Difference between revisions of "Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic"
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| − | + | ==Background== | |
| − | ==Background == | ||
COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei province in China, on 31 December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally declared it as a pandemic.<ref name=WHO>World Health Organisation (WHO). [https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic], 11 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei province in China, on 31 December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally declared it as a pandemic.<ref name=WHO>World Health Organisation (WHO). [https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic], 11 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | ===COVID-19 and Tobacco | + | |
| − | + | ==COVID-19 mortality== | |
| − | + | As of 12th July 2020, the reported global number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was 13,033,817 with 571,250 deaths reported. Highest number of cases was reported from the United States of America (3,413,995) and Brazil ranked second reporting 1,866,176 cases. The highest number of deaths were also reported from the US (137,782).<ref name=World>World Meter.[https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/?utm_campaign=homeAdvegas1?COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic], 13 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref>Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) was calculated by Deaths / Cases and the rate was reported as 1.4%.<ref name=meter>World Meter.[https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-death-rate/Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mortality Rate], 10 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | |
| + | |||
| + | ===Contribution of Tobacco to COVID-19 mortality=== | ||
| + | [https://www.who.int/ World Health Organization(WHO)] declared that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.<Ref name=WHO2>World Health Organization(WHO).[ https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/11-05-2020-who-statement-tobacco-use-and-covid-19 WHO statement: Tobacco use and COVID-19]11 May 2020,Accessed July 2020</ref>COVID-19 virus normally plugs into the ACE2 receptors on the surface of the cells to inject its genetic material into the cells, in order to replicate and spread. Scientific research suggests that lungs exposed to cigarette smoke have a higher possibility in accumulating abnormally large numbers of ACE2 receptors, which could potentially make the organ more vulnerable to damage by the coronavirus.<ref name=ERS> Janice M. Leung et. al.[https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/03/26/13993003.00688-2020 ACE-2 Expression in the Small Airway Epithelia of Smokers and COPD Patients: Implications for COVID-19]European Respiratory Journal , April 2020, July 2020</ref>Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes. For people with these conditions, there is a higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19.<ref name=WHO/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Recent studies have shown that smoking is associated with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.<ref name=BMJ> R E Jordan et. al. [https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m1198 Covid-19: risk factors for severe disease and death], British Medical Journal (BMJ), 26 March 2020,Accessed July 2020</ref> A study has reported that in Italy, men had a higher risk in getting the disease than women which could be partly due to their higher smoking rates.<ref name=Italy> Edward Livingston and Karen Bucher.[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32181795/ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy], National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI), 28 April 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> An analysis done by the University of California, San Francisco that included 11,590 COVID patients revealed that among the people affected by the virus, the risk of disease progression in those who currently smoke or previously smoked was nearly double that of non-smokers.<ref name=UCSF> E Fernandez. [https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/05/417411/smoking-nearly-doubles-rate-covid-19-progression Smoking Nearly Doubles the Rate of COVID-19 Progression], University of California, San Francisco, 12 May 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref><Ref name=CNN>N Thomas. [https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/13/health/young-adults-smoking-risk-coronavirus-wellness/index.html 1 in 3 young adults vulnerable to severe Covid-19 and smoking plays a big part, research finds], 13 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> In another study conducted in China with a sample of 1,099 patients, it was found that among the patients with severe symptoms, 16.9% were current smokers and 5.2% were former smokers. Among the patients that needed either mechanical ventilation, or admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and among those who died, 25.5% were current smokers and 7.6% were former smokers.<ref name=Guan>Guan et al. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092819/ Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China], 28 February 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities of Tobacco Industry== | ||
[[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]], the World Health Organization global convention on tobacco control, Articles [[FCTC Article 13: Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship | 13]] and [[FCTC Article 5.3 | 5.3]] recommend to ban sponsorships, CSR activities and interactions with the tobacco industry. | [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]], the World Health Organization global convention on tobacco control, Articles [[FCTC Article 13: Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship | 13]] and [[FCTC Article 5.3 | 5.3]] recommend to ban sponsorships, CSR activities and interactions with the tobacco industry. | ||
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This post intends to summarise tobacco industry CSR and other activities and interference reported globally during the COVID-19 pandemic on weekly basis starting from the date the pandemic was declared. | This post intends to summarise tobacco industry CSR and other activities and interference reported globally during the COVID-19 pandemic on weekly basis starting from the date the pandemic was declared. | ||
The post will be updated every Wednesday of the following week. | The post will be updated every Wednesday of the following week. | ||
| + | |||
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic=== | ===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic=== | ||
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" | {| border="1" cellpadding="1" | ||
| − | ! scope="col" width=" | + | ! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company |
| − | ! scope="col" width=" | + | ! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries |
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents | ! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents | ||
| Line 21: | Line 28: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras || | + | | [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe|| 61 |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia || | + | | Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia||32 |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | | Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia|| 26 |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | | Altria group || United Sates of America (USA) || 22 |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | | Imperial Tobacco || Russia || 14 |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Korea Tobacco | + | | [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 12 |
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 1 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | | Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia || 6 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | | Godfrey Phillips India || India || 3 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | | Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 2 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | DJarum|| Indonesia || 2 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 54: | Line 88: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | | China Tobacco || China || 1 |
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | | Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Company | + | | Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1 |
| + | |- | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | | Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan|| 33 | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | + | ||
==Week 1: 12th to 22nd March 2020== | ==Week 1: 12th to 22nd March 2020== | ||
| − | + | *In Russia, the subsidiaries of the four major multinational tobacco companies, [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DO9FCNTR British American Tobacco Russia], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco], [https://www.jti.com/europe/russia Japan Tobacco International Russia] and [https://www.pmi.com/markets/russia/en/overview Philip Morris International Affiliates], successfully lobbied the Russian Prime Minister to add cigarettes to the essential goods’ list.<ref name=Russia>Rambler.ru. [https://news.rambler.ru/other/44220891-helsingin-sanomat-finlyandiya-v-peterburge-tabachnye-kompanii-dobilis-vklyucheniya-sigaret-v-spisok-tovarov-pervoy-neobhodimosti/ Helsingin Sanomat (Финляндия): в Петербурге табачные компании добились включения сигарет в список товаров первой необходимости Об этом сообщает "Рамблер". Далее], 22 March 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | |
==Week 2: 23rd to 29th March 2020== | ==Week 2: 23rd to 29th March 2020== | ||
| Line 67: | Line 113: | ||
*In Brazil Philip Morris International (PMI) made donations to the Santa Cruz hospitals.<ref name=brazil>GAZ. [http://www.gaz.com.br/conteudos/coronavirus/2020/03/25/163575-prefeitura_repassa_mais_de_rs_2_milhoes_a_hospitais_de_santa_cruz.html.php Prefeitura repassa mais de R USD 2 milhões a hospitais de Santa Cruz], 25 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Brazil Philip Morris International (PMI) made donations to the Santa Cruz hospitals.<ref name=brazil>GAZ. [http://www.gaz.com.br/conteudos/coronavirus/2020/03/25/163575-prefeitura_repassa_mais_de_rs_2_milhoes_a_hospitais_de_santa_cruz.html.php Prefeitura repassa mais de R USD 2 milhões a hospitais de Santa Cruz], 25 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris Georgia] made a monetary donation to the special fund established by the Business Association of Georgia.<ref>Business Media Georgia. [https://bm.ge/en/article/philip-morris-georgia-announces-immediate-contribution-of-100-000-gel-towards-fight-against-covid-19/51861 Philip Morris Georgia announces immediate contribution of 100 000 gel towards fight against covid-19], 23 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris Georgia] made a monetary donation to the special fund established by the Business Association of Georgia.<ref>Business Media Georgia. [https://bm.ge/en/article/philip-morris-georgia-announces-immediate-contribution-of-100-000-gel-towards-fight-against-covid-19/51861 Philip Morris Georgia announces immediate contribution of 100 000 gel towards fight against covid-19], 23 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | *[[ITC Limited India]] donated money for the COVID contingency fund.<Ref name= | + | *[[ITC Limited India]] donated money for the COVID contingency fund.<Ref name=Economic4>The Economic Times. [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/itc-to-set-up-rs-150-crore-covid-19-contingency-fund-for-vulnerable-sections-of-society/articleshow/74841727.cms ITC announces Rs 150 crore COVID-19 contingency fund for vulnerable sections of society], 27 March 2020, Accessed April 2020</ref> |
*Philip Morris International (PMI) donated respirators to hospitals in Greece.<Ref name=Tornos>Tornos news. [https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/society/39400-greek-tobacco-firm-donates-50-respirators-to-equip-greek-hospitals.html Greek tobacco firm donates 50 respirators to equip Greek hospitals], 18 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *Philip Morris International (PMI) donated respirators to hospitals in Greece.<Ref name=Tornos>Tornos news. [https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/society/39400-greek-tobacco-firm-donates-50-respirators-to-equip-greek-hospitals.html Greek tobacco firm donates 50 respirators to equip Greek hospitals], 18 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*In Honduras [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] donated masks to the Police.<ref name=Honduras>COHEP. [https://twitter.com/COHEPHonduras/status/1253783358548652032], 25 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Honduras [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] donated masks to the Police.<ref name=Honduras>COHEP. [https://twitter.com/COHEPHonduras/status/1253783358548652032], 25 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*In Sri Lanka, online delivery of cigarettes was advertised via Facebook (Image 1).<ref name=key>Face Book [https://www.facebook.com/ixxakey/ К є у . කී] March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Sri Lanka, online delivery of cigarettes was advertised via Facebook (Image 1).<ref name=key>Face Book [https://www.facebook.com/ixxakey/ К є у . කී] March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image:onlinetobaccosales.png| | + | [[Image:onlinetobaccosales.png|300px|thumb|center| Image 1: Online sales of cigarettes in Sri Lanka advertised via Facebook<ref name = key/>]] |
*In Myanmar Traditional Cheroot (A filter less cylindrical cigar with both ends clipped) Producers Association donated money to the National Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).<Ref name=Mynmar>Tobacco Industry watch, South East Asia Tobacco control Alliance. [https://tobaccowatch.seatca.org/index.php/2020/04/14/ti-steps-up-csr-activities-during-covid-19-pandemic/ TI steps-up CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic], 7 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Myanmar Traditional Cheroot (A filter less cylindrical cigar with both ends clipped) Producers Association donated money to the National Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).<Ref name=Mynmar>Tobacco Industry watch, South East Asia Tobacco control Alliance. [https://tobaccowatch.seatca.org/index.php/2020/04/14/ti-steps-up-csr-activities-during-covid-19-pandemic/ TI steps-up CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic], 7 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| Line 78: | Line 124: | ||
==Week 3: 30th March to 5th April 2020== | ==Week 3: 30th March to 5th April 2020== | ||
| − | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced their attempt to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.<Ref name= | + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced their attempt to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.<Ref name=vaccine10> British American Tobacco (BAT). [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOBN8QNL News Release, BAT working on potential COVID-19 vaccine through US bio-tech subsidiary], 1 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
*A non-peer reviewed preprint publication by a French scientist suggested a protective effect of Nicotine over COVID-19.<Ref name=Qeios>Qeios. [https://www.qeios.com/read/WPP19W.3 Low incidence of daily active tobacco smoking in patients with symptomatic COVID-19], 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref>The Lead author Pierre Changeux, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience at the Institute Pasteur had a history of funding from the tobacco industry.<Ref name=Monde> Le Monde. [http://web.archive.org/web/20200425083910/https:/www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2012/05/31/guerre-du-tabac-la-bataille-de-la-nicotine_1710837_1650684.html Comment le lobby du tabac a subventionné des labosfrançais], 07 January 2013, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *A non-peer reviewed preprint publication by a French scientist suggested a protective effect of Nicotine over COVID-19.<Ref name=Qeios>Qeios. [https://www.qeios.com/read/WPP19W.3 Low incidence of daily active tobacco smoking in patients with symptomatic COVID-19], 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref>The Lead author Pierre Changeux, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience at the Institute Pasteur had a history of funding from the tobacco industry.<Ref name=Monde> Le Monde. [http://web.archive.org/web/20200425083910/https:/www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2012/05/31/guerre-du-tabac-la-bataille-de-la-nicotine_1710837_1650684.html Comment le lobby du tabac a subventionné des labosfrançais], 07 January 2013, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
*In Nigeria [https://www.international-tobacco.co.uk/ International Tobacco Company] donated hand sanitisers and face masks to the government.<ref name=Nigeria>Sun News Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200427134114/https:/www.sunnewsonline.com/covid-19-kwara-shuts-borders-fumigate-markets/ COVID-19: Kwara shuts borders, fumigate markets], 31 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Nigeria [https://www.international-tobacco.co.uk/ International Tobacco Company] donated hand sanitisers and face masks to the government.<ref name=Nigeria>Sun News Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200427134114/https:/www.sunnewsonline.com/covid-19-kwara-shuts-borders-fumigate-markets/ COVID-19: Kwara shuts borders, fumigate markets], 31 March 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
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*In South Africa Johann Rupert, the CEO and a major shareholder in [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], donated money to the COVID-19 funds.<ref name=FMF>Tobacco Tactics. [https://tobaccotactics.org/wiki/free-market-foundation/ Free Market Foundation], 08 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref><ref name=SA>The Citizen. [https://citizen.co.za/business/business-news/2263437/update-ruperts-r1bn-for-covid-19-was-always-a-donation-after-all/ UPDATE: Rupert’s R1bn for Covid-19 was always a donation after all], 1 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In South Africa Johann Rupert, the CEO and a major shareholder in [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], donated money to the COVID-19 funds.<ref name=FMF>Tobacco Tactics. [https://tobaccotactics.org/wiki/free-market-foundation/ Free Market Foundation], 08 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref><ref name=SA>The Citizen. [https://citizen.co.za/business/business-news/2263437/update-ruperts-r1bn-for-covid-19-was-always-a-donation-after-all/ UPDATE: Rupert’s R1bn for Covid-19 was always a donation after all], 1 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/ukraine/en/overview Philip Morris Ukraine] donated money to COVID-19 funds.<ref name=ukrain>Union UA. [https://www.unian.ua/society/10939220-filip-morris-ukrajina-pozhertvuvala-10-milyoniv-griven-dlya-borotbi-z-epidemiyeyu-koronavirusu.html?_ga=2.99636377.627084846.1585742071-1183161118.1585569368 Філіп Морріс Україна пожертвувала 10 мільйонів гривень для боротьби з епідемією коронавірус], 02April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[https://www.pmi.com/markets/ukraine/en/overview Philip Morris Ukraine] donated money to COVID-19 funds.<ref name=ukrain>Union UA. [https://www.unian.ua/society/10939220-filip-morris-ukrajina-pozhertvuvala-10-milyoniv-griven-dlya-borotbi-z-epidemiyeyu-koronavirusu.html?_ga=2.99636377.627084846.1585742071-1183161118.1585569368 Філіп Морріс Україна пожертвувала 10 мільйонів гривень для боротьби з епідемією коронавірус], 02April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In Bangladesh, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and [https://www.jti.com/asia/Bangladesh Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] requested permission from the Ministry of Industries to continue manufacturing and trading tobacco and related products.<ref name=ntv>n TV Online.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200727041809/https://www.ntvbd.com/bangladesh/%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%A8-744613যশোর-টাঙ্গাইলেবিড়িশ্রমিকদেরমানববন্ধন], 3 April 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
==Week 4: 6th to 12th April 2020== | ==Week 4: 6th to 12th April 2020== | ||
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*ITC WOW (Wellbeing out of Waste) team (a waste management programme initiated by [[ITC Limited India]]) distributed masks and food packs to families and, also, to shelterless people. They also supplied sanitisers to public health workers and food packs to Police and medical personnel.<ref name=bulls/> | *ITC WOW (Wellbeing out of Waste) team (a waste management programme initiated by [[ITC Limited India]]) distributed masks and food packs to families and, also, to shelterless people. They also supplied sanitisers to public health workers and food packs to Police and medical personnel.<ref name=bulls/> | ||
*[https://www.zaubacorp.com/company/7HILLS-MANIKCHAND-PRODUCTS-PRIVATE-LIMITED/U16005TG2015PTC101900| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited], the manufacturer of Manikchand pan masala, claiming it to be tobacco free, published advertisements on COVID-19 in newspapers (Image 2).<ref name=Manikchand> 7 HILLS Manikchand. [http://archive.tobaccounmasked.com/document/7hills-manikchand-products-private-limited-publishing-large-eye-catching-advertisement-on-covid19-in-a-newspaper/ Manikchand Pan masala], undated, Accessed May 2020</Ref> | *[https://www.zaubacorp.com/company/7HILLS-MANIKCHAND-PRODUCTS-PRIVATE-LIMITED/U16005TG2015PTC101900| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited], the manufacturer of Manikchand pan masala, claiming it to be tobacco free, published advertisements on COVID-19 in newspapers (Image 2).<ref name=Manikchand> 7 HILLS Manikchand. [http://archive.tobaccounmasked.com/document/7hills-manikchand-products-private-limited-publishing-large-eye-catching-advertisement-on-covid19-in-a-newspaper/ Manikchand Pan masala], undated, Accessed May 2020</Ref> | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | [[Image:Manikchand.jpeg| | + | [[Image:Manikchand.jpeg|500px|thumb|centre| Image 2: A newspaper advertisement by Manikchand<ref name = Manikchand/>]] |
*Chief minister of West Bengal Exempted Beedi Industry from Lockdown (Image 3)<ref name = bengal>SARC-CCT.Newspaper article. April 2020</ref>. | *Chief minister of West Bengal Exempted Beedi Industry from Lockdown (Image 3)<ref name = bengal>SARC-CCT.Newspaper article. April 2020</ref>. | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | [[Image:Bengal.jpeg| | + | [[Image:Bengal.jpeg|200px|thumb|centre| Image 3: A newspaper clipping from West Bengal on exemption of bidi industry from lockdown restrictions<ref name = bengal/>]] |
| + | |||
*In Indonesia, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated an Ambulance to Indonesian Red Cross.<Ref name=Rasar>Radar Kediri. [https://radarkediri.jawapos.com/read/2020/04/07/187468/covid-19-di-kediri-gudang-garam-serahkan-ambulans-ke-pmi Covid-19 di Kediri, Gudang Garam Serahkan Ambulans ke PMI Dilengkapi Peralatan Medis Darurat], 07 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Indonesia, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated an Ambulance to Indonesian Red Cross.<Ref name=Rasar>Radar Kediri. [https://radarkediri.jawapos.com/read/2020/04/07/187468/covid-19-di-kediri-gudang-garam-serahkan-ambulans-ke-pmi Covid-19 di Kediri, Gudang Garam Serahkan Ambulans ke PMI Dilengkapi Peralatan Medis Darurat], 07 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Malaysia raised money for COVID-19 funds.<ref name=JTI1> Malasiakini. [https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/519315 MyKasih Raises RM 3mil for Food Aid During MCO], 7 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Malaysia raised money for COVID-19 funds.<ref name=JTI1> Malasiakini. [https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/519315 MyKasih Raises RM 3mil for Food Aid During MCO], 7 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
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*Phillip Morris International (PMI) tried to indicate that smoking and vaping has no association with increased risks for COVID-19 (Image 4).<Ref name=PMI2>C Gardener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200428121642/https:/www.smokefreeworld.org/covid-19-and-lung-health-smoking-and-vaping/ COVID-19 And Lung Health: Smoking and Vaping], 14 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *Phillip Morris International (PMI) tried to indicate that smoking and vaping has no association with increased risks for COVID-19 (Image 4).<Ref name=PMI2>C Gardener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200428121642/https:/www.smokefreeworld.org/covid-19-and-lung-health-smoking-and-vaping/ COVID-19 And Lung Health: Smoking and Vaping], 14 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image:FSFW.PNG| | + | [[Image:FSFW.PNG|800px|thumb|center| Image 4: Phillip Morris International (PMI) tried to indicate that smoking and vaping has no association with increased risk for COVID-19.<ref name=PMI2/>]] |
| + | |||
*In Italy, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated meals for the Zola Predosa Food Bank, hand sanitisers, personal protective equipment and money for COVID-19 control activities.<ref name=end>Tobacco End Game.[https://tobaccoendgame.it/news/lindustria-del-tabacco-utilizza-lemergenza-covid-19-per-portare-avanti-la-sua-strategia-e-la-propaganda-commerciale/ Philip Morris dona mascherine e disinfettante, dopo aver incassato nel 2019 un regalo da 400 milioni. La politica ringrazia: pecunia non olet], 14 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Italy, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated meals for the Zola Predosa Food Bank, hand sanitisers, personal protective equipment and money for COVID-19 control activities.<ref name=end>Tobacco End Game.[https://tobaccoendgame.it/news/lindustria-del-tabacco-utilizza-lemergenza-covid-19-per-portare-avanti-la-sua-strategia-e-la-propaganda-commerciale/ Philip Morris dona mascherine e disinfettante, dopo aver incassato nel 2019 un regalo da 400 milioni. La politica ringrazia: pecunia non olet], 14 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/?lang=en| Vinataba Tobacco Company] in Vietnam donated money and equipment to the Vietnam Heart Institute at Bach Mai Hospital.<ref name=vaping2>VapingPost.[https://www.vapingpost.com/2020/04/16/vietnam-who-rep-spreads-misinformation-and-proposes-e-cig-ban/ Vietnam: WHO Rep. Spreads Misinformation and Proposes E-Cig Ban], 16 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/?lang=en| Vinataba Tobacco Company] in Vietnam donated money and equipment to the Vietnam Heart Institute at Bach Mai Hospital.<ref name=vaping2>VapingPost.[https://www.vapingpost.com/2020/04/16/vietnam-who-rep-spreads-misinformation-and-proposes-e-cig-ban/ Vietnam: WHO Rep. Spreads Misinformation and Proposes E-Cig Ban], 16 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
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*In Senegal, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, a businessman involved in cigarette manufacturing, donated money to the government.<ref name=sene>Seneweb. [https://www.seneweb.com/news/Portrait/mohamed-ould-bouamatou-parcours-d-un-quo_n_314716.html Mohamed Ould Bouamatou : Parcours d'un "Jumbo" !], 15April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Senegal, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, a businessman involved in cigarette manufacturing, donated money to the government.<ref name=sene>Seneweb. [https://www.seneweb.com/news/Portrait/mohamed-ould-bouamatou-parcours-d-un-quo_n_314716.html Mohamed Ould Bouamatou : Parcours d'un "Jumbo" !], 15April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*In the United States, [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and its subsidiary U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company donated money for COVID-19 funds.<ref name=USA2>The news Enterprise. [https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/news/local/food-bank-receives-55-000-donation/article_eef4e001-0dde-5da5-bf51-5ff4f850584e.html Food bank receives $55,000 donation], 16April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In the United States, [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and its subsidiary U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company donated money for COVID-19 funds.<ref name=USA2>The news Enterprise. [https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/news/local/food-bank-receives-55-000-donation/article_eef4e001-0dde-5da5-bf51-5ff4f850584e.html Food bank receives $55,000 donation], 16April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | |||
*In Indonesia, Philip Morris International (PMI) Sampoerna, where COVID-19-related deaths occurred among factory workers, made donations to local pandemic relief via the nongovernmental organisation [https://stapacenter.org/who-we-are/strategy/The Social Transformation and Public Awareness Foundation (STAPA) Center].<ref name=Kumparan> Kumparan. [https://kumparan.com/kabarpaspasuruan/yayasan-stapa-center-dan-sampoerna-untuk-indonesia-beri-bantuan-tangani-covid-19-1tDuco17SnTYayasan STAPA Center dan Sampoerna Untuk Indonesia Beri Bantuan Tangani Covid-19], 14 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Indonesia, Philip Morris International (PMI) Sampoerna, where COVID-19-related deaths occurred among factory workers, made donations to local pandemic relief via the nongovernmental organisation [https://stapacenter.org/who-we-are/strategy/The Social Transformation and Public Awareness Foundation (STAPA) Center].<ref name=Kumparan> Kumparan. [https://kumparan.com/kabarpaspasuruan/yayasan-stapa-center-dan-sampoerna-untuk-indonesia-beri-bantuan-tangani-covid-19-1tDuco17SnTYayasan STAPA Center dan Sampoerna Untuk Indonesia Beri Bantuan Tangani Covid-19], 14 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*In Sri Lanka, Facebook advertisements were seen on cigarette retailers selling cigarettes online during the curfew (Image 5).<ref name=SL>FaceBook. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/227331875177086/ සිගරැට් නැතුව වේලෙන්නන්ගේ සංගමය], April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Sri Lanka, Facebook advertisements were seen on cigarette retailers selling cigarettes online during the curfew (Image 5).<ref name=SL>FaceBook. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/227331875177086/ සිගරැට් නැතුව වේලෙන්නන්ගේ සංගමය], April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:FacebookPromotion.PNG|600px|thumb|center| Image 5: In Sri Lanka promoting cigarette products through Face Book Pages.<ref name=SL/>]] |
| + | |||
| + | *A popular artist in Bangladesh made a public statement that smokers are less likely to be infected with COVID-19. The statement received wide positive media coverage.<ref name= danik> dainikamadershomoy.com. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043147/http://www.dainikamadershomoy.com/post/251985 করোনাভাইরাসধূমপায়ীদেরক্ষতিকরতেপারেনা!], 17 April 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In Bangladesh, [http://www.dam.gov.bd/ the marketing department of the Ministry of Agriculture] provided special assistance to tobacco companies to maintain their supply chains smoothly by facilitating tobacco crop trading processes.<ref name=marketing>Ministry of Agriculture. [http://dam.portal.gov.bd/site/notices/70b7e7f5-9701-4c5d-8a48-88f9d915a2df/%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%82-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A5%A4cতামাকের-ক্রয়-বিক্রয়-কার্যক্রম-মনিটরিং-সংক্রান্ত।], 13April 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
==Week 6: 20th to 26th April 2020== | ==Week 6: 20th to 26th April 2020== | ||
*Tobacco industry representatives requested the European Union (EU) to postpone the upcoming deadline to stop menthol cigarette sales.<Ref name=Reporter>Tobacco Reporter.[https://tobaccoreporter.com/2020/04/21/eu-menthol-ban-industry-asks-for-more-time/ Menthol Ban: Industry Asks More Time], 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *Tobacco industry representatives requested the European Union (EU) to postpone the upcoming deadline to stop menthol cigarette sales.<Ref name=Reporter>Tobacco Reporter.[https://tobaccoreporter.com/2020/04/21/eu-menthol-ban-industry-asks-for-more-time/ Menthol Ban: Industry Asks More Time], 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh introduced a sanitiser (Image 6).<ref name=BATB>British American Tobacco Bangladesh. [https://www.facebook.com/BAT-BANGLADESH-126888660684626/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh], 21 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh introduced a sanitiser (Image 6).<ref name=BATB>British American Tobacco Bangladesh. [https://www.facebook.com/BAT-BANGLADESH-126888660684626/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh], 21 April 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image: BATBangladesh|400px|thumb|center| Image 6: BAT Bangladesh introducing a hand sanitizer<ref name = BATB/>]] | + | |
| + | [[Image: BATBangladesh.jpeg|400px|thumb|center| Image 6: BAT Bangladesh introducing a hand sanitizer<ref name = BATB/>]] | ||
| + | |||
*[http://www.batbangladesh.com/ [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh] declared that they moves to the next level of vaccine development by animal testing.<Ref name=KBP>Greater Owensboro. [https://edc.owensboro.com/kbp-begins-testing-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-on-animals/?oti=76 KBP Begins Testing COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate on Animals], 29 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *[http://www.batbangladesh.com/ [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh] declared that they moves to the next level of vaccine development by animal testing.<Ref name=KBP>Greater Owensboro. [https://edc.owensboro.com/kbp-begins-testing-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-on-animals/?oti=76 KBP Begins Testing COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate on Animals], 29 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
| − | *In Zimbabwe, tobacco workers’ unions requested to postpone the tobacco marketing season to avoid putting workers at risk of infection.<ref name= | + | *In Zimbabwe, tobacco workers’ unions requested to postpone the tobacco marketing season to avoid putting workers at risk of infection.<ref name= Zimbabwe3>New Zimbabwe. [https://www.newzimbabwe.com/tobacco-workers-union-call-for-auction-floor-opening-delay-until-lockdown-ends/ Tobacco Workers’ Union Call For Auction Floor Opening Delay Until Lockdown Ends], 27 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> |
==Week 7: 27th April to 3rd May 2020== | ==Week 7: 27th April to 3rd May 2020== | ||
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*In South Africa, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and the [http://fita.co.za/ Fairtrade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA)], threatened the government of litigation after reversing its decision to lift the tobacco ban (Image 7).<Ref name = BAT>SABC News. [https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/british-american-tobacco-threatens-legal-action-over-cigarette-ban/ British American Tobacco threatens legal action over cigarette ban], 2 May 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref><Ref name=Times2>Times Live. [https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-04-30-tobacco-association-heads-to-court-to-challenge-ban-on-cigarette-sales/ Tobacco association heads to court to challenge ban on cigarette sales], 30 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref><Ref name=Fin24> Fin 24. [https://m.fin24.com/Economy/South-Africa/lockdown-cigarettes-liquor-still-wont-be-for-sale-on-level-4-20200429Lockdown | Cigarettes, liquor still won't be for sale on Level 4], 29 April 2020</ref><Ref name=Fin>Fin 24. [https://www.fin24.com/Economy/sas-largest-cigarette-company-drops-proposed-legal-action-against-tobacco-ban-20200506 SA's largest cigarette company drops proposed legal action against tobacco ban], 06 May 2020</ref> | *In South Africa, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and the [http://fita.co.za/ Fairtrade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA)], threatened the government of litigation after reversing its decision to lift the tobacco ban (Image 7).<Ref name = BAT>SABC News. [https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/british-american-tobacco-threatens-legal-action-over-cigarette-ban/ British American Tobacco threatens legal action over cigarette ban], 2 May 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref><Ref name=Times2>Times Live. [https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-04-30-tobacco-association-heads-to-court-to-challenge-ban-on-cigarette-sales/ Tobacco association heads to court to challenge ban on cigarette sales], 30 April 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref><Ref name=Fin24> Fin 24. [https://m.fin24.com/Economy/South-Africa/lockdown-cigarettes-liquor-still-wont-be-for-sale-on-level-4-20200429Lockdown | Cigarettes, liquor still won't be for sale on Level 4], 29 April 2020</ref><Ref name=Fin>Fin 24. [https://www.fin24.com/Economy/sas-largest-cigarette-company-drops-proposed-legal-action-against-tobacco-ban-20200506 SA's largest cigarette company drops proposed legal action against tobacco ban], 06 May 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:BATSA.png|400px|thumb|center| Image 7:British American Tobacco threatens legal action over cigarette ban.<ref name=BAT/>]] |
| + | |||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to public hospitals.<Ref name=BPost>Bangladesh Post. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200429040609/https://www.bangladeshpost.net/posts/professional-bodies-ngos-donate-ppe-for-public-hospitals-30125 Professional bodies, NGOs donate PPE for public hospitals], 31 March 2020, Accessed 29 April2020</ref> | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to public hospitals.<Ref name=BPost>Bangladesh Post. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200429040609/https://www.bangladeshpost.net/posts/professional-bodies-ngos-donate-ppe-for-public-hospitals-30125 Professional bodies, NGOs donate PPE for public hospitals], 31 March 2020, Accessed 29 April2020</ref> | ||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Mexico donated money for personal protective equipment to public and private hospitals.<ref name=Mixico> Milenio. [https://testigos.intermediaweb.com.mx/testigos/clip_reporte_histo_ssl.php?clave=51351762&vcveusu=2489&vertxtimagen=1 Regional companies have already donated $58 million], 02 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Mexico donated money for personal protective equipment to public and private hospitals.<ref name=Mixico> Milenio. [https://testigos.intermediaweb.com.mx/testigos/clip_reporte_histo_ssl.php?clave=51351762&vcveusu=2489&vertxtimagen=1 Regional companies have already donated $58 million], 02 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | *[https://www.altria.com/en/Altria Group] donated money to COVID-19 relief efforts in Kentucky, USA.<ref name=USA1>MSN. [https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/good-news-amid-pandemic-louisville-construction-company-builds-homes-for-people-in-need/ar-BB13z5Da Good News: Amid pandemic, Louisville construction company builds homes for people in need], 04 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</Ref> | + | *[https://www.altria.com/en/ Altria Group] donated money to COVID-19 relief efforts in Kentucky, USA.<ref name=USA1>MSN. [https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/good-news-amid-pandemic-louisville-construction-company-builds-homes-for-people-in-need/ar-BB13z5Da Good News: Amid pandemic, Louisville construction company builds homes for people in need], 04 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</Ref> |
*In Bangalore, India, government officials publicly thanked [[ITC Limited India]] for their lockdown deliveries of ITC food products.<ref name=twitter>B.H.Anil Kumar. [https://twitter.com/bbmpcomm/status/1256211105669472256?lang=en BBMP thanks ITC Limited for the company’s gesture], Twitter, 1 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Bangalore, India, government officials publicly thanked [[ITC Limited India]] for their lockdown deliveries of ITC food products.<ref name=twitter>B.H.Anil Kumar. [https://twitter.com/bbmpcomm/status/1256211105669472256?lang=en BBMP thanks ITC Limited for the company’s gesture], Twitter, 1 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *A market research launched by the market research firm [https://www.euromonitor.com/ Euromonitor International] says that in India, cigarette sales may fall by 10 per cent in this year due to the rise in taxes and the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. The report also mentions the effects on [[ITC Limited India]] and [https://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips] companies.<ref name=Business10> Business Standard. [https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/covid-19-impact-cigarette-sales-may-see-steepest-decline-in-20-years-120042600427_1.html Cigarette sales may see steepest dip in 20 years on lockdown, tax rise], 27 April 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
==Week 8: 4th to 10th May 2020== | ==Week 8: 4th to 10th May 2020== | ||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] highlighted its Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and COVID-19 work plan through an open letter to the public from Chief Executive Jack Bowles. It included activities in United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh and Croatia (Image 8).<ref name=Jack>J Bowles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200603110518/https://www.bat.com/group/sites/uk__9d9kcy.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOBPBP5R/$FILE/medMDBPBNHY.pdf?openelement An Open Letter from Jack Bowles on BAT’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic], 05 May 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] highlighted its Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and COVID-19 work plan through an open letter to the public from Chief Executive Jack Bowles. It included activities in United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh and Croatia (Image 8).<ref name=Jack>J Bowles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200603110518/https://www.bat.com/group/sites/uk__9d9kcy.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOBPBP5R/$FILE/medMDBPBNHY.pdf?openelement An Open Letter from Jack Bowles on BAT’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic], 05 May 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:BATLetter.png|400px|thumb|center| Image 8:[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] highlighting it’s Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and COVID-19 work plan through an open letter to the general public.<ref name= Jack/>]] |
*South Korean tobacco company and Philip Morris International (PMI) partner Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation [https://en.ktng.com/ (KT&G)] donated COVID-19 test kits to Indonesia.<ref name=ktng>Korea IT Times Global News Network.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200603131615/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=97355 KT&G; delivers COVID-19 diagnostic kits to the Indonesian government], 08 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *South Korean tobacco company and Philip Morris International (PMI) partner Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation [https://en.ktng.com/ (KT&G)] donated COVID-19 test kits to Indonesia.<ref name=ktng>Korea IT Times Global News Network.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200603131615/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=97355 KT&G; delivers COVID-19 diagnostic kits to the Indonesian government], 08 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
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==Week 9: 11th to 17th May2020== | ==Week 9: 11th to 17th May2020== | ||
| − | *[https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group] highlighted their COVID-19 Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in the Annual General Meeting | + | *[https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group] highlighted their COVID-19 Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in the Annual General Meeting, which included a monetary donation to COVID-19 relief funds, donatiions of supplies and their employees donating money to support NGO front liners.<ref name=altria>Altria Group. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200603131034/http://investor.altria.com/Cache/IRCache/34d5b4d5-723e-10d3-9aad-f876abb92a52.PDF?O=PDF&T=&Y=&D=&FID=34d5b4d5-723e-10d3-9aad-f876abb92a52&iid=4087349 Annual Meeting of Shareholders], 14 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
*In Costa Rica, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated N95 face masks to the government.<ref name=costa>M de Salud. [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=261203385048578&ref=watch_permalink Conferencia de prensa de actualización de acciones e información #COVID19], May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Costa Rica, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated N95 face masks to the government.<ref name=costa>M de Salud. [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=261203385048578&ref=watch_permalink Conferencia de prensa de actualización de acciones e información #COVID19], May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]]’s [https://www.kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing] declared that they are ready for human trials of their COVID-19 vaccine.<ref name=Times>Timesnownews.com. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200603113741/https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/covid-19-british-cigarette-company-claims-tobacco-based-coronavirus-vaccine-ready-for-human-trials/592709 COVID-19: British cigarette company claims tobacco-based coronavirus vaccine ready for human trials], 16 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]]’s [https://www.kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing] declared that they are ready for human trials of their COVID-19 vaccine.<ref name=Times>Timesnownews.com. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200603113741/https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/covid-19-british-cigarette-company-claims-tobacco-based-coronavirus-vaccine-ready-for-human-trials/592709 COVID-19: British cigarette company claims tobacco-based coronavirus vaccine ready for human trials], 16 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*A senior staff member from [https://nosmoke.team/en/ NOSMOKE Institute] at Patras Science Park, Greece, who received research grants worth USD 105,985 from [https://www.smokefreeworld.org/ Foundation for smoke free world (FSFW)], published a paper on COVID-19 and nicotine treatments.<Ref name=grants>Smoke free world. [https://web.archive.org/web/20190527081643/https:/www.smokefreeworld.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/fsfw_2018_form_990-pf_public_inspection.pdf Return of Private foundation], 1 June 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *A senior staff member from [https://nosmoke.team/en/ NOSMOKE Institute] at Patras Science Park, Greece, who received research grants worth USD 105,985 from [https://www.smokefreeworld.org/ Foundation for smoke free world (FSFW)], published a paper on COVID-19 and nicotine treatments.<Ref name=grants>Smoke free world. [https://web.archive.org/web/20190527081643/https:/www.smokefreeworld.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/fsfw_2018_form_990-pf_public_inspection.pdf Return of Private foundation], 1 June 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
*In Bangladesh, [http://www.abulkhairgroup.com Abul Khayer Group] which manufacture cigarettes and other tobacco products, supplied oxygen cylinders to the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) Hospital and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks to government agencies including Chittagong Divisional Commissioner, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner.<ref name=Chattogram>Chattogram24.com. [https://chattogram24.com/news-view/2819/করোনা-চিকিৎসা:-বিনামূল্যে-অক্সিজেন-সরবরাহ-শুরু-আবুল-খায়ের-গ্রুপের?fbclid=IwAR1nlBljU5H41Q_4xAtbEDxzRfGSZtJJcLs213ihzEFFN4o2cD1brrAhst8করোনা চিকিৎসা: বিনামূল্যে অক্সিজেন সরবরাহ শুরু আবুল খায়ের গ্রুপের], 12 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In Bangladesh, [http://www.abulkhairgroup.com Abul Khayer Group] which manufacture cigarettes and other tobacco products, supplied oxygen cylinders to the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) Hospital and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks to government agencies including Chittagong Divisional Commissioner, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner.<ref name=Chattogram>Chattogram24.com. [https://chattogram24.com/news-view/2819/করোনা-চিকিৎসা:-বিনামূল্যে-অক্সিজেন-সরবরাহ-শুরু-আবুল-খায়ের-গ্রুপের?fbclid=IwAR1nlBljU5H41Q_4xAtbEDxzRfGSZtJJcLs213ihzEFFN4o2cD1brrAhst8করোনা চিকিৎসা: বিনামূল্যে অক্সিজেন সরবরাহ শুরু আবুল খায়ের গ্রুপের], 12 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | *Home delivery of tobacco products by the Sri Lankan convenience store [http://www.247store.lk/ 24 Seven] through the [https://pickme.lk/ PickMe] taxi and home delivery service.<ref name=pickme>[www.cct.lk Centre for Combating Tobacco]. [http://archive.tobaccounmasked.com/image/home-delivery-of-cigarettes-through-pick-me-from-sri-lanka/ Home delivery of cigarettes through pick me from Sri Lanka, Tobacco Unmasked Hotspots Report], [http://gismap.tobaccounmasked.com/ Community Driven Tobacco Surveillance System (CDTSS)], 12 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | + | *Home delivery of tobacco products by the Sri Lankan convenience store [http://www.247store.lk/ 24 Seven] through the [https://pickme.lk/ PickMe] taxi and home delivery service (Image 9).<ref name=pickme>[www.cct.lk Centre for Combating Tobacco]. [http://archive.tobaccounmasked.com/image/home-delivery-of-cigarettes-through-pick-me-from-sri-lanka/ Home delivery of cigarettes through pick me from Sri Lanka, Tobacco Unmasked Hotspots Report], [http://gismap.tobaccounmasked.com/ Community Driven Tobacco Surveillance System (CDTSS)], 12 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:cigarettedelivery_PickMe.png|400px|thumb|center| Image 9: Home delivery of cigarettes in Sri Lank through Pick Me taxi service<ref name= pickme />]] |
==Week 10: 18th to 24th May 2020 == | ==Week 10: 18th to 24th May 2020 == | ||
*[https://www.djarumfoundation.org/ Djarum], an Indonesian tobacco manufacturer, donated Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) to Pamekasan Regional Hospital.<ref name=Djarum> Antara Jatim. [https://jatim.antaranews.com/berita/383980/rsud-pamekasan-terima-apd-dari-djarum-foundation RSUD Pamekasan terima APD dari Djarum Foundation], 21 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[https://www.djarumfoundation.org/ Djarum], an Indonesian tobacco manufacturer, donated Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) to Pamekasan Regional Hospital.<ref name=Djarum> Antara Jatim. [https://jatim.antaranews.com/berita/383980/rsud-pamekasan-terima-apd-dari-djarum-foundation RSUD Pamekasan terima APD dari Djarum Foundation], 21 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
*In United States of America (USA), [https://www.altria.com/en/Altria group] donated money to a community support group.<ref name=kenturki>Kenturki New Era. [https://www.kentuckynewera.com/web/news/article_820e9919-eff9-52dd-9237-ee7a85234335.html United Way of the Pennyrile receives $35K from Altria Group for COVID-19 relief], 20May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In United States of America (USA), [https://www.altria.com/en/Altria group] donated money to a community support group.<ref name=kenturki>Kenturki New Era. [https://www.kentuckynewera.com/web/news/article_820e9919-eff9-52dd-9237-ee7a85234335.html United Way of the Pennyrile receives $35K from Altria Group for COVID-19 relief], 20May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] General Manager, Felicio Ferraz, announced the submission of a pre-investigative new drug package to the [https://www.fda.gov/home United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] by its subsidiary [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing] (Image 10). In the same announcement, he highlighted BAT’s donations in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh and USA.<ref name=Georgia>Georgia Today.[http://georgiatoday.ge/news/21205/BAT-Makes-Progress-on-COVID-19-Vaccine-%26-Provides-Community-Support BAT Makes Progress on COVID-19 Vaccine and Provides Community Support], 19 May 2020</ref> | + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Georgia General Manager, Felicio Ferraz, announced the submission of a pre-investigative new drug package to the [https://www.fda.gov/home United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] by its subsidiary [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing] (Image 10). In the same announcement, he highlighted BAT’s donations in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh and USA.<ref name=Georgia>Georgia Today.[http://georgiatoday.ge/news/21205/BAT-Makes-Progress-on-COVID-19-Vaccine-%26-Provides-Community-Support BAT Makes Progress on COVID-19 Vaccine and Provides Community Support], 19 May 2020</ref> |
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Georgia.png|400px|thumb|center| Image 10: [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Georgia General Manager, Felicio Ferraz, announced about Kentucky Bio Processing submitting a Pre-investigative new drug package to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<ref name= Georgia/>]] |
*Bangladesh [https://moind.gov.bd/ Ministry of Industries] rejected the tobacco ban proposed by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.<ref name=Dhaka>Dhaka Tribune. [https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2020/05/20/tobacco-ban-industries-ministry-quashes-health-division-s-proposal?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=8556ebdc24c08293f96eea02176bef7b9a1368e1-1591340230-0-AeBbrTYsDbndgd0xBhw6S7Fp42Bt8OQ-GmDBIAJNCbT3wWA_K-u9RZIn1qt_i-nCtS5NwQ9-k9eT4mE_AKtDiuVOw3mhQ2O89Fz-pep68mmgWiPdHlfODsx9z3Zpy4g9ZxFBLJwVipgIqQyH09kajWyOUfg-7l-RFYS983u8R7YtQy-ytfNKguORLe4nd9m6wa8ih-3q50lcDphdC1cWCGkR5ZE9Ed6iMcXgDXoMvGg4x7tGW4xRRv-DuDeIuPF98OaLbYPW1B16aJ2I1yskNdcj24xrWqQbIEHMnDAYbXr-p66lBq9l1YUkng9IUoQiVex9mXHsgIqwAVf9RErLwVFTA-S2bihVaCkq0h6i07IuNxUy6_Tot20I0OA6u8wGpPAGl1Ji5qbrv5CyNjsWVzw Industries Ministry rejects tobacco ban proposal], 20 May 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | *Bangladesh [https://moind.gov.bd/ Ministry of Industries] rejected the tobacco ban proposed by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.<ref name=Dhaka>Dhaka Tribune. [https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2020/05/20/tobacco-ban-industries-ministry-quashes-health-division-s-proposal?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=8556ebdc24c08293f96eea02176bef7b9a1368e1-1591340230-0-AeBbrTYsDbndgd0xBhw6S7Fp42Bt8OQ-GmDBIAJNCbT3wWA_K-u9RZIn1qt_i-nCtS5NwQ9-k9eT4mE_AKtDiuVOw3mhQ2O89Fz-pep68mmgWiPdHlfODsx9z3Zpy4g9ZxFBLJwVipgIqQyH09kajWyOUfg-7l-RFYS983u8R7YtQy-ytfNKguORLe4nd9m6wa8ih-3q50lcDphdC1cWCGkR5ZE9Ed6iMcXgDXoMvGg4x7tGW4xRRv-DuDeIuPF98OaLbYPW1B16aJ2I1yskNdcj24xrWqQbIEHMnDAYbXr-p66lBq9l1YUkng9IUoQiVex9mXHsgIqwAVf9RErLwVFTA-S2bihVaCkq0h6i07IuNxUy6_Tot20I0OA6u8wGpPAGl1Ji5qbrv5CyNjsWVzw Industries Ministry rejects tobacco ban proposal], 20 May 2020, Accessed May 2020</ref> | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[[ITC Limited India]] declared that they restarted their cigarette production as a “relief to the smokers” who are paying extra for cigarettes and, also, to “support the entire value chain” including the agricultural sector.<ref name=Economic>The Economic Times. [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/tobacco/itc-restarts-cigarette-production/articleshow/75809581.cms?from=mdr ITC restarts cigarette production]18 May 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> |
| + | |||
==Week 11: 25th to 31st May 2020== | ==Week 11: 25th to 31st May 2020== | ||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] files a law suit over the cigarette ban in South Africa (Image 11).<ref name=Africa>Z Zama. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200604052559/https://www.702.co.za/articles/385477/british-american-tobacco-sa-goes-to-court-again-over-cigarette-ban British American Tobacco SA goes to court again over cigarette ban], 1 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref><ref name=Bloomberg>Bloomberg. [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-30/bat-appeals-to-court-after-south-africa-digs-in-on-tobacco-ban BAT Appeals to Court After South Africa Digs In on Tobacco Ban], 30 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] files a law suit over the cigarette ban in South Africa (Image 11).<ref name=Africa>Z Zama. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200604052559/https://www.702.co.za/articles/385477/british-american-tobacco-sa-goes-to-court-again-over-cigarette-ban British American Tobacco SA goes to court again over cigarette ban], 1 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref><ref name=Bloomberg>Bloomberg. [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-30/bat-appeals-to-court-after-south-africa-digs-in-on-tobacco-ban BAT Appeals to Court After South Africa Digs In on Tobacco Ban], 30 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | |
| + | [[Image:BATSA2.png|600px|thumb|center| Image 11: [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] files a law suit over the cigarette ban in South Africa.<ref name=Bloomberg/>]] | ||
*In the United Arab Emirates, [https://eservices.tax.gov.ae/en-us/login The Federal Tax Authority], announces their intension to delay the ban on water pipe tobacco and e-cigarettes without digital tax stamps until January 2021, in response to “stakeholder pressure”.<ref name=Khaleej> MenaFnKhaleej Times. [https://menafn.com/1100227846/Coronavirus-UAE-delays-ban-on-water-pipe-tobacco-e-cigarettes-without-digital-tax-stamps-to-2021: UAE delays ban on water pipe tobacco, e-cigarettes without digital tax stamps to 2021], 26 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *In the United Arab Emirates, [https://eservices.tax.gov.ae/en-us/login The Federal Tax Authority], announces their intension to delay the ban on water pipe tobacco and e-cigarettes without digital tax stamps until January 2021, in response to “stakeholder pressure”.<ref name=Khaleej> MenaFnKhaleej Times. [https://menafn.com/1100227846/Coronavirus-UAE-delays-ban-on-water-pipe-tobacco-e-cigarettes-without-digital-tax-stamps-to-2021: UAE delays ban on water pipe tobacco, e-cigarettes without digital tax stamps to 2021], 26 May 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
| Line 187: | Line 242: | ||
==Week 12: 1st to 7th June 2020== | ==Week 12: 1st to 7th June 2020== | ||
| − | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] declares the COVID-19 vaccine developed by them “may enter” phase I clinical trials | + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] declares the COVID-19 vaccine developed by them “may enter” phase I clinical trials.<ref name=one>The one news page.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200604053950/https://www.onenewspage.com/n/Markets/1zlsbtzvw6/British-American-Tobacco-COVID-19-Vaccine-May.htmBritish American Tobacco's COVID-19 Vaccine May Enter Trials], 02 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
| − | |||
*[https://www.smokefreeworld.org/ Foundation for Smoke Free World (FSFW)] called for research proposals under the theme “COVID-19, smoking, and nicotine”.<ref name=FSFW> Foundation for Smoke free world (FSHW). [https://www.smokefreeworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RFP-COVID-19_Smoking_Nicotine-Research-1.pdf FSHW Health Science and Technology requests for proposal], 1 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | *[https://www.smokefreeworld.org/ Foundation for Smoke Free World (FSFW)] called for research proposals under the theme “COVID-19, smoking, and nicotine”.<ref name=FSFW> Foundation for Smoke free world (FSHW). [https://www.smokefreeworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RFP-COVID-19_Smoking_Nicotine-Research-1.pdf FSHW Health Science and Technology requests for proposal], 1 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | ||
==Week 13: 8th to 14th June 2020== | ==Week 13: 8th to 14th June 2020== | ||
| − | *Philip Morris International (PMI) and [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco] publicly criticised allegations against them on violation of FCTC in the means of Corperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Romania, Greece and Ukraine (Image | + | *Philip Morris International (PMI) and [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco] publicly criticised allegations against them on violation of FCTC in the means of Corperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Romania, Greece and Ukraine (Image 12).<ref name=Euro>Euro News. [https://www.euronews.com/2020/06/08/tobacco-giants-fume-over-claims-they-exploited-covid-19-with-romania-greece-ukraine-donati Tobacco giants fume over claims they exploited COVID-19 with Romania, Greece & Ukraine donations], 8 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:EuroNews.png|600px|thumb|center| Image 12: Euronews reporting PMI and Imperial Tobacco’s attempted justification on their Coperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Romania, Greece and Ukraine.<ref name = Euro/>]] |
== Week 14: 15th to 21st June 2020== | == Week 14: 15th to 21st June 2020== | ||
| Line 200: | Line 254: | ||
==Week 15: 22nd to 28th June 2020== | ==Week 15: 22nd to 28th June 2020== | ||
| − | According to the Snus Industry Overview by the [https://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-snus-market-report-2019-industry-analysis-size-608933 Market Research store], major tobacco companies involved in snus trade including [https://www.swedishmatch.com/ Swedish Match], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco Group], [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], Japan Tobacco International (JTI), [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group] have changed their business strategies “to retain their stand in the global platform” affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=snus> S Hiren. [https://3wnews.org/uncategorised/1569389/global-snus-market-2020-with-covid-19-after-effects-analysis-by-key-players-swedish-match-imperial-tobacco-group-reynolds-american-british-american-tobacco/ Global Snus Market 2020 with COVID-19 After Effects Analysis by Key Players| Swedish Match, Imperial Tobacco Group, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco], 23 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | + | *According to the Snus Industry Overview by the [https://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-snus-market-report-2019-industry-analysis-size-608933 Market Research store], major tobacco companies involved in snus trade including [https://www.swedishmatch.com/ Swedish Match], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco Group], [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], Japan Tobacco International (JTI), [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group] have changed their business strategies “to retain their stand in the global platform” affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=snus> S Hiren. [https://3wnews.org/uncategorised/1569389/global-snus-market-2020-with-covid-19-after-effects-analysis-by-key-players-swedish-match-imperial-tobacco-group-reynolds-american-british-american-tobacco/ Global Snus Market 2020 with COVID-19 After Effects Analysis by Key Players| Swedish Match, Imperial Tobacco Group, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco], 23 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
| + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa complained that there is no evidence to prove that tobacco ban reduces risk of COVID-19 transmission.<ref name=Sunday2> The Sunday Times.[https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/business/2020-06-26-no-proof-that-tobacco-ban-reduces-risk-of-covid-19-transmission-bat-sa/ 'No proof that tobacco ban reduces risk of Covid-19 transmission': BAT SA], 26 June 2020, accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In the United States of America (USA), the Federal Reserve bought USD 428 million in corporate bonds from companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), as part of its COVID-19 recovery plan.<Ref name=Reuters> Reuters. [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fed-bonds/big-tobacco-big-oil-and-buffett-join-feds-portfolio-idUSKBN23Z0M8 Big tobacco, big oil and Buffett join Fed's portfolio], 28 June 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
==Week 16: 29th June to 05th July 2020== | ==Week 16: 29th June to 05th July 2020== | ||
| − | *The [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa (BATSA) stated that they would consider “other legal options” as the hearing on the cigarettes and vaping ban in South Africa was postponed by six weeks. This was in addition to the allegation made by the BATSA that the government deliberately delayed the trial date.<ref name=Batsa>D Faku. [https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/batsa-mulls-options-after-court-delay-50089972 BATSA mulls options after court delay], IOL, 30 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> | + | *The [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa (BATSA) stated that they would consider “other legal options” as the hearing on the cigarettes and vaping ban in South Africa was postponed by six weeks. This was in addition to the allegation made by the BATSA that the government deliberately delayed the trial date.<ref name=Batsa>D Faku. [https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/batsa-mulls-options-after-court-delay-50089972 BATSA mulls options after court delay], IOL, 30 June 2020, Accessed June 2020</ref> |
| + | *A group of South African companies including [https://www.spar.co.za/HomeSPAR], [https://www.saai.org/en/ South African Agri Initiative(Saai)], [https://freshstop.co.za/ Fresh Stop], South African Tobacco,[https://www.twisp.co.za/ Twisp], CTP Unlimited, and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] signed an open letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that the ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products be lifted for the sake of the economy and jobs.<ref name=South>The South African.[https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/spar-bat-cigarette-ban-ramaphosa-open-letter-5-july-2020/ SA’s top companies sign open letter begging for cigarette ban to be lifted], 05 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 17: 6th to 12th July 2020== | ||
| + | *[http://fita.co.za/The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA)] South Africa appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal against the tobacco ban in South Africa.<ref name=Fita>IOL. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200714015323/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/fita-heads-to-supreme-court-of-appeal-over-tobacco-ban-50487668 FITA heads to Supreme Court of Appeal over tobacco ban], 06 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/home/ GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK)], a British multinational pharmaceutical company announced their partnership to develop a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine with Canadian biopharmaceutical company [https://web.archive.org/web/20200714020315/https://www.medicago.com/en/ Medicago], owned by Philip Morris International (PMI).<ref name=GSK>The Jakarta Post. [http://web.archive.org/web/20200714020356/https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/07/08/gsk-to-develop-plant-based-covid-19-vaccine-with-canadas-medicago.html GSK to develop plant-based COVID-19 vaccine with Canada's Medicago]08 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In South Africa a group of smokers gathered in Port Elizabeth to protest against the ban on tobacco sales.<ref name=Port>Herald Live.[https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2020-07-08-smokers-gather-to-protest-against-ongoing-ban/ Smokers gather to protest against ongoing ban]08 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref><ref name=Herald>Herald Live. [https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2020-07-09-smokers-roll-into-city-centre-to-protest-against-tobacco-ban/ Smokers roll into city centre to protest against tobacco ban], 09 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</Ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 18: 13th to 19th July 9 2020== | ||
| + | *In the United States of America (USA) Philip Morris International (PMI) launched a campaign to raise awareness on fraudulent trade of personal protective equipment. It was partnered by ten other partners including the [https://www.uschamber.com/ U.S. Chamber of Commerce].<ref name=wire>Business Wire.[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200713005505/en/Philip-Morris-International-Launches-COVID-19-Anti-Fraudulent-Goods Philip Morris International Launches COVID-19 Anti-Fraudulent Goods Campaign]13 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In United Sates of America (USA), an engineering student from [https://louisville.edu/ University of Louisville], Kentuky received positive media coverage for supporting COVID-19 projects of [https://www.kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT).<ref name=Louisville>UL News.[http://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-engineering-student-spends-co-op-aiding-covid-19-first-responders/ UofL Engineering students spend co-ops working on COVID-19 projects]15 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 19: 20th to 26th July 9 2020== | ||
| + | *[https://www.technavio.com/ Technavio], a global market research firm, released a research report on “COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Analysis on Snus Market (2020-2024)”.<ref name=BusinessWire>Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200727040325/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200722005645/en/COVID-19-Impact-Recovery-Analysis--Snus-Market-2020-2024 COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Analysis- Snus Market (2020-2024)The Availability of Flavored Snus to Boost Growth |Technavio], 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa publicly complained that the South African Tobacco market is “completely taken over” by the illicit trade because of the COVID-19 related tobacco sales ban.<ref name=EWN2>Eye Witness News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200723180113/https://ewn.co.za/2020/07/23/president-ramaphosa-to-address-sa-tonight SA tobacco market completely taken over by illicit suppliers – BATSA], 23 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In Chile, media articles stated that the demand for contraband cigarettes have increased due to the COVID-19 lockdown.<ref name=Insight>Insight Chrime. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200727042313/https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/chile-robbery-contraband-cigarettes/ Coronavirus Lockdown Boosts Demand for Contraband Cigarettes in Chile], 24 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh reported their Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 69% despite the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=Dhaka19>Dhaka Tribune. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043741/https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/stock/2020/07/23/british-american-tobacco-s-eps-rises-by-69-despite-covid-19-pandemic British American Tobacco’s EPS rises by 69% despite Covid-19 pandemic], 23 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[http://www.colemarketing.ie/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi Cole Marketing], a marketing and advertising company, issued COVID-19 impact analysis reports for Heated Tobacco products, Electronic smoking system market, e-cigarette and vape market in relation to the major manufacturers including [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.jti.com Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria groups].<ref name=Cole>Cole Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200727045953/https://coleofduty.com/military-news/2020/07/22/latest-news-2020-heated-tobacco-market-by-coronavirus-covid19-impact-analysis-with-top-manufacturers-analysis-top-players-philip-morris-international-british-american-tobacco-japan-tobacco-impe/ Latest news 2020: Heated tobacco market by coronavirus-COVID-19 impact analysis with top manufacturers analysis | top players: Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria, etc.], 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref><ref name=Cole2>Cole Marketing. [https://coleofduty.com/military-news/2020/07/22/electric-smoking-system-market-2020-know-the-latest-covid19-impact-analysis-and-strategies-of-key-players-philip-morris-international-british-american-tobacco-japan-tobacco-imperial-brands-altr/ Electric smoking system market 2020 | know the latest covid19 impact analysis and strategies of key players: Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria, etc.], 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref><ref name=Cole3>Cole Marketing. [https://coleofduty.com/news/2020/07/23/how-covid19-pandemic-impact-e-cigarette-and-vape-market-by-profiling-key-players-altria-group-inc-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-international-vapor-group-japan-tobacco-international/ How COVID-19 pandemic impact e-cigarette and vape market by profiling key players: Altria group, inc., British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, International Vapor Group, Japan Tobacco International], 23 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.jti.com/africa/south-africa Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa (BATSA), together with the [https://tobaccotransformationalliance.co.za/ South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance (SATTA)] (a joint organisation of tobacco farming, processing and manufacturing industries), claimed that the South African tobacco ban is an “infringement of citizens’ rights” and argued that the prohibition will lead to a reduction in vital tax revenues and a rise in the illicit trade of tobacco products. The government responded to this statement as “hypocritical” as the tobacco industry opposed to tobacco tax increases in the previous occasions and objected to governments’ action to prevent illicit tobacco trade (Image 13). The government also accused the industry of supporting the illicit cigarette trade in South Africa.<ref name=Africa19>Africa Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200727051946/https://africatimes.com/2020/07/22/big-tobacco-accused-of-hypocrisy-over-south-africa-ban/ Big Tobacco accused of hypocrisy over South Africa ban], 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:SA.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 13:Tobacco industry accused of hypocrisy over their statements on reduced government tobacco tax revenue and increase of illicit tobacco trade in South Africa.<ref name=Africa/>]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 20: 27th July to 2nd August 2020== | ||
| + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] said its first-half pre-tax profit rose due to the strong performance in its primary markets despite the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=screener> Market Screener. [https://www.marketscreener.com/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-1st-Half-Pretax-Profit-Revenue-Rose-Amid-Coronavirus-31027944/ British American Tobacco : BAT 1st Half Pretax Profit, Revenue Rose Amid Coronavirus], 31 July 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] declared that they are ready to start the human trials for the potential COVID-19 vaccine and they are waiting for the United Sates [https://www.fda.gov/ Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] approval.<ref name=BT>BT Economy. [https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/covi19-vaccine-from-tobacco-british-cigarette-maker-to-start-human-trials-soon-coronavirus/story/411678.html COVID-19 vaccine from tobacco? British cigarette maker to start human trials soon], 31 July 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref><ref name=FDA>Social News XYZ.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200802151538/https://www.socialnews.xyz/2020/08/01/british-american-tobacco-says-its-awaiting-fda-permission-to-start-covid-19-vaccine-trials-tv9-video/British American Tobacco says it’s awaiting FDA permission to start COVID 19 vaccine trials – TV9 (Video)]1 August 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF market Intelligence Consulting] (A company involving in market research on History, Trends and Forecast) released a heated tobacco market critical analysis with reference to [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International],[https://www.altria.com/en Altria], and [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands].<Ref name=Market3>Market Research Post. [https://marketresearchposts.com/2020/08/01/heated-tobacco-market-critical-analysis-with-expert-opinion-british-american-tobacco-pmi-philip-morris-international-altria-imperial-brands/ Heated Tobacco Market Critical Analysis with Expert Opinion | British American Tobacco, PMI – Philip Morris International, Altria, Imperial Brands]01 August 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa said that they will challenge the “constitutionality” of the South African tobacco ban in the Western Cape High Court (Image 14).<ref name=Capetalk> Cape Talk. [https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/391701/british-american-tobacco-sa-prepares-for-court-showdown-with-govt-this-week British American Tobacco SA (BAT SA) will be challenging the constitutionality of the tobacco ban in the Western Cape High Court]02 August 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image:SA4.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 14:Media Reporting the challenge by [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] South Africa.<ref name=Capetalk/>]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Certain media reported that the South African government admits smokers are “less likely to be infected” with COVID-19, but “cigarette purchasing during lockdown increased the inter personal contact as compared with ordinary shoppers”, quoting a 251-page response by government to a court challenge against its ongoing ban on cigarettes and tobacco products.<ref name=citizen>The Citizen. [ https://citizen.co.za/business/business-news/2333206/lockdown-cigarette-wars-govt-admits-smokers-less-likely-to-be-infected-with-coronavirus/ Lockdown cigarette wars: Govt admits smokers ‘less likely to be infected’ with coronavirus], 02 August 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.assocham.org/The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India] (ASSOCHAM) launched an 'illness to wellness' awareness programme to promote healthy living. The programme was sponsored by the [[ ITC Limited India]] health Hygiene brand, Savlon (Image 15).<ref name=savlon>Everything Experiential.[http://everythingexperiential.businessworld.in/article/ASSOCHAM-in-association-with-Savlon-launches-illness-to-wellness-awareness-programme-to-promote-healthy-living/17-07-2020-298558/ ASSOCHAM in association with Savlon launches 'illness to wellness' awareness programme to promote healthy living]17 July 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Savlon.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 15: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) launched an 'illness to wellness' awareness programme in association with ITC brand Savlon]] | ||
| + | *In India [https://www.procam.in/ Procam International] a company which organises sports events launched “[https://sunfeastindiarunasone.procam.in/about-india-run-as-one Sunfeast India Run As One]” event with the [[ITC Limited India]]’s biscuits and snacking brand “[https://www.itcportal.com/brands-microsite/sunfeast.aspx Sunfeast]”.<ref name=sunfeast>4ps News.[ https://www.4psnews.com/brands/story/procam-international-launches-sunfeast-india-run-as-one- Procam International launches ‘Sunfeast India Run As One’]Jul 31 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 21: 3rd to 9th August 2020== | ||
| + | *In South Africa, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] argued before the Western Cape High Court that the tobacco ban is "unconstitutional" and "unscientific" and makes the government loses tax revenue.<ref name=Morning>Morning Star. [https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1596656462775785100/british-american-tobacco-faces-sa-government-over-cigarette-ban.aspx British American Tobacco Faces SA Government Over Cigarette Ban], 05 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref><ref name=eNCA>Enca. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200807084609/https://www.enca.com/news/livestream-bat-court-over-tobacco-ban WATCH: BAT in court over tobacco ban], 05 August 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref><ref name=EWN>Eye Witness News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200809141637/https://ewn.co.za/2020/08/07/while-waiting-on-court-ruling-batsa-vows-to-keep-fighting-illicit-cigarette-], 07 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *Several market research institutes issued industry favorable market research reports last week. | ||
| + | **[https://calibreresearch.com/ Calibre Research]- impact of COVID-19 on the global dry snuff (a smokeless tobacco made from ground or pulverised tobacco leaves) market 2020-2026 in relation to the major tobacco companies including [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria].<ref name=snuff>Counter Current. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200807085625/https://www.thecountercurrent.com/global-dry-snuff-market-2020-2026-by-british-american-tobacco-japan-tobacco-altria-6429/ Global Dry Snuff Market 2020-2026 by British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Altria], 04 August , Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.innovateinsights.com/ Innovate Insights] “Global Wine and Tobacco Packaging – COVID 19 Impact Analysis, In Depth Insight, Growth & Research Finding to 2026” incorporated [[ITC Limited India]], [https://www.pmi.com/ Philips Morris International (PMI)] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<Ref name=Bulletin>Bulletin Line. [https://bulletinline.com/2020/08/08/global-wine-and-tobacco-packaging-market-2020-trending-vendors-innovia-films-itc-international-paper-philips-morris-international-ball-bemis-british-american-tobacco/ Global wine and tobacco packaging market 2020 trending vendors – IInnovia films, ITC, International paper, Philips Morris International, Ball, Bemis, British American Tobacco], 08 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.arcweb.com/market-data Market Data Analytics], published a recent report on “the global Cigars and Cigarillos market titled Global Cigars and Cigarillos Market 2020 Trends Analysis and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effect Analysis | Key Players Market With COVID-19 Impact Analysis, In Depth Insight, Growth and Research Finding to 2026” mentioned [https://www.altria.com/ Altria] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<ref name=red>Red and Black Online. [https://redandblackonline.com/global-cigars-cigarillos-market-2020-trends-analysis-and-coronavirus-covid-19-effect-analysis-key-players-market-with-covid-19-impact-analysis-in-depth-insight-growth-research-findin/ Global Cigars & Cigarillos Market 2020 Trends Analysis and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effect Analysis | Key Players Market With COVID-19 Impact Analysis, In Depth Insight, Growth & Research Finding TO 2026], 09 August, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | *In Malaysia, media gave a wide coverage to a survey commissioned by the [http://www.batmalaysia.com/ British American Tobacco Malaysia (BAT Malaysia)], which says “a large majority of Malaysians think the tobacco black market is impeding the country’s Covid-19 economic recovery” (Image 16).<ref name=Malaysia>Malay Mail. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200809130414/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/08/04/survey-nine-out-of-10-malaysians-want-government-to-act-against-tobacco-bla/1890957 Survey: Nine out of 10 Malaysians want government to act against tobacco black market immediately], 04 August 2020, Accessed July 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Malasya.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 16: Media reporting the results of a survey conducted by the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia.<ref name=Malaysia/>]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | *British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that their stocks had performed very well despite the pandemic.<Ref name=Alpha>Seeking Alpha.[https://seekingalpha.com/article/4364173-british-american-tobacco-best-high-yield-amongst-british-stocks British American Tobacco: The Best High Yield Amongst British Stocks], 4 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 22: 10th to 16th August 2020== | ||
| + | *South African media reported that cigarette ban is to be lifted, as the country is moving to lockdown Level 2.<ref name=African>The South African. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200817041958/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/end-cigarette-ban-when-back-on-sale-level-2-where-to-buy-updates/ Up in smoke: Cigarette ban will be lifted for Level 2 of lockdown], 15 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In South Africa, [https://fita.co.za/ Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA)] said they will continue with their case against the tobacco products ban in the Supreme Court of Appeals against the tobacco ban in South Africa.<ref name=Booze>The citizen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200817041229/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/courts/2342651/booze-and-tobacco-bans-gone-for-now-but-fita-continues-legal-fight/ Booze and tobacco bans gone for now, but FITA continues legal fight], 16 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *Sri Lankan Media reported that Sri Lanka’s cigarette sales has gone down by 38% due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Image 17).<ref name=Derana>Ada Derana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200817044054/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sri-lankas-cigarette-sales-down-38-amidst-covid-19-pandemic/ Sri Lanka’s cigarette sales down 38% amidst COVID-19 pandemic], 14 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image: Derana.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 17: Derana Media reporting that Sri Lanka’s cigarette sales had decreased due to the COVID-19.<ref name=Derana/>]] | ||
| + | *Media articles quoting the [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]], the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary holding the monopoly of cigarette trade in Sri Lanka, reported that cigarette sales are “recovering fast” from the decrease related to COVID-19 lockdown.<ref name=Economynext>Economy Next. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200817043442/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-cigarette-sales-recovering-fast-from-38-pct-plunge-in-coronavirus-lockdown-73050/ Lanka cigarette sales recovering fast from 38-pct plunge in Coronavirus lockdown], 16 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well. Following are some of them covering the major tobacco companies. | ||
| + | **[https://www.reportsinsights.com/ Report Insights] - “Impact of COVID-19 on the global market - [https://www.altria.com/ Altria Group], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International], [https://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Ltd] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]].<ref name=Scientec>Scientec.[https://scientect.com/news/89777/new-trends-of-cigarette-packaging-market-increasing-demand-with-key-players-pt-hanjaya-mandala-sampoerna-tbk-karelia-tobacco-co-inc-godfrey-phillips-india-ltd/ New Trends of Cigarette Packaging Market increasing demand with key Players – PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk., Karelia Tobacco Co. Inc., Godfrey Phillips India Ltd], 16 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/Cognitive Market Research] - “In Depth Analysis and Survey of COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Global Cigarettes for Woman Market 2020” - [https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco and Ginseng Corporation(KT&G)], [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<Ref name=Galus> Galus Australia.[https://galusaustralis.com/2020/08/837282/in-depth-analysis-and-survey-of-covid-19-pandemic-impact-on-global-cigarettes-for-woman-market-2020-key-players-korea-tobacco-and-ginseng-corporation-philip-morris-international-pmi/ In Depth Analysis and Survey of COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Global Cigarettes for Woman Market 2020 Key Players Korea Tobacco and Ginseng Corporation., Philip Morris International (PMI), Kering, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco], 15 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.premiummarketinsights.com/ Premium Market Insights] - “Cigars And Cigarillos Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis” - [https://www.altria.com/ Altria Group], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial tobacco group].<ref name=Chronicle3>The Daily Chronicle. [https://thedailychronicle.in/news/216410/cigars-and-cigarillos-market-overview-2020-covid-19-impact-on-top-companies-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-drew-estate-habanos-s-a-imperial-brands/ Cigars And Cigarillos Market Overview 2020, Covid-19 Impact on Top Companies – Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Drew Estate, Habanos S.A, Imperial Brands], 14 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 23: 17th to 23rd August 2020== | ||
| + | *[https://www.reportocean.com/ Report Ocean], a market research Institute issued a report on electronic cigarette market highlighting strong growth and demand, and the COVID-19 impact, mentioning the names of the tobacco companies [https://www.altria.com/Altria group] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<ref name=ocean>Bulletin Line.[Electronic cigarette market to show strong growth & demand | Altria group, inc., British American Tobacco plc, fin branding group, llc.]20 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *In Zambia, a local leader publicly thanked Japan Tobacco International (JTI) for its recent donation.<ref name=Zambia> Japan Tobacco International. [https://www.jti.com/news-views/understanding-wider-impact-our-work-zambia Understanding the wider impact of our work in Zambia], undated, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image:Zambia.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 18: Japan Tobacco International website featuring the statement of a government official in a District Administration Office.<ref name=Zambia/>]] | ||
| + | *Media reported that the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]]’s [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing]’s tobacco-based COVID-19 vaccine has reached the clinical trial phase in the United Sates.<Ref name=vaccine>Money Control. [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/coronavirus/how-tobacco-cannabis-and-moths-are-playing-a-crucial-role-in-potential-covid-19-vaccines-5718711.html How tobacco, cannabis, and moths are playing a crucial role in potential COVID-19 vaccines], 17August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 24: 24th to 30th August 2020== | ||
| + | *[https://fita.co.za/ Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA)] withdrew its legal challenge against the tobacco ban in South Africa during the lockdown stating they have reached a settlement with the government. The tobacco ban was lifted early in August when the country moved to Level 2 of its COVID-19 pandemic response strategy and reduced the related restrictions <ref name=Business> Business Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200827091242/https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2020-08-26-fita-withdraws-tobacco-challenge-after-reaching-settlement-with-government/ FITA withdraws tobacco challenge after reaching settlement with government], 26 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image:FITA.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 19: Media Report on FITA withdrawing the legal challenge against the South African government.<ref name=Business/>]] | ||
| + | *[https://www.marketstudyreport.com/ Market Study Reports] issued a report on USB rechargeable e-cigarette market opportunity, demand, recent trends, major driving factors and business growth strategies for 2025, including a section on “in-depth analysis of factors that may impede the market growth, in the view of the COVID-19 pandemic”. The major tobacco companies [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco], [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] were featured in the report.<ref name=Prime>Prime Feed. [https://primefeed.in/news/4730560/usb-rechargeable-e-cigarette-market-opportunity-demand-recent-trends-major-driving-factors-and-business-growth-strategies-2025/ USB rechargeable e-cigarette market opportunity, demand, recent trends, major driving factors and business growth strategies 2025], 26 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *Media reported that Bhutan temporarily lifted the tobacco ban to reduce risk of importing COVID-19 from India. The cigarettes, added to the essential good’s list, will be sold in “state-owned duty-free” sales outlets.<Ref name=Bhutan>Inquirer.net. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200901015934/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1329083/bhutan-lifts-tobacco-ban-blames-virus Bhutan lifts tobacco ban, blames virus], 31 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref><ref>Al Jazeera. [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/bhutan-lifts-tobacco-ban-coronavirus-measures-200829060406349.html Bhutan lifts tobacco ban amid coronavirus measures], 29 August 2020, accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Bhutan.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 20: Media reporting about lifting the tobacco ban in Bhutan.<ref name=Bhutan/>]] | ||
| + | *[https://consumerupdate.org/ Consumer Information Network (CIN)] in Kenya issued a report titled “Tobacco Industry Index 2020” exposing tobacco industry interference under the following themes: involvement in policy development, corporate social responsibility, tax regime, unnecessary interaction, lack of transparency and conflict of interest. This report included a section on violations related to tobacco advertisement promotions and sponsorships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report accused that listing tobacco under the ‘essential products list’ is a result of government accepting donations from the tobacco industry.<ref name=Standard>Jeckonia Otieno. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200827094612/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/kenya/article/2001383680/tobacco-industry-interference-report Tobacco dealers accused of meddling]The Standard, 24 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Verified Market Research] issued a report titled E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size 2020 and COVID19 Impact Analysis mentioning the names of the major tobacco companies Altria Group, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands] and Japan Tobacco International (JTI).<ref name=Franks> S Frank. [https://scientect.com/uncategorized/809527/e-cigarette-and-vaping-market-size-2020-covid19-impact-analysis-top-companies-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-international-vapor-group-japan-tobacco-international-nic/ E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size 2020 | COVID19 Impact Analysis | Top Companies: Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, International Vapor Group, Japan Tobacco, International, NicQuid], Scientect, 30 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 25: 31st August to 6th September 2020== | ||
| + | *Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well. Following are some of them covering the major tobacco companies. | ||
| + | **[https://www.qurateresearch.com/ “QURATE”] Research Institute’s report titled “Vape Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis” mentioned [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<ref name=Qurate>Scientect.[ https://scientect.com/news/1161551/vape-market-with-covid-19-impact-analysis-also-industry-is-booming-worldwide-with-key-players-cb-distributors-ballantyne-brands-nicotek-vapor-njoy-british-american-tobacco-bat/ Vape Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis | also Industry is Booming Worldwide with Key Players | CB Distributors, Ballantyne Brands, Nicotek, Vapor, NJOY, British American Tobacco (BAT)]02 September 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/Cognitive Market Research] issued a report titled “COVID 19 Impact on Global Clove Cigarettes Market Report” mentioning major tobacco companies including [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.djarumfoundation.org/ Djarum], [https://www.gudanggaramtbk.com/ Gudang Garam], Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G).<Ref name=Cognitive>Scientect. [https://scientect.com/uncategorized/1229082/covid-19-impact-on-global-clove-cigarettes-market-reporttop-manufacturers-like-british-american-tobacco-djarum-gudang-garam-japan-tobacco-kt-g/ COVID 19 Impact on Global Clove Cigarettes Market Report Top Manufacturers like British American Tobacco, Djarum, Gudang Garam, Japan Tobacco, KT & G], 03 September 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/ Market Insight Reports] issued a report titled “Electric Smoking System Market 2020 Global Insights and Business Scenario”, which included a section on “Impact of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) on the product industry chain” mentioning the names of the tobacco companies Philip Morris International (PMI), [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], Japan Tobacco International (JTI), [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands], [https://www.altria.com/ Altria], [http://www.tobacco.gov.cn/html/ China Tobacco] and Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G).<Ref name=Market>X Herald. [https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/news/read/40367033/electric_smoking_system_market_2020_global_insights_and_business_scenario_%E2%80%93_philip_morris_international Electric Smoking System Market 2020 Global Insights and Business Scenario – Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria, China tobacco, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation], Financial Content, 05 September 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://inforgrowth.com/ Inforgrowth.com] issued a report titled “Global Tobacco Products Market (2020-2026) and latest covid19 impact analysis” mentioning the tobacco companies Philip Morris International (PMI), [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Tobacco], [https://www.altria.com/ Altria], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and Japan Tobacco International (JTI).<Ref name=Prime2>Prime Feed. [https://primefeed.in/news/4966361/global-tobacco-products-market-2020-2026-latest-covid19-impact-analysis-know-about-brand-players-philip-morris-international-imperial-tobacco-altria-british-american-tobacco-japan-tobacco/ Global Tobacco Products Market (2020-2026) and latest covid19 impact analysis | know about brand players: Philip Morris International, Imperial Tobacco, Altria, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) etc. | in for growth], 05 September 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/ Cognitive Market Research] issued a report titled “In Depth Analysis and Survey of COVID-19 Pandemic” highlighting tobacco companies [https://www.altria.com/ Altria], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.htm Imperial Brands], Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMI).<ref name=Galas> Galus Australis. [https://galusaustralis.com/2020/08/919750/in-depth-analysis-and-survey-of-covid-19-pandemic-impact-on-global-dipping-tobacco-market-report-pdf-2020-key-players-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-japan-tobacco-philip-mor/ In Depth Analysis and Survey of COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Global Dipping Tobacco Market Report PDF 2020 Key Players Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco, Philip Morris International Management], 31 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/ Cognitive Market Research] issued another report titled “Coronavirus Impact Edition of Cigarillos Market” mentioning the tobacco companies [https://www.altria.com/ Altria] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<Ref name=Galus2> Galus Australis. [https://galusaustralis.com/2020/08/919751/coronavirus-impact-editon-of-cigarillos-market-research-study-2020-future-development-top-manufacturers-technological-advancement-share-size-and-forecast-altria-british-american-tobacco-vector-g/ Coronavirus Impact Edition of Cigarillos Market Research Study 2020 Future Development, Top Manufacturers, Technological Advancement, Share, Size and Forecast Altria, British American Tobacco, Vector Group, Dosal], 31 August 2020, Accessed August 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 26: 7th to 13th September 2020== | ||
| + | *Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well. | ||
| + | **[https://spiremarketresearch.com/ Spire Market Research]’s report, titled Smokeless Tobacco Market and impact of COVID-19 2020-2026, mentioned the names of [https://www.altria.com/ Altria Group], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands].<ref name=Gnghokey>Gng Hokey.com.[https://gnghockey.com/2020/09/11/research-on-smokeless-tobacco-market-impact-of-covid-19-2020-2026-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-imperial-tobacco-group/ Research on Smokeless Tobacco Market (impact of COVID-19) 2020-2026: Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco Group], 11 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.streetinsider.com/Street Insider]’s report, titled Cigars and Cigarillos Market 2020 Global Strategies, mentioned [https://www.altria.com/Altria] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] included a section on post COVID-19 crisis.<Ref name=Street>Street Insider.[https://www.streetinsider.com/CDN+Newswire/Cigars+and+Cigarillos+Market+2020+Global+Strategies+%E2%80%93+Altria%2C+Dosal%2C+British+American+Tobacco%2C+Vector+Group/17330367.html Cigars and Cigarillos Market 2020 Global Strategies – Altria, Dosal, British American Tobacco, Vector Group], 07 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[http://reportglobe.com/ The Report Globe] issued a report on “Homogenized Tobacco Leaf Cigars Market” and COVID-19 impact mentioning [https://www.altria.com/Altria] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<ref name=Globe>Mark Williams. [https://thedailychronicle.in/news/877550/homogenized-tobacco-leaf-cigars-market-is-thriving-worldwide-2020-2027-major-players-altria-vector-group-dosal-swedish-match-british-american-tobacco/ Homogenized Tobacco Leaf Cigars Market is Thriving Worldwide 2020-2027 | Major Players – Altria, Vector Group, Dosal, Swedish Match, British American Tobacco], The Chronicle, 08 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.reportsandmarkets.com/ Reports and Markets] issued a report titled “Vapor Products Market 2020”, mentioning [https://www.altria.com/ Altria], [British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands], Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMI). Media Reported that the final report will contain an analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on Vapor Products Market.<ref name=Chronicle> The Research Chronicle. [https://themarketchronicles.com/2020/09/08/vapor-products-market-2020-by-manufacturer-detail-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-japan-tobacco-international-juul-labs-philip-morris-international-and-more/ Vapor Products Market 2020 | by Manufacturer Detail – Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International, JUUL Labs, Philip Morris International, and more],08 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://courant.biz/ Courant.Biz] issued a market research report titled Cigars and cigarillos market 2020 and COVID-19 update, mentioning [https://www.altria.com/Altria] and [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]].<ref name=Courant>Prime Feed.[ https://primefeed.in/news/4998553/cigars-and-cigarillos-market-2020-altria-british-american-tobacco-vector-group-dosal/ Cigars and cigarillos market 2020],07 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.apexmarketsresearch.com/Apex Market Research] issued a market research report titled Global Vapor Products Market 2020 – Impact of COVID-19. [https://www.altria.com/Altria], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands], and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) were mentioned in the report.<ref name=Apex>N. J. MMA News.[https://www.njmmanews.com/global-vapor-products-market-2020-impact-of-covid-19-future-growth-analysis-and-challenges-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-japan-tobacco-international-juul-labs Global Vapor Products Market 2020 – Impact of COVID-19, Future Growth Analysis and Challenges | Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International, JUUL Labs] 08 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image:Spire.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 21: Media Report on Spire Market Research.<ref name= Gnghokey/>]] | ||
| + | *In 2015, the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201015102721/https://www.un.org/en/ga/ United National General Assembly (UNGA)] recognised that the price and tax increase measures on tobacco would be effective and important to reduce its consumption and related health care costs. However, tobacco taxation was ignored when the meeting was held on September 8th 2020 with ministers of finance from all members of states to support economic recovery from the COVID pandemic and to mobilise financial resources to drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).<Ref name=UNGA> STOP. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201012080305/https://exposetobacco.org/news/unga75/ UNGA75 Misses Opportunity to Fund COVID-19 Recovery Through Tobacco Taxes], 25 September 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *Managing Director of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, issued a media statement saying that they had protected their employees’ jobs and maintained cigarette supply to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name= protect> B Ahmed. [https://ibtbd.net/shehzad-munim-managing-director-british-american-tobacco-bat/ | ||
| + | SHEHZAD MUNIM, Managing Director, British American Tobacco (BAT)], Business TIMES, 8 September 2020, Accessed December 2020</Ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 27: 14th to 20th September 2020== | ||
| + | *Media reported that the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] earnings in Zimbabwe went up despite the drop in sales volume due to COVID-19 sales restrictions (Image 22).<ref name=Zimbabwe> Kudzanai Gerede. [https://allafrica.com/stories/202009140995.html Zimbabwe: Bat Earnings Up Despite Drop in Sales Volume], All Africa, 14 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image: Zimbabwe.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 22: Media reporting about [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] earnings going up in Zimbabwe.<ref name=Zimbabwe/>]] | ||
| + | *In the Philippines, media reported that [https://web.archive.org/web/20201015100231/https://www.jti.com/asia/Philippines Japan Tobacco International Philippines (JTIP)] is helping to mitigate COVID-19’s economic impact and the unemployment problem through employment opportunities created by its setting up of a global business service center in Taguig City, Philippines. It was further reported that the JTIP’s general manager John Freda believes that it is of paramount importance for JTIP to ensure everyone is safe in the new environment by developing safety guidelines and supplying them with PPEs.<Ref name= JTIP> Manila Standard Business and Hector Zabala. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201015064524/https://manilastandard.net/index.php/business/biz-plus/334612/new-jtip-chief-confronts-challenges-with-optimism.html New JTIP chief confronts challenges with optimism], manilasatandard.net, 19 September 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.fiormarkets.com/Fior Markets] issued a market report on Global Tobacco Market 2020 including a section on “COVID-19 Impact Analysis”. Tobacco companies [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group], [https://www.rjrt.com/ Reynolds America], [https://www.armstronginternational.com/hongyunhonghe-tobacco-group Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group)], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], Japan Tobacco International (JTI), [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands] and Philip Morris International (PMI) were mentioned in the report.<ref name=kws24>Kewaskum Statesman News Journal. [https://www.kws24.com/global-tobacco-market-2020-recent-development-ongoing-demand-and-covid-19-impact-analysis-2026/ Global Tobacco Market 2020 Recent Development, Ongoing Demand and COVID-19 Impact Analysis 2026], 15 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20201103031804/https://en.52wmb.com/buyer/34161684 Barco Trading Company] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20201103032011/https://www.ptg-hld.com/ Pan Africa Tobacco Group] donated relief items during the COVID-19 outbreak in Angola.<Ref name= angola> MARKETS INSIDER. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201103031432/https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tribert-rujugiro-ayabatwa-s-angola-based-btc-approaching-a-20-year-mark-of-productive-corporate-citizenship-1029602957 Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa's Angola-Based BTC Approaching a 20-Year Mark of Productive Corporate Citizenship], 18 September 2020, Accessed November 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 28: 21st to 27th September 2020== | ||
| + | *In USA, [https://web.archive.org/web/20201015102333/https://www.usda.gov/ Department of Agriculture (USDA)] was reported to pay up to USD100 million to tobacco farmers as part of a USD 14 billion assistance programme for farmers affected by the pandemic. The media report claimed that this would be beneficial to the multinational tobacco manufacturers.<Ref name=USDA> J. Huffstutter, T. Polansek. [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-tobacco-exclus/exclusive-how-covid-19-stimulus-money-will-end-up-in-u-s-tobacco-farmers-pockets-idUSKCN26E1L4 Exclusive: How COVID-19 stimulus money will end up in U.S. tobacco farmers' pockets], REUTERS, 23 September 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image: USDA.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 23: Reuters Business reporting that “COVID-19 stimulus money will end up in U.S. tobacco farmers’ pockets<ref name =USDA/>]] | ||
| + | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20200924063502/https://www.sampoerna.com/sampoerna/id/overview PT HM Sampoerna] mentioned that in Indonesia consumers prefer cheaper cigarettes because of the increase in the excise tax and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They further reported that impact of the COVID-19 epidemic increased cigarette purchases and their market share of smaller pack products also increased.<Ref name= cheap> Y. Prasidya. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201015081048/https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/09/21/consumers-prefer-cheaper-cigarettes-as-purchasing-power-weakens-sampoerna.html Consumers prefer cheaper cigarettes as purchasing power weakens: Sampoerna], The Jakarta Post, 21 September 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well. | ||
| + | **[https://www.orbisresearch.com/ Orbis Research] issued a report titled “Vape Market 2020 Revenue Analysis After COVID-19 Impact on Top Industry Companies”, which mentioned the tobacco company names [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group Altria Group], Japan Tobacco International (JTI), [https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/1066788D:US VMR Products], [https://www.gamuccirefills.co.uk/ Gamucci], [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands].<Ref name=Verdant>Verdant News. [https://verdant-news.com/news/114491/vape-market-2020-revenue-analysis-after-covid-19-impact-on-top-industry-companies-british-american-tobacco-bat-njoy-nicotek-altria-group-ballantyne-brands-japan-tobacco-vmr-products-vapor/ Vape Market 2020 Revenue Analysis After COVID-19 Impact on Top Industry Companies], 22 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.fiormarkets.com/ Fior Markets] issued a report on Global Tobacco Market and COVID-19. The report mentioned tobacco companies [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], [https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/HYHHEZ:CH Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group)], [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]], Japan Tobacco International (JTI), [https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands] and Philip Morris International (PMI).<Ref name=Crystal>Crystal Lanka Advcate. [https://cryptopostadvocate.com/global-tobacco-market-2020-sales-revenue-development-strategy-competitive-landscape-and-regional-forecast-to-2026/ Global Tobacco Market 2020 Sales Revenue, Development Strategy, Competitive Landscape and Regional Forecast to 2026], 24 September2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | **[https://www.industryresearch.biz/ Industry research] issued a report on Smoking Cessation Products Market including an analysis of the impact of COVID-19. Tobacco companies [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] and [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] were mentioned in the report.<ref name=Crypto>Crypto Daily. [https://crypto-daily.news/uncategorized/165636/global-smoking-cessation-products-market-2020-growth-by-forthcoming-developments-future-prospects-opportunity-gsk-british-american-tobacco-bat-johnson-johnson-pfizer-reynolds-american/ Global Smoking Cessation Products Market 2020 Growth by Forthcoming Developments, Future Prospects, Opportunity | GSK, British American Tobacco (BAT), Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Reynolds American, Kimree Technology], 25 September 2020, Accessed September 2020</ref> | ||
| + | *[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] claimed that illicit tobacco trade had increased because of tobacco restriction activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.<Ref name= illicit> Anti Illicit Trade Organisation 2020. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201102060500/https://www.jti.com/sites/default/files/global-files/documents/download-pdf/the-gathering-storm.pdf The Gathering Storm], 21-24 September 2020, Accessed November 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 29: 28th September to 4th October 2020== | ||
| + | *Tobacco taxation was ignored in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201015102721/https://www.un.org/en/ga/ United National General Assembly (UNGA)]’s meeting held on September 29th 2020 to support economic recovery from the COVID pandemic and to mobilise financial resources to drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).<Ref name= meeting> General Assembly of the United Nations. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201019054943/https://gadebate.un.org/generaldebate75/en/ GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 75th SESSION 22 to 26 September and 29 September 2020], undated, Accessed October 2020</ref><Ref name=UNGA/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 30: 5th to 11th October 2020== | ||
| + | *[https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/index.html Imperial Brands] mentioned that the tobacco sales volumes and demand had increased than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic and stated that this might have been due to consumers in Europe and the US spending more money on tobacco.<Ref name= demand> A. Mattinson. [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/finance/city-snapshot-imperial-brands-sees-consumers-turn-to-tobacco-during-covid-crisis/649165.article City snapshot: Imperial Brands sees consumers turn to tobacco during Covid crisis], The Grocer, 8 October 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 31: 12th to 18th October 2020== | ||
| + | *In Egypt, [https://www.pmi.com/markets/russia/en/overview Philip Morris International] donated medical supplies to the Kasr Al-Ainy Cairo University Hospital, and essential food products, reportedly, to “the most vulnerable families” affected by the COVID-19.<ref name= Egypt> ZAWYA. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201102075803/https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/press-releases/story/INJAZ_Egypt__Philip_Morris_Misr_launch_initiative_to_provide_preventive_supplies_to_medical_staff_at_Kasr_AlAiny_Cairo_University_Hospitalsnbsp-ZAWYA20201018095816/ INJAZ Egypt & Philip Morris Misr launch initiative to provide preventive supplies to medical staff at Kasr Al-Ainy Cairo University Hospitals], 18 October 2020, Accessed November 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 32: 19th to 25th October 2020== | ||
| + | *The Department of Finance, Philippines, stated to media that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in the Philippines plans to increase domestic tobacco purchases in the coming years, reportedly to support local farmers negatively affected by the economic issues due to the COVID-19 outbreak.<Ref name= local> A Celis. [https://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news_business/jti-to-hike-local-tobacco-sourcing/ JTI to hike local tobacco sourcing] Malaya Business Insight, 20 October 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image: JTI.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 24: Malaya Business Insight reporting that JTI to hike local tobacco sourcing<ref name =local/>]] | ||
| + | *A market research institute issued a report on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week as well. | ||
| + | **Global Smokeless Tobacco Products Market Research Report claimed that global smokeless tobacco market would show a moderate increase from 2020 to 2027 with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.<Ref name= smokeless> Data Bridge Market Research. [https://rejerusalem.com/124338/smokeless-tobacco-products-market-with-covid-19-impact-analysis-to-experience-significant-growth-during-2020-to-2027-altria-group-inc-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-swedish-match-ja/ Smokeless Tobacco Products Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis, to Experience Significant Growth during 2020 to 2027|| Altria Group, Inc., British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Swedish Match, Japan Tobacco, Swisher International, Inc., DS Group, Philip Morris International] 20 October 2020, Accessed October 2020</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Week 33: 26th to 31st October 2020== | ||
| + | *A spokesperson of the tobacco front group, the South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, claimed that the cigarette sales ban during COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa affected tobacco growers negatively, reduced the government’s tax revenue, and increased illegal cigarette sales. He further claimed that the government's revenue could be increased by increasing the volume of tobacco sales or raising its taxes.<ref name= spoke> BUSINESSTECH. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201102092340/https://businesstech.co.za/news/finance/443586/tobacco-group-wants-government-to-set-a-minimum-price-for-cigarettes-in-south-africa/ Tobacco group wants government to set a minimum price for cigarettes in South Africa], 26 October 2020, Accessed November 2020</ref> | ||
| + | * A market research institute issued a report on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week as well. | ||
| + | ** Tobacco group Swedish Match profit report mentioned that the consumer demand and the profit growth rate of the tobacco-free nicotine products have increased due to the impact of COVID-19 in the United States and Norway.<Ref name= Swedish>REUTERS, [https://web.archive.org/web/20201102033045/https://www.lse.co.uk/news/BATS/update-1-tobacco-group-swedish-match-profit-tops-forecast-as-pandemic-spurs-demand-zs52eglwqyrds46.html UPDATE 1-Tobacco group Swedish Match profit tops forecast as pandemic spurs demand], LONDON SOUTH EAST, 27 October 2020, Accessed November 2020</ref> | ||
| + | [[Image: JTI2.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 25: REUTERS reporting that Tobacco group Swedish Match profit tops forecast as pandemic spurs demand<ref name = Swedish/>]] | ||
| + | *Director of Diversity at [https://www.pmi.com/markets/russia/en/overview Philip Morris International (PMI)] Vietnam, stated they had strengthened female leadership force for [https://www.pmi.com/markets/russia/en/overview Philip Morris International (PMI)], mentioning that the female leadership is 56% currently, with an increase of 13% in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name= director> tuoi tre. [https://tuoitre.vn/hau-covid-19-mo-ra-nhieu-co-hoi-nghe-nghiep-cho-phu-nu-20201020092451325.htm Hậu COVID-19 mở ra nhiều cơ hội nghề nghiệp cho phụ nữ], 20 October 2020, Accessed December 2020</Ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==To be Continued...== | ||
| + | From this week's update we are concluding this page and will continue updates as separate new pages on monthly basis from November 2020. We will update this page if new information emerge on the weeks reported in this page. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Monthly Update Reports=== | ||
| + | *[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020 | November 2020]] | ||
==TobaccoUnmasked Resources== | ==TobaccoUnmasked Resources== | ||
Other relevant TobaccoUnmasked pages | Other relevant TobaccoUnmasked pages | ||
| + | *[[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] | ||
| + | *[[FCTC Article 5.3]] | ||
| + | *[[FCTC Article 13: Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship]] | ||
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] | *[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] | ||
| − | *[[ | + | *[[ITC Limited India]] |
| − | *[[ | + | *The local language translations |
| − | + | <table style="float:left"><tr><td>[[File:Sinhala.jpg|right|90px|TobaccoUnmasked_Sinhala|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/sinhala/COVID-19_%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%82%E0%B6%9C%E0%B6%AD%E0%B6%BA_%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%94%E0%B7%85_%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%9D%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%93%E0%B6%BA%E0%B7%80_%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%8F_%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%96_%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%94%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%9C%E0%B7%85_%E0%B6%9A%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%AD%E0%B6%BA%E0%B7%9A_%E0%B6%B6%E0%B6%BD%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%91%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8A]]</td><td>[[File:Tamil-new.jpg|90px|right|TobaccoUnmasked_Tamil|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/tamil/%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D_-19_%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81_%E0%AE%89%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B3_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%88_%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D]]</td><tr></table> | |
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
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[[Category:Influencing Policy]] | [[Category:Influencing Policy]] | ||
[[Category:Partnerships]] | [[Category:Partnerships]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 05:28, 24 October 2021
Contents
- 1 Background
- 2 COVID-19 mortality
- 3 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities of Tobacco Industry
- 4 Summary of TII and activities reported during COVID-19 pandemic
- 5 Week 1: 12th to 22nd March 2020
- 6 Week 2: 23rd to 29th March 2020
- 7 Week 3: 30th March to 5th April 2020
- 8 Week 4: 6th to 12th April 2020
- 9 Week 5: 13th to 19th April 2020
- 10 Week 6: 20th to 26th April 2020
- 11 Week 7: 27th April to 3rd May 2020
- 12 Week 8: 4th to 10th May 2020
- 13 Week 9: 11th to 17th May2020
- 14 Week 10: 18th to 24th May 2020
- 15 Week 11: 25th to 31st May 2020
- 16 Week 12: 1st to 7th June 2020
- 17 Week 13: 8th to 14th June 2020
- 18 Week 14: 15th to 21st June 2020
- 19 Week 15: 22nd to 28th June 2020
- 20 Week 16: 29th June to 05th July 2020
- 21 Week 17: 6th to 12th July 2020
- 22 Week 18: 13th to 19th July 9 2020
- 23 Week 19: 20th to 26th July 9 2020
- 24 Week 20: 27th July to 2nd August 2020
- 25 Week 21: 3rd to 9th August 2020
- 26 Week 22: 10th to 16th August 2020
- 27 Week 23: 17th to 23rd August 2020
- 28 Week 24: 24th to 30th August 2020
- 29 Week 25: 31st August to 6th September 2020
- 30 Week 26: 7th to 13th September 2020
- 31 Week 27: 14th to 20th September 2020
- 32 Week 28: 21st to 27th September 2020
- 33 Week 29: 28th September to 4th October 2020
- 34 Week 30: 5th to 11th October 2020
- 35 Week 31: 12th to 18th October 2020
- 36 Week 32: 19th to 25th October 2020
- 37 Week 33: 26th to 31st October 2020
- 38 To be Continued...
- 39 TobaccoUnmasked Resources
- 40 Notes
Background
COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei province in China, on 31 December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally declared it as a pandemic.[1]
COVID-19 mortality
As of 12th July 2020, the reported global number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was 13,033,817 with 571,250 deaths reported. Highest number of cases was reported from the United States of America (3,413,995) and Brazil ranked second reporting 1,866,176 cases. The highest number of deaths were also reported from the US (137,782).[2]Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) was calculated by Deaths / Cases and the rate was reported as 1.4%.[3]
Contribution of Tobacco to COVID-19 mortality
World Health Organization(WHO) declared that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.[4]COVID-19 virus normally plugs into the ACE2 receptors on the surface of the cells to inject its genetic material into the cells, in order to replicate and spread. Scientific research suggests that lungs exposed to cigarette smoke have a higher possibility in accumulating abnormally large numbers of ACE2 receptors, which could potentially make the organ more vulnerable to damage by the coronavirus.[5]Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes. For people with these conditions, there is a higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19.[1]
Recent studies have shown that smoking is associated with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.[6] A study has reported that in Italy, men had a higher risk in getting the disease than women which could be partly due to their higher smoking rates.[7] An analysis done by the University of California, San Francisco that included 11,590 COVID patients revealed that among the people affected by the virus, the risk of disease progression in those who currently smoke or previously smoked was nearly double that of non-smokers.[8][9] In another study conducted in China with a sample of 1,099 patients, it was found that among the patients with severe symptoms, 16.9% were current smokers and 5.2% were former smokers. Among the patients that needed either mechanical ventilation, or admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and among those who died, 25.5% were current smokers and 7.6% were former smokers.[10]
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities of Tobacco Industry
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the World Health Organization global convention on tobacco control, Articles 13 and 5.3 recommend to ban sponsorships, CSR activities and interactions with the tobacco industry.
Summary of TII and activities reported during COVID-19 pandemic
This post intends to summarise tobacco industry CSR and other activities and interference reported globally during the COVID-19 pandemic on weekly basis starting from the date the pandemic was declared. The post will be updated every Wednesday of the following week.
Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic
| Tobacco Company | Reported Countries | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| British American Tobacco (BAT) | South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe | 61 |
| Philip Morris International (PMI) | Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia | 32 |
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) | United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia | 26 |
| Altria group | United Sates of America (USA) | 22 |
| Imperial Tobacco | Russia | 14 |
| ITC Limited India | India | 12 |
| Reynolds American | United Sates of America (USA) | 7 |
| VMR Products | United Sates of America (USA) | 1 |
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) | Indonesia, Turkey, Russia | 6 |
| Godfrey Phillips India | India | 3 |
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) | Sri Lanka | 2 |
| DJarum | Indonesia | 2 |
| PT HM Sampoerna | Indonesia | 1 |
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) | - | 2 |
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited | India | 1 |
| Deccan Tobacco | India | 1 |
| Vinataba Tobacco Company | Vietnam | 1 |
| International Tobacco Company | Nigeria | 1 |
| LT Group | Philippines | 1 |
| China Tobacco | China | 1 |
| Gamucci | United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa | 1 |
| Barco Trading Company | Angola | 1 |
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group | Angola | 1 |
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups | United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan | 33 |
Week 1: 12th to 22nd March 2020
- In Russia, the subsidiaries of the four major multinational tobacco companies, British American Tobacco Russia, Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International Russia and Philip Morris International Affiliates, successfully lobbied the Russian Prime Minister to add cigarettes to the essential goods’ list.[11]
Week 2: 23rd to 29th March 2020
- Philip Morris International (PMI) donated ventilators to Greek Hospitals.[12]
- In Brazil Philip Morris International (PMI) made donations to the Santa Cruz hospitals.[13]
- Philip Morris Georgia made a monetary donation to the special fund established by the Business Association of Georgia.[14]
- ITC Limited India donated money for the COVID contingency fund.[15]
- Philip Morris International (PMI) donated respirators to hospitals in Greece.[16]
- In Honduras British American Tobacco (BAT) donated masks to the Police.[17]
- In Sri Lanka, online delivery of cigarettes was advertised via Facebook (Image 1).[18]
Image 1: Online sales of cigarettes in Sri Lanka advertised via Facebook[18]
- In Myanmar Traditional Cheroot (A filter less cylindrical cigar with both ends clipped) Producers Association donated money to the National Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).[19]
- In Romania Philip Morris International (PMI) donated money to the Red Cross.[20]
Week 3: 30th March to 5th April 2020
- British American Tobacco (BAT) announced their attempt to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.[21]
- A non-peer reviewed preprint publication by a French scientist suggested a protective effect of Nicotine over COVID-19.[22]The Lead author Pierre Changeux, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience at the Institute Pasteur had a history of funding from the tobacco industry.[23]
- In Nigeria International Tobacco Company donated hand sanitisers and face masks to the government.[24]
- In Philippines LT Group, a company involved in tobacco and alcohol trade donated face masks to Cavite hospital.[25]
- In Bulgaria Philip Morris Bulgaria donated money to purchase medical supplies and protective gear to the hospitals.[26]
- In Greece, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated ventilators to the government.[27]
- Deccan Tobacco donated money to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in Andra Pradesh.[28]
- ITC Limited India health Hygiene brand, Savlon, sponsored Kerala government’s COVID-19 awareness programmes and hand washing booths.[29][30]
- ITC Limited India delivered their food brands to homes in India in collaboration with nongovernmental organisations Child Rights and You (CRY) and SOS Children’s Villages in India.[31]According to the media reports, the supplies were delivered to the children and the elderly through its “Aashirvaad Box of Hope” and “Sunfeast Box of Happiness”.
- In Philippines, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp Inc.’s (PMFTC), (a joint-venture between Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. and Fortune Tobacco Corporation) donated ventilators to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.[32]The Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, through his Facebook account, thanked Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp Inc (PMFTC) for its donation.[33]
- In South Africa Johann Rupert, the CEO and a major shareholder in British American Tobacco (BAT), donated money to the COVID-19 funds.[34][35]
- Philip Morris Ukraine donated money to COVID-19 funds.[36]
- In Bangladesh, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) requested permission from the Ministry of Industries to continue manufacturing and trading tobacco and related products.[37]
Week 4: 6th to 12th April 2020
- Jelimals, a jelly bear (confectionary) brand owned by the ITC Limited India, conducted awareness programmes targeting children.[38][39][40][41][42][43]
- ITC Limited India’s Paperboards & Specialty Papers Business (PSPD) donated funds to the government fund and, also, to low income populations.[44][45].[46]
- ITC WOW (Wellbeing out of Waste) team (a waste management programme initiated by ITC Limited India) distributed masks and food packs to families and, also, to shelterless people. They also supplied sanitisers to public health workers and food packs to Police and medical personnel.[46]
- 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited, the manufacturer of Manikchand pan masala, claiming it to be tobacco free, published advertisements on COVID-19 in newspapers (Image 2).[47]
Image 2: A newspaper advertisement by Manikchand[47]
- Chief minister of West Bengal Exempted Beedi Industry from Lockdown (Image 3)[48].
Image 3: A newspaper clipping from West Bengal on exemption of bidi industry from lockdown restrictions[48]
- In Indonesia, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated an Ambulance to Indonesian Red Cross.[49]
- Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Malaysia raised money for COVID-19 funds.[50]
- In Philippines Japan Tobacco International (JTI) donated face masks to the front liners.[51]
Week 5: 13th to 19th April 2020
- Phillip Morris International (PMI) tried to indicate that smoking and vaping has no association with increased risks for COVID-19 (Image 4).[52]
Image 4: Phillip Morris International (PMI) tried to indicate that smoking and vaping has no association with increased risk for COVID-19.[52]
- In Italy, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated meals for the Zola Predosa Food Bank, hand sanitisers, personal protective equipment and money for COVID-19 control activities.[53]
- Vinataba Tobacco Company in Vietnam donated money and equipment to the Vietnam Heart Institute at Bach Mai Hospital.[54]
- Japan Tobacco International (JTI) donated money to a hardship fund for independent retailers in the United Kingdom.[55]
- Certain Malaysian media agencies criticised the World Health Organization (WHO)’s statement on COVID-19 and smoking.[56]
- In Australia, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s position on vaping was criticised by certain media agencies.[57]
- A regional governor in Nigeria requested pandemic donations from British American Tobacco (BAT).[58]
- British American Tobacco Kenya donated sanitisers to various government agencies and the Council of Governors.[59]
- In Lebanon, Tobacco and Tobacco Counting Department donated money.[60]
- Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp Inc.’s (PMFTC), a joint-venture between Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. (PMPMI) and Fortune Tobacco Corporation (FTC), donated medical equipment and food items to medical health workers and military personnel.[61][62]
- In Senegal, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, a businessman involved in cigarette manufacturing, donated money to the government.[63]
- In the United States, Altria and its subsidiary U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company donated money for COVID-19 funds.[64]
- In Indonesia, Philip Morris International (PMI) Sampoerna, where COVID-19-related deaths occurred among factory workers, made donations to local pandemic relief via the nongovernmental organisation Social Transformation and Public Awareness Foundation (STAPA) Center.[65]
- In Sri Lanka, Facebook advertisements were seen on cigarette retailers selling cigarettes online during the curfew (Image 5).[66]
Image 5: In Sri Lanka promoting cigarette products through Face Book Pages.[66]
- A popular artist in Bangladesh made a public statement that smokers are less likely to be infected with COVID-19. The statement received wide positive media coverage.[67]
- In Bangladesh, the marketing department of the Ministry of Agriculture provided special assistance to tobacco companies to maintain their supply chains smoothly by facilitating tobacco crop trading processes.[68]
Week 6: 20th to 26th April 2020
- Tobacco industry representatives requested the European Union (EU) to postpone the upcoming deadline to stop menthol cigarette sales.[69]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh introduced a sanitiser (Image 6).[70]
Image 6: BAT Bangladesh introducing a hand sanitizer[70]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh declared that they moves to the next level of vaccine development by animal testing.[71]
- In Zimbabwe, tobacco workers’ unions requested to postpone the tobacco marketing season to avoid putting workers at risk of infection.[72]
Week 7: 27th April to 3rd May 2020
- Tobacco company Godfrey Phillips India gained positive media coverage on suspension of their manufacturing process.[73][74][75]
- In South Africa, British American Tobacco (BAT) and the Fairtrade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA), threatened the government of litigation after reversing its decision to lift the tobacco ban (Image 7).[76][77][78][79]
Image 7:British American Tobacco threatens legal action over cigarette ban.[76]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to public hospitals.[80]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) in Mexico donated money for personal protective equipment to public and private hospitals.[81]
- Altria Group donated money to COVID-19 relief efforts in Kentucky, USA.[82]
- In Bangalore, India, government officials publicly thanked ITC Limited India for their lockdown deliveries of ITC food products.[83]
- A market research launched by the market research firm Euromonitor International says that in India, cigarette sales may fall by 10 per cent in this year due to the rise in taxes and the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. The report also mentions the effects on ITC Limited India and Godfrey Phillips companies.[84]
Week 8: 4th to 10th May 2020
- British American Tobacco (BAT) highlighted its Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and COVID-19 work plan through an open letter to the public from Chief Executive Jack Bowles. It included activities in United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh and Croatia (Image 8).[85]
Image 8:British American Tobacco (BAT) highlighting it’s Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and COVID-19 work plan through an open letter to the general public.[85]
- South Korean tobacco company and Philip Morris International (PMI) partner Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) donated COVID-19 test kits to Indonesia.[86]
- Group donated money to COVID-19 relief efforts in Kentucky, USA.[87]
- Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMI) donated money to Turkish COVID-19 relief funds.[88]
- Philip Morris International (PMI) donated meals in Italy.[89]
- Philip Morris International (PMI) distributed hand sanitisers to health care companies and homes for the elderly in Italy.[90]
- Reports alleged that several tobacco companies in Bangladesh bought tobacco from farmers without ensuring hygiene and social distance.[91]
Week 9: 11th to 17th May2020
- Altria Group highlighted their COVID-19 Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in the Annual General Meeting, which included a monetary donation to COVID-19 relief funds, donatiions of supplies and their employees donating money to support NGO front liners.[92]
- In Costa Rica, Philip Morris International (PMI) donated N95 face masks to the government.[93]
- British American Tobacco (BAT)’s Kentucky Bio Processing declared that they are ready for human trials of their COVID-19 vaccine.[94]
- A senior staff member from NOSMOKE Institute at Patras Science Park, Greece, who received research grants worth USD 105,985 from Foundation for smoke free world (FSFW), published a paper on COVID-19 and nicotine treatments.[95]
- In Bangladesh, Abul Khayer Group which manufacture cigarettes and other tobacco products, supplied oxygen cylinders to the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) Hospital and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks to government agencies including Chittagong Divisional Commissioner, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner.[96]
- Home delivery of tobacco products by the Sri Lankan convenience store 24 Seven through the PickMe taxi and home delivery service (Image 9).[97]
Image 9: Home delivery of cigarettes in Sri Lank through Pick Me taxi service[97]
Week 10: 18th to 24th May 2020
- Djarum, an Indonesian tobacco manufacturer, donated Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) to Pamekasan Regional Hospital.[98]
- In United States of America (USA), group donated money to a community support group.[99]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) Georgia General Manager, Felicio Ferraz, announced the submission of a pre-investigative new drug package to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by its subsidiary Kentucky Bio Processing (Image 10). In the same announcement, he highlighted BAT’s donations in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh and USA.[100]
Image 10: British American Tobacco (BAT) Georgia General Manager, Felicio Ferraz, announced about Kentucky Bio Processing submitting a Pre-investigative new drug package to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[100]
- Bangladesh Ministry of Industries rejected the tobacco ban proposed by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.[101]
- ITC Limited India declared that they restarted their cigarette production as a “relief to the smokers” who are paying extra for cigarettes and, also, to “support the entire value chain” including the agricultural sector.[102]
Week 11: 25th to 31st May 2020
- British American Tobacco (BAT) files a law suit over the cigarette ban in South Africa (Image 11).[103][104]
Image 11: British American Tobacco (BAT) files a law suit over the cigarette ban in South Africa.[104]
- In the United Arab Emirates, The Federal Tax Authority, announces their intension to delay the ban on water pipe tobacco and e-cigarettes without digital tax stamps until January 2021, in response to “stakeholder pressure”.[105]
- In Bangladesh, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) promoted their brands through phone calls.[106]
- Home delivery of E-cigarette products in Bangladesh.[107]
- (KT&G) donated COVID-19 diagnostic kits to the Russian state of Kaluga Oblast and the Turkish Ministry of Health.[108]
Week 12: 1st to 7th June 2020
- British American Tobacco (BAT) declares the COVID-19 vaccine developed by them “may enter” phase I clinical trials.[109]
- Foundation for Smoke Free World (FSFW) called for research proposals under the theme “COVID-19, smoking, and nicotine”.[110]
Week 13: 8th to 14th June 2020
- Philip Morris International (PMI) and Imperial Tobacco publicly criticised allegations against them on violation of FCTC in the means of Corperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Romania, Greece and Ukraine (Image 12).[111]
Image 12: Euronews reporting PMI and Imperial Tobacco’s attempted justification on their Coperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Romania, Greece and Ukraine.[111]
Week 14: 15th to 21st June 2020
- British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa (BATSA) filed papers in the Western Cape High Court challenging the ongoing ban on tobacco sales.[112]
Week 15: 22nd to 28th June 2020
- According to the Snus Industry Overview by the Market Research store, major tobacco companies involved in snus trade including Swedish Match, Imperial Tobacco Group, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Altria Group have changed their business strategies “to retain their stand in the global platform” affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.[113]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa complained that there is no evidence to prove that tobacco ban reduces risk of COVID-19 transmission.[114]
- In the United States of America (USA), the Federal Reserve bought USD 428 million in corporate bonds from companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), as part of its COVID-19 recovery plan.[115]
Week 16: 29th June to 05th July 2020
- The British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa (BATSA) stated that they would consider “other legal options” as the hearing on the cigarettes and vaping ban in South Africa was postponed by six weeks. This was in addition to the allegation made by the BATSA that the government deliberately delayed the trial date.[116]
- A group of South African companies including [6], South African Agri Initiative(Saai), Fresh Stop, South African Tobacco,Twisp, CTP Unlimited, and British American Tobacco (BAT) signed an open letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that the ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products be lifted for the sake of the economy and jobs.[117]
Week 17: 6th to 12th July 2020
- Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) South Africa appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal against the tobacco ban in South Africa.[118]
- GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), a British multinational pharmaceutical company announced their partnership to develop a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine with Canadian biopharmaceutical company Medicago, owned by Philip Morris International (PMI).[119]
- In South Africa a group of smokers gathered in Port Elizabeth to protest against the ban on tobacco sales.[120][121]
Week 18: 13th to 19th July 9 2020
- In the United States of America (USA) Philip Morris International (PMI) launched a campaign to raise awareness on fraudulent trade of personal protective equipment. It was partnered by ten other partners including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.[122]
- In United Sates of America (USA), an engineering student from University of Louisville, Kentuky received positive media coverage for supporting COVID-19 projects of Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP), a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT).[123]
Week 19: 20th to 26th July 9 2020
- Technavio, a global market research firm, released a research report on “COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Analysis on Snus Market (2020-2024)”.[124]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa publicly complained that the South African Tobacco market is “completely taken over” by the illicit trade because of the COVID-19 related tobacco sales ban.[125]
- In Chile, media articles stated that the demand for contraband cigarettes have increased due to the COVID-19 lockdown.[126]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh reported their Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 69% despite the COVID-19 pandemic.[127]
- Cole Marketing, a marketing and advertising company, issued COVID-19 impact analysis reports for Heated Tobacco products, Electronic smoking system market, e-cigarette and vape market in relation to the major manufacturers including Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Imperial Brands and Altria groups.[128][129][130]
- Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa (BATSA), together with the South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance (SATTA) (a joint organisation of tobacco farming, processing and manufacturing industries), claimed that the South African tobacco ban is an “infringement of citizens’ rights” and argued that the prohibition will lead to a reduction in vital tax revenues and a rise in the illicit trade of tobacco products. The government responded to this statement as “hypocritical” as the tobacco industry opposed to tobacco tax increases in the previous occasions and objected to governments’ action to prevent illicit tobacco trade (Image 13). The government also accused the industry of supporting the illicit cigarette trade in South Africa.[131]
Image 13:Tobacco industry accused of hypocrisy over their statements on reduced government tobacco tax revenue and increase of illicit tobacco trade in South Africa.[103]
Week 20: 27th July to 2nd August 2020
- British American Tobacco (BAT) said its first-half pre-tax profit rose due to the strong performance in its primary markets despite the COVID-19 pandemic.[132]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) declared that they are ready to start the human trials for the potential COVID-19 vaccine and they are waiting for the United Sates Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.[133][134]
- HTF market Intelligence Consulting (A company involving in market research on History, Trends and Forecast) released a heated tobacco market critical analysis with reference to British American Tobacco (BAT), Philip Morris International,Altria, and Imperial Brands.[135]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa said that they will challenge the “constitutionality” of the South African tobacco ban in the Western Cape High Court (Image 14).[136]
- Certain media reported that the South African government admits smokers are “less likely to be infected” with COVID-19, but “cigarette purchasing during lockdown increased the inter personal contact as compared with ordinary shoppers”, quoting a 251-page response by government to a court challenge against its ongoing ban on cigarettes and tobacco products.[137]
- Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) launched an 'illness to wellness' awareness programme to promote healthy living. The programme was sponsored by the ITC Limited India health Hygiene brand, Savlon (Image 15).[138]
- In India Procam International a company which organises sports events launched “Sunfeast India Run As One” event with the ITC Limited India’s biscuits and snacking brand “Sunfeast”.[139]
Week 21: 3rd to 9th August 2020
- In South Africa, British American Tobacco (BAT) argued before the Western Cape High Court that the tobacco ban is "unconstitutional" and "unscientific" and makes the government loses tax revenue.[140][141][142]
- Several market research institutes issued industry favorable market research reports last week.
- Calibre Research- impact of COVID-19 on the global dry snuff (a smokeless tobacco made from ground or pulverised tobacco leaves) market 2020-2026 in relation to the major tobacco companies including British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International and Altria.[143]
- Innovate Insights “Global Wine and Tobacco Packaging – COVID 19 Impact Analysis, In Depth Insight, Growth & Research Finding to 2026” incorporated ITC Limited India, Philips Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT).[144]
- Market Data Analytics, published a recent report on “the global Cigars and Cigarillos market titled Global Cigars and Cigarillos Market 2020 Trends Analysis and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effect Analysis | Key Players Market With COVID-19 Impact Analysis, In Depth Insight, Growth and Research Finding to 2026” mentioned Altria and British American Tobacco (BAT).[145]
- In Malaysia, media gave a wide coverage to a survey commissioned by the British American Tobacco Malaysia (BAT Malaysia), which says “a large majority of Malaysians think the tobacco black market is impeding the country’s Covid-19 economic recovery” (Image 16).[146]
Image 16: Media reporting the results of a survey conducted by the British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia.[146]
- British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that their stocks had performed very well despite the pandemic.[147]
Week 22: 10th to 16th August 2020
- South African media reported that cigarette ban is to be lifted, as the country is moving to lockdown Level 2.[148]
- In South Africa, Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) said they will continue with their case against the tobacco products ban in the Supreme Court of Appeals against the tobacco ban in South Africa.[149]
- Sri Lankan Media reported that Sri Lanka’s cigarette sales has gone down by 38% due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Image 17).[150]
Image 17: Derana Media reporting that Sri Lanka’s cigarette sales had decreased due to the COVID-19.[150]
- Media articles quoting the Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC), the British American Tobacco (BAT) subsidiary holding the monopoly of cigarette trade in Sri Lanka, reported that cigarette sales are “recovering fast” from the decrease related to COVID-19 lockdown.[151]
- Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well. Following are some of them covering the major tobacco companies.
- Report Insights - “Impact of COVID-19 on the global market - Altria Group, British American Tobacco (BAT), Reynolds American, Philip Morris International, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd and Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC).[152]
- Market Research - “In Depth Analysis and Survey of COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Global Cigarettes for Woman Market 2020” - Korea Tobacco and Ginseng Corporation(KT&G), Philip Morris International (PMI), Reynolds American and British American Tobacco (BAT).[153]
- Premium Market Insights - “Cigars And Cigarillos Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis” - Altria Group, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Imperial tobacco group.[154]
Week 23: 17th to 23rd August 2020
- Report Ocean, a market research Institute issued a report on electronic cigarette market highlighting strong growth and demand, and the COVID-19 impact, mentioning the names of the tobacco companies group and British American Tobacco (BAT).[155]
- In Zambia, a local leader publicly thanked Japan Tobacco International (JTI) for its recent donation.[156]
Image 18: Japan Tobacco International website featuring the statement of a government official in a District Administration Office.[156]
- Media reported that the British American Tobacco (BAT)’s Kentucky Bio Processing’s tobacco-based COVID-19 vaccine has reached the clinical trial phase in the United Sates.[157]
Week 24: 24th to 30th August 2020
- Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) withdrew its legal challenge against the tobacco ban in South Africa during the lockdown stating they have reached a settlement with the government. The tobacco ban was lifted early in August when the country moved to Level 2 of its COVID-19 pandemic response strategy and reduced the related restrictions [158]
Image 19: Media Report on FITA withdrawing the legal challenge against the South African government.[158]
- Market Study Reports issued a report on USB rechargeable e-cigarette market opportunity, demand, recent trends, major driving factors and business growth strategies for 2025, including a section on “in-depth analysis of factors that may impede the market growth, in the view of the COVID-19 pandemic”. The major tobacco companies British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMI) were featured in the report.[159]
- Media reported that Bhutan temporarily lifted the tobacco ban to reduce risk of importing COVID-19 from India. The cigarettes, added to the essential good’s list, will be sold in “state-owned duty-free” sales outlets.[160][161]
Image 20: Media reporting about lifting the tobacco ban in Bhutan.[160]
- Consumer Information Network (CIN) in Kenya issued a report titled “Tobacco Industry Index 2020” exposing tobacco industry interference under the following themes: involvement in policy development, corporate social responsibility, tax regime, unnecessary interaction, lack of transparency and conflict of interest. This report included a section on violations related to tobacco advertisement promotions and sponsorships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report accused that listing tobacco under the ‘essential products list’ is a result of government accepting donations from the tobacco industry.[162]
- Verified Market Research issued a report titled E-cigarette and Vaping Market Size 2020 and COVID19 Impact Analysis mentioning the names of the major tobacco companies Altria Group, British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands and Japan Tobacco International (JTI).[163]
Week 25: 31st August to 6th September 2020
- Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well. Following are some of them covering the major tobacco companies.
- “QURATE” Research Institute’s report titled “Vape Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis” mentioned British American Tobacco (BAT).[164]
- Market Research issued a report titled “COVID 19 Impact on Global Clove Cigarettes Market Report” mentioning major tobacco companies including British American Tobacco (BAT), Djarum, Gudang Garam, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G).[165]
- Market Insight Reports issued a report titled “Electric Smoking System Market 2020 Global Insights and Business Scenario”, which included a section on “Impact of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) on the product industry chain” mentioning the names of the tobacco companies Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Imperial Brands, Altria, China Tobacco and Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G).[166]
- Inforgrowth.com issued a report titled “Global Tobacco Products Market (2020-2026) and latest covid19 impact analysis” mentioning the tobacco companies Philip Morris International (PMI), Imperial Tobacco, Altria, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI).[167]
- Cognitive Market Research issued a report titled “In Depth Analysis and Survey of COVID-19 Pandemic” highlighting tobacco companies Altria, British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMI).[168]
- Cognitive Market Research issued another report titled “Coronavirus Impact Edition of Cigarillos Market” mentioning the tobacco companies Altria and British American Tobacco (BAT).[169]
Week 26: 7th to 13th September 2020
- Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well.
- Spire Market Research’s report, titled Smokeless Tobacco Market and impact of COVID-19 2020-2026, mentioned the names of Altria Group, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Imperial Brands.[170]
- Insider’s report, titled Cigars and Cigarillos Market 2020 Global Strategies, mentioned [7] and British American Tobacco (BAT) included a section on post COVID-19 crisis.[171]
- The Report Globe issued a report on “Homogenized Tobacco Leaf Cigars Market” and COVID-19 impact mentioning [8] and British American Tobacco (BAT).[172]
- Reports and Markets issued a report titled “Vapor Products Market 2020”, mentioning Altria, [British American Tobacco (BAT)]], Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Philip Morris International (PMI). Media Reported that the final report will contain an analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on Vapor Products Market.[173]
- Courant.Biz issued a market research report titled Cigars and cigarillos market 2020 and COVID-19 update, mentioning [9] and British American Tobacco (BAT).[174]
- Market Research issued a market research report titled Global Vapor Products Market 2020 – Impact of COVID-19. [10], British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands, and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) were mentioned in the report.[175]
Image 21: Media Report on Spire Market Research.[170]
- In 2015, the United National General Assembly (UNGA) recognised that the price and tax increase measures on tobacco would be effective and important to reduce its consumption and related health care costs. However, tobacco taxation was ignored when the meeting was held on September 8th 2020 with ministers of finance from all members of states to support economic recovery from the COVID pandemic and to mobilise financial resources to drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).[176]
- Managing Director of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, issued a media statement saying that they had protected their employees’ jobs and maintained cigarette supply to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.[177]
Week 27: 14th to 20th September 2020
- Media reported that the British American Tobacco (BAT) earnings in Zimbabwe went up despite the drop in sales volume due to COVID-19 sales restrictions (Image 22).[178]
- In the Philippines, media reported that Japan Tobacco International Philippines (JTIP) is helping to mitigate COVID-19’s economic impact and the unemployment problem through employment opportunities created by its setting up of a global business service center in Taguig City, Philippines. It was further reported that the JTIP’s general manager John Freda believes that it is of paramount importance for JTIP to ensure everyone is safe in the new environment by developing safety guidelines and supplying them with PPEs.[179]
- Markets issued a market report on Global Tobacco Market 2020 including a section on “COVID-19 Impact Analysis”. Tobacco companies Altria Group, Reynolds America, Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group), British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Imperial Brands and Philip Morris International (PMI) were mentioned in the report.[180]
- Barco Trading Company and Pan Africa Tobacco Group donated relief items during the COVID-19 outbreak in Angola.[181]
Week 28: 21st to 27th September 2020
- In USA, Department of Agriculture (USDA) was reported to pay up to USD100 million to tobacco farmers as part of a USD 14 billion assistance programme for farmers affected by the pandemic. The media report claimed that this would be beneficial to the multinational tobacco manufacturers.[182]
Image 23: Reuters Business reporting that “COVID-19 stimulus money will end up in U.S. tobacco farmers’ pockets[182]
- PT HM Sampoerna mentioned that in Indonesia consumers prefer cheaper cigarettes because of the increase in the excise tax and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They further reported that impact of the COVID-19 epidemic increased cigarette purchases and their market share of smaller pack products also increased.[183]
- Several market research institutes issued reports on COVID-19 impact on tobacco industry this week as well.
- Orbis Research issued a report titled “Vape Market 2020 Revenue Analysis After COVID-19 Impact on Top Industry Companies”, which mentioned the tobacco company names British American Tobacco (BAT), Altria Group Altria Group, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), VMR Products, Gamucci, Reynolds American, Imperial Brands.[184]
- Fior Markets issued a report on Global Tobacco Market and COVID-19. The report mentioned tobacco companies Reynolds American, Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group), British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Imperial Brands and Philip Morris International (PMI).[185]
- Industry research issued a report on Smoking Cessation Products Market including an analysis of the impact of COVID-19. Tobacco companies British American Tobacco (BAT) and Reynolds American were mentioned in the report.[186]
- Japan Tobacco International (JTI) claimed that illicit tobacco trade had increased because of tobacco restriction activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.[187]
Week 29: 28th September to 4th October 2020
- Tobacco taxation was ignored in the United National General Assembly (UNGA)’s meeting held on September 29th 2020 to support economic recovery from the COVID pandemic and to mobilise financial resources to drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).[188][176]
Week 30: 5th to 11th October 2020
- Imperial Brands mentioned that the tobacco sales volumes and demand had increased than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic and stated that this might have been due to consumers in Europe and the US spending more money on tobacco.[189]
Week 31: 12th to 18th October 2020
- In Egypt, Philip Morris International donated medical supplies to the Kasr Al-Ainy Cairo University Hospital, and essential food products, reportedly, to “the most vulnerable families” affected by the COVID-19.[190]
Week 32: 19th to 25th October 2020
- The Department of Finance, Philippines, stated to media that Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in the Philippines plans to increase domestic tobacco purchases in the coming years, reportedly to support local farmers negatively affected by the economic issues due to the COVID-19 outbreak.[191]
Image 24: Malaya Business Insight reporting that JTI to hike local tobacco sourcing[191]
- A market research institute issued a report on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week as well.
- Global Smokeless Tobacco Products Market Research Report claimed that global smokeless tobacco market would show a moderate increase from 2020 to 2027 with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.[192]
Week 33: 26th to 31st October 2020
- A spokesperson of the tobacco front group, the South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, claimed that the cigarette sales ban during COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa affected tobacco growers negatively, reduced the government’s tax revenue, and increased illegal cigarette sales. He further claimed that the government's revenue could be increased by increasing the volume of tobacco sales or raising its taxes.[193]
- A market research institute issued a report on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week as well.
- Tobacco group Swedish Match profit report mentioned that the consumer demand and the profit growth rate of the tobacco-free nicotine products have increased due to the impact of COVID-19 in the United States and Norway.[194]
Image 25: REUTERS reporting that Tobacco group Swedish Match profit tops forecast as pandemic spurs demand[194]
- Director of Diversity at Philip Morris International (PMI) Vietnam, stated they had strengthened female leadership force for Philip Morris International (PMI), mentioning that the female leadership is 56% currently, with an increase of 13% in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.[195]
To be Continued...
From this week's update we are concluding this page and will continue updates as separate new pages on monthly basis from November 2020. We will update this page if new information emerge on the weeks reported in this page.
Monthly Update Reports
TobaccoUnmasked Resources
Other relevant TobaccoUnmasked pages
- Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
- FCTC Article 5.3
- FCTC Article 13: Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship
- British American Tobacco (BAT)
- ITC Limited India
- The local language translations
 |  |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 World Health Organisation (WHO). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, 11 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ World Meter.coronavirus pandemic, 13 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ World Meter.(COVID-19) Mortality Rate, 10 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ World Health Organization(WHO).[ https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/11-05-2020-who-statement-tobacco-use-and-covid-19 WHO statement: Tobacco use and COVID-19]11 May 2020,Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Janice M. Leung et. al.ACE-2 Expression in the Small Airway Epithelia of Smokers and COPD Patients: Implications for COVID-19European Respiratory Journal , April 2020, July 2020
- ↑ R E Jordan et. al. Covid-19: risk factors for severe disease and death, British Medical Journal (BMJ), 26 March 2020,Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Edward Livingston and Karen Bucher.Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy, National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI), 28 April 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ E Fernandez. Smoking Nearly Doubles the Rate of COVID-19 Progression, University of California, San Francisco, 12 May 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ N Thomas. 1 in 3 young adults vulnerable to severe Covid-19 and smoking plays a big part, research finds, 13 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Guan et al. Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China, 28 February 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Rambler.ru. Helsingin Sanomat (Финляндия): в Петербурге табачные компании добились включения сигарет в список товаров первой необходимости Об этом сообщает "Рамблер". Далее, 22 March 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Isabel Togoh. Big Tobacco Criticized For Donating Ventilators To Greek Hospitals Amid Coronavirus Crisis, 30 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ GAZ. Prefeitura repassa mais de R USD 2 milhões a hospitais de Santa Cruz, 25 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Business Media Georgia. Philip Morris Georgia announces immediate contribution of 100 000 gel towards fight against covid-19, 23 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The Economic Times. ITC announces Rs 150 crore COVID-19 contingency fund for vulnerable sections of society, 27 March 2020, Accessed April 2020
- ↑ Tornos news. Greek tobacco firm donates 50 respirators to equip Greek hospitals, 18 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ COHEP. [1], 25 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Face Book К є у . කී March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Tobacco Industry watch, South East Asia Tobacco control Alliance. TI steps-up CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, 7 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Profit.ro Philip Morris donează, în România, 1 milion de dolari pentru Crucea Roșie, 27 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ British American Tobacco (BAT). News Release, BAT working on potential COVID-19 vaccine through US bio-tech subsidiary, 1 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Qeios. Low incidence of daily active tobacco smoking in patients with symptomatic COVID-19, 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Le Monde. Comment le lobby du tabac a subventionné des labosfrançais, 07 January 2013, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Sun News Online. COVID-19: Kwara shuts borders, fumigate markets, 31 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The Minando Daily Mirror. LT Group clarifies donation of face masks to Cavite hospital, 02 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ BCause. Who are the generous donors to the campaign, set up by BCause Foundation and #Forthegood Project against COVID-19 in Bulgaria?, 31 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Meaww.com. Tobacco firm Philip Morris faces backlash over 'coronavirus publicity stunt' after it donates ventilators, 20 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The Hindu. DTC donates ₹25 lakh to CMRF, 06 April 2020, Accessed April 2020
- ↑ The Hindu. ITC’s perfume unit will now make Savlon hand sanitisers, 31March 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Indian Express. Coronavirus effect: ITC starts producing Savlon hand sanitisers from fragrances factory, 31 March 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Hindustan Times. ITC’s boxes of ‘hope’ and ‘happiness’ to provide essential supplies to the elderly amid Covid-19 lockdown, 05 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Sun Star. P1.8-M ventilator gidonar sa MisOr sa NMMC, 06 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Ben Evardone. [2], 31 March 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Tobacco Tactics. Free Market Foundation, 08 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The Citizen. UPDATE: Rupert’s R1bn for Covid-19 was always a donation after all, 1 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Union UA. Філіп Морріс Україна пожертвувала 10 мільйонів гривень для боротьби з епідемією коронавірус, 02April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ n TV Online.[3], 3 April 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ BrandEquity.com. ITC Jelimals, ChhotaBheem spread Covid-19 awareness to kids, 16 April 2020, Accessed 14 May 2020
- ↑ IndiFoodBev. Covid -19 – ITC Jelimals launches “Do the 5” song to spread awareness amongst kids, 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Exchange4Media.com. ITC Jelimals launches 'Do the 5' song to spread awareness on COVID-19 amongst children, 16 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ BrandEquity.com. ITC Jelimals, ChhotaBheem spread Covid-19 awareness to kids, 16 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Media Infoline. ITC Jelimals brings out “Do the 5” song to spread awareness, April 15, 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Green Gold. ChotaBheem&Jelimals - Do the 5 Song, 10 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Business Line. Paperboards unit lends support to Telangana govt’s fight against Covid-1913 April 2020
- ↑ IndiaCSR. Covid-19: ITC’s Paperboards and Specialty Paper Business lend its support to the needy in Telangana13 April 2020
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 Equity B Bulls. ITC's Paperboards and Specialty Paper Business lend its support to the needy in the state of Telangana amidst the Corona crisis, 13 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 7 HILLS Manikchand. Manikchand Pan masala, undated, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 SARC-CCT.Newspaper article. April 2020
- ↑ Radar Kediri. Covid-19 di Kediri, Gudang Garam Serahkan Ambulans ke PMI Dilengkapi Peralatan Medis Darurat, 07 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Malasiakini. MyKasih Raises RM 3mil for Food Aid During MCO, 7 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Republic of Philippines.Ecozone locators lauded for helping Covid-19 front-liners, 07 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 C Gardener. COVID-19 And Lung Health: Smoking and Vaping, 14 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Tobacco End Game.Philip Morris dona mascherine e disinfettante, dopo aver incassato nel 2019 un regalo da 400 milioni. La politica ringrazia: pecunia non olet, 14 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ VapingPost.Vietnam: WHO Rep. Spreads Misinformation and Proposes E-Cig Ban, 16 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Talking Retail. NFRN Hardship Fund hits £200,000 mark, Undated, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Malay Mail. Covid-19 is the biggest global health threat in recent history, so why is WHO lecturing us on lifestyle choices — Jo Furnival, 19 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Legalize vaping. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control – the biggest anti-vaping treaty you’ve never heard of, Undated, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ The Guardian.Coronavirus and tobacco industry duplicity, 20 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Capital FM.Liters Of Sanitizer Produced And Released For Distribution, 11 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Lebanon files. "التبغ والتنباك": ملون دولار لمساعدة الطلاب08] April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Tribune net. Frontlines well provisioned, 15 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Rappler. Subic Freeport coronavirus ‘surge’ facilities ready next week, 09 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Seneweb. Mohamed Ould Bouamatou : Parcours d'un "Jumbo" !, 15April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The news Enterprise. Food bank receives $55,000 donation, 16April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Kumparan. STAPA Center dan Sampoerna Untuk Indonesia Beri Bantuan Tangani Covid-19, 14 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 FaceBook. සිගරැට් නැතුව වේලෙන්නන්ගේ සංගමය, April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ dainikamadershomoy.com. করোনাভাইরাসধূমপায়ীদেরক্ষতিকরতেপারেনা!, 17 April 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Ministry of Agriculture. [4], 13April 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Tobacco Reporter.Menthol Ban: Industry Asks More Time, 21 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 British American Tobacco Bangladesh. British American Tobacco Bangladesh, 21 April 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Greater Owensboro. KBP Begins Testing COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate on Animals, 29 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ New Zimbabwe. Tobacco Workers’ Union Call For Auction Floor Opening Delay Until Lockdown Ends, 27 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Economic Times. Coronavirus: Godfrey Phillips India shuts three factories temporarily, 20 March 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Outlook. Coronavirus: Godfrey Phillips India shuts three factories temporarily, 25 March 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Business Today. Godfrey Philips shuts plants; stock falls 8%, 30 March 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ 76.0 76.1 SABC News. British American Tobacco threatens legal action over cigarette ban, 2 May 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Times Live. Tobacco association heads to court to challenge ban on cigarette sales, 30 April 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Fin 24. | Cigarettes, liquor still won't be for sale on Level 4, 29 April 2020
- ↑ Fin 24. SA's largest cigarette company drops proposed legal action against tobacco ban, 06 May 2020
- ↑ Bangladesh Post. Professional bodies, NGOs donate PPE for public hospitals, 31 March 2020, Accessed 29 April2020
- ↑ Milenio. Regional companies have already donated $58 million, 02 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ MSN. Good News: Amid pandemic, Louisville construction company builds homes for people in need, 04 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ B.H.Anil Kumar. BBMP thanks ITC Limited for the company’s gesture, Twitter, 1 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Business Standard. Cigarette sales may see steepest dip in 20 years on lockdown, tax rise, 27 April 2020, Accessed August 2020
- ↑ 85.0 85.1 J Bowles. An Open Letter from Jack Bowles on BAT’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 05 May 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Korea IT Times Global News Network.KT&G; delivers COVID-19 diagnostic kits to the Indonesian government, 08 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ MSN.com.News: Amid pandemic, Louisville construction company builds homes for people in need, 05 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Sol news International.Tobacco Companies break ban, donating Turkey’s presidential fundraising campaign, 11 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Il Resto del Carlino.Zola, Philip Morris dona cento pasti al giorno ai più bisognosi, 10 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Regione Emilia-Romagna.Disinfettante per le mani distribuito alle Aziende sanitarie e alle Case residenza per gli anziani, 5 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ DBC 24/7 News.স্বাস্থ্যবিধি না মেনে তামাক কেনার অভিযোগ ট্যোবাকো কোম্পানির বিরুদ্ধে09 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Altria Group. Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 14 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ M de Salud. Conferencia de prensa de actualización de acciones e información #COVID19, May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Timesnownews.com. COVID-19: British cigarette company claims tobacco-based coronavirus vaccine ready for human trials, 16 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Smoke free world. Return of Private foundation, 1 June 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ Chattogram24.com. চিকিৎসা: বিনামূল্যে অক্সিজেন সরবরাহ শুরু আবুল খায়ের গ্রুপের, 12 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 97.0 97.1 [www.cct.lk Centre for Combating Tobacco]. Home delivery of cigarettes through pick me from Sri Lanka, Tobacco Unmasked Hotspots Report, Community Driven Tobacco Surveillance System (CDTSS), 12 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Antara Jatim. RSUD Pamekasan terima APD dari Djarum Foundation, 21 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Kenturki New Era. United Way of the Pennyrile receives $35K from Altria Group for COVID-19 relief, 20May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 100.0 100.1 Georgia Today.BAT Makes Progress on COVID-19 Vaccine and Provides Community Support, 19 May 2020
- ↑ Dhaka Tribune. Industries Ministry rejects tobacco ban proposal, 20 May 2020, Accessed May 2020
- ↑ The Economic Times. ITC restarts cigarette production18 May 2020, Accessed August 2020
- ↑ 103.0 103.1 Z Zama. British American Tobacco SA goes to court again over cigarette ban, 1 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 104.0 104.1 Bloomberg. BAT Appeals to Court After South Africa Digs In on Tobacco Ban, 30 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ MenaFnKhaleej Times. UAE delays ban on water pipe tobacco, e-cigarettes without digital tax stamps to 2021, 26 May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Tobacco Industry Watch BD. JTI’s brand promotion through unsolicited phone calls, May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Tobacco Industry Watch BD. Home Delivery Using POS Machines, May 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Business Korea. KT&G Donates COVID-19 Diagnostic Kits to Russia and Turkey, 11 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The one news page.American Tobacco's COVID-19 Vaccine May Enter Trials, 02 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ Foundation for Smoke free world (FSHW). FSHW Health Science and Technology requests for proposal, 1 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ 111.0 111.1 Euro News. Tobacco giants fume over claims they exploited COVID-19 with Romania, Greece & Ukraine donations, 8 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ N Shange. Tobacco giant takes government to court over 'unconstitutional' ban Sunday Times, 18 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ S Hiren. Global Snus Market 2020 with COVID-19 After Effects Analysis by Key Players| Swedish Match, Imperial Tobacco Group, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco, 23 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The Sunday Times.'No proof that tobacco ban reduces risk of Covid-19 transmission': BAT SA, 26 June 2020, accessed July 2020
- ↑ Reuters. Big tobacco, big oil and Buffett join Fed's portfolio, 28 June 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ D Faku. BATSA mulls options after court delay, IOL, 30 June 2020, Accessed June 2020
- ↑ The South African.SA’s top companies sign open letter begging for cigarette ban to be lifted, 05 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ IOL. FITA heads to Supreme Court of Appeal over tobacco ban, 06 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ The Jakarta Post. GSK to develop plant-based COVID-19 vaccine with Canada's Medicago08 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Herald Live.Smokers gather to protest against ongoing ban08 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Herald Live. Smokers roll into city centre to protest against tobacco ban, 09 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Business Wire.Philip Morris International Launches COVID-19 Anti-Fraudulent Goods Campaign13 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ UL News.UofL Engineering students spend co-ops working on COVID-19 projects15 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Business Wire. COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Analysis- Snus Market (2020-2024)The Availability of Flavored Snus to Boost Growth |Technavio, 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Eye Witness News. SA tobacco market completely taken over by illicit suppliers – BATSA, 23 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Insight Chrime. Coronavirus Lockdown Boosts Demand for Contraband Cigarettes in Chile, 24 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Dhaka Tribune. British American Tobacco’s EPS rises by 69% despite Covid-19 pandemic, 23 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Cole Marketing. Latest news 2020: Heated tobacco market by coronavirus-COVID-19 impact analysis with top manufacturers analysis | top players: Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria, etc., 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
- ↑ Cole Marketing. Electric smoking system market 2020 | know the latest covid19 impact analysis and strategies of key players: Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria, etc., 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
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- ↑ Africa Times. Big Tobacco accused of hypocrisy over South Africa ban, 22 July 2020, Accessed July 2020
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