NYTimes: R.J. Reynolds Pivots to New Cigarette Pitches as Flavor Ban Takes Effect

At the end of December, the state of California banned flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. R.J. Reynolds, a cigarette manufacturer that makes Camel and Newport cigarettes, is using round-about language to reach the same target audience of menthol cigarettes, saying that they have “a fresh new twist.” There is skepticism as to whether or not R.J. Reynolds is actually following the new flavor ban, but most experts are certain that their marketing strategy is trying to undermine the new ruling. These bans pertain to vape products as well, and it is the responsibility of local jurisdictions to carry out the ruling. The attempts to circumvent the flavor ban is not a new strategy for the tobacco industry, which has a sordid history of bushing boundaries to ensure financial gain. To read the full article, click here. To read more about Policy, click here.