View source for Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022
This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.  
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]. 
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | 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, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 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, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of  the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/  ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
 
[[Image: Tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html  Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2).  However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
 
[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. [[FCTC Article 13: Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship | Article 13]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) | FCTC]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in  the United States.  KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”. <ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
 
[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/  Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year  PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
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|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048  Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed  February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)]  || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}
 
[[Image: CTCtop.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]