Japan Tobacco heats up global expansion
TOKYO – Japan Tobacco International (JTI) continues to heat up its global expansion as it aims to bring its innovative heated tobacco product, Ploom, in 40 markets.
Akira Yamaguchi, director for reduced-risk products (RRP) at JTI, told visiting journalists that the company intends to grow its global market to 40 by 2026 under its Business Plan 2024 – Ploom X Geo-Expansion.
“Now, as of today, Ploom X is available in 24 markets. And by end-2026, we are aiming for 40 markets. We are on track to achieve this milestone,” he said.
JTI has managed to expand its global market for Ploom from only 13 in 2023. RRPs are tobacco products that are intended to be less harmful to smokers than traditional cigarettes.
It recently made Ploom available in the Philippines.
Ploom is the fastest-growing heated tobacco product in Japan and is broadening its footprint in key European markets like the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain.
Ploom’s entry into the Philippine market underscores JTI’s commitment to provide adult smokers with high-quality choices to satisfy their needs.
Ploom’s newest device, Ploom X Advanced, employs Japanese engineering in its design and technology. Its HeatFlow™ technology enables true tobacco taste with no smoke, no ash and less tobacco smell.
The launch of Ploom signals JTI’s continued commitment to building a business for the long term in the Philippines, following major investments in recent years, including its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Batangas and the establishment of its Global Business Services center in Manila.
“With the introduction of Ploom, it is another remarkable milestone as we are proud to be the first in Asia, outside of Japan, to launch the brand – a sign of our commitment to continue building on our expanding market presence,” JTI Philippines general manager John Freda said.
He said 2024 has been a landmark year for JTI, as it remains the fastest growing tobacco company in the Philippines and has been awarded as a top employer for the third year in a row.
Last month, JTI also launched Ploom in South Korea, bringing the total number of markets to 24.
Under its business plan, Yamaguchi said JTI intends to pursue sustainable profit