspiration,” says Locksmith, a DJ with Rudimental.
The exclusive content is part of Vuse’s ‘Routes of Inspiration’, a virtual series that explores how inspiration comes to professionals within the creative world. Following the cancellation of live entertainment events around the world, the series has been created to give artists and fans a new way to connect, the release states. In 2021, Vuse’s partnership with Rudimental will continue to develop through activations and performances that drive further inspiration and global brand awareness.
November 27, 2020
Reynolds American Files Final 6 PMTAs for Vuse Products

Reynolds American, a subsidiary of BAT, filed its final round of premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submissions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday.
The move will allow its Vuse and Velo brands to remain on the market in the United States for at least one year while the applications are reviewed. The process allows the FDA to evaluate whether the products should remain on the market as part of the FDA’s public health mission.
The filing concludes an 11-month process for Reynolds which has the industry’s broadest portfolio of alternative nicotine products, according to a press release. Reynolds has filed six applications for its Vuse Solo, Vuse Ciro and Vuse Vibe vapor products, as well as for its Velo nicotine lozenge and modern oral pouch products. The Vuse Alto-branded device PMTA includes 12 cartridges in various flavors and nicotine strengths in menthol, two tobacco-flavored products and mixed berry.
Across the six applications, over 530,000 pages of scientific data and more than 8,600 scientific documents have been submitted as part of the filings.
“The U.S. is the world’s largest vaping market and so the completion of our PMTA filings is a really important step for us as we transform our organisation, drive a step change in our New Categories business, and increase our non-combustible consumer base and revenues. Our transformation is progressing very well and in the first six months of 2020 we attracted an additional 2.7million new non-combustible consumers compared to the same time last year,” Kingsley Wheaton, chief marketing officer for BAT said. “Globally, we now have nearly 12 million regular non-combustible consumers and the U.S. will play a large part of our ambition to grow this number to at least 50 million by 2030.”
September 5, 2020
Vuse Launches Consumer Website With Adult Focus

Credit: RJRVC
The R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (RJRVC) launched an updated consumer website yesterday. The enhanced platform is interactive, experience-driven and is designed to enable age 21+ adult nicotine consumers to identify and create the moments they are looking for, according to press release.
“The new www.vuse.com site is designed to be engaging and informative, while empowering creativity and individuality,” the note states. “Through the site, [adult nicotine consumers] will have the opportunity to customize and purchase their ideal vapor product and explore creative passions with engaging content. As part of Vuse’s continued commitment to responsibility, the updated site will continue to require robust third-party age verification prior to purchase.”
Amy Harp, vice president of Digital Marketing and eCommerce for RJRVC said the website may look brand new, but the company’s mission remains the same. “We are committed to responsibly delivering enjoyable vapor products to adult nicotine consumers,” she said “We believe vapor products can be marketed responsibly to [adult nicotine consumers] without compromising on the quality and enjoyment they are looking for. This website was developed thoughtfully and diligently to meet our high standards for responsible marketing while delivering sought-after product access for our consumers.”
Adult nicotine consumers will also now have the option to personalize their Vuse vapor products directly on the site. ANCs can choose to customize their product with options for device colors, device wraps, flavors and nicotine strengths, according to the release.
“The Vuse community is a dynamic one, and we are excited to help foster their creativity in one place. We are excited to see how our consumers interact with this new platform, and we can’t wait to continue bringing them the experiences they want with a brand they trust,” said Harp.
July 15, 2020