A recent study by Juul Labs researchers has revealed that adult smokers who completely switched to using the JUUL2 system achieved reductions in exposure to harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) that were comparable to those who abstained entirely from tobacco and nicotine products.
The study, published in the journal Biomarkers, highlights the potential of JUUL2 as a harm reduction tool for smokers unable or unwilling to quit nicotine entirely.
The randomised study involved 89 adult smokers who were divided into three groups: one that switched completely to JUUL2 (using either Virginia Tobacco or Polar Menthol pods), another that continued smoking their usual cigarette brand, and a third that abstained from all tobacco and nicotine products for six days.
While nicotine exposure levels between the JUUL2 group and those continuing cigarette use remained similar, participants who switched to JUUL2 showed substantial reductions in exposure to HPHCs. Median reductions in biomarkers of exposure (BOEs) to non-nicotine HPHCs ranged from 65 per cent to 94 per cent – a statistically significant improvement compared to those who continued smoking cigarettes.
Interestingly, the reductions in non-nicotine BOEs among the JUUL2 group were comparable to those observed in participants who abstained completely from tobacco and nicotine products.
The findings suggest that adult smokers who fully transition to using JUUL2 system can significantly decrease their exposure to harmful substances found in combustible cigarettes, potentially reducing their risk of smoking-related diseases.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of electronic nicotine delivery systems products in tobacco harm reduction strategies, emphasising the importance of complete transition from smoking to achieve these benefits.
JUUL2 was launched in April 2022 following a successful pilot launch on Juul.co.uk. The rechargeable pod-based system was updated from previous versions with new technologies and features, including the capability to combat potentially harmful and compatible pods, striking a blow to the illicit trade market of JUUL products.
Carlsberg Britvic is celebrating its official launch today (17) following the completion of the deal for Carlsberg Group to acquire Britvic plc.
In a landmark moment in the history of Carlsberg Group and the British drinks industry, today (17) marks the official launch of Carlsberg Britvic – the new company uniting Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) and Britvic’s UK business.
Carlsberg Britvic’s strong national footprint brings together CMBC’s breweries and leading in-house secondary logistics operation – with 15 depots servicing customers across the UK – with the dynamic packaging and production capabilities of Britvic.
The business is now the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK, making the UK Carlsberg Group’s largest market by revenue in the world.
Across soft drinks, beer, and cider, Carlsberg Britvic is home to many iconic and popular brands. Its compelling soft drinks range includes well-known names such as Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Tango, Robinsons, J2O and Fruit Shoot, through to fast-growing breakthrough brands including the plant-powered Plenish range and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.
These leading soft drinks brands will now sit alongside the Group’s flagship Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, as well as 1664, Birrificio Angelo Poretti and Brooklyn Brewery beers, as well as leading British ales such as Hobgoblin, Pedigree and Wainwright.
Paul Davies, formerly CEO of Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company, will take up the position as CEO of the newly formed Carlsberg Britvic in the United Kingdom, effective 17 January 2025.
Davies said, “This is a historic moment for everyone across our unique combined multi beverage business, I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to lead this new company, featuring so many iconic brands and so many dedicated and talented people.
"As we look to the future together, Carlsberg Britvic will demonstrate the important values that underpin our dedication to our customers, our consumers, our people and our planet.
“Carlsberg Britvic combines the fantastic qualities of both businesses and our shared ambition to grow the UK beverage category through our unique proposition across soft drinks, beer and cider.
"We are all eager to build a successful future together as we create new opportunities, integrate our operations and continue to deliver excellent choice, product quality and service to our customers.
“On behalf of everyone at Carlsberg Britvic, I would like to thank all those whose effort, commitment and passion have made today possible.”
Davies began his Carlsberg career in Marketing with Carlsberg UK in 2007 and has subsequently held the positions of VP Marketing and VP Sales for Carlsberg Sweden, and VP Craft & Speciality for Carlsberg Group in Copenhagen.
In January 2019 he was appointed Managing Director of Carlsberg Poland, where he was also Chairman of the Polish Brewers Association.
Davies is supported in his role by the new Carlsberg Britvic Executive team.
The new company will combine the strong shared values of CMBC and Britvic, maintaining ambitious targets in areas such as sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion, while also delivering the highest standards of customer service and quality.
Accompanying the official launch, Carlsberg Britvic will be revealing its new corporate identity next week, which will be rolled out across the business as part of the integration of its operations in the UK.
Boparan Holdings Limited (BHL), the parent company of 2 Sisters Food Group, has announced the appointment of Paul Friston as its new group chief financial officer (CFO).
Friston will join the 2 Sisters Food Group business in early February and become a member of the BHL board.
He has a 28-year track record in financial and corporate leadership roles at Marks and Spencer, taking on senior finance, strategy, commercial & transformation roles, as well as holding the post of managing director of M&S' International business for six years.
Friston takes over from Nigel Williams who has decided to return to return to Australia for family reasons.
“I am delighted to welcome Paul to 2 Sisters,” Ranjit Singh, president of BHL, said.
“He joins at an extremely important time for the business and I look forward to working closely with him as we execute our ambitious sustainability and investment plans in the coming years which will shape our business for the next generation."
Friston added: “2 Sisters is a dynamic business, I know it well and very much respect it as a food manufacturing leader in the UK, so I am extremely happy to be joining the team.
“There are clearly many challenges for the food sector in such a competitive and cost-conscious environment, but the potential of a business as ambitious and significant as 2 Sisters is a truly exciting prospect. I look forward to playing my part in taking the company forward.”
A resident of Oxfordshire has started a campaign to raise funds to install metal shutters for Spar Minster Lovell store the front doors of which were completely devastated during a ram raid recently.
Calling the shop as "cornerstone" of her community in Oxfordshire, resident Karen Turner-Dutton is calling on people to offer donation to restore Spar Minster Lovell, owned and run by the family of retailer Ian Lewis, after its front was damaged badly during the shocking ram-raid.
"This store isn’t just a business; it’s the heart of Minster Lovell, a place that connects and sustains our village. We can’t afford to lose it," Karen states on the fund appeal's Go Fund Me page.
"Every donation, big or small, will help secure the shop and bring peace of mind to Lyn and Dave. Let’s come together to protect this vital part of our community and show the Lewis family how much they mean to us."
The funds are being raised for metal shutters to prevent future break-ins, a Smoke Cloak system to deter and neutralize intruders and for an upgraded alarms for faster response times and better protection.
During early hours of Dec 27, five individuals smashed through the front doors of Spar Minster Lovell near Witney in Oxfordshire and used a vehicle to pull an ATM machine through the premises, causing extensive damage to the shop’s infrastructure and stock.
They made off with the cash machine, which had about £2,500 inside. Around £1,000 in stock was lost; the fridges were also damaged due to the impact.
Lewis told Asian Trader at the time, "The cash machine was at the back of the store. It was pulled and dragged right through the chiller and ambient area, causing extensive damage to the store, chiller doors and, stock.
“The automatic doors of the store were replaced recently on Dec 17, after the last break in that happened in September. We haven't even paid that bill fully and the doors are now completely damaged. This is over and above all the damage that the store sustained.
"Since the machine was at the back, almost the whole store has been shattered since it was pulled and dragged through, breaking everything that came on the way."
The ram-raid incident came as a shock to the community as well. Many locals and regular shoppers reportedly helped Lewis and his family to clear the shop floor which was filled with broken glasses and spilled stock.
As the shop reopened, they had to board up the doors which makes it look like it is closed. This has meant passing trade has significantly decreased, leaving Lewis about £30,000 down.
Still disturbed by the incident, Lewis thanked Karen for launching the fund-raising campaign.
"Your kindness and effort mean the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have such supportive members in our community. Every bit of support makes a difference, and together, we can ensure the store remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone," Lewis wrote on social media.
He also thanked AF Blakemore & Son Ltd for their "ongoing support during this tricky period".
Lewis wrote, "The banners and posters they designed and printed in record time will hopefully help make customers aware that we are open."
The recent ram-raid has been devastating for Lewis' family, particularly his elderly parents who were sleeping upstairs during both incidents.
The business has been in Lewis’s family for generations, set up by his grandmother in 1937.
The store was targeted for the second time in three months. Earlier in September 2024, a group of four masked men were caught on store's camera trying to break in the store before they cut the CCTV connection.
In Glasgow's East End, Davie’s Mobile Grocery Shop is rewriting the rules of convenience retail. Operated from a van, this innovative store brings groceries and essential services directly to the community, making shopping easier and more accessible.
Through a partnership with Payzone, Davie has extended his offerings to include bill payment services, enhancing both customer convenience and his business prospects.
After identifying a need for more accessible shopping options, Davie ventured into mobile retail, creating a unique business model that’s as practical as it is innovative.
“It’s essentially a store on wheels. I sell almost everything you can buy in a traditional convenience store, but instead of having a retail space, I use a van and travel around the East End of Glasgow,” Davie has said.
Beyond selling groceries, Davie’s mobile shop has become a social hub. It’s a space where locals not only pick up their essentials but also connect with one another.
“I enjoy speaking to different people every day. I have regulars now, and it’s nice to chat with them and find out how they and their families are getting on,” he added.
Like traditional convenience stores, Davie’s shop offers a range of products including everyday essentials such as bread and milk, which are the top sellers; food items such as tea, coffee, cold meats, bacon, sausages; household goods including toiletries and cleaning products; and a range of treats and snacks.
By bringing these goods to his customers, Davie makes shopping accessible for those who might struggle to visit a store.
“It allows people who aren’t able to travel, for whatever reason, to pick up their groceries and pay their bills without having far to go,” he said.
Davie’s partnership with Payzone has elevated his business by integrating valuable services like gas and electric top-ups and regional offerings such as SPT ZoneCards.
“It’s definitely brought new customers to the van. Most people also spend money buying groceries, so it’s helped improve turnover,” he said.
Kraft Heinz has launched an innovation challenge that invites start-ups from around the world to come up with more sustainable food packaging.
The FMCG giant has partnered with the Rethinking Material Summit for the challenge, which is looking for packaging solutions for food that are recyclable or compostable, long-lasting and user-friendly.
Kraft Heinz aims to bring the winning idea to life with the help of its packaging R&D teams, who hope to collaborate with the winner to identify viable solutions that will advance the company’s packaging portfolio.
Three finalists will be announced on 16 April and invited to pitch live on stage at the Rethinking Materials Summit at the Hilton London Bankside, 13-14 May, reaching a global audience of manufacturers, CPG brands and investors.
The winner will be announced at the Summit and will receive feedback and insights from members of Kraft Heinz’s Global Innovation team.
Linda Roman, Director of Packaging at Kraft Heinz, and North America R&D Fellow, commented, “At Kraft Heinz, we know collaboration is the key to unlocking solutions for the future of packaging, especially when we’re thinking about all the requirements that food packaging must address: safety of the product, consumer use preferences and options for disposal or reuse once the product has been enjoyed.
"We’re excited to see the innovative solutions start-ups will bring to the table and look forward to supporting them in creating a more sustainable future for food.”