KT&G Launches E-Cigarettes Overseas for the First Time with PMI... First Country is Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] KT&G announced on the 18th that it will launch the heated tobacco product ‘lil SOLID’ and its dedicated sticks ‘FIT’ in Russia for the first time through collaboration with Philip Morris International (PMI). The two companies will officially enter the global market starting with the launch on the 17th (local time).

In January, KT&G announced a global collaboration agreement with PMI for the overseas sales of the electronic cigarette ‘lil’. According to the agreement, KT&G will supply electronic cigarette products to PMI for the first three years, and PMI will launch and sell KT&G products overseas, excluding Korea, by utilizing PMI’s resources, knowledge, and infrastructure.

Russia, the first export country, has recently shown high consumer interest in electronic cigarettes and is a large market. The ‘lil SOLID’ launched locally comes in three colors: Dark Navy, White, and Blue, and the dedicated sticks are available in three types: FIT Regular, FIT Viola, and FIT Crisp.

The ‘lil SOLID’ being launched this time is an export version of the ‘lil PLUS’ sold domestically. After signing the contract with KT&G, PMI completed detailed pre-commercial inspections of the electronic cigarette devices and dedicated sticks.

Advertising communications used on the electronic cigarette device packaging, related websites, and sales points are labeled as ‘lil introduced by IQOS’, which means ‘lil introduced by IQOS’. KT&G expects the successful overseas market entry of lil together with the globally recognized IQOS brand.

Baek Bok-in, CEO of KT&G, said, “It is a new feeling to launch the electronic cigarette ‘lil’, which applies KT&G’s unique technology and differentiated innovation, overseas for the first time,” and added, “The collaboration between KT&G and PMI is expected to expand the global electronic cigarette market, and ‘lil’ will broaden the choices for adult smokers.”

Andr? Calantzopoulos, CEO of PMI, said, “We are pleased to enter the next phase after the contract with KT&G in January,” and added, “The commercialization of KT&G products outside Korea will strengthen PMI’s solid electronic cigarette portfolio and provide adult smokers with more diverse alternatives.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.