The future of British American Tobacco’s cigarette portfolio has been revealed as the company prepares retailers and consumers for life after the menthol ban.
Brands including Pall Mall and Vogue are affected and a raft of new options for smokers are being launched with just weeks to go until the 20 May ban. This includes a new tube filter in Pall Mall Shift which reduces staining, offers a ‘smoother smoking experience’ and promises a firmer, cleaner look.
A BAT spokesperson said: “The new Pall Mall portfolio has been developed to replace menthol cigarettes for adult menthol smokers. The portfolio closely mirrors the experience of smoking a menthol cigarette - making it a natural choice for adult smokers who prefer menthol.”
Pall Mall Shift Blue is also launching an innovation with a thinner and longer format and an “upgraded blend” tailored for current menthol smokers.
A spokesperson said: “[Pall Mall Shift Blue] features tobacco with a balanced taste and reduced aftertaste, providing an experience closer to what menthol smokers enjoy.”
Finally, a new edition Rothman Silver-Green as a “lighter alternative and its blend offers consumers who prefer menthol, a smoothness, reduced aftertaste and reduced aroma”.
While the new updates are a sign of the company’s confidence that menthol smokers will remain in the combustible tobacco market, its vaping brand Vype is also being put forward as an option for those wanting continued access to a menthol-flavoured menthol product.
The spokesperson said: “BAT also produces menthol flavoured vaping products, which are exempt from the menthol ban as they don’t contain tobacco. This includes our flagship brand, Vype, which provides various menthol flavours for menthol smokers looking to quit for good.”
Brian McLister