TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia - User contributions [en]

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2022-04-03T10:02:17Z

Editor:

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<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:200%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;"> ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:150%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Welcome to ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'' (''TUSouthAsia'') is the official information portal of the [https://www.sarccct.org/ South Asian Regional Centre for Combating Tobacco (SARC-CCT)]. It contains evidence based information on the tobacco industry in [[South Asia]], with detailed profiles of tobacco companies relevant to the region and their employees. The pages of this website also contain profiles of tobacco industry allies in the [[South Asia | South Asian Region]]; institutions and individuals linked with the industry in various ways. ''TUSouthAsia'' further describes the strategies adopted by the tobacco industry in the [[South Asia | region]] related to the themes of influencing policy, tobacco tax and price related issues, corporate social investments, tobacco cultivation and marketing and promotion. Tobacco industry arguments and their responses against different policy processes are reported as a learning exercise for future reference.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">How to Find Information on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h2>
There are several ways in which you can find information on ''TUSouthAsia'':
*You can search for a specific topic in the Search Bar on the top of the screen. To search, type the topic you want to find the information into the box, and press 'Enter'.
*If its a recent issue, you can go through the list of most recent pages in the ‘What’s New section’ which will display new entries or major updates to the existing pages.
*Or, you can search through the ‘[[Key Topics]]’ section that categorizes the pages based on the themes the investigations were conducted.
*Searching for information specific for a country in the South Asian Region? You can access pages related to the respective country by clicking on the country logo in the right hand column or clicking the country name below:
::*[[:Category:Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
::*[[:Category:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
::*[[:Category:Bhutan|Bhutan]]
::*[[:Category:India|India]]
::*[[:Category:Maldives|Maldives]]
::*[[:Category:Nepal|Nepal]]
::*[[:Category:Pakistan|Pakistan]]
::*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages Sri Lanka]
::::You can return to the category page by clicking on the country logo in the top right corner of the page. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the ''TUSouth.Asia'' logo in the left or clicking on "Main page" in the left menu.
*Interested about regional summaries? Click on the [[:Category:Regional Summary | Regional Summary]] link.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">About Us</h2>
SARC-CCT is a project coordinated by the [https://cct.lk/ Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT)], the Sri Lankan tobacco observatory hosted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo under the [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]]. The mandate of the CCT is to monitor the tobacco industry activities related to implementation of [[FCTC Article 5.3]] in Sri Lanka and the [[South Asia | region]].

The project was powered by [https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)Secretariat] and the [https://www.theunion.org/ International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The UNION)] and technical assistance was provided by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath], the [https://www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/ Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco] and the WHO-FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3 [https://ggtc.world/ Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left;
color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">What’s New on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''?</h2>
*03rd April 2022 - The new [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022]] page highlights a systematic review that assessed the effectiveness of Heat not Burn products in smoking cessation. It not only reveals that the effect is uncertain, but also reports that all the primary studies that were available and eligible for analysis were funded by the tobacco industry.
*09th March 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021 | December page]] of the [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] is finally published! The highlight of the page would be JUUL Labs and Altria agreeing to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit as a result of a complaint by its investors stating that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”.
*08th January 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021 | new page]] in our [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series containing incidents that occurred in the month of November 2021 is now published!
*28th December 2021 - Based on our readers' demand, we are again publishing [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series monthly from this month onward. Visit our newest page [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]] on the series and be informed!
*23rd November 2021 - Our new page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]] includes the interesting Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] on the British American Tobacco (BAT)'s bribery allegation related to the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subsides, from next month onward, we will continue this series as brief monthly summaries. The page on October 2021 will be published soon!

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Key Topics</h2>
Click on the [[Key Topics | key topics]] below to access more information on tobacco industry and its activities in Sri Lanka. Interested in the definitions for each key topic to understand the reason for categorising the pages under them? Please visit our page [[Key Topics]].

===Background===
Includes pages on global and national tobacco control laws and policies and tobacco industry tactics
*[[:Category:FCTC | FCTC ]]
*[[:Category:National Laws| National Laws]]
*[[:Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics | Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]]
*[[:Category:Impact of Tobacco | Impact of Tobacco]]

===Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages directly related to the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Companies | Tobacco Companies ]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees |Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Investors | Tobacco Industry Investors]]
*[[:Category:Bidi Industry | Bidi Industry]]
*[[:Category:NGP Industry | Next Generation Products Industry]] - E-cigarettes, Vaping products and heating tobacco products (HTP)
*[[:Category:Smokeless Tobacco Products Industry | Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLT) Industry]]
*[[:Category:Shisha Industry | Shisha (Hookah) Industry]]

===Tobacco Industry Activities===
Includes pages on tobacco industry actions and strategies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Corporate Social Investments | Corporate Social Investments]]
*[[:Category:Influencing Policy | Influencing Policy]]
*[[:Category:Marketing and Promotions | Marketing and Promotions]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Cultivation | Tobacco Cultivation]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues | Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues]]
*[[:Category:Liasing with Government Officials | Liaising with Government Officials]]
*[[:Category:Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade | Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade]]

===Tobacco Industry Arguments and Responses===
Includes pages on responses and reactions of the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Arguments | Tobacco Industry Arguments]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Responses | Tobacco Industry Responses]]
*[[:Category:Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions | Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions]]

===Institutions Linked to the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on institutions reported to date to have had any interactions with tobacco industry or their proxies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Commissioned or Sponsored | Commissioned or Sponsored]]
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Indirect Links | Indirect Links]]
*[[:Category:Institutions with Mutual Associates | Institutions with Mutual Associates]]
*[[:Category:Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry | Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry]]
*[[:Category:Partnerships | Partnerships]]

===Individuals associated with the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on politicians, government officials, celebrities, academics, researchers, professionals and other public/popular figures to have had any interaction reported to date with tobacco industry under following categories;
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Collaborations | Collaborations]]
*[[:Category:Monetary or other Gifts | Monetary or other Gifts]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Government Activities | Sponsorship for Government Activities]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Research | Sponsorship for Research]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Social Projects | Sponsorship for Social Projects]]
*[[:Category:Event Participation | Event Participation]]
::'''Disclaimer''':The individual profiles are published as a facilitator to implement [[FCTC Article 5.3]] only. It is not the intention of the ''TobaccoUnmasked'' team to tarnish the individuals' image nor to cause them harm.
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Country Posts</h2>

<table style="border:3px solid #FFFFFF;">
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Afghanistan.png |140px|center|Afghanistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Afghanistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Bangladesh.png |140px|center|Bangladesh|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bangladesh]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Bhutan.png |140px|center|Bhutan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bhutan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-India.png |140px|center|India|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:India]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Maldives.png |140px|center|Maldives|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Maldives]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Nepal.png |140px|center|Nepal|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Nepal]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Pakistan.png |140px|center|Pakistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Pakistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-SriLanka.png |140px|center|Sri_Lanka|link=https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages]]
</td></tr>

</table>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Powered By</h2><br>
[[File:CCT Logo.png|150px|centre|CCT|link=https://www.cct.lk/]]<br>
[[File:Faculty-logo-UMF.png|100px|centre|UOC|link=https://med.cmb.ac.lk/]]<br>
[[File:TheUnion.png|150px|centre|Union|link=https://www.theunion.org]]<br>
[[File:Fctc.png|190px|centre|FCTC|link=https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/]]<br>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Useful Links</h2>
[[File:Tobacco-Unmasked.jpg|150px|centre|TU|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:SARC-CCT.jpg|150px|centre|SARC CCT|link=https://www.sarccct.org/]]<br>
[[File:Tubacco-Tactics.png|150px|centre|Tobacco Tactics|link=https://www.tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:Stop.png|150px|centre|Stop|link=https://exposetobacco.org/]]<br>
[[File:FCTC-Knowledge-hub.png|150px|centre|Untobaccocontrol|link=https://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/article-53/]]<br>
[[File:Progga.png|150px|centre|Progga|link=https://progga.org/]]
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Strict Referencing Policy</h2>
Information published in ''tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia'' adheres to a strict referencing policy. You can find the sources of information under the resources list at the end of each post. The posts developed by reporters are edited by the Editor and peer reviewed before publication.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Reproduction and Distribution of Published Material</h2>
You are free to copy and redistribute the material for non commercial use with appropriate credit to the CCT. Please acknowledge CCT as the copyright holder by stating: "This material is reproduced from tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia. Copyright, Centre for Combating Tobacco and used under permission of the Centre for Combating Tobacco. All rights reserved."

Suggested citation: Centre for Combating Tobacco, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo. ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'', [Date of most recent modification], Available at https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Main_Page, Accessed (date accessed).

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Acknowledgments</h2>
''TUSouthAsia'' follows the model of [https://tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page ''TobaccoTactics''], introduced by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Contact Us</h2>
You can contribute by providing information or as a free-lance investigative reporter. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve ''TUSouthAsia''. Please contact us on tobaccounmasked@gmail.com

Main Page

2022-04-03T10:00:59Z

Editor:

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<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:200%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;"> ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:150%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Welcome to ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'' (''TUSouthAsia'') is the official information portal of the [https://www.sarccct.org/ South Asian Regional Centre for Combating Tobacco (SARC-CCT)]. It contains evidence based information on the tobacco industry in [[South Asia]], with detailed profiles of tobacco companies relevant to the region and their employees. The pages of this website also contain profiles of tobacco industry allies in the [[South Asia | South Asian Region]]; institutions and individuals linked with the industry in various ways. ''TUSouthAsia'' further describes the strategies adopted by the tobacco industry in the [[South Asia | region]] related to the themes of influencing policy, tobacco tax and price related issues, corporate social investments, tobacco cultivation and marketing and promotion. Tobacco industry arguments and their responses against different policy processes are reported as a learning exercise for future reference.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">How to Find Information on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h2>
There are several ways in which you can find information on ''TUSouthAsia'':
*You can search for a specific topic in the Search Bar on the top of the screen. To search, type the topic you want to find the information into the box, and press 'Enter'.
*If its a recent issue, you can go through the list of most recent pages in the ‘What’s New section’ which will display new entries or major updates to the existing pages.
*Or, you can search through the ‘[[Key Topics]]’ section that categorizes the pages based on the themes the investigations were conducted.
*Searching for information specific for a country in the South Asian Region? You can access pages related to the respective country by clicking on the country logo in the right hand column or clicking the country name below:
::*[[:Category:Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
::*[[:Category:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
::*[[:Category:Bhutan|Bhutan]]
::*[[:Category:India|India]]
::*[[:Category:Maldives|Maldives]]
::*[[:Category:Nepal|Nepal]]
::*[[:Category:Pakistan|Pakistan]]
::*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages Sri Lanka]
::::You can return to the category page by clicking on the country logo in the top right corner of the page. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the ''TUSouth.Asia'' logo in the left or clicking on "Main page" in the left menu.
*Interested about regional summaries? Click on the [[:Category:Regional Summary | Regional Summary]] link.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">About Us</h2>
SARC-CCT is a project coordinated by the [https://cct.lk/ Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT)], the Sri Lankan tobacco observatory hosted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo under the [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]]. The mandate of the CCT is to monitor the tobacco industry activities related to implementation of [[FCTC Article 5.3]] in Sri Lanka and the [[South Asia | region]].

The project was powered by [https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)Secretariat] and the [https://www.theunion.org/ International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The UNION)] and technical assistance was provided by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath], the [https://www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/ Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco] and the WHO-FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3 [https://ggtc.world/ Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left;
color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">What’s New on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''?</h2>
*03rd April 2022 - The new [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022 page]] highlights a systematic review that assessed the effectiveness of Heat not Burn products in smoking cessation. It not only reveals that the effect is uncertain, but also reports that all the primary studies that were available and eligible for analysis were funded by the tobacco industry.
*09th March 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021 | December page]] of the [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] is finally published! The highlight of the page would be JUUL Labs and Altria agreeing to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit as a result of a complaint by its investors stating that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”.
*08th January 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021 | new page]] in our [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series containing incidents that occurred in the month of November 2021 is now published!
*28th December 2021 - Based on our readers' demand, we are again publishing [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series monthly from this month onward. Visit our newest page [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]] on the series and be informed!
*23rd November 2021 - Our new page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]] includes the interesting Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] on the British American Tobacco (BAT)'s bribery allegation related to the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subsides, from next month onward, we will continue this series as brief monthly summaries. The page on October 2021 will be published soon!

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Key Topics</h2>
Click on the [[Key Topics | key topics]] below to access more information on tobacco industry and its activities in Sri Lanka. Interested in the definitions for each key topic to understand the reason for categorising the pages under them? Please visit our page [[Key Topics]].

===Background===
Includes pages on global and national tobacco control laws and policies and tobacco industry tactics
*[[:Category:FCTC | FCTC ]]
*[[:Category:National Laws| National Laws]]
*[[:Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics | Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]]
*[[:Category:Impact of Tobacco | Impact of Tobacco]]

===Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages directly related to the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Companies | Tobacco Companies ]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees |Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Investors | Tobacco Industry Investors]]
*[[:Category:Bidi Industry | Bidi Industry]]
*[[:Category:NGP Industry | Next Generation Products Industry]] - E-cigarettes, Vaping products and heating tobacco products (HTP)
*[[:Category:Smokeless Tobacco Products Industry | Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLT) Industry]]
*[[:Category:Shisha Industry | Shisha (Hookah) Industry]]

===Tobacco Industry Activities===
Includes pages on tobacco industry actions and strategies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Corporate Social Investments | Corporate Social Investments]]
*[[:Category:Influencing Policy | Influencing Policy]]
*[[:Category:Marketing and Promotions | Marketing and Promotions]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Cultivation | Tobacco Cultivation]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues | Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues]]
*[[:Category:Liasing with Government Officials | Liaising with Government Officials]]
*[[:Category:Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade | Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade]]

===Tobacco Industry Arguments and Responses===
Includes pages on responses and reactions of the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Arguments | Tobacco Industry Arguments]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Responses | Tobacco Industry Responses]]
*[[:Category:Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions | Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions]]

===Institutions Linked to the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on institutions reported to date to have had any interactions with tobacco industry or their proxies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Commissioned or Sponsored | Commissioned or Sponsored]]
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Indirect Links | Indirect Links]]
*[[:Category:Institutions with Mutual Associates | Institutions with Mutual Associates]]
*[[:Category:Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry | Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry]]
*[[:Category:Partnerships | Partnerships]]

===Individuals associated with the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on politicians, government officials, celebrities, academics, researchers, professionals and other public/popular figures to have had any interaction reported to date with tobacco industry under following categories;
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Collaborations | Collaborations]]
*[[:Category:Monetary or other Gifts | Monetary or other Gifts]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Government Activities | Sponsorship for Government Activities]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Research | Sponsorship for Research]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Social Projects | Sponsorship for Social Projects]]
*[[:Category:Event Participation | Event Participation]]
::'''Disclaimer''':The individual profiles are published as a facilitator to implement [[FCTC Article 5.3]] only. It is not the intention of the ''TobaccoUnmasked'' team to tarnish the individuals' image nor to cause them harm.
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Country Posts</h2>

<table style="border:3px solid #FFFFFF;">
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Afghanistan.png |140px|center|Afghanistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Afghanistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Bangladesh.png |140px|center|Bangladesh|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bangladesh]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Bhutan.png |140px|center|Bhutan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bhutan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-India.png |140px|center|India|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:India]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Maldives.png |140px|center|Maldives|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Maldives]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Nepal.png |140px|center|Nepal|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Nepal]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Pakistan.png |140px|center|Pakistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Pakistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-SriLanka.png |140px|center|Sri_Lanka|link=https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages]]
</td></tr>

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Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T04:13:25Z

Editor: /* Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer” */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) | FCTC]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: CTCtop.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

File:CTCtop.jpg

2022-04-03T04:12:52Z

Editor:

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T04:12:35Z

Editor: /* Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer” */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) | FCTC]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: CTCtop.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

File:HD.jpg

2022-04-03T04:11:30Z

Editor:

File:Ferrari.jpg

2022-04-03T04:10:54Z

Editor:

File:Tara.jpg

2022-04-03T04:10:25Z

Editor:

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T04:01:02Z

Editor: /* Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) | FCTC]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:59:00Z

Editor: /* Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:57:46Z

Editor: /* Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer” */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:52:47Z

Editor: /* Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:52:00Z

Editor: /* Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:50:55Z

Editor: /* Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”. <ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:50:20Z

Editor: /* Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>

==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”. <ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:49:02Z

Editor: /* Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”. <ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:27:36Z

Editor: /* TobaccoUnmasked Resources */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”. <ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

2022-04-03T03:25:35Z

Editor: Created page with "This is a continuation of our page on Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic and summarises the incidents reported during the month of Ja..."

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of January 2022. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st January2022===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta, Indonesia|| 221
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Jordan || 126
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 77
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA),|| 81
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 79
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 13
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 2
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 9
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 2
|-
| West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO) || Trinidad & Tobago || 1
|-
| Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 95: 3rd January – 9th January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia has announced that they have achieved the 4-star rank on [https://www.bursamalaysia.com/ Bursa Malaysia] Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings. The rating is offered by the [https://www.ftserussell.com/ FTSE Russell]. According to their website, it is a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group that reportedly produces, maintains, licenses, and markets stock market indices.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031751/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760508/bat-malaysia-secures-4-stars-bursa-malaysias-esg-ratings BAT Malaysia secures 4-Stars on Bursa Malaysia's ESG ratings], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain123/?originalSubdomain=uk Jain Gaurav], a Consumer Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, predicted a potential to repurchase [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] shares worth at least USD 1.36 billion in the [https://home.barclays/ Barclays] Global Staples team report for the year 2022. <ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309034400/https://journalnow.com/business/local/analyst-forecasts-multi-billion-share-repurchase-program-for-bat-in-2022/article_cd0e396e-6e70-11ec-85f9-13adce79f64b.html Analyst forecasts multi-billion share-repurchase program for BAT in 2022], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*Media highlighted a market research report stating that the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia could face an uncertainty on distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaporiser liquids and gel because of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone excise tax on those products. According to the same media report, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamarul-anwar-19359756/?originalSubdomain=my Kamarul Anwar], a Research analyst at [https://www.cgs-cimb.com.my/en/home CGS-CIMB Securities], stated that this postponement may be because of the objections from the vape industry and the consumers on higher duty rates. He further stated that this decision "should be neutral for BAT Malaysia's prospects”.<ref> A. Yusof. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309042518/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/01/760382/excise-duty-postponement-puts-bat-malaysia-vape-product-distribution-plans Excise duty postponement puts BAT Malaysia vape product distribution plans 'in limbo', says CGS-CIMB Research], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.instagram.com/tarasutaria/?hl=en Tara Sutaria], as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap, under the Savlon brand, the “germ protection” product range of ITC (Image 1).<ref name=tara> Brand Wagon Online. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309052124/https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/itc-savlon-ropes-in-tara-sutaria-as-brand-ambassador-for-savlon-glycerin-soap/2399021/ ITC Savlon ropes in Tara Sutaria as brand ambassador for Savlon Glycerin Soap], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref> ITC Limited India is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.

[[Image: tara.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of Tara Sutaria, as the brand ambassador of ITC Savlon Glycerine Soap.<ref name=tara/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Switzerland.<ref> M Lane. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310040106/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/philip-morris-international-introduces-iqos-iluma-prime-to-european-duty-free-market/ Philip Morris International introduces IQOS ILUMA PRIME to European duty free market], 5 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*A study titled “[https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence]” revealed that all 13 studies included for the analysis, (of which 11 were Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)), were funded by the tobacco industry. It concluded that the effectiveness of the heated tobacco products on smoking cessation is uncertain.<ref> The Conversation. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220309051007/https://theconversation.com/heated-tobacco-a-new-review-looks-at-the-risks-and-benefits-173110 Heated tobacco: a new review looks at the risks and benefits], 6 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
==Week 96: 10th January – 16th January 2022==
*Media reported that [https://ro.linkedin.com/in/emma-zeicescu-77a17213a Emma Zeicescu] was employed as the Director of Communications of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Romania.<ref> M. A. Cristea. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310043558/https://business-review.eu/profiles1/whoss-news/emma-zeicescu-joins-philip-morris-romania-as-communications-director-226489 Emma Zeicescu joins Philip Morris Romania as Communications Director], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] won two patent related lawsuits against [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] with regards to heat not burn technology. The decision was made by the [https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PATB)]. Media reported that [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American] would appeal the decision at the [https://cafc.uscourts.gov/ U.S. Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310054130/https://journalnow.com/business/local/reynolds-has-patent-lawsuit-setback-involving-heat-not-burn-cigarette-technology/article_9bce85bc-7572-11ec-83cd-9f0f0a266abb.html Reynolds has patent lawsuit setback involving heat-not-burn cigarette technology], 14 January 20222, accessed March 2022</ref>
*[https://www.westindiantobacco.com/ West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (WITCO)], a member of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings (PHW) according to the amended [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20-%20TC%20Amdt%20Regs%202019%20-%20national.pdf Tobacco Control Regulations (2019)] by the [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad and Tobago. [https://rocketreach.co/laurent-meffre-email_7281568 Laurent Meffre], Managing Director of WITCO, has requested to “partner” with the tobacco control unit to replace the current written warnings with the PHWs and to support in identifying the illicit tobacco products. Ministry of Health has reportedly allowed to delay the implementation until March 2022.<ref name=WITCO> R Chaithram. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220227043332/https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/14/witco-launches-new-cigarette-packaging/ WITCO launches new cigarette packaging], 14 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the ‘[https://www.mygov.in/task/3rd-national-water-awards/ 3rd National Water Award]’ under the ‘Best Industry for CSR activities’ category by the [http://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]. It was reportedly awarded “to recognise and motivate individuals and organisations doing exemplary work in the field of water resources management”. The award was handed over by [http://mowr.gov.in/minister/shri-gajendra-singh-shekhawat Gajendra Singh Shekhawat], Minister of Jal Shakti in India. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref>PSU Connect. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190532/https://www.psuconnect.in/news/ITC-Limited-bagged-1st-prize-in-CSR/30899/ITC Limited bagged 1st prize in CSR’], 10 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation. [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://twitter.com/binottomattia?lang=en Mattia Binotto], team principal of [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/partners Ferrari] cars, stated that there is a possibility to continue the partnership with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] featuring their ‘Mission Winnow’ logo (Image 2). However, PMI announced in June 2021, that they had decided to discontinue their sponsorship of Ferrari car team and remove their logo because of the tobacco control advocates’ campaign against it.<ref name=ferrari> D Gowda. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220310042510/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/ferrari-hoping-to-maintain-f1-partnership-with-philip-morris-despite-name-change Ferrari hoping to maintain F1 partnership with Philip Morris despite name change], 11 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
:: Article 13 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

[[Image: ferrari.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the possibility to continue the Ferrari partnership with PMI.<ref name=ferrari/>]]

==Week 97: 17th January – 23rd January 2022==
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Indonesia was a finalist under the categories of Best Use of Key Opinion Leaders and Best Use of Promotions at the [https://awards.marketing-interactive.com/mobex-awards-sg/2021/winners/Marketing-Interactive's Mob-Ex Awards 2021], which “rewards the most innovative and forward thinking mobile marketers in the marketing industry across Asia and Australia and New Zealand regions”.<ref> Marketing. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084557/https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mobexawards-2021-spills-british-american-tobacco-plans-to-beef-up-consumer-journey#MobExAwards 2021 spills: British American Tobacco plans to beef up consumer journey], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
:: Indonesia is the only country that has not ratified the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] in the Asia- Pacific region. Article 13 of [[FCTC | Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends measures to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the [https://www.bat-science.com/virtualexperience/index.html Virtual Research and Development Visitor Experience], a virtual tour of BAT’s global research and development hub in Southampton, United Kingdom. It reportedly enables exploring BAT’s “scientific approaches and advances that support Tobacco Harm Reduction”, and other research areas including “biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211095013/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-launches-virtual-R-D-Visitor-Experience-showcasing-the-world-class-s-37582869/British American Tobacco : BAT launches virtual R&D Visitor Experience, showcasing the world-class science behind next generation reduced-risk*† nicotine products], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulating science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[http://www.vinataba.com.vn/ Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba)] has partnered with [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] to support the tobacco farmers in Vietnam through seed and fertiliser investments, agriculture mechanisms and technical assistance. It reportedly uses renewable energy in the production process and is planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2025. Media further reported that the BAT was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in Vietnam in 2021 at the announcing ceremony organised by the [https://en.vcci.com.vn/ Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)], [http://en.vbcsd.vn/ Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD)], [http://english.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/home.aspx Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs], [https://monre.gov.vn/ English Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment] and [http://www.congdoan.vn/aboutus General Confederation of Labour]. BAT is a featured partner of VBCSD in their [http://en.vbcsd.vn/website].<ref> VN Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105411/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/tobacco-giant-pursues-green-growth-4418414.htmlTobacco giant pursues green growth], 19 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref><ref>Vietnam News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211105537/https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1095319/vicostone-ranked-in-viet-nams-top-100-sustainable-businesses-in-2021.htmlVicostone ranked in Việt Nam's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2021], 9 December 2021, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence reveals that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment, social economic development and the farmers’ health causing illnesses like Green Tobacco Sickness syndrome, skin disorders, respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorders. [[FCTC Article 5.3 |Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced the launch of the KBio Holdings Limited, tobacco and cannabis plants based “biotechnology company” in the United Kingdom. This was in partnership with the [https://kentuckybioprocessing.com/ Kentucky Bio Processing (KBP)] in the United States. KBP, a company that reportedly develops tobacco and cannabis “plant based novel technologies”, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American, owned by BAT. Reportedly this partnership is “to enhance the research, development, and production of plant based treatments”. <ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211112245/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/17/bat-opens-new-biotech-firm/BAT Opens New Biotech Firm], 17 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandcentral-mumbai ITC Grand Central hotel] has advertised hotel accommodation offers for doctors and defense sector employees. This is reportedly to show gratitude to appreciate their services during the pandemic situation. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures including a chain of hotels under the same name.<ref> Hotelier India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182259/https://www.hotelierindia.com/business/itc-grand-central-curates-an-exclusive-offer-for-doctors-and-defence-personnelITC Grand Central curates an exclusive offer for doctors and defense personnel], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/our-team/william-shinoff/ William B. Shinoff], an Attorney from the [https://www.frantzlawgroup.com/ Frantz Law Group], a law firm based in the United States, made a presentation at the board meeting of [https://www.silverschools.org/en Silver Consolidated School] and asked for the permission to file a lawsuit against [https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] on behalf of the district for marketing vaping products to students. Previously, counties including [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against the marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref> J Archunde. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223184249/https://www.scdailypress.com/2022/01/18/silver-school-board-hears-pitch-join-anti-vaping-lawsuit/Silver school board hears pitch to join anti-vaping lawsuit] 18 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://seenews.com/companies/company_profile/hrvatski-duhani-dd-1291#general-information Hrvatski Duhani], a tobacco processing subsidiary of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Croatia, announced starting of negotiation with tobacco producers for the new production season. It was further reported that the largest value of production in last four seasons was seen in 2021, amidst the extreme weather conditions, which was about HRK 81.6 million (USD 12 million) (Image 3).<ref name= HD>Hina. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223193427/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/business/59510-hd-tobacco-processing-company-begins-negotiations-on-new-production-seasonHD Tobacco Processing Company Begins Negotiations on New Production Season], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>

[[Image: HD.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting HrvatskiDuhani is started the negotiation with tobacco producers in Croatia.<ref name=HD/>]]

==Week 98: 24th January – 30th January 2022==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] announced a decrease of net revenue by 0.8% (USD 8.3 billion) and 0.5% (USD 26 billion) in the fourth quarter and the year 2021 respectively in United States. It further mentioned a growth of share for ‘On’ oral nicotine pouches by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2.8% in the whole year 2021 respectively.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223211947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220126005529/en/Altria-Reports-2021-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results-Provides-2022-Full-Year-Earnings-GuidanceAltria Reports 2021 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2022 Full-Year Earnings Guidance], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they have been included in the [https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/ Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)] 2022 for the second year. According to their website, GEI “tracks the performance of public companies committed to disclosing their efforts to support gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency”.<ref> Business wire India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084638/https://www.businesswireindia.com/pmi-included-in-2022-bloomberg-gender-equality-index-for-second-year-running-77008.htmlPMI Included in 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for Second Year Running], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], Country Manager at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] for Trinidad and Tobago, stated that they are in the process of introducing smoke free tobacco products. He further mentioned that the company is moving towards a ‘smoke free future’ “with reduced risk products based on their research findings”.<ref> D. Caruana. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226171100/https://www.vapingpost.com/2022/01/24/philip-morris-to-introduce-its-smoke-free-products-to-trinidad-and-tobago/Philip Morris to Introduce Its Smoke-Free Products to Trinidad and Tobago], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own “evidence” to manipulate the science related to the public health policies. Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*[https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a company based in United States, announced their plan to launch the first retail production of “very-low-nicotine cigarettes” under two brands, VLN King and VLN Menthol, in March 2022. [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to market their products in December 2021. According to their [https://www.xxiicentury.com/products/spectrum website], [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine /cannabinoid levels under the brand ‘Spectrum’. [https://nida.nih.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)] chose the 22nd Century Group to supply “Spectrum” cigarettes reportedly “for independent scientific clinical studies funded by U.S. federal government agencies”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] is funded by [https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/crede-cg-iii-ltd Crede CG III LTD].<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226165611/https://journalnow.com/business/local/22nd-century-begins-retail-production-of-very-low-nicotine-cigarettes/article_7eabc862-7ec5-11ec-8bb9-2bad57bce5a9.html22nd Century begins retail production of very-low-nicotine cigarettes] 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are trying to replace the combustible cigarettes with so called “reduced risk products” to compensate the low sale volumes. However, scientific evidence has revealed that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which causes harms to brain and lungs. [industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/ Truth Tobacco Industry Documents] have revealed that tobacco companies including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and RJ Reynolds, have been interested in commercial cannabis manufacturing since 1970. BAT investing in [https://www.organigram.ca/ Organigram], and Altria investing in Cronos group, two Canadian companies that produce cannabis, are two examples of this business interest.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] made a complaint against [https://www.batbangladesh.com/British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] on anti-competitive practices of BATB. JTI filed the complaint in March 2021 and it is under investigation of [http://www.ccb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC)]. JTI alleged that the BATB conducts a programme with their partner retailers to penalize or cutoff the loyalty points of retailers who sell [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company (UDTC)] products. JTI acquired the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-business/United-Dhaka-Tobacco-Company-Ltd-488799324622489/ United Dhaka Tobacco Company] in 2018. JTI allegation followed the reduction of UDTC share market to 12.6% from 19.8%. BATB reportedly denied the allegation made by the JTI.<ref> S Halder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192315/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/organisation-news/news/japan-tobacco-accuses-batb-anti-competitive-practices-2945906Japan Tobacco accuses BATB of anti-competitive practices], The Daily Star, 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*Following tobacco companies were awarded as a “Top Employer” by the [https://www.top-employers.com/en/ Top Employers Institute]. It reportedly is “the global certification company recognising excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people” according to their website.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies awarded as “Top Employer”===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category (Country/ Region/ Global)
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.linkedin.com/company/soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9-marocaine-des-tabacs/?originalSubdomain=ma Moroccan Tobacco Company (SMT)] || Morocco || - <ref> E. Echabouch. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220223205110/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/01/346665/moroccan-tobacco-company-receives-quot-top-employer-quot-designationMoroccan Tobacco Company Receives "Top Employer" Designation], 21 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the eighth consecutive year <ref> Diglogs. [https://www.diglogs.com/morocco/japan-tobacco-international-at-the-top-of-the-top-employers-in-morocco-in-2022/ Japan Tobacco International, at the top of the “Top Employers” in Morocco in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Morocco, Africa and Global || for the 6th consecutive year <ref> Philip Morris International. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318120131/https://www.pmi.com/careers/pmi-certified-as-global-top-employer-for-a-sixth-consecutive-year PMI certified as Global Top Employer for a sixth consecutive year], 24 January 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Romania and Global || for the eighth and sixth consecutive year respectively<ref>D Cristian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220321094655/https://business-review.eu/business/human-resources/philip-morris-romania-recognized-as-top-employer-for-the-8th-consecutive-year-228048 Philip Morris Romania Recognized as Top Employer, for the 8th Consecutive Year], 15 February 2022, accessed March 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malaysia || Asia pacific and Global || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226100842/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-6491230/news/British-American-Tobacco-Malaysia-Berhad-BAT-Malaysia-is-Top-Employer-for-Fifth-Consecutive-Year-37656457/British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad : BAT Malaysia is Top Employer for Fifth Consecutive Year], 27 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Kenya and Africa || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226174856/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-10061262/news/Tobacco-Manufacturer-BAT-Named-Top-Employer-in-Kenya-37632264/Tobacco Manufacturer, BAT Named Top Employer in Kenya] 25 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe || for the fifth consecutive year <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211060135/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-recognised-as-Global-Top-Employer-for-fifth-consecutive-year-37594899/British American Tobacco : BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || Pakistan || for the fifth consecutive year <ref>Business Recorder. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211084059/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40149004/bat-named-global-top-employer-for-5th-year-in-a-rowBAT named ‘Global Top Employer’ for 5th year in a row], 22 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Jordan || for the sixth consecutive year <ref>Albawaba. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211083300/https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/philip-morris-jordan-certified-top-employer-sixth-year-row-1463484Philip Morris Jordan Certified As Top Employer For The Sixth Year In A Row], 23 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Malaysia || for the seventh consecutive year <ref> Malaysiakini. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226192937/https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/608442JTI Malaysia recognized as a Top Employer for 7th consecutive year for its innovative approach to equality and wellbeing], 26 January 2022 accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Romania || for the ninth consecutive year <ref>Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226193336/https://actmedia.eu/companies/jti-number-one-in-top-employers-assessment-for-romania/95959JTI, number one in Top Employers assessment for Romania], 26 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
| [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Cambodia || for the second consecutive year <ref> Khmer Times. [https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501011960/jti-certified-as-top-employer-in-the-country-for-2nd-year/JTI Certified as Top Employer in the Country for 2nd Year], 24 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|-
|[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] || Asia Pacific || for the second consecutive year (Image 4)<ref name=Top> adaderanabiz.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220211082854/http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ctc-clinches-top-employer-title-for-the-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2022/CTC clinches Top Employer title for the 2nd consecutive year in 2022], 20 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
|}

[[Image: top.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the CTC being awarded the Top Employer award for 2022. <ref name=Top/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic –June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-11T03:14:55Z

Editor: /* Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was more than 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:30:25Z

Editor: /* Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:29:22Z

Editor: /* Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Company_PLC_(CTC) Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:28:03Z

Editor: /* TobaccoUnmasked Resources */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

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2022-03-09T17:26:01Z

Editor:

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2022-03-09T17:25:30Z

Editor:

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Editor:

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:24:32Z

Editor: /* Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:22:26Z

Editor: /* Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:21:47Z

Editor: /* Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:21:08Z

Editor: /* Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:19:11Z

Editor: /* Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:17:14Z

Editor: /* Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:16:43Z

Editor: /* Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:15:05Z

Editor: /* Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT)British American Tobacco (BAT)] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]

*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:13:11Z

Editor: /* Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]
*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:12:32Z

Editor: /* Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]
*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:02:28Z

Editor: /* Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]
*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T17:00:49Z

Editor: /* Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]
*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T16:59:15Z

Editor: /* Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/British_American_Tobacco_(BAT) British American Tobacco (BAT)] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]
*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021

2022-03-09T16:57:47Z

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of December 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 31st December 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar, Singapore, Malta|| 210
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean || 118
|-
| Altria Group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 75
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA)|| 78
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 76
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece || 9
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 5
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 8
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 4
|-
|FerioTego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Avail vapour || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| 22nd Century Group || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece, Hong Kong || 44
|}

==Week 90: 29th November – 5th December2021==
*[https://www.usitc.gov/ The United States International Trade Commission (ITC)] has informed [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)]to suspend the trade of IQOS, heated tobacco device of PMI, in the United States with effect from 29th November 2021. Director of U.S. communications at PMI, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-henry-448a4321/ Corey Henry] stated that PMI is looking for contingency plans to make it available in the US market.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183835/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/altria-pmi-must-stop-iqos-sales-usAltria, PMI Must Stop IQOS Sales in U.S.], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://seyimakinde.com/ Seyi Makinde], Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, publicly appreciated [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] for investing USD 185 million in a new factory. This was in an event to officially launch a Naira 200 million (USD 48,000) Farmers’ Fund established by BAT in collaboration with [http://www.iita.org/International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)]. Latter is a not-for-profit institution that reportedly “generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation” according to their website. Farmers Fund was reportedly established for “the re-integration and profitable engagement of ex-tobacco farmers in the production of food crops (cassava and maize)”.<ref> D Janu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124065002/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/makinde-commends-batn-investment/Makinde commends BATN investment], 5 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Further, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseem-hayat-87056a10/?originalSubdomain=ng Waseem Hayat], the Operations Director of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Nigeria, declared that BAT earns more than USD 110 million in foreign exchange annually exporting tobacco to 14 countries in Africa.<ref> P. Okafor. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/bat-yearly-export-from-nigeria-to-14-africa-countries-hit-110mn/BAT yearly export from Nigeria to 14 Africa countries hit $110mn], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref> Thus, the said donation to the farmers’ fund is only around 0.04% of its exportation of tobacco grown by the Nigerian farmers.
::It is known that tobacco industry targets farmers using various tactics. Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation, manufacturing process and tobacco products negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development. Establishment of the Farmer’s Fund would probably promote tobacco cultivation among ex-tobacco farmers by indirectly highlighting the demand for the tobacco harvest with the new tobacco factory. Further, tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their contribution on economy while ignoring the harm their trade inflicts on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*Chairman and Managing Director of [[ITC Limited India]] Sanjiv Puri was awarded the ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’ by [https://www.exchange4media.com/exchange4media Group], a publishing platform that provides information of broadcasting, media, advertising, and marketing domain industries. It was reportedly “to recognize excellence in the Advertising, Media and Marketing domain” and was handed over by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/smritiiraniofficial/?originalSubdomain=in Smriti Irani], Minister of Women and Child Development in India.[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures. As of March 2021, the Government of India holds 16.23% of shares of ITC via the Life Insurance Corporation, the Indian government-owned insurance company.<ref> Business Line. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120041827/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/itc-chief-sanjiv-puri-is-impact-person-of-the-year-2020/article37812056.eceITC chief Sanjiv Puri is ‘Impact Person of the Year 2020’], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://cta.judiciary.gov.ph/ The Court of Tax Appeals] issued an order against the [https://www.pmi.com/markets/philippines/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC)], a joint venture between [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-tobacco-corporation/ Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in The Philippines, dismissing a petition with regards to refund of excise tax. Previously, PMFTC won the case in Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC), challenging the applicability of excise tax on packs with 5 or 10 cigarettes. The tax was imposed on packs with 20 sticks in January 2013. [https://www.bir.gov.ph/Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] took the case to the Supreme Court and the RTC order was affirmed in 2017. PMFTC filed a petition to claim the excise tax paid during the temporary restraining order effected from 2014 till the order of Supreme Court affirmation.<ref> B Pulta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120100326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161714BIR wins P2.7-B tax case vs. cigarette firm], 3 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Article 6 and Article 11 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends raising tobacco tax and standard packaging of tobacco products as demand reduction measures. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*Media reported a seize of illicit cigarettes worth of USD 9.7 million at Tuen Mun region, Hong Kong. They further reported an increase of seized illicit cigarettes by 70% compared to 2020 and that the total of seized cigarettes in 2021 was worth more than USD 347 million.<ref>H Pope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183753/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15584-hong-kong-seizes-27-million-suspected-illicit-cigarettes Hong Kong Seizes 27 Million Suspected Illicit Cigarettes], 29 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Increase of illicit cigarettes is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their own involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.pmi.com/markets/pakistan/en/about-us/overview Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL)] announced a reduction of energy consumption by 41% compared to 2018, reportedly because of the initiatives for enhanced energy efficiency. It further mentioned that PMPKL was the first PMI subsidiary to generate energy via solar panels in 2016.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107111013/https://pakobserver.net/philip-morris-pakistan-enhances-efficiency-through-green-energy/ Philip Morris (Pakistan) enhances efficiency through green energy], 30 November 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::The reduction of energy consumption is probably mainly be due to the closure of cigarette manufacturing factory in Kotri, SindhIn Pakistan in March 2019.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] announced the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-abraham-5a7233a/?originalSubdomain=lb Monisha Abraham] as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st December 2021 (Image 1).<ref name=monisha> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107110729/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ceylon-Tobacco-gets-first-female-MD-CEO/44-726841Ceylon Tobacco gets first female MD/CEO], 2 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>Please refer our page [[Monisha Abraham]] for more details.

[[Image: monisha.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the appointment of the new CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC).<ref name=monisha/>]]

*Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)],[https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelbabeau/?originalSubdomain=fr Emmanuel Babeau], addressed [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer and Retail Conference] on 1st December 2021. [https://www.morganstanley.com/ Morgan Stanley] is a company headquartered in United States engaged in “global financial services providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services” according to their website.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184033/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005520/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Morgan-Stanley-Virtual-Global-Consumer-Retail-ConferencePhilip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference], 1 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==Week 91: 6th December – 12thDecember 2021==
*[https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] announced the seize of illicit cigarettes and pipe tobacco worth of Rand 40 million. It was during two joint operations by the police and the [https://www.saps.gov.za/dpci/index.phpDirectorate for Priority Crime Investigation (hawks)]at the Durban Harbour and in Polokwane.<ref> O Singh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121041434/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-10-sars-uncovers-r40m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-and-metal-in-durban-and-polokwane/Sars uncovers R40m worth of illegal tobacco and metal in Durban and Polokwane], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*[https://www.marlboro.k12.sc.us/Marlboro County School District] filed a case against tobacco companies including [https://www.juul.com/JUUL Labs], [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA in the Country Common Pleas Court against promoting e-cigarettes among teenagers. Defendant party including JUUL filed a “notice of removal” to move the case from state court to Federal court, consolidated with similar cases. Previously, [https://www.bcsdschools.net/ Berkeley], [https://www.ccsdschools.com/ Charleston], [https://www.acs.ac/ Anderson], [https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ Greenville] and [https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/ Pickens] counties in South Carolina filed similar lawsuits against marketing and advertising strategies of JUUL.<ref>D Bright. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124100808/https://www.wbtw.com/news/pee-dee/e-cigarette-maker-juul-wants-marlboro-county-schools-lawsuit-moved-to-federal-court/?fr=operanewsE-cigarette maker Juul wants Marlboro County Schools lawsuit moved to federal court], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*A research titled “Explore tobacco companies’ interference on the smoke-free environment at restaurants in Dhaka city of Bangladesh” revealed that the tobacco companies enticed the owners using incentives for establishment of 'Designated Smoking Area (DSA)' in restaurants and for display of tobacco advertisements. The research was conducted by [https://voicebd.org/Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)], a “rights-based research and advocacy organization”, according to their website. The Bangladesh [https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/files/live/Bangladesh/Bangladesh%20-%20Tobacco%20Control%20Act.pdf Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005] allows DSA for restaurants with more than one room.<ref> The Financial Express. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124045354/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/tobacco-companies-incentivise-designated-smoking-area-at-restaurants-1639314943Tobacco companies incentivise 'designated smoking area' at restaurants], 12 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh was awarded the first prize in the Manufacturing Category at the [https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1307193433129122 21st ICAB National Awards]. It was organised by the [https://www.icab.org.bd/ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB)] reportedly for best presented annual reports, integrated reporting, and corporate governance disclosures in 2020. The prizes were handed over by the Minister of Commerce[http://www.epb.gov.bd/site/office_head/da5c0683-b6e0-4838-ac91-211d788e2a36/Hon'ble-MinisterTipu Munshi].<ref> The Business Standards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124051437/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/20-listed-firms-receive-icab-award-quality-annual-reports-34207320 listed firms receive ICAB award for quality annual reports], 11 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://twitter.com/Daniel12623971 Francois Van der Westhuizen] and Pieter Snyders, who revealed how the [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in South Africa spied on and attempted to sabotage the competitors, were jointly awarded the UK Whistleblowing Prize. This award, meant for “whistleblowers in recognition of their bravery, integrity, commitment to the public interest and positive and enduring impact”, was given away at the [https://www.blueprintforfreespeech.net/ Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Awards]. Van der Westhuizen revealed, at the awarding ceremony, how he and his family got targeted after exposing the actions of BAT; including his home being “petrol bombed”, and his wife being “injured in an attempted kidnapping”. <ref> J Cronje. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124053732/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/sa-tobacco-whistleblower-wins-top-uk-award-says-home-was-petrol-bombed-when-he-spoke-out-20211209 SA tobacco whistleblower wins top UK award, says home was petrol bombed when he spoke out], 9 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: Whistleblowers had helped to reveal unlawful actions of tobacco companies.
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] announced an increase of users of vaping and heated tobacco products up to 17.1 million by the end of September 2021. Media reported that BAT “was still making a loss from the new product categories but that for the first time, losses were narrowing”.<ref> D Slade. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124061926/https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19771403.british-american-tobacco-says-people-turning-non-smoking-products/ British American Tobacco says people are turning to its non-smoking products], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dessi-temperley-9545907/ Dessi Temperley] has been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in United States.<ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120050120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211210005136/en/Philip-Morris-International-Appoints-Business-Accelerator-Dessi-Temperley-to-its-Board-of-Directors Philip Morris International Appoints Business Accelerator Dessi Temperley to its Board of Directors], 10 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Former Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecalantzopoulos/?originalSubdomain=ch Andre Catantzopoulos], requested smokers to switch to “smoke-free products”, in a webinar on Smoke Harm Reduction Conference. He further mentioned that “Smoking causes serious disease, and the best way to avoid the harms of smoking is never to start, or to quit”. Further details of the conference such as who the organisers, other speakers and the participants were, were not available in the media reports.<ref> Leadership. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120051227/https://leadership.ng/pmi-urges-adult-smokers-to-switch-to-smoke-free-products/ PMI Urges Adult Smokers To Switch To Smoke-free Products], December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence has revealed many harms related to vaping and using smoke-free products, including causing addiction and harm to lungs.
*Several tobacco companies have been recognised as global environmental leaders by [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] under “[https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores#1ea1731978553db35dcd1469b155011d A listing]” of Climate change, Forest and Water security (Table 2). CDP reportedly recognises the “best-in-class environmental performance and leadership in tackling climate change, protecting forests and water security” via their ratings. [https://www.cdp.net/en CDP] is a not-for-profit charity headquartered in England “that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impact” according to their website. CDP is managed by a board of trustees and board of directors reportedly under the funds “from a combination of government and philanthropic grants and mission-complementary fee for service”.
:: A plethora of evidence exists on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
===Table 2: Summary of tobacco companies recognized as the global environmental leaders by CDP A Listing===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Tobacco company
! scope="col" width="300px" | Category
! scope="col" width="300px" | Remarks
|-
|[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] || Climate Change, Forest, Water Security || - <ref> Business Wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120091140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005610/en/Philip-Morris-International-Receives-Second-Consecutive-%E2%80%9CTriple-A%E2%80%9D-Rating-from-CDP Philip Morris International Receives Second Consecutive “Triple A” Rating from CDP], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] || Climate Change, Water Security || for third consecutive year <ref> PR Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040525/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jt-group-recognized-on-cdps-climate-change-a-list-and-water-security-a-list-for-the-3rd-consecutive-year-301438432.html JT Group Recognized on CDP's "Climate Change A List" and "Water Security A List" for the 3rd Consecutive Year], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|-
|[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] || Climate Change, Water Security || for the second consecutive year<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084910/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211207005786/en/Altria-Once-Again-Achieved-a-Double-A-Rating-in-Climate-and-Water-Protection Altria Once Again Achieved a Double 'A' Rating in Climate and Water Protection], 7 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
|}
*[https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)] partnered with ITC hotels in India to introduce an 18-month professional diploma on Vocational Education and Training. The diploma is offered by [https://www.ehl.edu/ Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), which is a hotel school based in Switzerland. This program is announced to be conducted in four ITC hotels for 240 students. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which diversified its business into other ventures.<ref> United News of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121083428/http://www.uniindia.com/cii-and-itc-hotels-join-hands-with-ehl-group-to-offer-swiss-professional-diploma-in-hospitality/business-economy/news/2587286.html CII and ITC Hotels join hands with EHL group to offer Swiss Professional Diploma in Hospitality], 8 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
==Week 92: 13th December – 19th December 2021==
*[https://www.altria.com/en Altria] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris] USA declared a price increase of 15 to 20 cent per pack (depending on the brand) for some cigarette brands with effect from 12 December 2021.This was the third time increase for the year 2021 by Altria. Media also reported an increase of 14 cent per pack for some cigarette brands of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in USA.<ref> H Hammond. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123084101/https://www.cspdailynews.com/tobacco/marlboro-pack-price-goes-15-cents Marlboro Pack Price Goes Up 15 Cents], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] announced a 20.2% increase of sales to Won 2.64 trillion (USD 2.23 billion) during the first nine months of 2021, compared to pre COVID situation in 2019. It further reported that 31.1 billion cigarettes were sold in South Korea during the same period, compared to the 30.4 billion sold in 2019. Media quoted “industry experts” and stated that the increase of sales is due to “the pandemic, coupled with economic hardship, depression and a sense of helplessness”.<ref> The Korea Bizwire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123191854/http://koreabizwire.com/cigarette-sales-rise-as-pandemic-takes-toll-on-everyday-life/206614 Cigarette Sales Rise as Pandemic Takes Toll on Everyday Life], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: COVID-19 pandemic stress leading to increase of smokers is a common statement made by the tobacco industry and its allies. The Scientific evidence has revealed that there is no association between the smoking prevalence and the pandemic lockdowns. It further revealed that it is associated with increases in quit attempts, and cessation.<ref> S E Jackson et al. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101334/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436745/ Association of the COVID‐19 lockdown with smoking, drinking and attempts to quit in England: an analysis of 2019–20 data], 26 November 2020 accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] agreed to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit (a type of lawsuit where one of the parties is a group of people who are represented collectively). The investors earlier claimed that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”. As a result of a motion filed by investors on 9th December 2021 in a Virginia federal court, the companies agreed to pay USD 90 million to settle the claim. The motion further stated that the JUUL Labs is promoting vaping products among teenagers violating [https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/regulation/nyse/sea34.pdf Securities Exchange Act]. It is reported as one of the largest class action settlements in Virginia. <ref>J Edwards. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220124071418/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/ecigarette/juul-altria-reach-90m-settlement-with-investors-over-alleged-marketing-to-teens/ Juul, Altria Reach $90M Settlement With Investors Over Alleged Marketing to Teens], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] and [https://www.torii.co.jp/en/ Torii Pharmaceutical] jointly released the Phase III results of the development of Delgocitinib ointment for the infants with Atopic Dermatitis (chronic inflammatory skin disease). JTI and Torii was under agreement in October 2016 for development and marketing of the ointment in Japan. Media reported that they are willing to submit a manufacturing and marketing application based on the clinical trial results. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121082819/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-Top-line-Results-of-Phase-3-Clinical-Study-of-JTE-052-Ointment-JAK-Inhibitor-in-In-37309854/ Japan Tobacco : Top-line Results of Phase 3 Clinical Study of JTE-052 Ointment, JAK Inhibitor, in Infant Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Japan], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoking (both active and passive) is associated with Atopic Dermatitis.
*[https://www.malawi.gov.mw/labour/ Ministry of Labour] in Malawi and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reportedly “to contribute to the aspirations of the Malawi Decent Work Country Program (DWCP 11)”. The media highlighted it as “the commitment of the Government of Malawi to address decent work deficits prevailing in the labour market”.<ref> M Chikoti. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121042933/https://malawi24.com/2021/12/14/govt-signs-mou-with-jti-leaf-malawi/ Govt signs MoU with JTI Leaf Malawi], 14 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] published a 10-year anniversary report titled Agricultural Labor Practices. It is reportedly to reflect on the progress made as a measure of celebrating the International Day of Human Rights and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor in 2021. In addition, PMI partnered with [https://www.verite.org/ Verite] on the same, “to integrate its learnings into an open-source toolkit that will aid companies, suppliers, and producers in driving improvements in labor practices of agricultural supply chains around the world”. According to their [https://www.verite.org/ website], Verite is a civil society organisation providing businesses with tools that help to eliminate labour abuses .<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121030753/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-Releases-10-Year-Anniversary-Report-on-Agricultural-Labor-Practices-37303136/ Philip Morris International Releases 10-Year Anniversary Report on Agricultural Labor Practices], 13 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[http://www.gand.uscourts.gov/U.S District Court for the Northern District of Georgia] dismissed the case filed in November 2020 by the [https://www.healthiercmc.com/Healthier Choices Management Corp (HCMC)] due to the rejection of the Motion for Leave to Amend (allowing a plaintiff to at least amend the complaint one time in an attempt to state a cause of action) of HCMC. The case was against the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] on violation of patent of the heating and vaping product, IQOS.<ref> R Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121032536/ Healthier Choices Management Corp (OTCMKTS: HCMC) Announces That the Court Has Dismissed its Case Against Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM)], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Naeem Shahab Khan, the Managing Director of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Malaysia, stated that it was their plan to surge the sales of heated tobacco products in 2022. He further stated that they are not expecting further lockdowns and are planning for efficient operation in 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref> KS Li. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034314/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/philip-morris-malaysia-hopes-regain-momentum-covid19-restrictions-easePhilip Morris Malaysia hopes to regain momentum as Covid-19 restrictions ease], 15 December 202, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe-2a705625/?originalSubdomain=ng Olakunle Ogedengbe], Head of Digital Business Solutions, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] West and Central Africa (BATWCA), was awarded the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of The Year under the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards. It was organised by [https://edniesalconsulting.com/ Edniesal Consulting Limited], an Enterprise Governance firm providing business consultancy services, aiming to “celebrate and honour successful and outstanding individuals and organisations that are using digital innovation and information technology systems to bring about real growth and transformation to business” according to their website.<ref> This Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123185802/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/12/16/bat-wins-consumer-goods-category-at-cio-awards/BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards], 16 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://gtnf.org/james-xu James Xu], Chief Executive Officer of [https://www.giantvapes.com/avail-vapor/ Avail Vapor], e-liquid manufacturer based in the United States, announced permanent closure of retail store and suspending the online trade. It was reportedly due to the inability to comply with the new [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/25/2019-20315/premarket-tobacco-product-applications-and-recordkeeping-requirements regulations] of [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] on vaporisers and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations included maintaining records on legal marketing of the product, how the product protect the public health and the amend/ withdraw/ transfer of the ownership of the product (Image 2).<ref name=avail> J Jacobs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107063412/https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/12/17/avail-vapors-stores-go-up-in-smoke-amid-haze-of-fda-red-tape/Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape], 17 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: avail.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the closure of Avail stores due to FDA regulations.<ref name=avail/>]]

==Week 93: 20th December – 26thDecember 2021==
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched their new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’, in 22 countries including Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. This was following the signing of a product supply contract with [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in January 2021.<ref> K Min-jee. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220120034935/http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110192KT&G's heat-not-burn tobacco 'lil' enters 22 countries], 20 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] was awarded the Sustainable Product Award for the vaping brand Vuse at the [https://sealawards.com/ SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award 2021]. This award supposedly “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092326/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BAT-s-Vuse-wins-prestigious-SEAL-Sustainable-Product-Award-37383516/British American Tobacco : BAT's Vuse wins prestigious SEAL Sustainable Product Award], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://workbean.co/company/jt-international-asia-manufacturing-corp JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC)], manufacturing arm of JTI, was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award in the[http://www.peza.gov.ph/documents/forms/details_pezaawards.pdf PEZA Annual Awards] by [http://www.peza.gov.ph/Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)]. The award is reportedly given “to a locator that generated the most number of jobs, held high regard for the welfare of its workers, and maintained harmony between labor and management.” Previously, JTI-AMC has been awarded with the Outstanding Community Project Award. Director General of PEZA appreciated the JTI stating the contribution on generating employment and for CSR activities during COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by media.<ref> Business Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/24/jti-bags-award-for-batangas-factory/JTI bags award for Batangas factory], 24 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] announced that the company has decided to apply for the ‘Prime Market’ segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the confirmation of initial listing criteria. Prime Market segment “contains stocks admitted to the Official Market that also meet special additional [https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/equities/market-restructure/market-segments/b5b4pj0000049j6c-att/Criteria_en.pdf criteria]”. The minimum of 800 shareholders, 20,000 units of tradable shares and Japan Yen 10 billion Market share capital are some of the basic requirements for the eligibility of the Prime Market segment.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184711/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JAPAN-TOBACCO-INC-6491271/news/Japan-Tobacco-JT-to-Apply-to-be-Listed-in-the-New-ldquo-Prime-Market-rdquo-Segment-of-the-Tokyo-37382269/Japan Tobacco: JT to Apply to be Listed in the New “Prime Market” Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*Rothmans, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] subsidiary in Korea, started a campaign to collect used Glo devices, the latest heated tobacco product of BAT. Users are rewarded with a discount coupon worth of Won 2,000 for each Glo pro slim device returned. Media reported that 50 bins have been placed to collect the devices and more to be placed in the convenience stores in cities. Media further reported other steps taken by the BAT to be “environmental friendly”, highlighting the use of solar power in a tobacco factory in Korea, reduction of water consumption in factories and replacing plastic packages with environmental friendly materials (Image 3).<ref name=glo> K Jae-eun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107031823/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211222000801Don’t throw away Glo devices, return them, says BAT Rothmans], 22 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

[[Image: glo.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the BAT Rothmans starting to collect the used Glo devices.<ref name=glo/>]]
*The [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] granted approval to [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group], a plant biotechnology company based in the United States, to market their two brands; VLN King and VLN Menthol as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” justifying it by the statement “these products show they can help addicted adult smokers transition away from highly addictive combusted cigarettes”. [https://www.xxiicentury.com/ 22nd Century Group] produces cigarettes with different nicotine / cannabinoid levels solely used for the government funded scientific researches under the brand ‘Spectrum’. The company has submitted the application for [https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/advertising-and-promotion/modified-risk-tobacco-products Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP)] in 2020 following the approval of Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) for VLN brands.<ref> T Kary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041846/https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/22nd-century-wins-fda-nod-152937764.html22nd Century Wins FDA Nod to Promote Low-Nicotine Cigarettes], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-g-wood-6014279/ Sheldon Wood], country manager for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the transition of new graphical health warning of cigarette packs will happen from January to 24 March 2022 under the regulation of Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) of [https://health.gov.tt/ Ministry of Health] in Trinidad. He further mentioned that it is to curb the illicit trade.<ref> News Day. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107113654/https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/23/philip-morris-new-cigarettes-health-warning-from-january/Philip Morris: New cigarettes health warning from January], 23 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[ITC Limited India]] was awarded the 6th [https://www.icsi.edu/icsiexcellenceawards/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)] CSR Excellence Award under the 'Large' category. It was handed over by [https://www.mha.gov.in/minister/shri-amit-shah-0 Sri Amit Shah], Minister of Home Affairs. The award reportedly “recognizes the best corporate contributor each in the large, medium, and emerging categories”.<ref> dijiworld.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081403/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=906726ITC receives ICSI CSR Excellence Award for its large-scale and impactful CSR initiatives], 21 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]]of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health. Tobacco companies are well known for their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in order to gain leverage in interference in tobacco control actions and policies and also to whitewash their image and reputation.

==Week 94: 27th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022==
*[https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dean-gilfillan-687a213 Dean Gilfillan], General Manager of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] in United Kingdom stated that the trade of nicotine pouches is only regulated under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1803/contents/made General Products Safety Regulation 2005] as it does not contain tobacco. He further stated that they won’t sell nicotine pouches to minors under the age of 18 years as they agreed to follow the “industry standards”. Further, he requested the government to modify the legislation to regulate the nicotine pouches with penalties to avoid minors being targeted under this situation.<ref> P Nalat. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184920/https://en.brinkwire.com/ Tobacco boss calls for law change after super-strength nicotine pouches are advertised to children.], 1 January 2022, accessed January 2021</ref><ref> Miamiheatnation.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20220218073743/https://miamiheatnation.com/politics/super-strength-nicotine-pouches-advertised-to-children-tobacco-boss-calls-for-law-change/?fr=operanews Super-Strength Nicotine Pouches Advertised To Children – Tobacco Boss Calls For Law Change], 1 January 2022, accessed February 2022</ref>
*[https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences], a cannabis product manufacturing company based in the United States, announced that they are developing a water-soluble cannabinoid product. It’s reportedly a “Series A Financing”, which refers “to an investment in a privately-held, start-up company after it has shown progress in building its business model and demonstrates the potential to grow and generate revenue”. [https://traitbio.com/ Trait Biosciences] is sponsored by [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] as stated in their [https://www.bat.com/group/sites/UK__9D9KCY.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DOC3RJR9# website].<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109184933/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trait-biosciences-advances-innovative-water-140000886.htmlTrait Biosciences Advances Innovative Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Technology, Delivering Key Milestones in Series A Financing and Appoints Dr. Hanny Kanafani as Vice President], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Singapore will be awarded with a Gold Harmonia' statuette reportedly “to recognize companies with the best Human Resource practices and which demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures” as [https://awards.hrasiamedia.com/home/ HR Best companies to work for in Asia 2021]. The awards are by [http://businessmedia.asia/ Business Media International (BMI)], based in Malaysia, who “helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses” according to their website.<ref>Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185039/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/27-singaporean-companies-named-hr-061700547.html 27 Singaporean Companies Named HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh, partnered with organisations working to promote mental health including [https://www.lifespringint.com/ Life Spring], [https://m.mayaiswithyou.com/ Maya] and Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) to initiate a mental health services to their employees.<ref> UM Jui. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109185120/https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/corporate-houses-wake-mental-health-349267 Corporate houses wake up to mental health], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Scientific evidence proves that tobacco smoking negatively impact mental health causing mental health problems including addiction, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
*[https://www.batbangladesh.com/ British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB)] was identified as a performance contributor by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] holders. [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/afc-funds/afc-asia-frontier-fund.html AFC Asia Frontier Fund] is managed by the [https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/about-afc.html Asia Frontier Capital Limited], a fund management company based in Hong Kong.<ref> M U Babu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109183347/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/asian-frontier-capital-stands-firm-bangladesh-equities-350116Asian Frontier Capital stands firm on Bangladesh equities], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrah-cader-7aab73a8/?originalSubdomain=lk ZahrahCader], Regulatory Affairs Counsel at [[Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC)]] was awarded the Chairman’s Award 2021. It is reportedly awarded to “recognize outstanding personal contribution to the growth and development of the company during the year”.<ref> Sunday Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107064701/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/01/02/business/zahrah-cader-bags-ctc-chairman%E2%80%99s-awardZahrahCader bags CTC Chairman’s Award], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Malta partnered with [https://www.act.org.mt/ ACT], a non-governmental organisation, to plant over 140 indigenous trees in Malta. This is reportedly as a part of their environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy (Image 4).<ref name=Malta> Times Malta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107052128/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/bat-malta-plants-over-140-trees-in-mellieha-together-with-act.924052BAT Malta plants over 140 trees in Mellieħa together with ACT], 27 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::A plethora of evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and cigarettes manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including deforestation, water pollution, global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image:Malta.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT partnering with ACT to plant trees in Malta.<ref name=Malta/>]]

*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a project to recycle electronic nicotine delivery devices of any brand in Ukraine. It is with the partnership of [https://flex.com/ Flextronics International Kft], an electronics (consumer, health and industrial devices) manufacturer and electronics services provider based in Hungary. It is further reported that PMI aims “to recycle 100% of its smokeless devices by 2025 and reduce plastic waste from its products by 50%”.<ref>Ukraine Open for Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107093620/https://open4business.com.ua/philip-morris-starts-electronic-recycling/Philip Morris Starts Electronic Recycling], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Electronic devices introduces plastics, heavy metls such as lead and mercury and other toxins leading to an array of negative environmental impacts, including accumulating in waterways, soil and marine life. Further, the e-waste exposure to heat releases toxic chemicals damaging the atmosphere.
*A research has been conducted to “explore the global conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the global workplace” under the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] programme of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. Completion of the first phase of the research was announced by [https://www.linkedin.com/in/silke-muenster-7b6a8810?originalSubdomain=ch Silke Muenster], Chief Diversity Officer of PMI and [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jFh_jEEAAAAJ&hl=en Alexander Fleischmann], the lead researcher for the [https://www.blogher.com/sf/inclusive-future-pmi/ Inclusive Future] program in an interview conducted by the [https://www.blogher.com/ Blogher] website.<ref> A Ogle [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107103852/https://www.blogher.com/money/measuring-inclusion-silke-muenster-alexander-fleischmann-28736/Measuring Inclusion: A Conversation with Silke Muenster and Alexander Fleischmann], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic used to generate reports in favour of their interests.
*Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippine, estimated a surge of illicit cigarette market by 8.6% and 5.5% in the years 2021 and 2020 respectively.<ref> B O de Vera. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112213/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/418869/2022-starts-with-tax-price-hikes-on-cigarettes-alcohol2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol], 2 January 2022, accessed January 2022</ref>
:: This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [[Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue]] for more details.
*Media reported the appointment of [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-aggarwal-4803668/ Sharad Aggarwal] as the Chief Executive Officer of [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. Prior to this appointment, Sharad was serving as the Chief Operating Officer and the Director at [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited]. [http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] is a tobacco manufacturer in India owned by the [http://www.modi.com/ Modi Enterprises], a group of businesses in India.<ref> Press Trust of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112634/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/godfrey-phillips-india-appoints-sharad-aggarwal-as-ceo-121122701009_1.htmlCigarette maker Godfrey Phillips appoints Sharad Aggarwal as CEO], 28 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/businesses/paperboards-and-specialty-papers Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division (PSPD)] of [[ITC Limited India]] partnered with [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] to introduce the ‘ITC Sustainability Innovation Challenge’. It would reportedly ‘support innovative start-up ideas on sustainable packaging and smart waste management solutions’. [https://www.investindia.gov.in/ Invest India] is the government owned “National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency that helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India” as stated in their website. PSPD is one of the main business ventures of [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco manufacturing company in India.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109083555/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/itc-unveils-sustainability-innovation-challenge/article38074204.eceITC unveils Sustainability Innovation Challenge], 30 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 5.3| Article 5.3]] of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]] established the first offsite solar plant in Tamil Nadu worth of Indian Rs 76 crore (Approx. USD 1 million). The plant reportedly will be a solution to reduce the CO2 emission and ITC hopes to meet 100% energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030 under the ‘Sustainability 2.0’ project. [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company located in Tami Nadu, India, which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref>The Hans India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220109175043/https://www.thehansindia.com/business/itc-commissions-first-offsite-solar-plant-722116?infinitescroll=1ITC commissions first offsite solar plant], 29 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Main Page

2022-03-09T16:57:11Z

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<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:200%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;"> ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:150%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Welcome to ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'' (''TUSouthAsia'') is the official information portal of the [https://www.sarccct.org/ South Asian Regional Centre for Combating Tobacco (SARC-CCT)]. It contains evidence based information on the tobacco industry in [[South Asia]], with detailed profiles of tobacco companies relevant to the region and their employees. The pages of this website also contain profiles of tobacco industry allies in the [[South Asia | South Asian Region]]; institutions and individuals linked with the industry in various ways. ''TUSouthAsia'' further describes the strategies adopted by the tobacco industry in the [[South Asia | region]] related to the themes of influencing policy, tobacco tax and price related issues, corporate social investments, tobacco cultivation and marketing and promotion. Tobacco industry arguments and their responses against different policy processes are reported as a learning exercise for future reference.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">How to Find Information on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h2>
There are several ways in which you can find information on ''TUSouthAsia'':
*You can search for a specific topic in the Search Bar on the top of the screen. To search, type the topic you want to find the information into the box, and press 'Enter'.
*If its a recent issue, you can go through the list of most recent pages in the ‘What’s New section’ which will display new entries or major updates to the existing pages.
*Or, you can search through the ‘[[Key Topics]]’ section that categorizes the pages based on the themes the investigations were conducted.
*Searching for information specific for a country in the South Asian Region? You can access pages related to the respective country by clicking on the country logo in the right hand column or clicking the country name below:
::*[[:Category:Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
::*[[:Category:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
::*[[:Category:Bhutan|Bhutan]]
::*[[:Category:India|India]]
::*[[:Category:Maldives|Maldives]]
::*[[:Category:Nepal|Nepal]]
::*[[:Category:Pakistan|Pakistan]]
::*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages Sri Lanka]
::::You can return to the category page by clicking on the country logo in the top right corner of the page. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the ''TUSouth.Asia'' logo in the left or clicking on "Main page" in the left menu.
*Interested about regional summaries? Click on the [[:Category:Regional Summary | Regional Summary]] link.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">About Us</h2>
SARC-CCT is a project coordinated by the [https://cct.lk/ Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT)], the Sri Lankan tobacco observatory hosted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo under the [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]]. The mandate of the CCT is to monitor the tobacco industry activities related to implementation of [[FCTC Article 5.3]] in Sri Lanka and the [[South Asia | region]].

The project was powered by [https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)Secretariat] and the [https://www.theunion.org/ International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The UNION)] and technical assistance was provided by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath], the [https://www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/ Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco] and the WHO-FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3 [https://ggtc.world/ Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left;
color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">What’s New on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''?</h2>
*09th March 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – December 2021 | December page]] of the [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] is finally published! The highlight of the page would be JUUL Labs and Altria agreeing to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit as a result of a complaint by its investors stating that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”.
*08th January 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021 | new page]] in our [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series containing incidents that occurred in the month of November 2021 is now published!
*28th December 2021 - Based on our readers' demand, we are again publishing [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series monthly from this month onward. Visit our newest page [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]] on the series and be informed!
*23rd November 2021 - Our new page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]] includes the interesting Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] on the British American Tobacco (BAT)'s bribery allegation related to the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subsides, from next month onward, we will continue this series as brief monthly summaries. The page on October 2021 will be published soon!

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Key Topics</h2>
Click on the [[Key Topics | key topics]] below to access more information on tobacco industry and its activities in Sri Lanka. Interested in the definitions for each key topic to understand the reason for categorising the pages under them? Please visit our page [[Key Topics]].

===Background===
Includes pages on global and national tobacco control laws and policies and tobacco industry tactics
*[[:Category:FCTC | FCTC ]]
*[[:Category:National Laws| National Laws]]
*[[:Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics | Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]]
*[[:Category:Impact of Tobacco | Impact of Tobacco]]

===Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages directly related to the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Companies | Tobacco Companies ]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees |Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Investors | Tobacco Industry Investors]]
*[[:Category:Bidi Industry | Bidi Industry]]
*[[:Category:NGP Industry | Next Generation Products Industry]] - E-cigarettes, Vaping products and heating tobacco products (HTP)
*[[:Category:Smokeless Tobacco Products Industry | Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLT) Industry]]
*[[:Category:Shisha Industry | Shisha (Hookah) Industry]]

===Tobacco Industry Activities===
Includes pages on tobacco industry actions and strategies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Corporate Social Investments | Corporate Social Investments]]
*[[:Category:Influencing Policy | Influencing Policy]]
*[[:Category:Marketing and Promotions | Marketing and Promotions]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Cultivation | Tobacco Cultivation]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues | Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues]]
*[[:Category:Liasing with Government Officials | Liaising with Government Officials]]
*[[:Category:Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade | Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade]]

===Tobacco Industry Arguments and Responses===
Includes pages on responses and reactions of the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Arguments | Tobacco Industry Arguments]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Responses | Tobacco Industry Responses]]
*[[:Category:Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions | Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions]]

===Institutions Linked to the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on institutions reported to date to have had any interactions with tobacco industry or their proxies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Commissioned or Sponsored | Commissioned or Sponsored]]
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Indirect Links | Indirect Links]]
*[[:Category:Institutions with Mutual Associates | Institutions with Mutual Associates]]
*[[:Category:Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry | Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry]]
*[[:Category:Partnerships | Partnerships]]

===Individuals associated with the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on politicians, government officials, celebrities, academics, researchers, professionals and other public/popular figures to have had any interaction reported to date with tobacco industry under following categories;
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Collaborations | Collaborations]]
*[[:Category:Monetary or other Gifts | Monetary or other Gifts]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Government Activities | Sponsorship for Government Activities]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Research | Sponsorship for Research]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Social Projects | Sponsorship for Social Projects]]
*[[:Category:Event Participation | Event Participation]]
::'''Disclaimer''':The individual profiles are published as a facilitator to implement [[FCTC Article 5.3]] only. It is not the intention of the ''TobaccoUnmasked'' team to tarnish the individuals' image nor to cause them harm.
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Country Posts</h2>

<table style="border:3px solid #FFFFFF;">
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Afghanistan.png |140px|center|Afghanistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Afghanistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Bangladesh.png |140px|center|Bangladesh|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bangladesh]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Bhutan.png |140px|center|Bhutan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bhutan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-India.png |140px|center|India|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:India]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Maldives.png |140px|center|Maldives|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Maldives]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Nepal.png |140px|center|Nepal|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Nepal]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Pakistan.png |140px|center|Pakistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Pakistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-SriLanka.png |140px|center|Sri_Lanka|link=https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages]]
</td></tr>

</table>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Powered By</h2><br>
[[File:CCT Logo.png|150px|centre|CCT|link=https://www.cct.lk/]]<br>
[[File:Faculty-logo-UMF.png|100px|centre|UOC|link=https://med.cmb.ac.lk/]]<br>
[[File:TheUnion.png|150px|centre|Union|link=https://www.theunion.org]]<br>
[[File:Fctc.png|190px|centre|FCTC|link=https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/]]<br>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Useful Links</h2>
[[File:Tobacco-Unmasked.jpg|150px|centre|TU|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:SARC-CCT.jpg|150px|centre|SARC CCT|link=https://www.sarccct.org/]]<br>
[[File:Tubacco-Tactics.png|150px|centre|Tobacco Tactics|link=https://www.tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:Stop.png|150px|centre|Stop|link=https://exposetobacco.org/]]<br>
[[File:FCTC-Knowledge-hub.png|150px|centre|Untobaccocontrol|link=https://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/article-53/]]<br>
[[File:Progga.png|150px|centre|Progga|link=https://progga.org/]]
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Strict Referencing Policy</h2>
Information published in ''tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia'' adheres to a strict referencing policy. You can find the sources of information under the resources list at the end of each post. The posts developed by reporters are edited by the Editor and peer reviewed before publication.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Reproduction and Distribution of Published Material</h2>
You are free to copy and redistribute the material for non commercial use with appropriate credit to the CCT. Please acknowledge CCT as the copyright holder by stating: "This material is reproduced from tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia. Copyright, Centre for Combating Tobacco and used under permission of the Centre for Combating Tobacco. All rights reserved."

Suggested citation: Centre for Combating Tobacco, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo. ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'', [Date of most recent modification], Available at https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Main_Page, Accessed (date accessed).

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Acknowledgments</h2>
''TUSouthAsia'' follows the model of [https://tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page ''TobaccoTactics''], introduced by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Contact Us</h2>
You can contribute by providing information or as a free-lance investigative reporter. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve ''TUSouthAsia''. Please contact us on tobaccounmasked@gmail.com

Main Page

2022-03-09T16:55:55Z

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<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:200%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;"> ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:150%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Welcome to ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'' (''TUSouthAsia'') is the official information portal of the [https://www.sarccct.org/ South Asian Regional Centre for Combating Tobacco (SARC-CCT)]. It contains evidence based information on the tobacco industry in [[South Asia]], with detailed profiles of tobacco companies relevant to the region and their employees. The pages of this website also contain profiles of tobacco industry allies in the [[South Asia | South Asian Region]]; institutions and individuals linked with the industry in various ways. ''TUSouthAsia'' further describes the strategies adopted by the tobacco industry in the [[South Asia | region]] related to the themes of influencing policy, tobacco tax and price related issues, corporate social investments, tobacco cultivation and marketing and promotion. Tobacco industry arguments and their responses against different policy processes are reported as a learning exercise for future reference.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">How to Find Information on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h2>
There are several ways in which you can find information on ''TUSouthAsia'':
*You can search for a specific topic in the Search Bar on the top of the screen. To search, type the topic you want to find the information into the box, and press 'Enter'.
*If its a recent issue, you can go through the list of most recent pages in the ‘What’s New section’ which will display new entries or major updates to the existing pages.
*Or, you can search through the ‘[[Key Topics]]’ section that categorizes the pages based on the themes the investigations were conducted.
*Searching for information specific for a country in the South Asian Region? You can access pages related to the respective country by clicking on the country logo in the right hand column or clicking the country name below:
::*[[:Category:Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
::*[[:Category:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
::*[[:Category:Bhutan|Bhutan]]
::*[[:Category:India|India]]
::*[[:Category:Maldives|Maldives]]
::*[[:Category:Nepal|Nepal]]
::*[[:Category:Pakistan|Pakistan]]
::*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages Sri Lanka]
::::You can return to the category page by clicking on the country logo in the top right corner of the page. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the ''TUSouth.Asia'' logo in the left or clicking on "Main page" in the left menu.
*Interested about regional summaries? Click on the [[:Category:Regional Summary | Regional Summary]] link.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">About Us</h2>
SARC-CCT is a project coordinated by the [https://cct.lk/ Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT)], the Sri Lankan tobacco observatory hosted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo under the [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]]. The mandate of the CCT is to monitor the tobacco industry activities related to implementation of [[FCTC Article 5.3]] in Sri Lanka and the [[South Asia | region]].

The project was powered by [https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)Secretariat] and the [https://www.theunion.org/ International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The UNION)] and technical assistance was provided by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath], the [https://www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/ Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco] and the WHO-FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3 [https://ggtc.world/ Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left;
color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">What’s New on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''?</h2>
*09th March 2022 - The [[ | December page]] of the [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] is finally published! The highlight of the page would be JUUL Labs and Altria agreeing to pay USD 90 million for a class action lawsuit as a result of a complaint by its investors stating that “the companies misled them and others about Juul’s marketing to youth”.
*08th January 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021 | new page]] in our [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series containing incidents that occurred in the month of November 2021 is now published!
*28th December 2021 - Based on our readers' demand, we are again publishing [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series monthly from this month onward. Visit our newest page [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]] on the series and be informed!
*23rd November 2021 - Our new page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]] includes the interesting Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] on the British American Tobacco (BAT)'s bribery allegation related to the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subsides, from next month onward, we will continue this series as brief monthly summaries. The page on October 2021 will be published soon!

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Key Topics</h2>
Click on the [[Key Topics | key topics]] below to access more information on tobacco industry and its activities in Sri Lanka. Interested in the definitions for each key topic to understand the reason for categorising the pages under them? Please visit our page [[Key Topics]].

===Background===
Includes pages on global and national tobacco control laws and policies and tobacco industry tactics
*[[:Category:FCTC | FCTC ]]
*[[:Category:National Laws| National Laws]]
*[[:Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics | Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]]
*[[:Category:Impact of Tobacco | Impact of Tobacco]]

===Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages directly related to the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Companies | Tobacco Companies ]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees |Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Investors | Tobacco Industry Investors]]
*[[:Category:Bidi Industry | Bidi Industry]]
*[[:Category:NGP Industry | Next Generation Products Industry]] - E-cigarettes, Vaping products and heating tobacco products (HTP)
*[[:Category:Smokeless Tobacco Products Industry | Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLT) Industry]]
*[[:Category:Shisha Industry | Shisha (Hookah) Industry]]

===Tobacco Industry Activities===
Includes pages on tobacco industry actions and strategies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Corporate Social Investments | Corporate Social Investments]]
*[[:Category:Influencing Policy | Influencing Policy]]
*[[:Category:Marketing and Promotions | Marketing and Promotions]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Cultivation | Tobacco Cultivation]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues | Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues]]
*[[:Category:Liasing with Government Officials | Liaising with Government Officials]]
*[[:Category:Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade | Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade]]

===Tobacco Industry Arguments and Responses===
Includes pages on responses and reactions of the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Arguments | Tobacco Industry Arguments]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Responses | Tobacco Industry Responses]]
*[[:Category:Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions | Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions]]

===Institutions Linked to the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on institutions reported to date to have had any interactions with tobacco industry or their proxies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Commissioned or Sponsored | Commissioned or Sponsored]]
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Indirect Links | Indirect Links]]
*[[:Category:Institutions with Mutual Associates | Institutions with Mutual Associates]]
*[[:Category:Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry | Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry]]
*[[:Category:Partnerships | Partnerships]]

===Individuals associated with the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on politicians, government officials, celebrities, academics, researchers, professionals and other public/popular figures to have had any interaction reported to date with tobacco industry under following categories;
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Collaborations | Collaborations]]
*[[:Category:Monetary or other Gifts | Monetary or other Gifts]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Government Activities | Sponsorship for Government Activities]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Research | Sponsorship for Research]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Social Projects | Sponsorship for Social Projects]]
*[[:Category:Event Participation | Event Participation]]
::'''Disclaimer''':The individual profiles are published as a facilitator to implement [[FCTC Article 5.3]] only. It is not the intention of the ''TobaccoUnmasked'' team to tarnish the individuals' image nor to cause them harm.
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Country Posts</h2>

<table style="border:3px solid #FFFFFF;">
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Afghanistan.png |140px|center|Afghanistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Afghanistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Bangladesh.png |140px|center|Bangladesh|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bangladesh]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Bhutan.png |140px|center|Bhutan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bhutan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-India.png |140px|center|India|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:India]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Maldives.png |140px|center|Maldives|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Maldives]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Nepal.png |140px|center|Nepal|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Nepal]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Pakistan.png |140px|center|Pakistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Pakistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-SriLanka.png |140px|center|Sri_Lanka|link=https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages]]
</td></tr>

</table>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Powered By</h2><br>
[[File:CCT Logo.png|150px|centre|CCT|link=https://www.cct.lk/]]<br>
[[File:Faculty-logo-UMF.png|100px|centre|UOC|link=https://med.cmb.ac.lk/]]<br>
[[File:TheUnion.png|150px|centre|Union|link=https://www.theunion.org]]<br>
[[File:Fctc.png|190px|centre|FCTC|link=https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/]]<br>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Useful Links</h2>
[[File:Tobacco-Unmasked.jpg|150px|centre|TU|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:SARC-CCT.jpg|150px|centre|SARC CCT|link=https://www.sarccct.org/]]<br>
[[File:Tubacco-Tactics.png|150px|centre|Tobacco Tactics|link=https://www.tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:Stop.png|150px|centre|Stop|link=https://exposetobacco.org/]]<br>
[[File:FCTC-Knowledge-hub.png|150px|centre|Untobaccocontrol|link=https://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/article-53/]]<br>
[[File:Progga.png|150px|centre|Progga|link=https://progga.org/]]
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Strict Referencing Policy</h2>
Information published in ''tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia'' adheres to a strict referencing policy. You can find the sources of information under the resources list at the end of each post. The posts developed by reporters are edited by the Editor and peer reviewed before publication.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Reproduction and Distribution of Published Material</h2>
You are free to copy and redistribute the material for non commercial use with appropriate credit to the CCT. Please acknowledge CCT as the copyright holder by stating: "This material is reproduced from tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia. Copyright, Centre for Combating Tobacco and used under permission of the Centre for Combating Tobacco. All rights reserved."

Suggested citation: Centre for Combating Tobacco, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo. ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'', [Date of most recent modification], Available at https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Main_Page, Accessed (date accessed).

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Acknowledgments</h2>
''TUSouthAsia'' follows the model of [https://tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page ''TobaccoTactics''], introduced by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Contact Us</h2>
You can contribute by providing information or as a free-lance investigative reporter. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve ''TUSouthAsia''. Please contact us on tobaccounmasked@gmail.com

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021

2022-03-09T08:14:35Z

Editor: /* Week 80: 20th September - 26th September 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the months of August and September 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective months are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 30th September 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of Lockdown in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| British American Tobacco (BAT) || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia || 174
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa || 82
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 65
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg || 61
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic || 32
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 58
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan || 7
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 10
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 6
|-
| Universal Cooperion|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 4
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 4
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China || 3
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 5
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 2
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 2
|-
| Ferio Tego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece || 40
|}
==Week 73: 2nd August - 8th August 2021==
*ITC Hotels entered into a partnership with [https://www.cii.in/ Confederation of Indian Industry], a non-governmental organisation that provides advocacy and consultancies, in order to introduce a Diploma course in vocational training. The course is offered by the [https://www.ehl.edu/ EHL School of Hospitality], a hospitality management school based in Switzerland. ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India which diversified their business into other ventures.<ref> Business Standard. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210914190617/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/cii-ties-up-itc-hotels-to-launch-vocational-education-in-hospitality-sector-121080501597_1.html CII ties up ITC Hotels to launch vocational education in hospitality sector], 6 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends governments against not to have any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] increased its bid up to £1.65 billion to purchase [https://www.vectura.com/ Vectura], a pharmaceutical company based in UK that develops inhaled therapies. The investment proposed was £1.05 billion in July 2021 as reported by media.<ref> BBC News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928201618/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58140752 Tobacco giant Philip Morris raises bid for respiratory drugmaker], 8 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[https://en.ktng.com/ Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G)] launched a new e-cigarette device named ‘Lil SOLID 2.0’ in Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Media further reported that KT&G expanded their business in the Japanese market as well. <ref> K. Jae-heun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928201855/https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/313247.html?gosh KT&G to expand business in Eastern Europe and Central Asia], The Korea Times, 3 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*14th [https://www.brightleafawards.com/ Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards] was held virtually on 28th July 2021 under the sponsorship of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) in Philippines. PMFTC is a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. These awards were reportedly “honoring journalists who bring agricultural issues to the fore in the national and regional conversations”. Media further reported that the event was sponsored by the PMFTC since 2010 and by Philip Morris Philippines alone since 2007.<ref> J. A.Gamboa. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930233404/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/08/03/reimagining-tomorrow/ Reimagining tomorrow], 3 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[http://www.batnf.com/ British American Tobacco Nigerian Foundation (BATNF)] was awarded with the ‘Best Sustainability in Agriculture Award’ and the ‘Best Sustainability in Youth and Economic Development Award’ at the West Africa Innovation Awards held in Nigeria. These awards are reportedly awarded to “to promote excellence, creativity, and innovation among brands and brand professionals in West Africa” (Image 1).<ref name=BATNF> Balla Naija.com. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928202225/https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/08/batnf-west-africa-innovation/ BATNF clinches two awards at the West Africa Innovation Awards], 2 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Plethora of scientific evidence have revealed that tobacco cultivation negatively impact the environment including leading to deforestation and water pollution; and, aslo, that the tobacco industry targets youth using a diverse range of tactics. Tobacco cultivation and tobacco products negatively impact on economic development globally by causing premature deaths and tobacco induced diseases including cancers and heart and lung diseases. All this leads to low production of food crops and economic harm at household and community levels.

[[Image: BATNF.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 1: Media reporting the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation awarded with two awards.<ref name=BATNF/>]]
*The government of Egypt has postponed the bids opening held by the [https://www.developmentaid.org/#!/donors/view/150058/ida-industrial-development-authority-egypt Industrial Development Authority of Egypt] for the license of cigarette manufacturing reportedly based on requests from the tobacco industry. It appears that the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] only submitted the bid and British American Tobacco (BAT), Al-Mansour International Distribution and [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] have requested for an extension of the deadline. Media further reported that one company has requested for separate licenses for cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Further, the government has agreed to change the conditions for the license after biding, including issuing only one license with a validity period of 10 years.<ref> Mubasher. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928202427/https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Philip_Morris_bids_for_new_cigarette_factory_license_in_Egypt-SNG_230064602/ Philip Morris bids for new cigarette factory license in Egypt], 2 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref><ref> A. Finance. [https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Egypt_likely_to_postpone_bid_for_new_cigarettemanufacturing_license__Source-SNG_232054415/ Egypt likely to postpone bid for new cigarette-manufacturing license – Source], 8 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>

*Market research institutes issued several reports on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week. Details of ten reports mentioning COVID 19 in the title are summarised in the Table 2.
===Table 2: Summary of published market research reports during the week 73===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF Market Intelligence] || COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Smokeless Tobacco Industry Market Report-Development Trends, Threats, Opportunities and Competitive Landscape in 2020 || Skoal., Altria Group, Inc., MacBaren Tobacco Company A/S., Reynolds American Inc., Japan Tobacco, Inc., JMJ Group., Dharampal Satyapal Limited., British American Tobacco PLC., Swedish Match AB., Manikchand Group., Swisher International Group, Inc. & Imperial Brands PLC.<ref> Nidhi. [https://murphyshockeylaw.net/uncategorized/3496423/smokeless-tobacco-market-a-comprehensive-study-by-key-players-altria-swisher-imperial-brands/ Smokeless Tobacco Market– A comprehensive study by Key Players: Altria, Swisher, Imperial Brands], 2 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.orbisresearch.com/ Orbis Research] || Global Vaping Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth-COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || JUUL Labs and Inc., Nicquid; and Inc., Japan Tobacco, International Vapor Group, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria Group and NicQuid, Philip Morris International <ref> Anita. [https://themarketgossip.com/2021/08/08/vaping-market-revenue-forecast-by-2026-industry-share-analysis-growth-rate-with-production-by-product-type-and-price/ Vaping Market Revenue, Forecast by 2026, Industry Share, Analysis, Growth Rate, With Production, by Product Type and Price], 8 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.orbisresearch.com/ Orbis Research] || Global Smokeless Tobacco Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth-COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || British American Tobacco PLC, Japan Tobacco and MacBaren Tobacco Company A/S., JMJ Group, Swisher International Group and Inc., Manikchand Group., Swedish Match AB, Dharampal Satyapal Limited, Reynolds American Inc., Imperial Brands PLC, Altria Group and Inc. <ref> Anita. [https://themarketgossip.com/2021/08/08/smokeless-tobacco-market-trends-development-and-forecasts-report-2021-2026/ Smokeless Tobacco Market Trends, Development and Forecasts Report 2021-2026], 8 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://crediblemarkets.com/ Credible Markets]|| Global E-Cigarette And Vape Market Research Report With Opportunities And Strategies To Boost Growth- COVID-19 Impact And Recovery || Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co., Ltd., Imperial Brands, NicQuid, British American Tobacco, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, Philip Morris International Inc., Altria Group, Inc., Shenzhen KangerTech Technology Co., Ltd., International Vapor Group, Japan Tobacco <ref> Credible Markerts. [https://soccernurds.com/uncategorized/5299368/e-cigarette-and-vape-market-2021-2027-by-top-key-players-shenzhen-ivps-technology-co-ltd-imperial-brands-nicquid-british-american-tobacco/ E-cigarette and Vape Market 2021-2027 By Top Key Players: Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co., Ltd., Imperial Brands, NicQuid, British American Tobacco], 3 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Tobacco Market By Key Players (Reynolds American Inc., Universal Corp, Imperial Tobacco, China National Tobacco Co.); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || Philip Morris International Inc., Universal Corp, Altria, Japan Tobacco, China National Tobacco Co., Imperial Tobacco, Reynolds American Inc., British American Tobacco, Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) Co.<ref> Richard. [https://soccernurds.com/uncategorized/5298520/tobacco-global-market-insight-report-2021-2028-by-top-manufacturers/ Tobacco Global Market Insight Report 2021-2028 by Top Manufacturers], 2 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.globalmarketers.biz/ GlobalMarketers.biz] || Global Smokeless Tobacco Market Report 2020 by Key Players, Types, Applications, Countries, Market Size, Forecast to 2026 (Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread) || MacBaren Tobacco Company A/S., Japan Tobacco, Inc., Imperial Brands PLC, Dharampal Satyapal Limited, British American Tobacco PLC, Manikchand Group, Altria Group, Inc, Swedish Match AB, JMJ Group, Reynolds American Inc, Swisher International Group, Inc. <ref> Alex. [https://soccernurds.com/uncategorized/5337762/global-smokeless-tobacco-market-economic-outlook-market-structure-analysisforecast-from-2021-2026/ Global Smokeless Tobacco Market Economic Outlook, Market Structure Analysis,Forecast from 2021-2026], 5 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF Market Intelligence] || COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) Industry Market Report-Development Trends, Threats, Opportunities and Competitive Landscape in 2020 || VMR Products, Imperial Brands, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco, China tobacco, American electronic cigarette company, British American Tobacco & Altria<ref> HTF Market Intelligence. [https://manometcurrent.com/heated-tobacco-products-market-to-eyewitness-massive-growth-by-2026-philip-morris-altria-imperial-brands/ Heated Tobacco Products Market to Eyewitness Massive Growth by 2026 | Philip Morris, Altria, Imperial Brands], 7 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.reportsnreports.com/ ReportsnReports] || Global Heat-not-burn Tobacco Product (HNB) Market Development Strategy Pre and Post COVID-19, by Corporate Strategy Analysis, Landscape, Type, Application, and Leading 20 Countries || Philip Morris International, CB Distributors, KangerTech, JUUL Labs, Ballantyne Brands, RR Chemicals, Gamucci, NJOY, Japan Tobacco International, MCIG, Nicotek, British American Tobacco, ECIG, International Vapor Group, Gilla, Altria Group, Imperial Brands, Joyetech Co, PAX Labs, Johnson Creek <ref> Ganesh. [https://manometcurrent.com/heat-not-burn-tobacco-product-hnb-market-2020-2025-industry-key-leading-20-countries-trend-and-demand-research/Heat-not-burn Tobacco Product (HNB) Market 2020-2025 Industry Key Leading 20 Countries, Trend and Demand Research], 4 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF Market Intelligence] || 2020-2025 Global Dipping Tobacco Market Report - Production and Consumption Professional Analysis (Impact of COVID-19) || Japan Tobacco, Inc. (JT), Dharampal Satyapal Group, Swedish Match, American Snuff Co, Manikchand Group, Pinkerton Tobacco, British American Tobacco PLC (BAT), Imperial Tobacco Group, Kayak Outdoors, JMJ Group, Altria Group, Inc., Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), Swisher International, Inc. <ref> Toshit. [https://murphyshockeylaw.net/uncategorized/3577937/dipping-tobacco-market-expectation-surges-with-rising-demand-and-changing-trends/ Dipping Tobacco Market Expectation Surges with Rising Demand and Changing Trends], 5 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.researchmoz.us/ Research MOZ] || Global Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Product (HNB) Market Report 2021 By Key Players, Types, Applications, Countries, Market Size, Forecast To 2027 (Based On 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread) || Imperial Brands, Philip Morris International, VMR Products, British American Tobacco, Altria, American electronic cigarette company, China tobacco, Korea Tobacco and Ginseng Corporation, Japan Tobacco <ref> Ambika. [https://dailyresearchsheets.com/2021/08/05/heat-not-burn-tobacco-product-hnb-market-2021-by-global-key-players-types-applications-countries-industry-size-and-forecast-to-2027/ Heat-not-burn Tobacco Product (HNB) Market 2021 by Global Key Players, Types, Applications, Countries, Industry Size and Forecast to 2027], 5 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 74: 9th August - 15th August 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh has collaborated with the government to establish COVID-19 vaccine registration centres in Bangladesh to maximize the number of people to receive the vaccine. According to the media, [https://agraniholdings.com/ Agrani Trading Corporation Limited], a company distributing products including BAT’s products, conducts the programme on behalf of the BAT.<ref> TBS Report. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211008032957/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/bat-bangladesh-steps-forward-set-covid-19-vaccine-registration-booths-285505 BAT Bangladesh steps forward to set up Covid-19 vaccine registration booths], 9 August 2021, accessed October 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that they were planning to purchase [http://www.otitopic.com/ OtiTopic], a pharmaceutical company based in the United States that develops inhaled therapies. The acquisition was reportedly along with the development of ‘Asprihale’, an inhalable acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) which is used for acute myocardial infarction treatment.<ref> Reuters. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928202610/https://www.expresspharma.in/philip-morris-international-acquires-otitopic/ Philip Morris International acquires OtiTopic], 10 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref> PMI is also in the process of purchasing Vectura, a pharmaceutical company based in UK that develops inhaled therapies.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Kenya announced a decline of sales volume by 13.8% (Kenyan Shilling 11.6 billion) due to reduced consumption. Media further reported that the BAT is planning to export cigarettes to Djibouti, Madagascar and South Sudan to compensate for the loss.<ref> Business daily. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928202748/https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/bat-explores-new-export-markets-kenyan-sales-dip-3509552 BAT explores new export markets as Kenyan sales dip], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021 </ref>
*[https://lsada.org/ Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority] partnered with [http://www.batnf.com/ British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF)] in organizing a capacity building workshop on catfish production for farmers. As reported in media, this partnership had started in 2018 and workshop was organised “as part of efforts of the government to increase food security and job opportunities”.<ref> V Ayeni. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928202850/https://punchng.com/govt-batnf-train-200-fish-farmers-provide-tools/ Govt, BATNF train 200 fish farmers, provide tools], 11 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures, was highlighted repeatedly in media this week as mentioned below:
**[[ITC Limited India]] announced that they are expecting to expand their hotel business to other countries, and Sri Lanka will be the first country to do the expansion.<ref> The Times of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928203046/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/itc-eyes-mgmt-contracts-to-expand-hotel-biz-overseas/articleshow/85284854.cms ITC eyes mgmt contracts to expand hotel biz overseas], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
**Media reported [[ITC Limited India]] plans to invest around USD 2 billion to build two production plants for packaging and for manufacture of nicotine derivatives to expand its capacity.<ref> The Times of India. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928203252/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/itc-to-invest-2bn-in-next-few-yrs/articleshow/85284907.cms ITC to invest $2bn in next few yrs], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
**[[ITC Limited India]] introduced a reportedly sustainable environmental friendly packaging consists with paperboards under the ‘Filo’ and ‘Omega’ product series which is to replace the single use of plastic (Image 2).<ref name=pack> R Kumar. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928203433/https://www.printweek.in/news/itc-pioneering-planetfriendly-initiatives-in-specialised-packaging-54986 ITC pioneering planet-friendly initiatives in specialised packaging], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.

[[Image: pack.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting the [[ITC Limited India]] introducing environmental friendly packaging. <ref name=pack/>]]
**[[ITC Limited India]] declared that they would launch an app named Metamarket for Advanced Agriculture and Rural Services (ITC-MAARS), which would be a “full complement of agricultural solutions while its micro services structure will enable plug-ins for a range of agtech solutions”.<ref> The Hindu. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928203804/https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/exploring-acquisitions-says-itc-chairman-puri/article35865189.ece Exploring acquisitions, says ITC chairman Puri], 12 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India which is involved in tobacco cultivation as well.
**Media reported that the ITC Hotels obtained the [https://www.usgbc.org/leed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)] Platinum Certification which is a rating system that expresses how efficiently a building is designed and operated. The certification is awarded by the [https://www.usgbc.org/ U.S. Green Building Council], a non-profit organization that works in building design and construction based in the United States.<ref> BW Online Bureau. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210928203956/http://bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Sustainability-Green-Crown-for-ITC-Hotels/10-08-2021-400023/ Sustainability Green Crown for ITC Hotels], 10 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
**[[ITC Limited India]] announced that they are involved in 83 public-private partnership agreements including state governments and government bodies, national and global organisations and NGOs “to accelerate social development in order to produce deep and enduring impacts at scale”.<ref name=ppp> Retail.com.[https://web.archive.org/web/20210928204131/https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/itc-enters-into-83-ppp-to-scale-up-community-development-progs/85201723 ITC enters into 83 PPP to scale up community development progs], 10 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[http://www.godfreyphillips.com/ Godfrey Phillips India Limited] announced a net profit of Rs 112.40 crore for the first quarter of 2021, a revenue growth of Rs 735.49 crore (59%) compared to the first quarter of 2020.<ref> Retail.com. [https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/godfrey-phillips-indias-net-profit-sees-two-fold-jump-to-rs-112-cr-in-q1-fy22/85328777 Godfrey Phillips India's net profit sees two-fold jump to Rs 112 cr in Q1 FY22], 14 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Market research institutes issued several reports on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week. Nine reports mentioning COVID 19 in the title are summarised in the Table 3.
===Table 3: Summary of published market research reports during week 74===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.stratagemmarketinsights.com/ Stratagem Market Insights] || Raw Tobacco Leaves Market Size, Insights, Key Players, Business Opportunities, Covid-19 Impact And Emerging Trends By 2028 || Universal Corporation, Sopariwala Exports, Alliance One International Inc., Leaf Only, British American Tobacco p.l.c., Leafcon International, BBM Bommidala Group, Star Agritech International, JT Group, U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc <ref> Sagar. [https://manometcurrent.com/global-raw-tobacco-leaves-market-get-sample-pdf-brochure-includes-covid-19-impact-analysis/ Global Raw Tobacco Leaves Market- Get Sample PDF Brochure (Includes COVID-19 Impact Analysis)], 10 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.researchandmarkets.com/ Research and Markets] || Tobacco Products Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030 || Philip Morris International Inc.; Imperial Tobacco; Altria Group Inc; British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco Inc. <ref> PR Newswire. [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-tobacco-products-markets-report-174500504.html Global Tobacco Products Markets Report 2021-2025 & 2030 Featuring Philip Morris International; Imperial Tobacco; Altria Group; British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco], 12 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.reportlinker.com/ Report Linker] || Raw Tobacco Leaves Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Leaf Type and Application || Universal Corporation, Sopariwala Exports, Alliance One International Inc., Leaf Only,British American Tobacco p.l.c., Leafcon International, BBM Bommidala Group, Star Agritech International, JT Group, and U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc. <ref> Report Linker. [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/raw-tobacco-leaves-market-forecast-084900935.html Raw Tobacco Leaves Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Leaf Type and Application], 12 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://crediblemarkets.com/ Credible Markets] || Global Roll Your Own Cigarett Market Research Report With Opportunities And Strategies To Boost Growth- COVID-19 Impact And Recovery || British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco Group, KT&G, Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, Alliance One International, R.J. Reynolds, China Tobacco, Japan Tabacco, Donskoy Tabak, Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor, PT Gudang Garam Tbk, Altria Group, Universal <ref> Credible Markets. [https://dailyresearchsheets.com/2021/08/13/roll-your-own-cigarett-market-2021-2027-by-top-key-players-british-american-tobacco-imperial-tobacco-group-ktg-thailand-tobacco-monopoly-alliance-one-international/ Roll Your Own Cigarett Market 2021-2027 By Top Key Players: British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco Group, KT&G, Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, Alliance One International], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF Market Intelligence] || 2020-2025 Global Premium Cigar Market Report - Production and Consumption Professional Analysis (Impact of COVID-19) || Altria Group Inc., British American Tobacco, Oettinger Davidoff AG., Trendsettah USA Inc., Gurkha Cigar Group, Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Drew Estate LLC, Swedish Match AB, Imperial Brands, Swisher International Inc., Habanos S.A. & Agio Cigars <ref> iCrowd Newswire. [https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/270700228/premium-cigar-market-is-going-to-boom--trendsettah-gurkha-cigar-scandinavian-tobacco Premium Cigar Market Is Going To Boom | Trendsettah, Gurkha Cigar, Scandinavian Tobacco], 14 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.datalabforecast.com/ Data Lab Forecast] || 2016-2027 Global Snus Market Research by Type, End-Use and Region (COVID-19 Version) || Swedish Match, Imperial Tobacco Group, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Altria <ref> Harshali. [https://themarketgossip.com/2021/08/13/covid-19-impact-and-recovery-solutions-on-snus-market-business-growth-strategies-by-key-players-swedish-match-imperial-tobacco-group-reynolds-american/ COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Solutions on Snus Market- Business Growth Strategies by Key Players: Swedish Match, Imperial Tobacco Group, Reynolds American], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.researchandmarkets.com/ Research and Markets] || Tobacco Products Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery to 2030 || Philip Morris International Inc.; Imperial Tobacco; Altria Group Inc; British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco Inc.<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-tobacco-products-markets-report-174500504.html Global Tobacco Products Markets Report 2021-2025 & 2030 Featuring Philip Morris International; Imperial Tobacco; Altria Group; British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco], 12 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Roll-Your-Own-Tobacco Market By Key Players (Imperial Brands, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Inc., PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL INC.); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International Inc., Japan Tobacco Inc., McGahey The Tobacconist, Imperial Brands, Altria Group Inc.<ref> Steven. [https://manometcurrent.com/global-roll-your-own-tobacco-market-analysis-by-size-share-key-drivers-growth-opportunities-and-global-trends-2028/ Global Roll-Your-Own-Tobacco Market Analysis by Size, Share, Key Drivers, Growth Opportunities and Global Trends 2028], 13 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.orbisresearch.com/ Orbis Research] || Global Smokeless Tobacco Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth-COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || British American Tobacco PLC, Japan Tobacco and MacBaren Tobacco Company A/S., JMJ Group, Swisher International Group and Inc., Manikchand Group, Swedish Match AB, Dharampal Satyapal Limited, Reynolds American Inc., Imperial Brands PLC, Altria Group and Inc <ref> Anita. [https://themarketgossip.com/2021/08/08/smokeless-tobacco-market-trends-development-and-forecasts-report-2021-2026/Smokeless Tobacco Market Trends, Development and Forecasts Report 2021-2026], 8 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 75: 16th August – 22nd August 2021==
*Lisa Smith, Managing Director of [https://www.btomorrowv.com/ Btomorrow Ventures (BTV)], the cooperate venturing arm of British American Tobacco (BAT), appeared in the top 100 [https://globalcorporateventuring.com/gcv-powerlist-2021-contents/ Global Corporate Venturing (GCV) Powerlist 2021]. GCV powerlist reportedly recognises the “top 100 corporate venturing leaders shaping the future of the industry”.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002115140/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-BTV-s-Lisa-ranked-in-top-100-corporate-venturing-lsquo-powerlist-36169566/ British American Tobacco : BTV's Lisa ranked in top 100 corporate venturing ‘powerlist'], 16 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[http://www.batnf.com/ British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF)] revealed their plan of investing Nigerian Naira 2 billion in small scale farmers in 36 states in Nigeria. Media further reported that they have reportedly launched 240 projects impacting over 1.2 million beneficiaries since its initiation.<ref> G. Ekugbe. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002113247/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/08/17/batnf-plans-n2bn-investment-to-boost-small-holder-farming/ BATNF Plans N2bn Investment to Boost Small Holder Farming], 17 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Romania announced that the company has paid Romanian Leu 5 billion as tax and duties during the period of January to June 2021, which is an increase of nearly 700 million compared to the same period in 2020.<ref> Actmedia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002111336/https://www.actmedia.eu/companies/british-american-tobacco-pays-by-18-more-taxes-and-duties-to-state-budget-during-h1-2021/93683 British American Tobacco pays by 18% more taxes and duties to state budget during H1 2021], 18 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known to exaggerate their impact on economy while ignoring the harm they inflict on the economy through premature deaths and diseases.
*[[Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC)]] announced a reduction of cigarettes sales volume by 16% in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter and stated that it is due to imposed travel restrictions in Sri Lanka (Image 3).<ref name=CTC> Dailymirror.lk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930235350/https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Ceylon-Tobacco-revenues-languish-in-2Q-amid-volume-decline/273-218313 Ceylon Tobacco revenues languish in 2Q amid volume decline], 16 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>

[[Image: CTC.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the reduction of cigarettes sale volume of CTC. <ref name=CTC/>]]
*This week, market research institutes issued four reports mentioning COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry in the title. The reports are summarised in the Table 4.
===Table 4: Summary of published market research reports during week 75===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.insidemarketreports.com/ Inside Market Reports] || COVID-19 Global & USA Cigarette Market Research by Company, Type & Application 2015-2026 || CHINA TOBACCO, Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Japan Tabacco, Imperial Tobacco Group, KT&G, Universal, Alliance One International, R.J. Reynolds, PT Gudang Garam Tbk, Donskoy Tabak, Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor, Thailand Tobacco Monopoly <ref> IMR News. [https://manometcurrent.com/cigarette-market-current-trends-and-technology-enhancements-with-top-players-china-tobacco-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-japan-tabacco-more/ Cigarette Market Current Trends and Technology Enhancements with Top Players (CHINA TOBACCO, Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Japan Tabacco, More)], 16 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.insidemarketreports.com/ Inside Market Reports] || COVID-19 Global & USA Cigarette Market Research by Company, Type & Application 2015-2026 || CHINA TOBACCO, Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Japan Tabacco, Imperial Tobacco Group, KT&G, Universal, Alliance One International, R.J. Reynolds, PT Gudang Garam Tbk, Donskoy Tabak, Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor, Thailand Tobacco Monopoly <ref> IMR News. [https://manometcurrent.com/cigarette-market-current-trends-and-technology-enhancements-with-top-players-china-tobacco-altria-group-british-american-tobacco-japan-tabacco-more/ Cigarette Market Current Trends and Technology Enhancements with Top Players (CHINA TOBACCO, Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Japan Tabacco, More)], 16 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.researchandmarkets.com/ Research and Markets] || Hot Tobacco Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth and Change to 2030 || Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, KT&G Corp., Eli Lilly and Company, RJ Reynolds Vapor Company (RJRVC), Shenzhen AVBAD Technology Company Ltd., Pax Labs and Vapor Tobacco Manufacturing <ref> Businesss wire. [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210818005441/en/Hot-Tobacco-Global-Markets-Report-2021---ResearchAndMarkets.com Hot Tobacco Global Markets Report 2021 - ResearchAndMarkets.com], 18 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.researchandmarkets.com/ Research and Markets] || Smoking Cessation Aids Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product (Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Drugs, Electronic Cigarettes, and Others) and End-User (Hospital Pharmacies, Online Channel, Retail Pharmacies, and Other End Users) || Pfizer Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline plc.; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories; Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc.; Cipla Inc.; Perrigo Company plc; Bausch Health Companies Inc.; Glenmark; NJOY; and Juul Labs <ref> Research and Markets. [https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/08/17/2281793/0/en/Insights-on-the-Smoking-Cessation-Aids-Global-Market-to-2028-by-Product-End-user-and-Geography.html Insights on the Smoking Cessation Aids Global Market to 2028 - by Product, End-user and Geography], 17 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 76: 23rd August - 29th August 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya’s cigarettes manufacturing plant was awarded the most energy efficient company, while BAT’s green leaf threshing (GLT) plant was awarded the runners up in the ceremony at the [https://kam.co.ke/event/energy-management-awards-2021/ Energy Management Awards (EMA) 2021] held in Nairobi. The ceremony was organised by [https://kam.co.ke/ Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)], a representative of manufacturing and value-add industries in Kenya as stated in media.<ref> Kenya News Agency. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002104053/https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kams-holds-the-17th-energy-management-awards/ KAM’s Holds The 17th Energy Management Awards], 28 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry consumes a large amount of energy in the production process of cigarettes starting from cultivation. It is known that energy is released as the heat during tobacco curing at large.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] Switzerland was awarded one Gold and two Silver Stevie awards for IT Executive of the Year, Achievement in Science or Technology and Lifetime Achievement Award in Consumer Products Industry at the 18th [https://mobile.stevieawards.com/iba International Business Awards] organised by [https://stevieawards.com/ Stevie Awards], a business awards started in 2002. This awards reportedly aims to recognise “high-achieving organisations and executives around the world” under a wide range of categories (Image 4).<ref name=IBA> T. Rokou. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002073112/https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/european-organizations-win-big-in-18th-annual-international-business-awards European organizations win big in 18th Annual International Business Awards], 27 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing its own ‘science’ commissioning research reports in favour of the industry to manipulate the science and related public health policies.
[[Image: award.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting about the International Business Awards in 2021.<ref name=IBA/>]]
*This week, market research institutes issued six reports mentioning COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry in the title. The reports are summarised in the Table 5.
===Table 5: Summary of published market research reports during week 76===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.marketreportsworld.com/ Market Reports World] || E-Cigarette Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends With Impact Of Covid-19 And Forecast By 2021-2024 || Philip Morris International, Healthier Choices Management Corp (Ruthless Vapor Corp), MCIG Inc., ITC Limited, Altria Group Inc., British American Tobacco plc, Japan Tobacco, Inc., J WELL France, Imperial Tobacco Group <ref> S. Umang. [https://soccernurds.com/uncategorized/5488818/e-cigarette-market-size-share-growth-trends-with-impact-of-covid-19-and-forecast-by-2021-2024/ E-cigarette Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends with Impact of Covid-19 and Forecast by 2021-2024], 28 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.a2zmarketresearch.com/ A2Z Market Research] || 2021-2027 Global Tobacco Products Market Report - Production and Consumption Professional Analysis (Impact of COVID-19) || Republic Group, Al Matuco Tobacco Company, British American Tobacco, Century Tobacco, Gulbahar Tobacco, ARD Filters, Kaane American International Tobacco, Gallaher Group Plc, Reynolds, China National Tobacco Corporation, Japan Tobacco Inc., Imperial Tobacco, Altria Group Inc, BMJ Industries, Alliance One International, Oriental, Universal Corporation, Altria, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, Philip Morris International Inc. <ref> Daily Research Writer. [https://dailyresearchwriter.com/2021/08/27/tobacco-products-market-2021-and-analysis-to-2027-republic-group-al-matuco-tobacco-company-british-american-tobacco/ Tobacco Products Market 2021 and Analysis to 2027 – Republic Group, Al Matuco Tobacco Company, British American Tobacco], 27 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/ Contrive Datum Insights] || Global Cigars and Cigarillos Market Insights, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2021 to 2028 || Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria Group, Habanos S.A, Drew Estate LLC, Swisher International, Oettinger Davidoff AG, Swedish Match AB, Trendsettah USA <ref> Contrive Datum Insights. [https://downeymagazine.com/2021/08/29/global-cigars-and-cigarillos-market-value-share-supply-demand-share-and-value-chain-2021-2028scandinavian-tobacco-group-a-s-british-american-tobacco-imperial-brands-plc-altria-group-habanos-s/ Global Cigars and Cigarillos Market Value Share, Supply Demand, share and Value Chain 2021-2028|Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Plc, Altria Group, Habanos S.A, Drew Estate LLC, Swisher International, etc.], 29 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/ Contrive Datum Insights] || Global Cigarette Packaging Market Insights, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2021 to 2028 || Amcor Limited, Innovia Films Ltd, Westrock, ITC Limited, Mondi Group, Altria Group, Ardagh Group, British American Tobacco P.L.C., Reynolds American Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH, Siegwerk, PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk., Karelia Tobacco Co. Inc., Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, Ceylon Tobacco Company, Bulgartabac-Holding Ad, API Group PLC, Amvig Holdings Limited, Vector Tobacco Inc., Carreras Limited, Marden Edwards, PGP Precision, NTC Industries Limited, Oracle Packaging <ref> Contrive Datum Insights. [https://downeymagazine.com/2021/08/29/global-cigarette-packaging-market-size-and-key-trends-in-terms-of-volume-and-value-2021-2028amcor-limited-innovia-films-ltd-westrock-itc-limited-mondi-group-altria-group-ardagh-group-british/ Global Cigarette Packaging Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2021-2028|Amcor Limited, Innovia Films Ltd, Westrock, ITC Limited., Mondi Group, Altria Group, Ardagh Group, British American Tobacco P.L.C., etc.], 29 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://marketresearch.biz/ Marker Research.biz] || Cigars & Cigarillos Market Covid-19 Impact Analysis, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Threats, Trends, Applications, And Growth Forecast To 2031 || Trendsettah USA Inc., British American Tobacco, Swisher International Inc., Altria Group Inc., Drew Estate LLC, Swedish Match AB, Imperial Brands, Oettinger Davidoff AG, Habanos S.A., Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Altadis, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. <ref> Digital Journal. [https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/cigars-cigarillos-market-2021-comprehensive-research-methodology-regional-study-trendsettah-usa-inc-british-american-tobacco-swisher-international-inc-marketresearch-biz?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_BeJhiz3ffY4RxXvohj8yBqyzWPGMxBxtS2ipSKdx_xY-1633165097-0-gqNtZGzNAvujcnBszQmR Cigars & Cigarillos Market 2021 Comprehensive Research Methodology, Regional Study| Trendsettah USA Inc, British American Tobacco, Swisher International Inc – MarketResearch.Biz], 29 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/ Contrive Datum Insights] || Global Cigarette Packaging Market Insights, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2021 to 2028 || Amcor Limited, Innovia Films Ltd, Westrock, ITC Limited, Mondi Group, Altria Group, Ardagh Group, British American Tobacco P.L.C., Reynolds American Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH, Siegwerk, PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk., Karelia Tobacco Co. Inc., Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, Ceylon Tobacco Company, Bulgartabac-Holding Ad, API Group PLC, Amvig Holdings Limited, Vector Tobacco Inc., Carreras Limited, Marden Edwards, PGP Precision, NTC Industries Limited, Oracle Packaging <ref> Contrive Datum Insights. [https://downeymagazine.com/2021/08/29/global-cigarette-packaging-market-size-and-key-trends-in-terms-of-volume-and-value-2021-2028amcor-limited-innovia-films-ltd-westrock-itc-limited-mondi-group-altria-group-ardagh-group-british/ Global Cigarette Packaging Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2021-2028|Amcor Limited, Innovia Films Ltd, Westrock, ITC Limited., Mondi Group, Altria Group, Ardagh Group, British American Tobacco P.L.C., etc.], 29 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 77: 30th August - 5th September 2021==
*India has commemorated an annual event of National Nutrition Week in the first week of September since 1982, which was a concept of the [https://wcd.nic.in/food-nutrition-board Food and Nutrition Board] of the [https://wcd.nic.in/ Ministry of Women and Child Development]. It aims to raise the awareness on different diets and to “bring attention to the importance of making informed food choices”. As reported by media, a recipe of green pea soup was presented by the Chef of ITC Hotels in the fourth day of the event.<ref> Z. Shiraz. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210922093905/https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/national-nutrition-week-recipe-find-your-inner-peas-with-this-green-pea-soup-101630771971349.html National Nutrition Week recipe: Find your inner ‘peas’ with this green pea soup], Hindustan Times, 4 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref> ITC hotels are owned by [[ITC Limited India]], the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures.
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.rbhinc.ca/ Rothmans, Benson & Hedges], an affiliate of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] invited charity organisations in Canada to apply for their [https://www.rbhinc.ca/home/how-we-give-back ‘Giving Back’] funding programme. According to media reports, a fund worth of USD 25,000 will be made available for projects aiming at education, environmental sustainability, and community development(Image 5). <ref name=Grant> Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924194643/https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/rothmans-benson-amp-hedges-invites-canadian-charities-to-apply-for-25-000-grant-funding-861839456.html Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Invites Canadian Charities to Apply for $25,000 Grant Funding], 1 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>

[[Image: grant.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 5: Opening of grant cycle of Rothmans reported by media<ref name=Grant/>]]
*Zacks Equity Research revealed revenue from IQOS, the heated tobacco product of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], increased by 41.7% (USD 2,276 million) during the second quarter of 2021. It further mentioned that 14.7 million users switched from the cigarettes to IQOS in the United States.<ref> Zacks Equity Research. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924200938/https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/382701 Philip Morris (PM) Gains on IQOS, Beyond Nicotine Expansion], 31 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Antonio Vencesla, Duty Free Corporate Affairs and Communications Director of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] expressed his views on recovering tobacco travel retail business receiving media attention. <ref> A. Madden. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924051242/https://www.dfnionline.com/latest-news/jti-tobacco-ready-drive-recovery-02-09-2021/ JTI: Tobacco is ready to drive recovery], 2 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has entered into an agreement with [https://www.fcmtravel.com/en FCM Travel], a travel company based in London that operates globally, to handle travel programs of JTI.<ref> T. Koumelis. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924055632/https://www.traveldailynews.asia/jti-selects-fcm-to-manage-its-160-million-corporate-travel JTI selects FCM to manage its $160 million Corporate Travel Programme], 2 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[British American Tobacco (BAT)] South Africa (BATSA) stated that tobacco sales ban led to an increase of illicit trade up to more than half of the market in South Africa. They further mentioned that the government lost a tax revenue of South African Rand 19.1 billion because of this.<ref> P. Naidoo. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925092114/https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/tobacco-tax-shortfall-likely-after-sales-ban-on-smokes-says-batsa-20210831 Tobacco tax shortfall likely after sales ban on smokes, says BATSA], 31 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::This is a common claim made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade potential tobacco tax increases. Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit the pages [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Tobacco_Industry_Tactics_to_Evade_Tax Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*This week, market research institutes issued six reports mentioning COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry in the title. The reports are summarised in the Table 6.

===Table 6: Summary of published market research reports during week 77===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.orbisresearch.com/ Orbis Research] || Global Electronic Cigarette and Tobacco Vapor Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth-COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || LLC, Imperial Brands plc and Turning Point Brands, JUUL Labs, Japan Tobacco Inc., MCIG Inc, British American Tobacco PLC, Altria Group Inc., Philip Morris International, NJOY <ref> Anita. [https://clarkcountyblog.com/uncategorized/2422636/global-electronic-cigarette-and-tobacco-vapor-market-swot-analysis-with-covid-19-impact-on-top-players-philip-morris-international-juul-labs-british-american-tobacco-plc-llc-japan-tobacco-i/ Global Electronic Cigarette and Tobacco Vapor Market SWOT Analysis with COVID-19 Impact on Top Players – Philip Morris International, JUUL Labs, British American Tobacco PLC, LLC, Japan Tobacco Inc., Altria Group Inc., NJOY, Imperial Brands plc, MCIG Inc and Turning Point Brands], 12 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.reporthive.com/ Report Hive] || (Post-pandemic Era)-Global E-CIGARETTES Market (Sales, Revenue, Price, Gross Profit and Competitors Analysis of Major Market) from 2015-2026 || Vape Holdings, Inc., Gilla Inc, NJOY Inc, British American Tobacco plc,Vapor Hub International, Inc., Imperial Brands PLC, Reynolds American, Inc., International Vapor Group, VMR Products LLC, Altria Group Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Lorillard, Japan Tobacco Inc., ECIG, FIN Branding Group LLC <ref> Report Hive. [https://clarkcountyblog.com/uncategorized/2326192/e-cigarettes-market-industry-overview-by-top-key-players-analysis-and-growth-factors-up-to-2026-vape-holdings-inc-gilla-inc-njoy-inc-british-american-tobacco-plc/ E-CIGARETTES Market : Industry Overview by Top Key Players Analysis and Growth Factors up to 2026| Vape Holdings, Inc., Gilla Inc, NJOY Inc, British American Tobacco plc], 31 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.reporthive.com/ Report Hive] || (Post-pandemic Era)-Global E-CIGARETTES Market 2015-2026, With Breakdown Data of Capacity, Sales, Production, Export, Import, Revenue, Price, Cost and Gross Margin || Vape Holdings, Gilla Inc, NJOY Inc, British American Tobacco plc, Vapor Hub International, Imperial Brands PLC, Reynolds American, International Vapor Group ,VMR Products LLC, Altria Group Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Lorillard, Japan Tobacco Inc., ECIG, FIN Branding Group LLC <ref> Report Hive. [https://clarkcountyblog.com/uncategorized/2326193/e-cigarettes-market-opportunity-and-forecast-to-2026-vape-holdings-inc-gilla-inc-njoy-inc-british-american-tobacco-plc/ E-CIGARETTES Market Opportunity and Forecast To 2026| Vape Holdings, Inc., Gilla Inc, NJOY Inc, British American Tobacco plc], 31 August 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketstudyreport.com/ Market Study Report] || Global Vaping Market Development Strategy Pre and Post COVID-19, by Corporate Strategy Analysis, Landscape, Type, Application, and Leading 20 Countries || Vapor Tobacco Manufacturing, CB Distributors, Totally Wicked E-liquid, Vapor Hub International, Sichuan China Tobacco Industry Co. Ltd., Energy VAP, XEO International, PAX Labs, Jouz, British American Tobacco (BAT), International Vapor Group, Gamucci, KT&G (Korea Tomorrow& Global Corporation),Shenzhen AVBAD Technology Company Ltd., VPR Brands, Imperial Brands, Gilla, White Cloud (Leads by Sales), KangerTech Technology, Vap Procell, Nicotek, Marvel International Tobacco Group, Joyetech Co., Vape Holdings, Shenzhen Yukan Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd., NJOY, Mainstream Cannabis Innovations Group (mCig Group), RR Chemicals, Altria Group, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), ECIG (Formerly known as Victory Electronic Cigarettes), Shenzhen Royal Tobacco Industrial Limited (Royal Tobacco), RJ Reynolds Vapor Company (RJRVC), Ballantyne Brands, Philip Morris International (PMI) <ref> A. Naphade. [https://www.altcoinbeacon.com/vaping-market-regional-outlook-competitive-strategies-and-forecast-up-to-2026/ Vaping Market Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies And Forecast up to 2026], 3 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketstudyreport.com/ Market Study Report] || Global Vaping Market Development Strategy Pre and Post COVID-19, by Corporate Strategy Analysis, Landscape, Type, Application, and Leading 20 Countries || Vapor Tobacco Manufacturing,CB Distributors,Totally Wicked E-liquid,Vapor Hub International,Sichuan China Tobacco Industry Co. Ltd.,Energy VAP,XEO International,PAX Labs,Jouz,British American Tobacco (BAT),International Vapor Group,Gamucci,KT&G (Korea Tomorrow& Global Corporation),Shenzhen AVBAD Technology Company Ltd.,VPR Brands,Imperial Brands,Gilla,White Cloud (Leads by Sales),KangerTech Technology,Vap Procell,Nicotek,Marvel International Tobacco Group,Joyetech Co.,Vape Holdings,Shenzhen Yukan Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd.,NJOY,Mainstream Cannabis Innovations Group (mCig Group),RR Chemicals,Altria Group,Japan Tobacco International (JTI),ECIG (Formerly known as Victory Electronic Cigarettes),Shenzhen Royal Tobacco Industrial Limited (Royal Tobacco),RJ Reynolds Vapor Company (RJRVC),Ballantyne Brands andPhilip Morris International (PMI) <ref> A. Naphade. [https://www.altcoinbeacon.com/vaping-market-regional-outlook-competitive-strategies-and-forecast-up-to-2026/ Vaping Market Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies And Forecast up to 2026], 3 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://crediblemarkets.com/ Credible Markets] || Global Snuff Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth- COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Altria Group, JMJ Group, Swisher International, Dharampal Satyapal, Swedish Match, Manikchand Group, RAI, Imperial Tobacco <ref> Credible Markets. [https://clarkcountyblog.com/uncategorized/2353957/snuff-market-2021-in-depth-analysis-including-top-key-players-british-american-tobacco-japan-tobacco-altria-group-jmj-group-swisher-internationa-dharampal-satyapal/ Snuff Market 2021 In-Depth Analysis Including Top Key Players: British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Altria Group, JMJ Group, Swisher Internationa, Dharampal Satyapal], 3 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 78: 6th - 12th September 2021==
*Media reported that British American Tobacco (BAT) is among the highest investors in [https://arysteq.com.na/page/our-products Arysteq Global Opportunities Fund], a global fund managed by the investment experts in Namibia aiming “to invest in developed equity markets”.<ref> All Africa. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925102436/https://allafrica.com/stories/202109100657.html Namibia: Arysteq Joins Major League With New Equity Fund], 10 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[http://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] postponed the final decision on e-cigarettes trade in United States stating it needs a longer time to review the applications. FDA ordered e-cigarettes manufacturers to submit an application containing benefit on health and potential toxins of the products in 2016. In September 2020, the companies received a year of grace period to do trade until the FDA decision was made (Image 6).<ref> Reuters. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925100310/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-U-S-FDA-says-it-needs-more-time-to-decide-on-Juul-other-e-cigarettes-36386785/ British American Tobacco : U.S. FDA says it needs more time to decide on Juul, other e-cigarettes], 9 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref><ref name=FDA> Reuters. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925100840/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-fda-delays-decision-juul-e-cigarettes-2021-09-09/ U.S. FDA delays decision on Juul e-cigarettes], 10 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
[[Image: fda.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 6: Media reporting FDA delaying the final decision on e-cigarettes trade in United States <ref name=FDA/>]]
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Zimbabwe announced a reduction of revenue of Zimbabwean Dollar 264,9 million in January to June period compared to 2020. This was amidst a reported surge in the sales volume by 27%. The BAT attributed this loss of revenue to the stability of the Zimbabwean Dollar with the introduction of foreign exchange auction system.<ref> A. Vinga. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925065323/https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bat-attributes-loss-decrease-to-zim-dollar-stability/ BAT Attributes Loss Decrease To Zim dollar Stability], 7 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Jennie Galbraith, Group Head of ESG, British American Tobacco (BAT), was awarded the “Sustainability Champion of the Year (Non-executive)” award under [https://www.bintelligence.com/sustainability-awards/ Sustainability Awards]. This award by the [https://www.bintelligence.com/ Business Intelligence Group] is reportedly to “honor those who have made sustainability an integral part of their business practice”.<ref> PR Web. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925064041/https://www.prweb.com/releases/71_sustainability_award_winners_highlight_global_successes/prweb18174917.htm 71 Sustainability Award Winners Highlight Global Successes], 7 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Plethora of scientific evidence have revealed that tobacco use and the manufacturing leads to health, social, environmental and economic consequences, and is a barrier for sustainable development.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) declared that ‘Vuse’, an electronic cigarette brand produced by [https://www.rjrvapor.com/ R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company] has reached the highest share value in the months of June and July in the global vaping market. [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], parent company of [https://www.rjrvapor.com/ R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company], is a subsidiary of BAT. As reported by media, 77% of global market share of Vuse is within five countries: United States, Canada, France, Germany and United Kingdom.<ref> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925045004/https://journalnow.com/business/local/bat-touts-vuses-top-value-share-in-five-key-global-e-cigarette-markets/article_c142318a-10b5-11ec-9869-f3a7c3a9f725.html BAT touts Vuse's top value share in five key global e-cigarette markets], 8 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*“National Smokeless Day” event was held at [https://www.cvut.cz/en Czech Technical University (ČVUT)] in Prague on 7th September 2021. The event was sponsored by the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Czech which promoted heated tobacco products in the event.<ref> R. Johnston. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924191646/https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/national-smokeless-day-features-a-portable-lab-and-free-concerts-at-the-czech-technical-university National Smokeless Day brings interactive 'World Without Smoke' lab to Prague], 6 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::[https://www.smokefreeworld.org/ Foundation for a Smoke-free World] is funded by PMI. Both entities are campaigning under the slogan “smoke-free future”, aiming to popularise nicotine and tobacco products other than combustible cigarettes which are becoming increasingly unpopular all over the world.
*Emmanuel Babeau, Chief Financial Officer of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], addressed the [https://investors.coca-colacompany.com/news-events/events/detail/7757/barclays-global-consumer-staples-conference Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference 2021]. The conference was organised by [https://www.investmentbank.barclays.com/ Barclays PLC], a British investment bank and financial services company based in London.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924184929/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210908005636/en/Philip-Morris-International-Inc.-PMI-Presents-at-the-2021-Barclays-Global-Consumer-Staples-Conference-Reaffirms-2021-Full-Year-Reported-Diluted-EPS-Forecast-Range-of-5.76-to-5.86 Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) Presents at the 2021 Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference; Reaffirms 2021 Full-Year Reported Diluted EPS Forecast Range of $5.76 to $5.86], 8 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] introduced “IQOS Iluma Prime”, a new smokeless tobacco device to duty free shops in Japan.<ref> C. Madden. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210924185834/https://www.dfnionline.com/latest-news/pmi-launches-iqos-iluma-prime-japan-duty-free-07-09-2021/z PMI launches IQOS Iluma Prime in Japan Duty Free], 7 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] partnered with [https://teguise.es/ Teguise City Council] to obtain the “Smoke free culture certification” for La Graciosa, an island located in Canary archipelago. The certificate is offered by [https://tuvaustriahellas.gr/?lang=en TUV Austria], a multinational company that provides engineering services and head quartered in Austria. The national and international organisations working for tobacco control including [https://ash.org/ Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)] and Spanish National Committee for the Prevention of Smoking opposed this partnership, stating that the PMI’s attempt was to promote its IQOS, heated tobacco product, while promoting its image.<ref> La Graciosa Sin Humo. [https://lagraciosasinhumo.com/en/ La Graciosa Sin Humo], Undated, accessed October 2021</ref><ref> Action on Smoking and Health. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211007110212/https://ash.org/graciosa-es/ 150 Organizations Worldwide Demand That The Island of La Graciosa Break Its Agreement With Philip Morris], 9 September 2021, accessed October 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*Market research institutes issued several reports on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week. Details of six reports mentioning COVID 19 in the title are summarised in the Table 7.

===Table 7: Summary of published market research reports during the week 78===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.reportsandmarkets.com/ Reports and Markets] || Global Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth- COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || Imperial Brands, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, British American Tobacco, Altria, Philip Morris International, American electronic cigarette company, China tobacco, VMR Products, and Japan Tobacco <ref> Reports and Markets. [https://soccernurds.com/uncategorized/5678446/heated-tobacco-products-htps-market-to-witness-huge-growth-by-2027-imperial-brands-korea-tobacco-ginseng-corporation-british-american-tobacco-altria-philip-morris-international/ Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2027 | Imperial Brands, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, British American Tobacco, Altria, Philip Morris International], 11 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF Market Intelligence] || COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Tobacco Products Industry Market Report-Development Trends, Threats, Opportunities and Competitive Landscape in 2020 || epublic Group, Gallaher Group Plc, Kaane American International Tobacco, Alliance One International, ARD Filters, BMJ Industries, Japan Tobacco Inc., British American Tobacco, Altria, Reynolds, Imperial Tobacco, Gulbahar Tobacco, Oriental, China National Tobacco Corporation, Al Matuco Tobacco Company, Century Tobacco, Philip Morris International Inc., Universal Corporation, Altria Group Inc & Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation <ref> Toshit. [https://dailyresearchreporting.com/news/10787/tobacco-products-market-to-eyewitness-massive-growth-by-2026-oriental-philip-morris-ginseng/ Tobacco Products Market to Eyewitness Massive Growth by 2026 | Oriental, Philip Morris, Ginseng], 7 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://crediblemarkets.com/ Credible Markets] || Global Vape Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth- COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || RRR Chemicals, Reynolds American, Ballantyne Brands, Altria Group, CB Distributors, British American Tobacco (BAT), ECIG, NJOY, VMR Products, Imperial Brands, Vapor, White Cloud, Gamucci, Japan Tobacco, Nicotek <ref> Credible Markets. [https://dailyresearchreporting.com/uncategorized/19081/vape-market-size-2021-2027-by-key-players-rrr-chemicals-reynolds-american-ballantyne-brands-altria-group-cb-distributors/ Vape Market Size 2021-2027 By Key Players: RRR Chemicals, Reynolds American, Ballantyne Brands, Altria Group, CB Distributors], 7 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.orbisresearch.com/ Orbis Research] || Global Shisha Market Research Report with Opportunities and Strategies to Boost Growth-COVID-19 Impact and Recovery || Japan Tobacco Inc (JT), Alkayem Co. ltd, Chill-In, Sadachi Co.Ltd., Shisha Tokyo <ref> Anita. [https://clarkcountyblog.com/uncategorized/2422583/global-shisha-market-swot-analysis-with-covid-19-impact-on-top-players-sadachi-co-ltd-japan-tobacco-inc-jt-alkayem-co-ltd-chill-in-and-shisha-tokyo/ Global Shisha Market SWOT Analysis with COVID-19 Impact on Top Players – Sadachi Co.?Ltd., Japan Tobacco Inc (JT), Alkayem Co. ltd., Chill-In and Shisha Tokyo], 12 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.a2zmarketresearch.com/ A2Z Market Research] || 2021-2027 Global Heated Tobacco Market Report - Production and Consumption Professional Analysis (Impact of COVID-19) || Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, Altria, British American Tobacco, VMR Products, American electronic cigarette company, PMI - Philip Morris International, Imperial Brands, China tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Philip Morris International <ref> Research World [https://soccernurds.com/uncategorized/5643656/massive-growth-of-heated-tobacco-market-by-2027-korea-tobacco-ginseng-corporation-altria-british-american-tobacco/ Massive Growth of Heated Tobacco Market by 2027 | Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, Altria, British American Tobacco], 9 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.htfmarketreport.com/ HTF Market Intelligence] || COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Tobacco Products Industry Market Report-Development Trends, Threats, Opportunities and Competitive Landscape in 2020 || Republic Group, Gallaher Group Plc, Kaane American International Tobacco, Alliance One International, ARD Filters, BMJ Industries, Japan Tobacco Inc., British American Tobacco, Altria, Reynolds, Imperial Tobacco, Gulbahar Tobacco, Oriental, China National Tobacco Corporation, Al Matuco Tobacco Company, Century Tobacco, Philip Morris International Inc., Universal Corporation, Altria Group Inc & Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation <ref> Toshit. [https://dailyresearchreporting.com/news/10787/tobacco-products-market-to-eyewitness-massive-growth-by-2026-oriental-philip-morris-ginseng/ Tobacco Products Market to Eyewitness Massive Growth by 2026 | Oriental, Philip Morris, Ginseng], 7 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 79: 13th September - 19th September 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that Vuse, e-cigarette brand of BAT was certified as “a carbon-neutral product” by [https://vertis.com/ Vertis], a company that is involved in carbon markets and helping companies finance emission reduction investments according to what is stated on their website.<ref> C. Matthews. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926013956/https://vapingdaily.com/news/vuse-is-first-carbon-neutral-vape/ Carbon Neutral Vuse Could Become a Model for E-Cigarette Industry], 14 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) stopped the production of cigarettes by the GTF Neman, state owned factory in Belarus. This was reportedly due to an accusation from the United States for enhancing illicit cigarette trade and financially supporting the “anti-democratic” regime. This decision followed the sanctions on Belarus imposed by The European Union in June 2021.<ref> C. Milmo. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926012729/https://inews.co.uk/news/british-american-tobacco-belarus-production-us-local-manufacturer-lukashenko-regime-1197565 British American Tobacco halts production in Belarus as US claims local manufacturer funds Lukashenko regime], 14 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Nicholas Booth, the legal and external affairs director of British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia, declared that they work on four areas, harm reduction, environment, social and governance, focusing on the business sustainability. He further added that the company is associated with the [https://sdgs.un.org/goals Sustainable Development Goals] of [https://www.un.org/en/ United Nations].<ref> A. Adam. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926005832/https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2021/09/14/for-british-american-tobacco-malaysia-sustainability-now-front-and-centre-o/2005476 For British American Tobacco Malaysia, sustainability now ‘front and centre’ of business strategy], 14 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Plethora of scientific evidence has revealed that tobacco cultivation and manufacturing process negatively impact on human health, environment and socio-economic development globally. It causes premature deaths and tobacco induced diseases including cancers and heart and lung diseases which leads to economic harm at household and community levels.
*Media reported that Timeless Cigars will be back in the market and will be distributed by [https://us.davidoffgeneva.com/ Davidoff of Geneva USA], U.S. subsidiary of Oettinger Davidoff tobacco company under new ownership of [https://www.feriotego.com/ Ferio Tego Cigar Company]. [https://www.altria.com/en Altria group] purchased [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nat-sherman-international-inc. Nat Sherman International], the original owner of Timeless brand in 2017 and closed it in 2020.<ref> G. Mottola. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930232620/https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/ferio-tego-s-timeless-collection-to-ship-next-week Ferio Tego’s Timeless Collection To Ship Next Week], 14 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Whistleblower Pieter Snyders revealed that he worked for the British American Tobacco (BAT) as a spy and acted to sabotage the competitors on behalf of BAT. His reported job functions included bribing [https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.forensic_security_services_(pty)_ltd.9f25528cac8befc5f99c44b4f10ff771.html Forensic Security Services (FSS)] in South Africa.<ref> BBC News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925213709/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-58517347 British American Tobacco: I was a spy for cigarette giant, says whistleblower], 13 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] found that the British American Tobacco (BAT) had potentially bribed the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. It further revealed that the potential donation of BAT to Mugabe’s party for the presidential elections; and also about utilizing paid private firms; [https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.forensic_security_services_(pty)_ltd.9f25528cac8befc5f99c44b4f10ff771.html Forensic Security Services (FSS)], to sabotage the competitors of BAT in Zimbabwe. BAT did not deny this allegation (Image 7).<ref name=bbc> BBC News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210925220636/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58517339 British American Tobacco negotiated bribe for Mugabe, new evidence suggests], 13 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for bribing politicians, policymakers and high rank officials to interfere in tobacco control actions and policies. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Implementing_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_on_Cigarette_Packs:_Bribery_Allegations Implementing Pictorial Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs: Bribery Allegations] for an example from Sri Lanka and more details. [https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-groups/tobacco-control-research-group/ Tobacco Control Research Group] of the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] revealed that 236 "questionable payments", worth of USD 601,502, were made by British American Tobacco (BAT) to politicians, lawmakers, civil servants, journalists and staff of competitive companies of 10 African countries, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, in the period from 2008 to 2013.<ref> The Business Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926003453/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/consumer/british-american-tobacco-made-dubious-payments-to-africa-watchdog British American Tobacco made dubious payments to Africa : watchdog], 14 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
[[Image: bbc.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 7: Media reporting the BAT’s potential bribing of Mugabe.<ref name=bbc/>]]
*Media reported that [https://www.swedishmatch.com/ Swedish Match], a tobacco company manufacturing cigars and other oral nicotine products based in Sweden, announced that they are planning to remove Cigars from their venture “to become a smoke-free company”.<ref> Reuters. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927003800/https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/cigarless-swedish-match-has-pull-marlboro-man-2021-09-15/ Cigarless Swedish Match has pull for Marlboro Man], 15 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Market research institutes issued several reports on COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry this week. Three reports mentioning COVID 19 in the title are summarised in the Table 8.

===Table 8: Summary of published market research reports during week 79===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Roll-Your-Own-Tobacco Market By Key Players (Imperial Brands, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Inc., Philip Morris International Inc.); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International Inc., Japan Tobacco Inc., McGahey The Tobacconist, Imperial Brands, Altria Group Inc <ref> Steven . [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/global-roll-your-own-tobacco-market-competition-has-high-business-growth-and-key-demanded-players-insights-2021-2027/ Global Roll-Your-Own-Tobacco Market Competition has high Business Growth and Key Demanded Players Insights 2021-2027], 17 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products Market By Key Players (Cipla Ltd., Japan Tobacco Inc., Novartis International AG, NJOY LLC); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Cipla Ltd., McNeil AB, NJOY LLC, Imperial Brands PLC, Revolymer PLC, Novartis International AG, Pfizer Inc., Japan Tobacco Inc., Johnson & Johnson <ref> Steven. [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-global-nicotine-replacement-therapy-nrt-products-market-through-2021-with-the-use-of-certain-strategies/ Global Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products Industry Production, Sales and Consumption Status and Prospects Professional Market Research Report 2021], 17 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || E-Cigarette Devices Market By Key Players (International Vapor Group, British American Tobacco plc, Philip Morris International Inc., NJOY Inc.); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || International Vapor Group, Vapor Hub International Inc., FIN Branding Group LLC., Imperial Brands plc, VMR Products LLC, British American Tobacco plc, NJOY Inc., JUUL Labs Inc, Altria Group Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., Japan Tobacco Inc. <ref> Richard. [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/global-e-cigarette-devices-market-2021-with-pre-post-covid-19-impact-analysis-by-product-disposable-rechargeable-modular-by-application-vape-shops-online-supermarkets-tobacconists/ Global E-Cigarette Devices Market 2021 With Pre – Post COVID-19 Impact Analysis By Product (Disposable, Rechargeable, Modular); By Application (Vape Shops, Online, Supermarkets, Tobacconists)], 16 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 80: 20th September - 26th September 2021==
*[https://www.occrp.org/en Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)], a global network of investigative journalists exposing crime and corruption in the world, revealed that [http://www.tobacco.gov.cn/gjyc/index.shtml China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC)] has combined with the [https://www.beltroad-initiative.com/belt-and-road/ Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)] to expand their business. BRI describes themselves as “a transcontinental long-term policy and investment programme which aims at infrastructure development and acceleration of the economic integration of countries along the route of the historic Silk Road”.<ref> N. Tenzer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926223436/https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/20/as-with-covid-eu-must-help-who-stand-up-to-chinese-tobacco-view As with COVID, EU must help WHO stand up to Chinese tobacco | View], 20 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in West and Central Africa announced the launch of ‘sustainability show corner’ in Ibadan, Nigeria, reportedly claiming it a “sustainable investment in the environment”. It showcased products reportedly manufactured by the recycled waste generated at the Ibadan factory.<ref> P. Egwuatu. [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/bat-unveils-sustainable-investment-in-environment/ BAT unveils sustainable investment in environment], 21 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and their manufacturing process negatively impact the environment and human health.
*Media reported that Beatriz Copelli, Transformation Programme Business Lead for the [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], has been featured in the [https://hitecglobal.org/page/HITEC-100-2022 HITEC 100 Awardee list 2022]. The HITEC 100 list is the list of 100 “most influential and notable Hispanic professionals” in technology industry across the United States.<ref> Johnson City Press. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210926235345/https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/reynolds-americans-beatriz-copelli-named-to-prestigious-hitec-100-list-for-2022/article_5d2a8012-cb0b-55e4-83b4-a10956a73451.html Reynolds American's Beatriz Copelli Named to Prestigious HITEC 100 List for 2022], 23 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com Imperial Brands] announced that they are planning to expand the heat not burn products across Greece. In addition, the Imperial brands Pulze device and iD heat sticks are reportedly test-marketed in the Czech Republic (Image 8).<ref name=imperial> R. Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927050850/https://journalnow.com/business/local/imperial-brands-expands-european-test-market-for-heat-not-burn-cigarette/article_d480a006-1a29-11ec-a40f-53135a11611e.html Imperial Brands expands European test market for heat-not-burn cigarette], 20 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>

[[Image: imperial.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 8: Media reporting Imperial brands’ plan to expand the heat not burn products. <ref name=imperial/>]]
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] has started the process of delisting [https://www.vectura.com/ Vectura], a pharmaceutical company purchased by the PMI recently, on the [https://www.londonstockexchange.com/ London Stock Exchange] and the re-registering it as a private company.<ref> J. B. Derrington. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927052457/https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/news/4037325/philip-morris-delists-vectura-following-acquisition Philip Morris delists Vectura following acquisition], 20 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*The analysis of the [http://www.dof.gov.ph/ Department of Finance] in Philippines showed that the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) paid a total of Peso 42.04 billion as excise tax during the period of January to July 2021, which was approximately half of the sin tax collected by the [https://www.bir.gov.ph/ Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR)]. PMTFC is a joint venture between Fortune Tobacco Company (FTC) and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] in Philippines. It further reported a rise of PMFTC tax contribution during the same period by 7% compared to 2020.<ref> C. S. Leyco. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927060454/https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/20/pmftc-corners-half-of-govt-sin-tax-haul/ PMFTC accounts half of gov’t sin tax haul], 20 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared the launch of the [https://pmi-impact.com/ PMI impact], USD 100 million funding programme “to support projects against the illicit trade and its consequences”. According to the PMI commissioned [https://www.stopillegal.com/docs/default-source/external-docs/kpmg-report---illicit-cigarette-consumption-in-the-eu-uk-norway-and-switzerland---2020-results.pdf KPMG 2020] report, illicit cigarette market has increased to 5.2 billion sticks and the government has lost £ 2.2 billion tax revenue in United Kingdom.<ref> F. Briggs. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927063657/https://www.retailtimes.co.uk/philip-morris-steps-up-fight-against-illegal-trade-as-figures-show-counterfeit-cigarette-consumption-rose-9-in-uk-last-year/ Philip Morris steps-up fight against illegal trade – as figures show counterfeit cigarette consumption rose 9% in UK last year], 22 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Global evidence points to the involvement of the tobacco companies in the illicit trade and they commonly commissions research reports in favour of the industry’s interests aiming to confuse policymakers and the public in order to interfere in effective tobacco control measures. Please visit the pages [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://ptb.gov.pk/ Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB)] has been requested of a proper investigation into the surplus tobacco crop issue reportedly by the “tobacco industry experts” following the protests conducted by the farmers in front of the buying centers of [http://www.ptc.com.pk/ Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC)] and [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)]. It is reported that PTC and PMI have already purchased the surplus, in addition to the demand for the year submitted to PBT. Media further reported that the “multinational tobacco companies are being pressured into purchasing tobacco crop beyond the surplus purchases”.<ref> Pakistan Observer. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927074820/https://pakobserver.net/experts-urged-ptb-to-investigate-the-matter-of-surplus-tobacco-crop/ Experts urged PTB to investigate the matter of surplus tobacco crop], 25 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Litiya Matakala, Head of corporate affairs of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], stated that JTI expects incentives related to tobacco taxation from the Government of Zambia in upcoming national budget for the year 2022. <ref> N. M. Lukasa. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927090528/http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/tobacco-sector-wants-incentives-in-2022-budget/ Tobacco sector wants incentives in 2022 budget], 23 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends in the guiding principles that the tobacco industry should not be granted incentives to establish or sustain their businesses.
*Ian Monteith, Director of Anti-illicit Trade Operations, [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] requested the governments “to implement reasonable policies to help law enforcement agencies combat illegal trading in tobacco”. He made this statement at the [https://gtnf.org/ Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum 2021] held virtually from 21 to 23 September 2021. He further stated that the governments should specially consider the taxation policy claiming that the reduced affordability due to increased taxes leads to a surge in the illicit trade. <ref> K. Amuchie. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927092208/https://sundiatapost.com/global-cigarette-maker-charges-govts-on-combating-illegal-tobacco-trade/ Global cigarette maker charges govts on combating illegal tobacco trade], 24 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::This is a common statement made by tobacco companies to justify their low sales volumes and evade tobacco tax increases. Please visit the page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Tobacco_Industry_Tactics_to_Evade_Tax Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax] for more details.
*Chief Marketing Officer of British American Tobacco (BAT), Kingsley Wheaton, requested to lift the ban on vaping products claiming the evidence that shows the impact of the ban on users to switch to cigarettes, and also citing progress made on vaping products. He made this statement at the [https://gtnf.org/ Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum 2021] held virtually from 21-23 September 2021.<ref> B. Oruta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210927102934/https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2021-09-24-bat-calls-for-reversal-of-ban-on-alternative-tobacco-products/ BAT calls for reversal of ban on alternative tobacco products], 24 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Commissioning research reports in favour of the industry is a well known tactic of the tobacco companies to undermine the effective tobacco control measures.
*Two proposals submitted by the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was among the top five at the [https://www.cscmpedge.org/website/31866/?_ga=2.150109750.1039894281.1645120426-1816851063.1645120426/EDGE Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition] held in Georgia in September 2021. It was organized by the [https://cscmp.org/ Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)] aiming to “Connect with global supply chain community to discover the latest innovations, new strategies, and best practices”. Proposals were titled “Welcome to the Future: E2E Planning Under a Single Global Synchronization Hub” and “Digital Twins for the Win!”. The latter was a project that partnered with [https://www.riverlogic.com/ River Logic], a software company based in United States.<ref> Supply Chain. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220121034623/https://www.supplychainquarterly.com/articles/5978-2021-supply-chain-innovation-award-winner-unveiled2021 Supply Chain Innovation Award winner unveiled], 15 December 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*This week, market research institutes issued two reports mentioning COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry in the title. The reports are summarised in the Table 9.
===Table 9: Summary of published market research reports during week 80===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/ The Business Research Company] || Hot Tobacco Global Market Report 2021 - By Product (HNB Tobacco Devices, Direct/Indirect Heating HnB Tobacco, Infused/Hybrid HnB Tobacco Devices, HnB Tobacco Consumables, HnB Tobacco Sticks, HnB Tobacco Capsules & Cartridges), By Type (Devices, Capsules, Vaporizers), By Distribution Channel (Retail Stores, Online), COVID-19 Growth And Change || Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, KT&G Corp., Eli Lilly and Company, RJ Reynolds Vapor Company (RJRVC), Shenzhen AVBAD Technology Company Ltd., Pax Labs, Vapor Tobacco Manufacturing, Shenzhen Royal Tobacco Industrial Limited (Royal Tobacco), JOUZ, Shenzhen Yukan Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd., Anlerr, HI TASTE, Shenzhen Kamry Technology, Yetr Amus, Shenzhen Yunxi Technology, AIIR Technology (Shenzhen), Buddy Technology Development, Shenzhen Original Technology, Fog & Frog Technology (Shenzhen), YanB Technology Shenzhen, Coeus, CCBATO, Dongguan Hawei Electronic Technology Limited, Dongguan Cigwin Technology, Shenzhen Keeptech Electronics. <ref> The Business Research Company. [https://www.openpr.com/news/2403397/hot-tobacco-market-size-2021-industry-share-growth-trends Hot Tobacco Market Size 2021-Industry Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue Analysis Report To 2030], 23 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.insidemarketreports.com/ Inside Market Report] || COVID-19 impact to Global Tobacco Additives Professional Survey Report 2020, Forecast to 2025 || Brown and Williamson, Altria, Philip Morris International, Liggett Group, Imperial Brands, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, Japan Tobacco, British American Tobacco, China tobacco, American electronic cigarette company, VMR Products <ref> Kumar. [https://todaysxm.com/business/36248/tobacco-additives-market-regional-industry-segmentation-analysis-by-production-consumption-revenue-and-growth-rate-by-2027/ Tobacco Additives Market: Regional Industry Segmentation, Analysis by Production, Consumption, Revenue and Growth Rate by 2027], 24 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==Week 81: 27th September – 3rd October 2021==
*At the 110th Annual General meeting Sanjiv Puri, Chairman of [[ITC Limited India]], expressed that they have invested more in digital technology to speed up their trade and to build a customer focused next level of ITC in the future .<ref> exchange4media. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930072802/https://www.exchange4media.com/marketing-news/itc-has-undertaken-an-extensive-strategy-reset-sanjiv-puri-115949.html ITC has undertaken an extensive strategy reset: Sanjiv Puri], 27 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Rothmans introduced ‘Glo Pro Slim; a new heated tobacco device in South Korea.<ref> Y. Hyun-su. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930073645/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210927000842 BAT unveils glo pro slim in Korea], 27 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Shaiful Bahari Mahpar of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] Malaysia said that after the government imposed new regulations in January 2021, the smugglers are distributing illicit cigarettes at Malaysian ports via boats. The new regulations included permission to transship cigarettes being restricted to five ports and strict licensing rules. Media further reported that [https://my.linkedin.com/in/pankajkumar-bipinchandra-aa3a0666 Pankaj Kumar], an Investment Analyst, requested the government not to increase tobacco tax, stating that it will lead to a loss of government revenue due to increased illicit trade and loss of job opportunities due to the closure of cigarette factories.<ref> M. Kaur. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930110058/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/09/27/smugglers-said-to-be-offloading-thailand-bound-cigarettes-at-sea/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_cvMKO9USjj3ynZOv0EgkS7yYV18LTU_deAaNXRQapTc-1632987106-0-gqNtZGzNApCjcnBszQi9 Smugglers said to be offloading Thailand-bound cigarettes at sea], 27 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world and commonly bring up such counter arguments against new regulations and tax increases. It is also common to see involvement of front groups in these responses. Please visit the pages [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Tobacco_Industry_Tactics_to_Evade_Tax Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax] and [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*[https://research.uobkayhian.com/ UOB Kay Hian Research], a research service provider based in Singapore, found that the estimated government loss of revenue due to illicit vaping trade is around Malaysian ringgit 300 million in Malaysia, and if nicotine vaping is legalised, the potential increase of British American Tobacco (BAT) stock is significant. Media further reported that BAT is ready to launch the nicotine vaping products with the legalisation (Image 9).<ref name=vape> The Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930203640/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/09/28/bat-to-benefit-if-nicotine-vaping-is-regulated BAT to benefit if nicotine vaping is regulated], 28 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>

[[Image: vape.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 9: media reporting the potential benefits of BAT with the legalisation of nicotine vaping products.<ref name=vape/>]]
*[https://bat.uz/en/ British American Tobacco (BAT) Uzbekistan] purchased 350, 000 shares of [http://samfruit.ru/en Samfruit], a company that produces and distributes dried fruits and vegetables in Uzbekistan. It is reported that the BAT now owns 34.1% shares of Samfruit worth of USD 12.4 million with this acquisition. The joint venture was initiated in 2019 with USD 11 million investment by BAT.<ref> Investment Promotion Agency. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930210018/http://invest.gov.uz/mediacenter/news/british-bat-acquires-shares-of-samarkand-samfruit-again/ British BAT acquires shares of Samarkand Samfruit again], undated, accessed September 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) is planning to build an “Innovation Hub” in Italy, which will include a manufacturing site for novel nicotine and tobacco products and a digital marketing centre. This hub will be built reportedly with minimal the environmental impact.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930212147/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-A-Better-Tomorrow-trade-Innovation-Hub-to-launch-in-Italy-36538434/ British American Tobacco: A Better Tomorrow™ Innovation Hub to launch in Italy], 28 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Global evidence has revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia introduced nicotine vaping products reportedly as a “new sustainability strategy”. As of September 2021, trade of nicotine vaping products is illegal in Malaysia. <ref> A.P. Raj. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930214753/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/tobacco-firms-and-brewers-set-high-esg-bar Tobacco firms and brewers set high ESG bar], 29 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*[http://www.povaddo.com/ Povaddo], a research consulting firm based in USA, conducted a survey in 26 countries among around 30,000 adults and reported that 45% and 46% of participants believe that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are more harmful than cigarettes. The survey was commissioned by the [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)].<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210930221239/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210927005194/en/PMI-Calls-for-Science-Based-Discourse-on-Smoke-Free-Alternatives PMI Calls for Science-Based Discourse on Smoke-Free Alternatives], 27 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry commissioning research teams and firms is a common tactic to generate reports in favour of their interests aiming to interfere in effective tobacco control measures by confusing policymakers and the general public.
*Media reported the official launch of [https://letzpact.lu/ Letzpact], a new non-profit organisation established to represent the lobbyists in Luxembourg. Mathilde Brasseur, Corporate Affairs Manager for [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], is in the director board of Letzpact.<ref> J. Zabatta. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211001095822/https://delano.lu/article/letzpact-a-non-profit-organisa Letzpact, a non-profit for lobbyists], 29 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known to use lobby groups to further their business interests.
*[http://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] banned [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] and [https://www.altria.com/en Altria] from importing and selling the heating and vaping device, IQOS and the ban will take place after the administrative review in two months. As media reported, Altria and PMI are collaborating to get through this issue and PMI planned to appeal the decision.<ref> A. Lucas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002065315/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/30/philip-morris-altria-banned-from-selling-iqos-tobacco-device-in-the-us.html Philip Morris, Altria banned from importing or selling Iqos tobacco device in the U.S.], 30 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref> This order followed the [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), winning the court case of violations of two patents by PMI and Altria.
*An office for the global business services, including digital marketing capabilities, business intelligence & data analytics was established in Islamabad, Pakistan under investment of British American Tobacco (BAT). This office will support the business services in the Asia Pacific and Middle East Region. As reported by media, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has praised this investment participating at the opening ceremony.<ref> BOL News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002080332/https://www.bolnews.com/latest/2021/09/british-american-tobacco-sets-up-office-in-pakistan/ British American Tobacco sets up office in Pakistan], 29 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Velo, vaping brand of [https://www.rjrvapor.com/ RJ Reynolds Vapor Company], was announced as the primary sponsors for [https://www.wsop.com/ World Series of Poker (WSOP)] tournament 2021, which will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Under theis sponsorship, Velo offers cash prizes in return for brand displays in prominent contents including on the main stage.<ref> Yahoo Finance. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211002084507/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/velo-announces-sponsorship-2021-world-123000120.html VELO Announces New Sponsorship With The 2021 World Series Of Poker], 29 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
*Media reported an increase in prices of certain food, tobacco product and services in Japan October 2021 onwards due to surged prices of raw materials owing to COVID-19 pandemic. It further reported that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] plans to increase the cigarette price by 40 yen with the tax increase in October 2021.<ref> Japan Today. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211006084219/https://japantoday.com/category/business/Japan-to-see-price-hikes-in-food-tobacco-products-from-October Japan to see price hikes in food, tobacco products from October], 1 October 2021, accessed October 2021</ref>
*Wellbeing out of Waste (WOW), a waste management programme of [[ITC Limited India]], was launched in collaboration with [http://mcdonline.gov.in/tri/sdmc_mcdportal/ South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC)] and [http://mohua.gov.in/ Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)]. The reported aim was to raise awareness of public on solid waste management and the importance of waste free environment.<ref> India Education Diary. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211007065928/https://indiaeducationdiary.in/itc-strengthens-its-wellbeing-out-of-waste-program-in-national-capital/ ITC Strengthens Its Wellbeing Out Of Waste Program In National Capital], 1 October 2021, accessed October 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced that Astypalea, an island in Greece, obtained the Smoke-Free Culture certification becoming the ‘first island’ to do so in the world. As mentioned previously, this certification is offered by [https://tuvaustriahellas.gr/?lang=en TUV Austria], a multinational company headquartered in Austria. Experts and organisations in tobacco control opposed to this certification, protesting that PMI is attempting to promote their image as well as IQOS, their heated tobacco product under the ‘smoke free’ slogan.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211008041741/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191003005106/en/Philip-Morris-International-Celebrates-the-First-Smoke-Free-Culture-Certified-Island-in-the-World Philip Morris International Celebrates the First Smoke-Free Culture Certified Island in the World], 3 October 2021, accessed October 2021</ref>
*This week, market research institutes issued five reports mentioning COVID-19 impact on the tobacco industry in the title. The reports are summarised in the Table 10.
===Table 10: Summary of published market research reports during week 81===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="200px" | Market research institute
! scope="col" width="300px" | Title of the report
! scope="col" width="400px" | Tobacco companies mentioned
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Pipe Tobacco Market By Key Players (Chewing tobacco, Gallaher Group Plc, R.J. Reynolds, Reynolds Tobacco Company); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || JT International, Dipping tobacco, Altria Group, Chewing tobacco, Japan Tobacco Inc, Mac Baren, British American Tobacco, Snuff, Universal Corporation, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, Gallaher Group Plc, Market Size Split by Type, R.J. Reynolds, Reynolds Tobacco Company, Imperial Tobacco Group. <ref> Richard. [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/global-pipe-tobacco-market-report-2021-current-development-trends-analysis-of-top-key-players-and-forecast-growth-to-2027/ Global Pipe Tobacco Market Report 2021 | Current Development Trends, Analysis Of Top Key Players, And Forecast Growth To 2027], 30 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || E-cigarette and Vape Market By Key Players (Altria Group Inc., R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, Imperial Brands, Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co. Ltd.); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || Japan Tobacco, International, Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co. Ltd., International Vapor Group, Shenzhen KangerTech Technology Co. Ltd., Philip Morris International Inc., R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, Imperial Brands, British American Tobacco, Altria Group Inc., NicQuid <ref> Richard. [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/determine-the-size-and-share-of-the-e-cigarette-and-vape-market-in-2021-with-this-research-report-and-industry-forecasts-through-2027/ Determine the size and share of the E-cigarette and Vape Market in 2021 with this research report and industry forecasts through 2027], 30 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.reporthive.com/ Report Hive] || Vape Pens Market Status And Trend Analysis 2017-2026 (COVID-19 Version) || NicQuid, Philip Morris International Inc., International Vapor Group, British American Tobacco, Altria Group, Inc., Imperial Brands, Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co., Ltd., International, Japan Tobacco, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, Shenzhen KangerTech Technology Co., Ltd.<ref> Report Hive. [https://todaysxm.com/news/102273/vape-pens-market-global-industry-analysis-2026-nicquid-philip-morris-international-inc-international-vapor-group-british-american-tobacco/ Vape Pens Market – Global Industry Analysis 2026 | NicQuid, Philip Morris International Inc., International Vapor Group, British American Tobacco], 28 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Heat-not-burn Tobacco Product (HNB) Market By Key Players (Philip Morris International, RR Chemicals, British American Tobacco, CB Distributors); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || Imperial Brands, NJOY, RR Chemicals, PAX Labs, MCIG, Gilla, Gamucci, Johnson Creek, ECIG, Japan Tobacco International, CB Distributors, JUUL Labs, International Vapor Group, KangerTech, Altria Group, British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, Ballantyne Brands, Nicotek, Joyetech Co <ref> Richard. [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/learn-about-the-industrys-leading-players-and-emerging-trends-in-the-heat-not-burn-tobacco-product-hnb-market-2021-research-report-and-industry-forecast-to-2027/ Learn about the industry’s leading players and emerging trends in the Heat-not-burn Tobacco Product (HNB) Market 2021 Research Report and Industry Forecast to 2027], 28 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|-
|[https://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Market Research Store] || Intelligent Vending Machine Market By Key Players (Fuji Electric Co, FUSHIBINGSHAN, N&W Global Vending Group, ); Based on 2020 COVID-19 Worldwide Spread || Shenzhen Joie Ubique Industrial, Fas International Spa, FUSHIBINGSHAN, Azkoyen S.A., LE VENDING OF CHINA CO, Fuji Electric Co, Rheavendors, Guangzhou Fuhong Intelligent Vending Machine Co, Northwestern, Sielaff GmbH & Co Automatenbau, Aequator, Automatic Products, Beaver Machine, Daito Co. Ltd, Japan Tobacco Inc, Fujitaka Corporation, SANDEN Corporation, UBOX, Crane Merchandising Systems, N&W Global Vending Group <ref> Richard. [https://www.stillwatercurrent.com/explore-the-size-and-share-of-the-intelligent-vending-machine-market-in-2021-as-well-as-the-industry-forecast-to-2027/ Explore the Size and Share of the Intelligent Vending Machine Market in 2021, as well as the Industry Forecast to 2027], 28 September 2021, accessed September 2021</ref>
|}

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Main Page

2022-01-08T02:53:43Z

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<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:200%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;"> ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:150%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Welcome to ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'' (''TUSouthAsia'') is the official information portal of the [https://www.sarccct.org/ South Asian Regional Centre for Combating Tobacco (SARC-CCT)]. It contains evidence based information on the tobacco industry in [[South Asia]], with detailed profiles of tobacco companies relevant to the region and their employees. The pages of this website also contain profiles of tobacco industry allies in the [[South Asia | South Asian Region]]; institutions and individuals linked with the industry in various ways. ''TUSouthAsia'' further describes the strategies adopted by the tobacco industry in the [[South Asia | region]] related to the themes of influencing policy, tobacco tax and price related issues, corporate social investments, tobacco cultivation and marketing and promotion. Tobacco industry arguments and their responses against different policy processes are reported as a learning exercise for future reference.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">How to Find Information on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h2>
There are several ways in which you can find information on ''TUSouthAsia'':
*You can search for a specific topic in the Search Bar on the top of the screen. To search, type the topic you want to find the information into the box, and press 'Enter'.
*If its a recent issue, you can go through the list of most recent pages in the ‘What’s New section’ which will display new entries or major updates to the existing pages.
*Or, you can search through the ‘[[Key Topics]]’ section that categorizes the pages based on the themes the investigations were conducted.
*Searching for information specific for a country in the South Asian Region? You can access pages related to the respective country by clicking on the country logo in the right hand column or clicking the country name below:
::*[[:Category:Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
::*[[:Category:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
::*[[:Category:Bhutan|Bhutan]]
::*[[:Category:India|India]]
::*[[:Category:Maldives|Maldives]]
::*[[:Category:Nepal|Nepal]]
::*[[:Category:Pakistan|Pakistan]]
::*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages Sri Lanka]
::::You can return to the category page by clicking on the country logo in the top right corner of the page. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the ''TUSouth.Asia'' logo in the left or clicking on "Main page" in the left menu.
*Interested about regional summaries? Click on the [[:Category:Regional Summary | Regional Summary]] link.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">About Us</h2>
SARC-CCT is a project coordinated by the [https://cct.lk/ Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT)], the Sri Lankan tobacco observatory hosted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo under the [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]]. The mandate of the CCT is to monitor the tobacco industry activities related to implementation of [[FCTC Article 5.3]] in Sri Lanka and the [[South Asia | region]].

The project was powered by [https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)Secretariat] and the [https://www.theunion.org/ International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The UNION)] and technical assistance was provided by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath], the [https://www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/ Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco] and the WHO-FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3 [https://ggtc.world/ Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left;
color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">What’s New on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''?</h2>
*08th January 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021 | new page]] in our [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series containing incidents that occurred in the month of November 2021 is now published!
*28th December 2021 - Based on our readers' demand, we are again publishing [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series monthly from this month onward. Visit our newest page [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]] on the series and be informed!
*23rd November 2021 - Our new page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]] includes the interesting Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] on the British American Tobacco (BAT)'s bribery allegation related to the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subsides, from next month onward, we will continue this series as brief monthly summaries. The page on October 2021 will be published soon!

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Key Topics</h2>
Click on the [[Key Topics | key topics]] below to access more information on tobacco industry and its activities in Sri Lanka. Interested in the definitions for each key topic to understand the reason for categorising the pages under them? Please visit our page [[Key Topics]].

===Background===
Includes pages on global and national tobacco control laws and policies and tobacco industry tactics
*[[:Category:FCTC | FCTC ]]
*[[:Category:National Laws| National Laws]]
*[[:Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics | Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]]
*[[:Category:Impact of Tobacco | Impact of Tobacco]]

===Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages directly related to the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Companies | Tobacco Companies ]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees |Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Investors | Tobacco Industry Investors]]
*[[:Category:Bidi Industry | Bidi Industry]]
*[[:Category:NGP Industry | Next Generation Products Industry]] - E-cigarettes, Vaping products and heating tobacco products (HTP)
*[[:Category:Smokeless Tobacco Products Industry | Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLT) Industry]]
*[[:Category:Shisha Industry | Shisha (Hookah) Industry]]

===Tobacco Industry Activities===
Includes pages on tobacco industry actions and strategies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Corporate Social Investments | Corporate Social Investments]]
*[[:Category:Influencing Policy | Influencing Policy]]
*[[:Category:Marketing and Promotions | Marketing and Promotions]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Cultivation | Tobacco Cultivation]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues | Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues]]
*[[:Category:Liasing with Government Officials | Liaising with Government Officials]]
*[[:Category:Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade | Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade]]

===Tobacco Industry Arguments and Responses===
Includes pages on responses and reactions of the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Arguments | Tobacco Industry Arguments]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Responses | Tobacco Industry Responses]]
*[[:Category:Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions | Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions]]

===Institutions Linked to the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on institutions reported to date to have had any interactions with tobacco industry or their proxies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Commissioned or Sponsored | Commissioned or Sponsored]]
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Indirect Links | Indirect Links]]
*[[:Category:Institutions with Mutual Associates | Institutions with Mutual Associates]]
*[[:Category:Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry | Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry]]
*[[:Category:Partnerships | Partnerships]]

===Individuals associated with the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on politicians, government officials, celebrities, academics, researchers, professionals and other public/popular figures to have had any interaction reported to date with tobacco industry under following categories;
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Collaborations | Collaborations]]
*[[:Category:Monetary or other Gifts | Monetary or other Gifts]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Government Activities | Sponsorship for Government Activities]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Research | Sponsorship for Research]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Social Projects | Sponsorship for Social Projects]]
*[[:Category:Event Participation | Event Participation]]
::'''Disclaimer''':The individual profiles are published as a facilitator to implement [[FCTC Article 5.3]] only. It is not the intention of the ''TobaccoUnmasked'' team to tarnish the individuals' image nor to cause them harm.
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Country Posts</h2>

<table style="border:3px solid #FFFFFF;">
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Afghanistan.png |140px|center|Afghanistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Afghanistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Bangladesh.png |140px|center|Bangladesh|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bangladesh]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Bhutan.png |140px|center|Bhutan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bhutan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-India.png |140px|center|India|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:India]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Maldives.png |140px|center|Maldives|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Maldives]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Nepal.png |140px|center|Nepal|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Nepal]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Pakistan.png |140px|center|Pakistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Pakistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-SriLanka.png |140px|center|Sri_Lanka|link=https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages]]
</td></tr>

</table>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Powered By</h2><br>
[[File:CCT Logo.png|150px|centre|CCT|link=https://www.cct.lk/]]<br>
[[File:Faculty-logo-UMF.png|100px|centre|UOC|link=https://med.cmb.ac.lk/]]<br>
[[File:TheUnion.png|150px|centre|Union|link=https://www.theunion.org]]<br>
[[File:Fctc.png|190px|centre|FCTC|link=https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/]]<br>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Useful Links</h2>
[[File:Tobacco-Unmasked.jpg|150px|centre|TU|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:SARC-CCT.jpg|150px|centre|SARC CCT|link=https://www.sarccct.org/]]<br>
[[File:Tubacco-Tactics.png|150px|centre|Tobacco Tactics|link=https://www.tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:Stop.png|150px|centre|Stop|link=https://exposetobacco.org/]]<br>
[[File:FCTC-Knowledge-hub.png|150px|centre|Untobaccocontrol|link=https://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/article-53/]]<br>
[[File:Progga.png|150px|centre|Progga|link=https://progga.org/]]
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Strict Referencing Policy</h2>
Information published in ''tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia'' adheres to a strict referencing policy. You can find the sources of information under the resources list at the end of each post. The posts developed by reporters are edited by the Editor and peer reviewed before publication.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Reproduction and Distribution of Published Material</h2>
You are free to copy and redistribute the material for non commercial use with appropriate credit to the CCT. Please acknowledge CCT as the copyright holder by stating: "This material is reproduced from tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia. Copyright, Centre for Combating Tobacco and used under permission of the Centre for Combating Tobacco. All rights reserved."

Suggested citation: Centre for Combating Tobacco, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo. ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'', [Date of most recent modification], Available at https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Main_Page, Accessed (date accessed).

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Acknowledgments</h2>
''TUSouthAsia'' follows the model of [https://tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page ''TobaccoTactics''], introduced by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Contact Us</h2>
You can contribute by providing information or as a free-lance investigative reporter. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve ''TUSouthAsia''. Please contact us on tobaccounmasked@gmail.com

Main Page

2022-01-08T02:52:59Z

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<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:200%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;"> ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

<h1 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:150%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Welcome to ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h1>

''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'' (''TUSouthAsia'') is the official information portal of the [https://www.sarccct.org/ South Asian Regional Centre for Combating Tobacco (SARC-CCT)]. It contains evidence based information on the tobacco industry in [[South Asia]], with detailed profiles of tobacco companies relevant to the region and their employees. The pages of this website also contain profiles of tobacco industry allies in the [[South Asia | South Asian Region]]; institutions and individuals linked with the industry in various ways. ''TUSouthAsia'' further describes the strategies adopted by the tobacco industry in the [[South Asia | region]] related to the themes of influencing policy, tobacco tax and price related issues, corporate social investments, tobacco cultivation and marketing and promotion. Tobacco industry arguments and their responses against different policy processes are reported as a learning exercise for future reference.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">How to Find Information on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''</h2>
There are several ways in which you can find information on ''TUSouthAsia'':
*You can search for a specific topic in the Search Bar on the top of the screen. To search, type the topic you want to find the information into the box, and press 'Enter'.
*If its a recent issue, you can go through the list of most recent pages in the ‘What’s New section’ which will display new entries or major updates to the existing pages.
*Or, you can search through the ‘[[Key Topics]]’ section that categorizes the pages based on the themes the investigations were conducted.
*Searching for information specific for a country in the South Asian Region? You can access pages related to the respective country by clicking on the country logo in the right hand column or clicking the country name below:
::*[[:Category:Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
::*[[:Category:Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
::*[[:Category:Bhutan|Bhutan]]
::*[[:Category:India|India]]
::*[[:Category:Maldives|Maldives]]
::*[[:Category:Nepal|Nepal]]
::*[[:Category:Pakistan|Pakistan]]
::*[https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages Sri Lanka]
::::You can return to the category page by clicking on the country logo in the top right corner of the page. You can return to the Main Page by clicking on the ''TUSouth.Asia'' logo in the left or clicking on "Main page" in the left menu.
*Interested about regional summaries? Click on the [[:Category:Regional Summary | Regional Summary]] link.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">About Us</h2>
SARC-CCT is a project coordinated by the [https://cct.lk/ Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT)], the Sri Lankan tobacco observatory hosted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo under the [[FCTC Article 5.3 | Article 5.3]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]]. The mandate of the CCT is to monitor the tobacco industry activities related to implementation of [[FCTC Article 5.3]] in Sri Lanka and the [[South Asia | region]].

The project was powered by [https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)Secretariat] and the [https://www.theunion.org/ International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The UNION)] and technical assistance was provided by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath], the [https://www.tobacco.ucsf.edu/ Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco] and the WHO-FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3 [https://ggtc.world/ Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left;
color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">What’s New on ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia''?</h2>
*08th January 2022 - The [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021 | new page]] in our [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series containing incidents that occurred in the month of November 2021 is now published!
*28th December 2021 - Based on our readers' demand, we are again publishing [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] page series monthly from this month onward. Visit our newest page [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]] on the series and be informed!
*23rd November 2021 - Our new page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]] includes the interesting Investigation of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n BBC Panorama] and the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University of Bath] on the British American Tobacco (BAT)'s bribery allegation related to the former President of Zimbabwe; Robert Mugabe. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions subsides, from next month onward, we will continue this series as brief monthly summaries. The page on October 2021 will be published soon!
*13th September 2021 - Visit our newest page in the bimonthly report series on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] - [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]].
*21st July 2021 - From this month onward we are publishing the reports on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] bi-monthly. Visit our newest page in the series [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]] page for the details. We will continue to summarise tobacco industry interference during COVID-19 pandemic until the pandemic resolves.
*06th June 2021 - Our newest page [[Tobacco Industry Tactics to Evade Tax]] summarises globally reported industry interference related to tobacco tax. This page is published to set the stage for the series of pages we plan to publish on tobacco tax related interference in the South Asia Region. Await the page series soon!
*09th May 2021 - This reports marks the one year anniversary of our monitoring of the [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]. Visit the [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]] page for the details. We will continue to summarise tobacco industry interference during COVID-19 pandemic until the pandemic resolves.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Key Topics</h2>
Click on the [[Key Topics | key topics]] below to access more information on tobacco industry and its activities in Sri Lanka. Interested in the definitions for each key topic to understand the reason for categorising the pages under them? Please visit our page [[Key Topics]].

===Background===
Includes pages on global and national tobacco control laws and policies and tobacco industry tactics
*[[:Category:FCTC | FCTC ]]
*[[:Category:National Laws| National Laws]]
*[[:Category:Global Tobacco Industry Tactics | Global Tobacco Industry Tactics]]
*[[:Category:Impact of Tobacco | Impact of Tobacco]]

===Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages directly related to the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Companies | Tobacco Companies ]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees |Tobacco Industry Directors and Employees]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Investors | Tobacco Industry Investors]]
*[[:Category:Bidi Industry | Bidi Industry]]
*[[:Category:NGP Industry | Next Generation Products Industry]] - E-cigarettes, Vaping products and heating tobacco products (HTP)
*[[:Category:Smokeless Tobacco Products Industry | Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLT) Industry]]
*[[:Category:Shisha Industry | Shisha (Hookah) Industry]]

===Tobacco Industry Activities===
Includes pages on tobacco industry actions and strategies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Corporate Social Investments | Corporate Social Investments]]
*[[:Category:Influencing Policy | Influencing Policy]]
*[[:Category:Marketing and Promotions | Marketing and Promotions]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Cultivation | Tobacco Cultivation]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues | Tobacco Tax and Pricing Related Issues]]
*[[:Category:Liasing with Government Officials | Liaising with Government Officials]]
*[[:Category:Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade | Involvement in Illicit Tobacco Trade]]

===Tobacco Industry Arguments and Responses===
Includes pages on responses and reactions of the tobacco industry under following themes;
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Arguments | Tobacco Industry Arguments]]
*[[:Category:Tobacco Industry Responses | Tobacco Industry Responses]]
*[[:Category:Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions | Interfering in Tobacco Control Actions]]

===Institutions Linked to the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on institutions reported to date to have had any interactions with tobacco industry or their proxies under following themes;
*[[:Category:Commissioned or Sponsored | Commissioned or Sponsored]]
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Indirect Links | Indirect Links]]
*[[:Category:Institutions with Mutual Associates | Institutions with Mutual Associates]]
*[[:Category:Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry | Institutions Governed by Tobacco Industry]]
*[[:Category:Partnerships | Partnerships]]

===Individuals associated with the Tobacco Industry===
Includes pages on politicians, government officials, celebrities, academics, researchers, professionals and other public/popular figures to have had any interaction reported to date with tobacco industry under following categories;
*[[:Category:Consultants | Consultants]]
*[[:Category:Collaborations | Collaborations]]
*[[:Category:Monetary or other Gifts | Monetary or other Gifts]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Government Activities | Sponsorship for Government Activities]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Research | Sponsorship for Research]]
*[[:Category:Sponsorship for Social Projects | Sponsorship for Social Projects]]
*[[:Category:Event Participation | Event Participation]]
::'''Disclaimer''':The individual profiles are published as a facilitator to implement [[FCTC Article 5.3]] only. It is not the intention of the ''TobaccoUnmasked'' team to tarnish the individuals' image nor to cause them harm.
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Country Posts</h2>

<table style="border:3px solid #FFFFFF;">
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Afghanistan.png |140px|center|Afghanistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Afghanistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Bangladesh.png |140px|center|Bangladesh|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bangladesh]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Bhutan.png |140px|center|Bhutan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Bhutan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-India.png |140px|center|India|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:India]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Maldives.png |140px|center|Maldives|link=http://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Maldives]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-Nepal.png |140px|center|Nepal|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Nepal]]
</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[File:Sarc-Pakistan.png |140px|center|Pakistan|link=https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Category:Pakistan]]</td><td>[[File:Sarc-SriLanka.png |140px|center|Sri_Lanka|link=https://www.tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Special:AllPages]]
</td></tr>

</table>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Powered By</h2><br>
[[File:CCT Logo.png|150px|centre|CCT|link=https://www.cct.lk/]]<br>
[[File:Faculty-logo-UMF.png|100px|centre|UOC|link=https://med.cmb.ac.lk/]]<br>
[[File:TheUnion.png|150px|centre|Union|link=https://www.theunion.org]]<br>
[[File:Fctc.png|190px|centre|FCTC|link=https://www.who.int/fctc/secretariat/en/]]<br>

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Useful Links</h2>
[[File:Tobacco-Unmasked.jpg|150px|centre|TU|link=https://tobaccounmasked.lk/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:SARC-CCT.jpg|150px|centre|SARC CCT|link=https://www.sarccct.org/]]<br>
[[File:Tubacco-Tactics.png|150px|centre|Tobacco Tactics|link=https://www.tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page]]<br>
[[File:Stop.png|150px|centre|Stop|link=https://exposetobacco.org/]]<br>
[[File:FCTC-Knowledge-hub.png|150px|centre|Untobaccocontrol|link=https://untobaccocontrol.org/kh/article-53/]]<br>
[[File:Progga.png|150px|centre|Progga|link=https://progga.org/]]
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<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Strict Referencing Policy</h2>
Information published in ''tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia'' adheres to a strict referencing policy. You can find the sources of information under the resources list at the end of each post. The posts developed by reporters are edited by the Editor and peer reviewed before publication.

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Reproduction and Distribution of Published Material</h2>
You are free to copy and redistribute the material for non commercial use with appropriate credit to the CCT. Please acknowledge CCT as the copyright holder by stating: "This material is reproduced from tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia. Copyright, Centre for Combating Tobacco and used under permission of the Centre for Combating Tobacco. All rights reserved."

Suggested citation: Centre for Combating Tobacco, Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo. ''TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia'', [Date of most recent modification], Available at https://www.tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Main_Page, Accessed (date accessed).

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Acknowledgments</h2>
''TUSouthAsia'' follows the model of [https://tobaccotactics.org/index.php?title=Main_Page ''TobaccoTactics''], introduced by the [https://www.bath.ac.uk/ Tobacco Control Research Group, University of Bath].

<h2 style="margin:0; background:#cfaf4e; font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; border:3px solid #FFFFFF; text-align:left; color:#FFFFFF; padding:0.2em 0.2em;">Contact Us</h2>
You can contribute by providing information or as a free-lance investigative reporter. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve ''TUSouthAsia''. Please contact us on tobaccounmasked@gmail.com

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021

2022-01-08T02:51:03Z

Editor: /* TobaccoUnmasked Resources */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of November 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 30th November 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| British American Tobacco (BAT) || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar || 196
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia || 103
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 71
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA) || 72
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 73
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan || 7
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 4
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 6
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 2
|-
| Ferio Tego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece || 43
|}

==Week 86: 1st November – 7th November 2021==
* [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was accused of sponsoring a publication on nicotine vaping products in the [https://ajp.com.au/ Australian Journal of Pharmacy] on 6th October 2021. Chief Pharmacist of the [https://www.acp.edu.au/ Australasian College of Pharmacy], a professional organisation that delivers educational and research programmes in Australia, had reportedly authored the article, which was subsequently removed from circulation in November 2021.<ref> S L White and M Daube. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117092442/https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2021/41/vigilance-needed-to-stop-new-wave-of-tobacco-company-promotion/ Vigilance needed to stop new wave of tobacco company promotion], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulate science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for electronic cigarettes and other inhaled nicotine containing products (NCPs). UK will become the first country in the world to issue e-cigarettes via a prescription as a medicine.<ref name=uk> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211119103439/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102005710/en/Philip-Morris-International-Applauds-U.K.-Government%E2%80%99s-Approach-to-Achieve-its-Smoke-Free-Ambition Philip Morris International Applauds U.K. Government’s Approach to Achieve its Smoke-Free Ambition], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
[[Image: uk.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 1: PMI declaring their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for smoke free products.<ref name=uk/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a “Low-Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP)”, reportedly a plan for environmental sustainability of the company, while shifting to heated tobacco products from the combustible cigarettes products. The statement further included that they are hoping to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by the year 2025.<ref> J Motles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211122042338/https://sustainablebrands.com/read/walking-the-talk/a-smoke-free-carbon-neutral-future-pmi-s-plan-to-accelerate-climate-goals-while-transforming-its-business A Smoke-Free, Carbon-Neutral Future: PMI’s Plan to Accelerate Climate Goals While Transforming Its Business], 7 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence exist on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://www.occrp.org/en Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)], a global network of investigative journalists exposing crime and corruption in the world, revealed that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has introduced 66 new products containing a higher menthol level in 19 European countries, a few months prior to the menthol cigarette ban imposed in May 2020.<ref> A Ciurcanu and A Cerantola. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123090139/https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/japan-tobacco-international-making-a-mint-by-circumventing-menthol-cigarette-ban Japan Tobacco International Making a Mint by Circumventing Menthol Cigarette Ban], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has launched a new 50 g package of “Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco” in UK reportedly due to increased demand for Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco products.<ref> Convenience Store. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123091702/https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/jti-adds-50g-format-to-sterling-essential-ryo-range/661403.article JTI adds 50g format to Sterling Essential RYO range], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[http://www.tasecurities.com.my/ TA Securities Holdings], a stockbroking company that provides finance and investment research services, announced a revenue growth of 7.3% for British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia in the first 9 months of 2021. It further reported a 7% growth of cigarette sales volume in 2021 compared to 2020.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123094441/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/11/741628/legal-ciggies-market-pick-bodes-well-bat-malaysia Legal ciggies market pick up bodes well for BAT Malaysia], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan submitted a proposal to the ruling party of the government to increase tax on tobacco products in 2022 tax reformation. The request reportedly was to increase the tax on heated tobacco products in a lower rate than the cigarettes, as the BAT plans to shift their trade to heated products from the cigarettes.<ref> The Japan Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211126083956/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/11/04/business/corporate-business/tobacco-tax/ In unusual move, tobacco-maker requests higher tax on cigarettes], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*The head of public affairs and the company secretary of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, Azizur Rahman, has been elected as the Senior Vice President of the [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB)]. ICSB is the “only recognised professional body to develop, promote and regulate the profession of Chartered Secretary in Bangladesh” as stated in their [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ website].<ref> TBS Report. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211202080132/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/azizur-rahman-made-icsb-senior-vice-president-325156 Azizur Rahman made ICSB senior vice president], 4 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh jointly won the first place in "President's Award for Industrial Development 2019" under the large industry category. The awards are reportedly conferred “for their contribution to the private sector, employment generation and economy of the country”. President Abdul Hamid is to attend the virtual award ceremony as reported by the media.<ref> The Daily Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117084254/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/news/19-firms-get-presidents-industrial-award-today-2221706 19 firms to get president’s industrial award today], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>

==Week 87: 8th November – 14th November 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa accused the [https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] for not enforcing the policies against illicit tobacco trade in South Africa. This was reportedly following a request to increase the price of the brand “Rand 28” by BAT, allegedly aiming to differentiate the illicit product based on the price.<ref> V Mokhoali. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228211740/https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/10/bat-sa-says-sars-unwilling-to-act-again-illicit-cigarette-trade BAT SA Says Sars Unwilling to Act Again Illicit Cigarette Trade], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*ITC Infotech, an IT service subsidiary of [[ITC Limited India]], partnered with [https://www.hbs.edu/ Harvard Business School] to introduce Infotech’s Work from Anywhere (I-WFA) framework, which is customer and employee based delivering platform.<ref> ITC Infotech. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228233234/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/itc-infotech-in-association-with-harvard-business-school-reimagines-the-future-of-work-unveils-its-work-from-anywhere-framework-301421122.html ITC Infotech in association with Harvard Business School reimagines the future of work; unveils its Work from Anywhere framework], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Myanmar announced their plan of termination of operations at the end of the year 2021 reportedly due to “long-term operational and commercial viability of business”. BAT is the latest major multinational to leave Myanmar since its coup in February. Earlier in 2003, BAT was forced to leave Myanmar following the pressure of the civil society campaigns based on their dealings with the previous regime. BAT re-established its business in Myanmar in 2013.<ref> Myanmar Now. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228062011/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/british-american-tobacco-announces-its-departure-from-myanmar-again British American Tobacco announces its departure from Myanmar, again], 13 October 2-21, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Gokhan Bilgic, British American Tobacco (BAT) Area Director in Turkey, Caucasus, and North Africa announced their plan to introduce new heated tobacco products at a press conference held in Egypt. This followed a meet up of the BAT area directors for Egypt, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Caucasus in Egypt, in which they reportedly “discussed the company’s ambitious strategy and plan to achieve an impactful change in tobacco and nicotine products”. He further stated that “sustainability” is their main focus and appreciated the government of Egypt for its efforts, including legislative, to preserve the sustainability of the tobacco industry.<ref> Daily New Egypt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228194510/https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/11/11/british-american-tobacco-aims-to-make-impactful-change-in-tobacco-nicotine-products/ British American Tobacco aims to make impactful change in tobacco, nicotine products], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) announced a reduction of profit before tax from Rs 8.5 billion to Rs 6.2 billion (27%) for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020. It also reported a reduced revenue of Rs.31.7 billion, a percentage reduction of 28.9%, compared to year 2020. Media report stated the reason for reduction is restrictions imposed for the third wave of the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka.<ref> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225092052/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/COVID-third-wave-cuts-CTC-revenue-profit-by-28/44-725759 COVID third wave cuts CTC revenue, profit by 28%], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref><ref> Daily Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225100952/https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/CTC-3Q-goes-up-in-smoke-as-lockdowns-hit-cigarette-sales/273-224616 CTC 3Q goes up in smoke as lockdowns hit cigarette sales], 12 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Jacek Olczak, CEO of [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)], made a statement defying the media reports of a possibility of re-merging with Altria. PMI spun off from Altria in 2008 reaching overseas markets. Industry analysts predicted a possible re-merge based on the low sales of cigarettes and diversified business interests of Altria. <ref> J R Blackwell. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226102936/https://richmond.com/business/report-philip-morris-international-will-not-pursue-merger-with-henrico-based-altria-group/article_f7b99519-f580-5d08-826f-5ef3fcfc9b97.html Report: Philip Morris International will not pursue merger with Henrico-based Altria Group], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] approved the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) for a product under Verve oral nicotine brand, owned by the [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group]. The [https://www.ussmokeless.com/en US Smokeless Tobacco Company], a subsidiary of Altria, has stopped the trade of this product in 2018. It further reported that this product could help nicotine addicted persons in switching from combustible products to less harmful products.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211115105945/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/09/fda-approves-pmta-of-discontinued-altria-product/ FDA Approves PMTA Of Discontinued Altria Product], 9 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] moved its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA, as announced in June 2021. It further reported that PMI has signed a lease for 12 years and plan to occupy the premises in the latter part of the year 2022.<ref> K R Gosselin. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211208093311/https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-philip-morris-office-stamford-20211105-w67umeyk5vfxlnlabhzjxnzt5i-story.html Philip Morris move to Stamford bodes well for attracting more companies to Connecticut’s fastest-growing city], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> Media reported that elected officials, including the Governor Ned Lamont, welcomed PMI. It further reported that Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons has stated that “I'm really looking forward to working with Philip Morris to help you grow and expand in our state”.<ref name=governor> R Kaufman. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211218182612/https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/gov-lamont-welcomes-philip-morris-international-stamford Gov. Lamont Welcomes Philip Morris International To Stamford], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.

[[Image: governor.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting that PMI’s move its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA. <ref name=governor/>]]

*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] met the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] to argue against banning PMI and Altria from importing and selling Iqos (a heated tobacco product) devices in the US. The ban was based on two patent violations owned by [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT). The reported counter-argument was that “Iqos is unique, both in its design and ability, to convert smokers”.<ref> A Lucas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219051816/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/08/philip-morris-international-meets-with-fda-to-make-its-case-for-iqos-in-patent-dispute.html Philip Morris International meets with FDA to make its case for Iqos in patent dispute], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Pakistan appointed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdigitalpk/?originalSubdomain=pk BDigital], a digital media agency based in Pakistan, as the official advertising agency for their oral nicotine product brand ‘Velo”.<ref> H Henry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219081509/https://www.brandinginasia.com/bdigital-appointed-by-british-american-tobacco-to-head-up-digital-for-velo/ BDigital Appointed by British American Tobacco to Head up Digital for Velo], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*A study report published by the [https://www.vitalstrategies.org/ Vital Strategies] exposed tactics and the key messages used for online marketing by the bidi industry in India. It revealed that bidi were marketed exclusively via Facebook facilitating online sales by advertising with clear images of products.<ref> Vital Strategies. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116082335/https://www.vitalstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/Selling-Death-on-Social-Media_How-Bidis-Are-Reaching-Consumers-Online.pdf Selling Death on Social Media: How Bidis Are Reaching Consumers Online], November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Teodoro Locsin, Foreign Affairs Secretary in Philippines, expressed his support for heated tobacco products claiming reduced harm and “equal satisfaction”. He made this statement at the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a representative of the Philippine delegation.<ref> Vera Files. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116104044/https://verafiles.org/articles/philippine-government-promotes-tobacco-industry-interests-gl Philippine government promotes tobacco industry interests at global health forum; civil society outraged], 10 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia announced a plan for a “mid-market range” price for their vaping brand ‘Vuse’. This was following a new “Prosperity Tax” that would increase the tax expenditure from 27% to 31% of the company. The same report announced a revenue and a volume growth for the product, reportedly due to “firmer trans-shipment regulations”, and their intention to lead the market in three years. Currently the reported market share for the product was 10%.<ref> The Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219191209/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/09/bat-malaysia-to-price-vape-brand-in-mid-market-range BAT Malaysia to price vape brand in mid-market range], 9 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>

==Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021==
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced the opening of its second luxury hotel branded “Mementos” Jaipur.<ref> S Sinha. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228235559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/band-baaja-luxury-after-udaipur-jaipur-to-also-get-itcs-new-luxury-brand-mementos/articleshow/87738302.cms Band, baaja, luxury: After Udaipur, Jaipur to also get ITC's new luxury brand ‘Mementos’], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://senedd.wales/people/darren-millar-ms/ Darren Millar], a Welsh Politician representing Conservative Party, was accused of hosting an event sponsored by [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)]. Media quoted Miller describing the event as “it would focus on the problem of cheap, illegal tobacco on sale in Wales”. John Griffiths, The chair of the Senedd, the [https://business.senedd.wales/mgOutsideBodyDetails.aspx?ID=534 cross party group on smoking and health], declared that he was “disappointed and concerned” because the event was allowed to happen. [https://ash.wales/ ASH Wales] also opposed to the event highlighting the fact that it would violate [[FCTC Article 5.3]]. <ref> W Hayward. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229230323/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/senedd-politics-tobacco-jti-cigarettes-22173698 Welsh Conservative MS criticised for hosting tobacco company event at the Senedd], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced the appointment of new staff “to lead the company toward a smoke-free product base”. The statement further reported that PMI aims to achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229233948/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/15/pmi-names-new-consumer-execs-commits-to-carbon-neutrality/ PMI Names New Consumer Execs, Commits To Carbon Neutrality], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco cultivation and manufacturing are major activities that damage the environment and contribute to climate change.
*Lovemore Manatsa, Chairperson of British American Tobacco (BAT) in Zimbabwe, announced an increase of volume growth in the first nine months of 2021 by 32% compared to the same period in 2020. He mentioned increased consumer demand, increased exportation of cut rag tobacco and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as reasons for this growth.<ref> A Vinga. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211227165223/https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bat-hails-exchange-rates-as-exports-grow-by-44/ BAT Hails Exchange Rates as Exports Grow By 44%], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://ebsummit.eu/ European Business Summit] was planned to be held on 17th and 18th November under the partnership of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] with the participation of EU commissioners. According to its [https://ebsummit.eu/ website], the European Business Summits is “a renowned organisation that creates and supports networking and debating events in Brussels, to bring business and politics together and to stimulate thinking on the most challenging European issues”. Civil society organisations objected to the partnership and requested EU commissioners not to participate in this summit.<ref> E S Nicolas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228200815/https://euobserver.com/democracy/153530 EU officials urged to boycott event with tobacco partnership], 17 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/ McDonald’s India] partnered with [[ITC Limited India]] to introduce ITC fruit products to the Happy Meal, which targets children. This was announced as “delighting its young customers in a unique way – by giving a wholesome refresh to everyone’s favourite Happy Meal” to celebrate its 25th operating year in India.<ref> FnBnew.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20211220033115/http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/mcdonalds-happy-meal-gets-a-wholesome-refresh-with-itcs-b-natural-mixed-fruit--cup-of-hot-corn-65647 McDonald’s Happy Meal gets a wholesome refresh with ITC’s B Natural Mixed Fruit & cup of hot corn], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures. McDonald’s is a chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Illinois, USA. Media reported that they decided to replace the happy meal toy with recyclable material by 2025 to reduce the use of plastics globally. This was amidst the objections of public health advocates in promoting unhealthy food for children by enticing them with toys.<ref>H Russ. [https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/mcdonalds-happy-meal-toys-go-green-globally-by-2025-2021-09-21/ McDonald's Happy Meal toys to go green globally by 2025], 22 September 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso/?originalSubdomain=ch Tommaso Di Giovanni], Vice President for Market Activation and Support of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], was awarded the Gold Award for "Communications Individual of the Year" at the [https://globeeawards.com/communications-awards/ 11th Annual 2021 Communications Excellence Awards]. This is reportedly awarded by the organisers of the Globee Awards, a scheme of business awards, consisting of eleven award programmess “to honor and recognise industry-wide and peer achievements and best efforts” in various sectors according to their website.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221045756/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-PMI-s-Tommaso-Di-Giovanni-wins-ldquo-Communications-Individual-of-the-37084912/ Philip Morris International : PMI's Tommaso Di Giovanni wins “Communications Individual of the Year” at the 2021 Globee Awards], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-bellini-510b561/ Marina Bellini], Director of Digital and Information of British American Tobacco (BAT), was awarded the [https://edloty.com/ European Digital Leaders award] in the business to consumer category. This is reportedly awarded by [https://www.cionet.com/ CIONET International], a company that provides IT management services, “to celebrate the accomplishments of all finalists and to highlight Europe’s top Digital Leaders in four categories”. It further reported that Marina is also nominated for [https://mitcio.com/award/ MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Awards]. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221092603/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-Digital-award-highlights-our-A-Better-Tomorrow-trade-transformation-37079099/ British American Tobacco : Digital award highlights our A Better Tomorrow™ transformation], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Australia has hired private investigators to gather information on illicit trade to hand over to Police in Queensland. Media reported that there are around 70 illicit tobacco-selling stores in Queensland, which is not a criminal offence as per the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act. As of January 2022, the Australian [https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1998-001 Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act] does not cover the illicit tobacco sales. <ref> P Doneman, A Horn. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221105844/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-20/queensland-tobacco-black-market-police-cigarettes/100622012 Illicit tobacco trade in Queensland 'exploding' with authorities powerless to stop it, industry groups say], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh conducted a workshop for sugarcane farmers titled “sustainable models of sugarcane cultivation”. The officials of the Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and Bangladesh Sugar crop Research Institute representatives also participated in the workshop.<ref name=Sugarcane> New Age Bangladesh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221111335/https://www.newagebd.net/article/155086/workshop-on-sugarcane-cultivation-held-in-kushtia Workshop on sugarcane cultivation held in Kushtia], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
[[Image: sugarcane.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the presence of government officials at the workshop. <ref name=Sugarcane/>]]

==Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021==
*A US District Court judge in Texas gave permission to four tobacco companies; [https://rjrt.com/ R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company], [https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/ Philip Morris USA], [https://www.itgbrands.com/ ITG Brands LLC] and [https://liggettvectorbrands.com/ Liggett Group LLC] to delay implementation of the new warning labels on cigarettes packs. This was following the joint motion submitted by the four companies. It is reportedly the sixth delay of implementation from 18 June 2021 claiming “irreparable harm because none of them will be compensable by money damages should the rule and/or graphic warnings requirement in the Tobacco Control Act be invalidated.” The [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/03/18/2020-05223/tobacco-products-required-warnings-for-cigarette-packages-and-advertisements#citation-1-p15638 new warnings labels] required color graphics depicting health harms of smoking to accompany new textual warning statements recommended by the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration]. In the new required labels, graphic warnings are designed to cover the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs, as well as at least 20% of the top of tobacco advertisements. According to FDA, the new 11 images “depict some of the lesser-known, but serious health risks of cigarette smoking,” such as sexual impotence, risk of blindness, lower blood flow to extremities and Type 2 diabetes.<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226074837/https://journalnow.com/news/local/cigarette-warning-labels-delayed-to-january-2023/article_c50c7586-4d4c-11ec-8060-9fcd279d9c5b.html Cigarette warning labels delayed to January 2023], 27 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/FCTC_Article_11:_Packaging_and_Labeling_of_Tobacco_Products Article 11] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends graphic health warnings of 50% of more covering principal display areas of cigarette packs. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] has agreed to pay USD 14.5 million to the State of Arizona and to suspend the sales to youngsters as part of the settlement of the lawsuit against them on targeting the youth through various tactics. JUUL labs further agreed to suspend online sales and to implement a monitoring system of retailers to discover the illegal under aged sales.<ref> N Weixel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226105139/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/582987-juul-will-pay-145-million-to-settle-arizona-lawsuit?rl=1 Juul will pay $14.5 million to settle Arizona lawsuit], 24 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh was awarded as one of the top taxpayers of the country for the tax year 2020-21 by the [https://nbr.gov.bd/ National Board of Revenue (NBR)]. <ref> Tribune Desk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228215211/https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2021/11/25/bat-bangladesh-named-top-taxpayer-again BAT Bangladesh named top taxpayer again], 25 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::The estimated health care costs related to tobacco including productivity loss due to premature deaths and tobacco related diseases in Bangladesh was Bangladeshi Taka 305.6 billion (approx. USD 3.62 billion) in 2018-2019. The total contribution of the tobacco to the government was estimated as Bangladeshi Taka 229.1 billion in 2016-2017, showing a significant net economic loss in Bangladesh. Further, Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having interactions with the tobacco industry that would promote their image.
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.facebook.com/KiaraAdvani Kiara Advani], as the brand ambassador of ITC Charmis, the beauty care brand of ITC that targets young women.<ref> ICB World News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228234024/https://ibcworldnews.com/2021/12/itc-charmis-announces-kiara-advani-as-its-new-brand-ambassador/ ITC Charmis announces Kiara Advani as its new Brand Ambassador], 23 December 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*Media reported the 60th Anniversary of [https://www.jti.com/africa/tanzania Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC)], a member of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], which had been first established as East African Tobacco in 1961. <ref> The Citizen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229231532/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/supplement/tcc-celebrating-60-glorious-years-3635154 TCC celebrating 60 glorious years], 26 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/leadership/corporate-management-committee/b-sumant.aspx B Sumant], the Executive director of [[ITC Limited India]], declared the recovery of distribution networks except wholesale business, compared to pre COVID levels. <ref> IA Dutt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/all-channels-except-wholesale-higher-than-pre-covid-levels-itc-s-b-sumant-121112100428_1.html All channels except wholesale higher than pre-Covid levels: ITC's B Sumant], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was included in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/esg/dow-jones-sustainability-world-index/#overview Dow Jones Sustainability World Index], which represents “the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria”. [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] is the only global index suite with a transparent, modular structure.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112940/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211122006125/en/Philip-Morris-International%E2%80%99s-ESG-Performance-Recognized-by-SP-Dow-Jones-Indices-Company-Included-in-Dow-Jones-Sustainability-Index-North-America-for-Second-Consecutive-Year Philip Morris International’s ESG Performance Recognized by S&P Dow Jones Indices; Company Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for Second Consecutive Year], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://tresconglobal.com/conferences/cloud/egypt/ World Cloud Show], held virtually on 27th October 2021 in Egypt, was hosted by the [https://www.mcit.gov.eg/ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology] in Egypt and the [https://www.itida.gov.eg/ Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureensubramaniam/?originalSubdomain=my Sureendhran Subramaniam], Global Head of District of Colombia, Cloud and Automation at Global Service Operation, British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia, was featured as a panelist at the event. <ref> CAN Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114016/http://www.itnewsonline.com/news/Egyptaposs-Cloud-Leaders-Virtually-Connect-to-Push-for-Sustainable-Cloud-Transformation-for-the-Country-at-World-Cloud-Show/7130 Egypt's Cloud Leaders Virtually Connect to Push for Sustainable Cloud Transformation for the Country at World Cloud Show], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) built a cigarette factory that uses solar power in South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is reported that this is part of the BAT’s environmental initiative aiming to reduce carbon emission.<ref name=solar> K Jae-heun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221113720/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/11/419_319295.html?gonw BAT Sacheon Factory kicks off green solar power generation], 23 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
[[Image: solar.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT construction of factory with solar facilities <ref name=solar/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August -September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021

2022-01-08T02:50:15Z

Editor: /* Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of November 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 30th November 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| British American Tobacco (BAT) || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar || 196
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia || 103
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 71
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA) || 72
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 73
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan || 7
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 4
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 6
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 2
|-
| Ferio Tego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece || 43
|}

==Week 86: 1st November – 7th November 2021==
* [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was accused of sponsoring a publication on nicotine vaping products in the [https://ajp.com.au/ Australian Journal of Pharmacy] on 6th October 2021. Chief Pharmacist of the [https://www.acp.edu.au/ Australasian College of Pharmacy], a professional organisation that delivers educational and research programmes in Australia, had reportedly authored the article, which was subsequently removed from circulation in November 2021.<ref> S L White and M Daube. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117092442/https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2021/41/vigilance-needed-to-stop-new-wave-of-tobacco-company-promotion/ Vigilance needed to stop new wave of tobacco company promotion], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulate science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for electronic cigarettes and other inhaled nicotine containing products (NCPs). UK will become the first country in the world to issue e-cigarettes via a prescription as a medicine.<ref name=uk> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211119103439/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102005710/en/Philip-Morris-International-Applauds-U.K.-Government%E2%80%99s-Approach-to-Achieve-its-Smoke-Free-Ambition Philip Morris International Applauds U.K. Government’s Approach to Achieve its Smoke-Free Ambition], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
[[Image: uk.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 1: PMI declaring their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for smoke free products.<ref name=uk/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a “Low-Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP)”, reportedly a plan for environmental sustainability of the company, while shifting to heated tobacco products from the combustible cigarettes products. The statement further included that they are hoping to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by the year 2025.<ref> J Motles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211122042338/https://sustainablebrands.com/read/walking-the-talk/a-smoke-free-carbon-neutral-future-pmi-s-plan-to-accelerate-climate-goals-while-transforming-its-business A Smoke-Free, Carbon-Neutral Future: PMI’s Plan to Accelerate Climate Goals While Transforming Its Business], 7 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence exist on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://www.occrp.org/en Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)], a global network of investigative journalists exposing crime and corruption in the world, revealed that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has introduced 66 new products containing a higher menthol level in 19 European countries, a few months prior to the menthol cigarette ban imposed in May 2020.<ref> A Ciurcanu and A Cerantola. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123090139/https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/japan-tobacco-international-making-a-mint-by-circumventing-menthol-cigarette-ban Japan Tobacco International Making a Mint by Circumventing Menthol Cigarette Ban], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has launched a new 50 g package of “Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco” in UK reportedly due to increased demand for Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco products.<ref> Convenience Store. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123091702/https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/jti-adds-50g-format-to-sterling-essential-ryo-range/661403.article JTI adds 50g format to Sterling Essential RYO range], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[http://www.tasecurities.com.my/ TA Securities Holdings], a stockbroking company that provides finance and investment research services, announced a revenue growth of 7.3% for British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia in the first 9 months of 2021. It further reported a 7% growth of cigarette sales volume in 2021 compared to 2020.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123094441/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/11/741628/legal-ciggies-market-pick-bodes-well-bat-malaysia Legal ciggies market pick up bodes well for BAT Malaysia], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan submitted a proposal to the ruling party of the government to increase tax on tobacco products in 2022 tax reformation. The request reportedly was to increase the tax on heated tobacco products in a lower rate than the cigarettes, as the BAT plans to shift their trade to heated products from the cigarettes.<ref> The Japan Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211126083956/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/11/04/business/corporate-business/tobacco-tax/ In unusual move, tobacco-maker requests higher tax on cigarettes], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*The head of public affairs and the company secretary of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, Azizur Rahman, has been elected as the Senior Vice President of the [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB)]. ICSB is the “only recognised professional body to develop, promote and regulate the profession of Chartered Secretary in Bangladesh” as stated in their [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ website].<ref> TBS Report. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211202080132/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/azizur-rahman-made-icsb-senior-vice-president-325156 Azizur Rahman made ICSB senior vice president], 4 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh jointly won the first place in "President's Award for Industrial Development 2019" under the large industry category. The awards are reportedly conferred “for their contribution to the private sector, employment generation and economy of the country”. President Abdul Hamid is to attend the virtual award ceremony as reported by the media.<ref> The Daily Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117084254/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/news/19-firms-get-presidents-industrial-award-today-2221706 19 firms to get president’s industrial award today], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>

==Week 87: 8th November – 14th November 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa accused the [https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] for not enforcing the policies against illicit tobacco trade in South Africa. This was reportedly following a request to increase the price of the brand “Rand 28” by BAT, allegedly aiming to differentiate the illicit product based on the price.<ref> V Mokhoali. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228211740/https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/10/bat-sa-says-sars-unwilling-to-act-again-illicit-cigarette-trade BAT SA Says Sars Unwilling to Act Again Illicit Cigarette Trade], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*ITC Infotech, an IT service subsidiary of [[ITC Limited India]], partnered with [https://www.hbs.edu/ Harvard Business School] to introduce Infotech’s Work from Anywhere (I-WFA) framework, which is customer and employee based delivering platform.<ref> ITC Infotech. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228233234/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/itc-infotech-in-association-with-harvard-business-school-reimagines-the-future-of-work-unveils-its-work-from-anywhere-framework-301421122.html ITC Infotech in association with Harvard Business School reimagines the future of work; unveils its Work from Anywhere framework], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Myanmar announced their plan of termination of operations at the end of the year 2021 reportedly due to “long-term operational and commercial viability of business”. BAT is the latest major multinational to leave Myanmar since its coup in February. Earlier in 2003, BAT was forced to leave Myanmar following the pressure of the civil society campaigns based on their dealings with the previous regime. BAT re-established its business in Myanmar in 2013.<ref> Myanmar Now. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228062011/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/british-american-tobacco-announces-its-departure-from-myanmar-again British American Tobacco announces its departure from Myanmar, again], 13 October 2-21, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Gokhan Bilgic, British American Tobacco (BAT) Area Director in Turkey, Caucasus, and North Africa announced their plan to introduce new heated tobacco products at a press conference held in Egypt. This followed a meet up of the BAT area directors for Egypt, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Caucasus in Egypt, in which they reportedly “discussed the company’s ambitious strategy and plan to achieve an impactful change in tobacco and nicotine products”. He further stated that “sustainability” is their main focus and appreciated the government of Egypt for its efforts, including legislative, to preserve the sustainability of the tobacco industry.<ref> Daily New Egypt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228194510/https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/11/11/british-american-tobacco-aims-to-make-impactful-change-in-tobacco-nicotine-products/ British American Tobacco aims to make impactful change in tobacco, nicotine products], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) announced a reduction of profit before tax from Rs 8.5 billion to Rs 6.2 billion (27%) for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020. It also reported a reduced revenue of Rs.31.7 billion, a percentage reduction of 28.9%, compared to year 2020. Media report stated the reason for reduction is restrictions imposed for the third wave of the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka.<ref> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225092052/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/COVID-third-wave-cuts-CTC-revenue-profit-by-28/44-725759 COVID third wave cuts CTC revenue, profit by 28%], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref><ref> Daily Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225100952/https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/CTC-3Q-goes-up-in-smoke-as-lockdowns-hit-cigarette-sales/273-224616 CTC 3Q goes up in smoke as lockdowns hit cigarette sales], 12 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Jacek Olczak, CEO of [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)], made a statement defying the media reports of a possibility of re-merging with Altria. PMI spun off from Altria in 2008 reaching overseas markets. Industry analysts predicted a possible re-merge based on the low sales of cigarettes and diversified business interests of Altria. <ref> J R Blackwell. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226102936/https://richmond.com/business/report-philip-morris-international-will-not-pursue-merger-with-henrico-based-altria-group/article_f7b99519-f580-5d08-826f-5ef3fcfc9b97.html Report: Philip Morris International will not pursue merger with Henrico-based Altria Group], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] approved the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) for a product under Verve oral nicotine brand, owned by the [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group]. The [https://www.ussmokeless.com/en US Smokeless Tobacco Company], a subsidiary of Altria, has stopped the trade of this product in 2018. It further reported that this product could help nicotine addicted persons in switching from combustible products to less harmful products.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211115105945/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/09/fda-approves-pmta-of-discontinued-altria-product/ FDA Approves PMTA Of Discontinued Altria Product], 9 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] moved its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA, as announced in June 2021. It further reported that PMI has signed a lease for 12 years and plan to occupy the premises in the latter part of the year 2022.<ref> K R Gosselin. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211208093311/https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-philip-morris-office-stamford-20211105-w67umeyk5vfxlnlabhzjxnzt5i-story.html Philip Morris move to Stamford bodes well for attracting more companies to Connecticut’s fastest-growing city], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> Media reported that elected officials, including the Governor Ned Lamont, welcomed PMI. It further reported that Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons has stated that “I'm really looking forward to working with Philip Morris to help you grow and expand in our state”.<ref name=governor> R Kaufman. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211218182612/https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/gov-lamont-welcomes-philip-morris-international-stamford Gov. Lamont Welcomes Philip Morris International To Stamford], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.

[[Image: governor.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting that PMI’s move its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA. <ref name=governor/>]]

*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] met the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] to argue against banning PMI and Altria from importing and selling Iqos (a heated tobacco product) devices in the US. The ban was based on two patent violations owned by [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT). The reported counter-argument was that “Iqos is unique, both in its design and ability, to convert smokers”.<ref> A Lucas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219051816/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/08/philip-morris-international-meets-with-fda-to-make-its-case-for-iqos-in-patent-dispute.html Philip Morris International meets with FDA to make its case for Iqos in patent dispute], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Pakistan appointed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdigitalpk/?originalSubdomain=pk BDigital], a digital media agency based in Pakistan, as the official advertising agency for their oral nicotine product brand ‘Velo”.<ref> H Henry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219081509/https://www.brandinginasia.com/bdigital-appointed-by-british-american-tobacco-to-head-up-digital-for-velo/ BDigital Appointed by British American Tobacco to Head up Digital for Velo], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*A study report published by the [https://www.vitalstrategies.org/ Vital Strategies] exposed tactics and the key messages used for online marketing by the bidi industry in India. It revealed that bidi were marketed exclusively via Facebook facilitating online sales by advertising with clear images of products.<ref> Vital Strategies. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116082335/https://www.vitalstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/Selling-Death-on-Social-Media_How-Bidis-Are-Reaching-Consumers-Online.pdf Selling Death on Social Media: How Bidis Are Reaching Consumers Online], November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Teodoro Locsin, Foreign Affairs Secretary in Philippines, expressed his support for heated tobacco products claiming reduced harm and “equal satisfaction”. He made this statement at the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a representative of the Philippine delegation.<ref> Vera Files. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116104044/https://verafiles.org/articles/philippine-government-promotes-tobacco-industry-interests-gl Philippine government promotes tobacco industry interests at global health forum; civil society outraged], 10 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia announced a plan for a “mid-market range” price for their vaping brand ‘Vuse’. This was following a new “Prosperity Tax” that would increase the tax expenditure from 27% to 31% of the company. The same report announced a revenue and a volume growth for the product, reportedly due to “firmer trans-shipment regulations”, and their intention to lead the market in three years. Currently the reported market share for the product was 10%.<ref> The Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219191209/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/09/bat-malaysia-to-price-vape-brand-in-mid-market-range BAT Malaysia to price vape brand in mid-market range], 9 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>

==Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021==
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced the opening of its second luxury hotel branded “Mementos” Jaipur.<ref> S Sinha. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228235559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/band-baaja-luxury-after-udaipur-jaipur-to-also-get-itcs-new-luxury-brand-mementos/articleshow/87738302.cms Band, baaja, luxury: After Udaipur, Jaipur to also get ITC's new luxury brand ‘Mementos’], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://senedd.wales/people/darren-millar-ms/ Darren Millar], a Welsh Politician representing Conservative Party, was accused of hosting an event sponsored by [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)]. Media quoted Miller describing the event as “it would focus on the problem of cheap, illegal tobacco on sale in Wales”. John Griffiths, The chair of the Senedd, the [https://business.senedd.wales/mgOutsideBodyDetails.aspx?ID=534 cross party group on smoking and health], declared that he was “disappointed and concerned” because the event was allowed to happen. [https://ash.wales/ ASH Wales] also opposed to the event highlighting the fact that it would violate [[FCTC Article 5.3]]. <ref> W Hayward. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229230323/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/senedd-politics-tobacco-jti-cigarettes-22173698 Welsh Conservative MS criticised for hosting tobacco company event at the Senedd], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced the appointment of new staff “to lead the company toward a smoke-free product base”. The statement further reported that PMI aims to achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229233948/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/15/pmi-names-new-consumer-execs-commits-to-carbon-neutrality/ PMI Names New Consumer Execs, Commits To Carbon Neutrality], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco cultivation and manufacturing are major activities that damage the environment and contribute to climate change.
*Lovemore Manatsa, Chairperson of British American Tobacco (BAT) in Zimbabwe, announced an increase of volume growth in the first nine months of 2021 by 32% compared to the same period in 2020. He mentioned increased consumer demand, increased exportation of cut rag tobacco and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as reasons for this growth.<ref> A Vinga. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211227165223/https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bat-hails-exchange-rates-as-exports-grow-by-44/ BAT Hails Exchange Rates as Exports Grow By 44%], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://ebsummit.eu/ European Business Summit] was planned to be held on 17th and 18th November under the partnership of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] with the participation of EU commissioners. According to its [https://ebsummit.eu/ website], the European Business Summits is “a renowned organisation that creates and supports networking and debating events in Brussels, to bring business and politics together and to stimulate thinking on the most challenging European issues”. Civil society organisations objected to the partnership and requested EU commissioners not to participate in this summit.<ref> E S Nicolas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228200815/https://euobserver.com/democracy/153530 EU officials urged to boycott event with tobacco partnership], 17 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/ McDonald’s India] partnered with [[ITC Limited India]] to introduce ITC fruit products to the Happy Meal, which targets children. This was announced as “delighting its young customers in a unique way – by giving a wholesome refresh to everyone’s favourite Happy Meal” to celebrate its 25th operating year in India.<ref> FnBnew.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20211220033115/http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/mcdonalds-happy-meal-gets-a-wholesome-refresh-with-itcs-b-natural-mixed-fruit--cup-of-hot-corn-65647 McDonald’s Happy Meal gets a wholesome refresh with ITC’s B Natural Mixed Fruit & cup of hot corn], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures. McDonald’s is a chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Illinois, USA. Media reported that they decided to replace the happy meal toy with recyclable material by 2025 to reduce the use of plastics globally. This was amidst the objections of public health advocates in promoting unhealthy food for children by enticing them with toys.<ref>H Russ. [https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/mcdonalds-happy-meal-toys-go-green-globally-by-2025-2021-09-21/ McDonald's Happy Meal toys to go green globally by 2025], 22 September 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso/?originalSubdomain=ch Tommaso Di Giovanni], Vice President for Market Activation and Support of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], was awarded the Gold Award for "Communications Individual of the Year" at the [https://globeeawards.com/communications-awards/ 11th Annual 2021 Communications Excellence Awards]. This is reportedly awarded by the organisers of the Globee Awards, a scheme of business awards, consisting of eleven award programmess “to honor and recognise industry-wide and peer achievements and best efforts” in various sectors according to their website.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221045756/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-PMI-s-Tommaso-Di-Giovanni-wins-ldquo-Communications-Individual-of-the-37084912/ Philip Morris International : PMI's Tommaso Di Giovanni wins “Communications Individual of the Year” at the 2021 Globee Awards], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-bellini-510b561/ Marina Bellini], Director of Digital and Information of British American Tobacco (BAT), was awarded the [https://edloty.com/ European Digital Leaders award] in the business to consumer category. This is reportedly awarded by [https://www.cionet.com/ CIONET International], a company that provides IT management services, “to celebrate the accomplishments of all finalists and to highlight Europe’s top Digital Leaders in four categories”. It further reported that Marina is also nominated for [https://mitcio.com/award/ MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Awards]. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221092603/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-Digital-award-highlights-our-A-Better-Tomorrow-trade-transformation-37079099/ British American Tobacco : Digital award highlights our A Better Tomorrow™ transformation], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Australia has hired private investigators to gather information on illicit trade to hand over to Police in Queensland. Media reported that there are around 70 illicit tobacco-selling stores in Queensland, which is not a criminal offence as per the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act. As of January 2022, the Australian [https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1998-001 Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act] does not cover the illicit tobacco sales. <ref> P Doneman, A Horn. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221105844/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-20/queensland-tobacco-black-market-police-cigarettes/100622012 Illicit tobacco trade in Queensland 'exploding' with authorities powerless to stop it, industry groups say], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh conducted a workshop for sugarcane farmers titled “sustainable models of sugarcane cultivation”. The officials of the Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and Bangladesh Sugar crop Research Institute representatives also participated in the workshop.<ref name=Sugarcane> New Age Bangladesh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221111335/https://www.newagebd.net/article/155086/workshop-on-sugarcane-cultivation-held-in-kushtia Workshop on sugarcane cultivation held in Kushtia], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
[[Image: sugarcane.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the presence of government officials at the workshop. <ref name=Sugarcane/>]]

==Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021==
*A US District Court judge in Texas gave permission to four tobacco companies; [https://rjrt.com/ R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company], [https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/ Philip Morris USA], [https://www.itgbrands.com/ ITG Brands LLC] and [https://liggettvectorbrands.com/ Liggett Group LLC] to delay implementation of the new warning labels on cigarettes packs. This was following the joint motion submitted by the four companies. It is reportedly the sixth delay of implementation from 18 June 2021 claiming “irreparable harm because none of them will be compensable by money damages should the rule and/or graphic warnings requirement in the Tobacco Control Act be invalidated.” The [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/03/18/2020-05223/tobacco-products-required-warnings-for-cigarette-packages-and-advertisements#citation-1-p15638 new warnings labels] required color graphics depicting health harms of smoking to accompany new textual warning statements recommended by the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration]. In the new required labels, graphic warnings are designed to cover the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs, as well as at least 20% of the top of tobacco advertisements. According to FDA, the new 11 images “depict some of the lesser-known, but serious health risks of cigarette smoking,” such as sexual impotence, risk of blindness, lower blood flow to extremities and Type 2 diabetes.<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226074837/https://journalnow.com/news/local/cigarette-warning-labels-delayed-to-january-2023/article_c50c7586-4d4c-11ec-8060-9fcd279d9c5b.html Cigarette warning labels delayed to January 2023], 27 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/FCTC_Article_11:_Packaging_and_Labeling_of_Tobacco_Products Article 11] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends graphic health warnings of 50% of more covering principal display areas of cigarette packs. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Legally_Challenging_Pictorial_Health_Warnings_in_Cigarette_Packs Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs] for more details.
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] has agreed to pay USD 14.5 million to the State of Arizona and to suspend the sales to youngsters as part of the settlement of the lawsuit against them on targeting the youth through various tactics. JUUL labs further agreed to suspend online sales and to implement a monitoring system of retailers to discover the illegal under aged sales.<ref> N Weixel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226105139/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/582987-juul-will-pay-145-million-to-settle-arizona-lawsuit?rl=1 Juul will pay $14.5 million to settle Arizona lawsuit], 24 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh was awarded as one of the top taxpayers of the country for the tax year 2020-21 by the [https://nbr.gov.bd/ National Board of Revenue (NBR)]. <ref> Tribune Desk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228215211/https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2021/11/25/bat-bangladesh-named-top-taxpayer-again BAT Bangladesh named top taxpayer again], 25 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::The estimated health care costs related to tobacco including productivity loss due to premature deaths and tobacco related diseases in Bangladesh was Bangladeshi Taka 305.6 billion (approx. USD 3.62 billion) in 2018-2019. The total contribution of the tobacco to the government was estimated as Bangladeshi Taka 229.1 billion in 2016-2017, showing a significant net economic loss in Bangladesh. Further, Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having interactions with the tobacco industry that would promote their image.
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.facebook.com/KiaraAdvani Kiara Advani], as the brand ambassador of ITC Charmis, the beauty care brand of ITC that targets young women.<ref> ICB World News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228234024/https://ibcworldnews.com/2021/12/itc-charmis-announces-kiara-advani-as-its-new-brand-ambassador/ ITC Charmis announces Kiara Advani as its new Brand Ambassador], 23 December 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*Media reported the 60th Anniversary of [https://www.jti.com/africa/tanzania Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC)], a member of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], which had been first established as East African Tobacco in 1961. <ref> The Citizen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229231532/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/supplement/tcc-celebrating-60-glorious-years-3635154 TCC celebrating 60 glorious years], 26 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/leadership/corporate-management-committee/b-sumant.aspx B Sumant], the Executive director of [[ITC Limited India]], declared the recovery of distribution networks except wholesale business, compared to pre COVID levels. <ref> IA Dutt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/all-channels-except-wholesale-higher-than-pre-covid-levels-itc-s-b-sumant-121112100428_1.html All channels except wholesale higher than pre-Covid levels: ITC's B Sumant], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was included in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/esg/dow-jones-sustainability-world-index/#overview Dow Jones Sustainability World Index], which represents “the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria”. [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] is the only global index suite with a transparent, modular structure.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112940/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211122006125/en/Philip-Morris-International%E2%80%99s-ESG-Performance-Recognized-by-SP-Dow-Jones-Indices-Company-Included-in-Dow-Jones-Sustainability-Index-North-America-for-Second-Consecutive-Year Philip Morris International’s ESG Performance Recognized by S&P Dow Jones Indices; Company Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for Second Consecutive Year], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://tresconglobal.com/conferences/cloud/egypt/ World Cloud Show], held virtually on 27th October 2021 in Egypt, was hosted by the [https://www.mcit.gov.eg/ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology] in Egypt and the [https://www.itida.gov.eg/ Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureensubramaniam/?originalSubdomain=my Sureendhran Subramaniam], Global Head of District of Colombia, Cloud and Automation at Global Service Operation, British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia, was featured as a panelist at the event. <ref> CAN Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114016/http://www.itnewsonline.com/news/Egyptaposs-Cloud-Leaders-Virtually-Connect-to-Push-for-Sustainable-Cloud-Transformation-for-the-Country-at-World-Cloud-Show/7130 Egypt's Cloud Leaders Virtually Connect to Push for Sustainable Cloud Transformation for the Country at World Cloud Show], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) built a cigarette factory that uses solar power in South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is reported that this is part of the BAT’s environmental initiative aiming to reduce carbon emission.<ref name=solar> K Jae-heun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221113720/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/11/419_319295.html?gonw BAT Sacheon Factory kicks off green solar power generation], 23 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
[[Image: solar.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT construction of factory with solar facilities <ref name=solar/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021

2022-01-08T02:47:59Z

Editor: /* Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of November 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 30th November 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| British American Tobacco (BAT) || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar || 196
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia || 103
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 71
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA) || 72
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 73
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan || 7
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 4
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 6
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 2
|-
| Ferio Tego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece || 43
|}

==Week 86: 1st November – 7th November 2021==
* [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was accused of sponsoring a publication on nicotine vaping products in the [https://ajp.com.au/ Australian Journal of Pharmacy] on 6th October 2021. Chief Pharmacist of the [https://www.acp.edu.au/ Australasian College of Pharmacy], a professional organisation that delivers educational and research programmes in Australia, had reportedly authored the article, which was subsequently removed from circulation in November 2021.<ref> S L White and M Daube. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117092442/https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2021/41/vigilance-needed-to-stop-new-wave-of-tobacco-company-promotion/ Vigilance needed to stop new wave of tobacco company promotion], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulate science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for electronic cigarettes and other inhaled nicotine containing products (NCPs). UK will become the first country in the world to issue e-cigarettes via a prescription as a medicine.<ref name=uk> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211119103439/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102005710/en/Philip-Morris-International-Applauds-U.K.-Government%E2%80%99s-Approach-to-Achieve-its-Smoke-Free-Ambition Philip Morris International Applauds U.K. Government’s Approach to Achieve its Smoke-Free Ambition], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
[[Image: uk.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 1: PMI declaring their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for smoke free products.<ref name=uk/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a “Low-Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP)”, reportedly a plan for environmental sustainability of the company, while shifting to heated tobacco products from the combustible cigarettes products. The statement further included that they are hoping to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by the year 2025.<ref> J Motles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211122042338/https://sustainablebrands.com/read/walking-the-talk/a-smoke-free-carbon-neutral-future-pmi-s-plan-to-accelerate-climate-goals-while-transforming-its-business A Smoke-Free, Carbon-Neutral Future: PMI’s Plan to Accelerate Climate Goals While Transforming Its Business], 7 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence exist on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://www.occrp.org/en Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)], a global network of investigative journalists exposing crime and corruption in the world, revealed that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has introduced 66 new products containing a higher menthol level in 19 European countries, a few months prior to the menthol cigarette ban imposed in May 2020.<ref> A Ciurcanu and A Cerantola. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123090139/https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/japan-tobacco-international-making-a-mint-by-circumventing-menthol-cigarette-ban Japan Tobacco International Making a Mint by Circumventing Menthol Cigarette Ban], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has launched a new 50 g package of “Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco” in UK reportedly due to increased demand for Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco products.<ref> Convenience Store. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123091702/https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/jti-adds-50g-format-to-sterling-essential-ryo-range/661403.article JTI adds 50g format to Sterling Essential RYO range], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[http://www.tasecurities.com.my/ TA Securities Holdings], a stockbroking company that provides finance and investment research services, announced a revenue growth of 7.3% for British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia in the first 9 months of 2021. It further reported a 7% growth of cigarette sales volume in 2021 compared to 2020.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123094441/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/11/741628/legal-ciggies-market-pick-bodes-well-bat-malaysia Legal ciggies market pick up bodes well for BAT Malaysia], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan submitted a proposal to the ruling party of the government to increase tax on tobacco products in 2022 tax reformation. The request reportedly was to increase the tax on heated tobacco products in a lower rate than the cigarettes, as the BAT plans to shift their trade to heated products from the cigarettes.<ref> The Japan Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211126083956/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/11/04/business/corporate-business/tobacco-tax/ In unusual move, tobacco-maker requests higher tax on cigarettes], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*The head of public affairs and the company secretary of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, Azizur Rahman, has been elected as the Senior Vice President of the [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB)]. ICSB is the “only recognised professional body to develop, promote and regulate the profession of Chartered Secretary in Bangladesh” as stated in their [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ website].<ref> TBS Report. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211202080132/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/azizur-rahman-made-icsb-senior-vice-president-325156 Azizur Rahman made ICSB senior vice president], 4 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh jointly won the first place in "President's Award for Industrial Development 2019" under the large industry category. The awards are reportedly conferred “for their contribution to the private sector, employment generation and economy of the country”. President Abdul Hamid is to attend the virtual award ceremony as reported by the media.<ref> The Daily Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117084254/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/news/19-firms-get-presidents-industrial-award-today-2221706 19 firms to get president’s industrial award today], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>

==Week 87: 8th November – 14th November 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa accused the [https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] for not enforcing the policies against illicit tobacco trade in South Africa. This was reportedly following a request to increase the price of the brand “Rand 28” by BAT, allegedly aiming to differentiate the illicit product based on the price.<ref> V Mokhoali. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228211740/https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/10/bat-sa-says-sars-unwilling-to-act-again-illicit-cigarette-trade BAT SA Says Sars Unwilling to Act Again Illicit Cigarette Trade], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*ITC Infotech, an IT service subsidiary of [[ITC Limited India]], partnered with [https://www.hbs.edu/ Harvard Business School] to introduce Infotech’s Work from Anywhere (I-WFA) framework, which is customer and employee based delivering platform.<ref> ITC Infotech. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228233234/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/itc-infotech-in-association-with-harvard-business-school-reimagines-the-future-of-work-unveils-its-work-from-anywhere-framework-301421122.html ITC Infotech in association with Harvard Business School reimagines the future of work; unveils its Work from Anywhere framework], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Myanmar announced their plan of termination of operations at the end of the year 2021 reportedly due to “long-term operational and commercial viability of business”. BAT is the latest major multinational to leave Myanmar since its coup in February. Earlier in 2003, BAT was forced to leave Myanmar following the pressure of the civil society campaigns based on their dealings with the previous regime. BAT re-established its business in Myanmar in 2013.<ref> Myanmar Now. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228062011/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/british-american-tobacco-announces-its-departure-from-myanmar-again British American Tobacco announces its departure from Myanmar, again], 13 October 2-21, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Gokhan Bilgic, British American Tobacco (BAT) Area Director in Turkey, Caucasus, and North Africa announced their plan to introduce new heated tobacco products at a press conference held in Egypt. This followed a meet up of the BAT area directors for Egypt, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Caucasus in Egypt, in which they reportedly “discussed the company’s ambitious strategy and plan to achieve an impactful change in tobacco and nicotine products”. He further stated that “sustainability” is their main focus and appreciated the government of Egypt for its efforts, including legislative, to preserve the sustainability of the tobacco industry.<ref> Daily New Egypt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228194510/https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/11/11/british-american-tobacco-aims-to-make-impactful-change-in-tobacco-nicotine-products/ British American Tobacco aims to make impactful change in tobacco, nicotine products], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) announced a reduction of profit before tax from Rs 8.5 billion to Rs 6.2 billion (27%) for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020. It also reported a reduced revenue of Rs.31.7 billion, a percentage reduction of 28.9%, compared to year 2020. Media report stated the reason for reduction is restrictions imposed for the third wave of the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka.<ref> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225092052/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/COVID-third-wave-cuts-CTC-revenue-profit-by-28/44-725759 COVID third wave cuts CTC revenue, profit by 28%], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref><ref> Daily Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225100952/https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/CTC-3Q-goes-up-in-smoke-as-lockdowns-hit-cigarette-sales/273-224616 CTC 3Q goes up in smoke as lockdowns hit cigarette sales], 12 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Jacek Olczak, CEO of [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)], made a statement defying the media reports of a possibility of re-merging with Altria. PMI spun off from Altria in 2008 reaching overseas markets. Industry analysts predicted a possible re-merge based on the low sales of cigarettes and diversified business interests of Altria. <ref> J R Blackwell. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226102936/https://richmond.com/business/report-philip-morris-international-will-not-pursue-merger-with-henrico-based-altria-group/article_f7b99519-f580-5d08-826f-5ef3fcfc9b97.html Report: Philip Morris International will not pursue merger with Henrico-based Altria Group], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] approved the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) for a product under Verve oral nicotine brand, owned by the [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group]. The [https://www.ussmokeless.com/en US Smokeless Tobacco Company], a subsidiary of Altria, has stopped the trade of this product in 2018. It further reported that this product could help nicotine addicted persons in switching from combustible products to less harmful products.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211115105945/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/09/fda-approves-pmta-of-discontinued-altria-product/ FDA Approves PMTA Of Discontinued Altria Product], 9 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] moved its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA, as announced in June 2021. It further reported that PMI has signed a lease for 12 years and plan to occupy the premises in the latter part of the year 2022.<ref> K R Gosselin. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211208093311/https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-philip-morris-office-stamford-20211105-w67umeyk5vfxlnlabhzjxnzt5i-story.html Philip Morris move to Stamford bodes well for attracting more companies to Connecticut’s fastest-growing city], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> Media reported that elected officials, including the Governor Ned Lamont, welcomed PMI. It further reported that Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons has stated that “I'm really looking forward to working with Philip Morris to help you grow and expand in our state”.<ref name=governor> R Kaufman. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211218182612/https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/gov-lamont-welcomes-philip-morris-international-stamford Gov. Lamont Welcomes Philip Morris International To Stamford], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.

[[Image: governor.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting that PMI’s move its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA. <ref name=governor/>]]

*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] met the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] to argue against banning PMI and Altria from importing and selling Iqos (a heated tobacco product) devices in the US. The ban was based on two patent violations owned by [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT). The reported counter-argument was that “Iqos is unique, both in its design and ability, to convert smokers”.<ref> A Lucas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219051816/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/08/philip-morris-international-meets-with-fda-to-make-its-case-for-iqos-in-patent-dispute.html Philip Morris International meets with FDA to make its case for Iqos in patent dispute], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Pakistan appointed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdigitalpk/?originalSubdomain=pk BDigital], a digital media agency based in Pakistan, as the official advertising agency for their oral nicotine product brand ‘Velo”.<ref> H Henry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219081509/https://www.brandinginasia.com/bdigital-appointed-by-british-american-tobacco-to-head-up-digital-for-velo/ BDigital Appointed by British American Tobacco to Head up Digital for Velo], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*A study report published by the [https://www.vitalstrategies.org/ Vital Strategies] exposed tactics and the key messages used for online marketing by the bidi industry in India. It revealed that bidi were marketed exclusively via Facebook facilitating online sales by advertising with clear images of products.<ref> Vital Strategies. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116082335/https://www.vitalstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/Selling-Death-on-Social-Media_How-Bidis-Are-Reaching-Consumers-Online.pdf Selling Death on Social Media: How Bidis Are Reaching Consumers Online], November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Teodoro Locsin, Foreign Affairs Secretary in Philippines, expressed his support for heated tobacco products claiming reduced harm and “equal satisfaction”. He made this statement at the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a representative of the Philippine delegation.<ref> Vera Files. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116104044/https://verafiles.org/articles/philippine-government-promotes-tobacco-industry-interests-gl Philippine government promotes tobacco industry interests at global health forum; civil society outraged], 10 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia announced a plan for a “mid-market range” price for their vaping brand ‘Vuse’. This was following a new “Prosperity Tax” that would increase the tax expenditure from 27% to 31% of the company. The same report announced a revenue and a volume growth for the product, reportedly due to “firmer trans-shipment regulations”, and their intention to lead the market in three years. Currently the reported market share for the product was 10%.<ref> The Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219191209/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/09/bat-malaysia-to-price-vape-brand-in-mid-market-range BAT Malaysia to price vape brand in mid-market range], 9 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>

==Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021==
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced the opening of its second luxury hotel branded “Mementos” Jaipur.<ref> S Sinha. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228235559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/band-baaja-luxury-after-udaipur-jaipur-to-also-get-itcs-new-luxury-brand-mementos/articleshow/87738302.cms Band, baaja, luxury: After Udaipur, Jaipur to also get ITC's new luxury brand ‘Mementos’], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://senedd.wales/people/darren-millar-ms/ Darren Millar], a Welsh Politician representing Conservative Party, was accused of hosting an event sponsored by [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)]. Media quoted Miller describing the event as “it would focus on the problem of cheap, illegal tobacco on sale in Wales”. John Griffiths, The chair of the Senedd, the [https://business.senedd.wales/mgOutsideBodyDetails.aspx?ID=534 cross party group on smoking and health], declared that he was “disappointed and concerned” because the event was allowed to happen. [https://ash.wales/ ASH Wales] also opposed to the event highlighting the fact that it would violate [[FCTC Article 5.3]]. <ref> W Hayward. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229230323/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/senedd-politics-tobacco-jti-cigarettes-22173698 Welsh Conservative MS criticised for hosting tobacco company event at the Senedd], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced the appointment of new staff “to lead the company toward a smoke-free product base”. The statement further reported that PMI aims to achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229233948/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/15/pmi-names-new-consumer-execs-commits-to-carbon-neutrality/ PMI Names New Consumer Execs, Commits To Carbon Neutrality], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco cultivation and manufacturing are major activities that damage the environment and contribute to climate change.
*Lovemore Manatsa, Chairperson of British American Tobacco (BAT) in Zimbabwe, announced an increase of volume growth in the first nine months of 2021 by 32% compared to the same period in 2020. He mentioned increased consumer demand, increased exportation of cut rag tobacco and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as reasons for this growth.<ref> A Vinga. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211227165223/https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bat-hails-exchange-rates-as-exports-grow-by-44/ BAT Hails Exchange Rates as Exports Grow By 44%], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://ebsummit.eu/ European Business Summit] was planned to be held on 17th and 18th November under the partnership of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] with the participation of EU commissioners. According to its [https://ebsummit.eu/ website], the European Business Summits is “a renowned organisation that creates and supports networking and debating events in Brussels, to bring business and politics together and to stimulate thinking on the most challenging European issues”. Civil society organisations objected to the partnership and requested EU commissioners not to participate in this summit.<ref> E S Nicolas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228200815/https://euobserver.com/democracy/153530 EU officials urged to boycott event with tobacco partnership], 17 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/ McDonald’s India] partnered with [[ITC Limited India]] to introduce ITC fruit products to the Happy Meal, which targets children. This was announced as “delighting its young customers in a unique way – by giving a wholesome refresh to everyone’s favourite Happy Meal” to celebrate its 25th operating year in India.<ref> FnBnew.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20211220033115/http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/mcdonalds-happy-meal-gets-a-wholesome-refresh-with-itcs-b-natural-mixed-fruit--cup-of-hot-corn-65647 McDonald’s Happy Meal gets a wholesome refresh with ITC’s B Natural Mixed Fruit & cup of hot corn], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures. McDonald’s is a chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Illinois, USA. Media reported that they decided to replace the happy meal toy with recyclable material by 2025 to reduce the use of plastics globally. This was amidst the objections of public health advocates in promoting unhealthy food for children by enticing them with toys.<ref>H Russ. [https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/mcdonalds-happy-meal-toys-go-green-globally-by-2025-2021-09-21/ McDonald's Happy Meal toys to go green globally by 2025], 22 September 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso/?originalSubdomain=ch Tommaso Di Giovanni], Vice President for Market Activation and Support of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], was awarded the Gold Award for "Communications Individual of the Year" at the [https://globeeawards.com/communications-awards/ 11th Annual 2021 Communications Excellence Awards]. This is reportedly awarded by the organisers of the Globee Awards, a scheme of business awards, consisting of eleven award programmess “to honor and recognise industry-wide and peer achievements and best efforts” in various sectors according to their website.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221045756/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-PMI-s-Tommaso-Di-Giovanni-wins-ldquo-Communications-Individual-of-the-37084912/ Philip Morris International : PMI's Tommaso Di Giovanni wins “Communications Individual of the Year” at the 2021 Globee Awards], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-bellini-510b561/ Marina Bellini], Director of Digital and Information of British American Tobacco (BAT), was awarded the [https://edloty.com/ European Digital Leaders award] in the business to consumer category. This is reportedly awarded by [https://www.cionet.com/ CIONET International], a company that provides IT management services, “to celebrate the accomplishments of all finalists and to highlight Europe’s top Digital Leaders in four categories”. It further reported that Marina is also nominated for [https://mitcio.com/award/ MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Awards]. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221092603/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-Digital-award-highlights-our-A-Better-Tomorrow-trade-transformation-37079099/ British American Tobacco : Digital award highlights our A Better Tomorrow™ transformation], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Australia has hired private investigators to gather information on illicit trade to hand over to Police in Queensland. Media reported that there are around 70 illicit tobacco-selling stores in Queensland, which is not a criminal offence as per the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act. As of January 2022, the Australian [https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1998-001 Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act] does not cover the illicit tobacco sales. <ref> P Doneman, A Horn. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221105844/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-20/queensland-tobacco-black-market-police-cigarettes/100622012 Illicit tobacco trade in Queensland 'exploding' with authorities powerless to stop it, industry groups say], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh conducted a workshop for sugarcane farmers titled “sustainable models of sugarcane cultivation”. The officials of the Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and Bangladesh Sugar crop Research Institute representatives also participated in the workshop.<ref name=Sugarcane> New Age Bangladesh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221111335/https://www.newagebd.net/article/155086/workshop-on-sugarcane-cultivation-held-in-kushtia Workshop on sugarcane cultivation held in Kushtia], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
[[Image: sugarcane.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the presence of government officials at the workshop. <ref name=Sugarcane/>]]

==Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021==
*A US District Court judge in Texas gave permission to four tobacco companies; [https://rjrt.com/ R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company], [https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/ Philip Morris USA], [https://www.itgbrands.com/ ITG Brands LLC] and [https://liggettvectorbrands.com/ Liggett Group LLC] to delay implementation of the new warning labels on cigarettes packs. This was following the joint motion submitted by the four companies. It is reportedly the sixth delay of implementation from 18 June 2021 claiming “irreparable harm because none of them will be compensable by money damages should the rule and/or graphic warnings requirement in the Tobacco Control Act be invalidated.” The [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/03/18/2020-05223/tobacco-products-required-warnings-for-cigarette-packages-and-advertisements#citation-1-p15638 new warnings labels] required color graphics depicting health harms of smoking to accompany new textual warning statements recommended by the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration]. In the new required labels, graphic warnings are designed to cover the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs, as well as at least 20% of the top of tobacco advertisements. According to FDA, the new 11 images “depict some of the lesser-known, but serious health risks of cigarette smoking,” such as sexual impotence, risk of blindness, lower blood flow to extremities and Type 2 diabetes.<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226074837/https://journalnow.com/news/local/cigarette-warning-labels-delayed-to-january-2023/article_c50c7586-4d4c-11ec-8060-9fcd279d9c5b.html Cigarette warning labels delayed to January 2023], 27 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 11: Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco Products | Article 11]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends graphic health warnings of 50% of more covering principal display areas of cigarette packs. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] has agreed to pay USD 14.5 million to the State of Arizona and to suspend the sales to youngsters as part of the settlement of the lawsuit against them on targeting the youth through various tactics. JUUL labs further agreed to suspend online sales and to implement a monitoring system of retailers to discover the illegal under aged sales.<ref> N Weixel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226105139/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/582987-juul-will-pay-145-million-to-settle-arizona-lawsuit?rl=1 Juul will pay $14.5 million to settle Arizona lawsuit], 24 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh was awarded as one of the top taxpayers of the country for the tax year 2020-21 by the [https://nbr.gov.bd/ National Board of Revenue (NBR)]. <ref> Tribune Desk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228215211/https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2021/11/25/bat-bangladesh-named-top-taxpayer-again BAT Bangladesh named top taxpayer again], 25 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::The estimated health care costs related to tobacco including productivity loss due to premature deaths and tobacco related diseases in Bangladesh was Bangladeshi Taka 305.6 billion (approx. USD 3.62 billion) in 2018-2019. The total contribution of the tobacco to the government was estimated as Bangladeshi Taka 229.1 billion in 2016-2017, showing a significant net economic loss in Bangladesh. Further, Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having interactions with the tobacco industry that would promote their image.
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.facebook.com/KiaraAdvani Kiara Advani], as the brand ambassador of ITC Charmis, the beauty care brand of ITC that targets young women.<ref> ICB World News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228234024/https://ibcworldnews.com/2021/12/itc-charmis-announces-kiara-advani-as-its-new-brand-ambassador/ ITC Charmis announces Kiara Advani as its new Brand Ambassador], 23 December 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*Media reported the 60th Anniversary of [https://www.jti.com/africa/tanzania Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC)], a member of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], which had been first established as East African Tobacco in 1961. <ref> The Citizen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229231532/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/supplement/tcc-celebrating-60-glorious-years-3635154 TCC celebrating 60 glorious years], 26 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/leadership/corporate-management-committee/b-sumant.aspx B Sumant], the Executive director of [[ITC Limited India]], declared the recovery of distribution networks except wholesale business, compared to pre COVID levels. <ref> IA Dutt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/all-channels-except-wholesale-higher-than-pre-covid-levels-itc-s-b-sumant-121112100428_1.html All channels except wholesale higher than pre-Covid levels: ITC's B Sumant], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was included in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/esg/dow-jones-sustainability-world-index/#overview Dow Jones Sustainability World Index], which represents “the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria”. [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] is the only global index suite with a transparent, modular structure.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112940/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211122006125/en/Philip-Morris-International%E2%80%99s-ESG-Performance-Recognized-by-SP-Dow-Jones-Indices-Company-Included-in-Dow-Jones-Sustainability-Index-North-America-for-Second-Consecutive-Year Philip Morris International’s ESG Performance Recognized by S&P Dow Jones Indices; Company Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for Second Consecutive Year], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://tresconglobal.com/conferences/cloud/egypt/ World Cloud Show], held virtually on 27th October 2021 in Egypt, was hosted by the [https://www.mcit.gov.eg/ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology] in Egypt and the [https://www.itida.gov.eg/ Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureensubramaniam/?originalSubdomain=my Sureendhran Subramaniam], Global Head of District of Colombia, Cloud and Automation at Global Service Operation, British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia, was featured as a panelist at the event. <ref> CAN Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114016/http://www.itnewsonline.com/news/Egyptaposs-Cloud-Leaders-Virtually-Connect-to-Push-for-Sustainable-Cloud-Transformation-for-the-Country-at-World-Cloud-Show/7130 Egypt's Cloud Leaders Virtually Connect to Push for Sustainable Cloud Transformation for the Country at World Cloud Show], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) built a cigarette factory that uses solar power in South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is reported that this is part of the BAT’s environmental initiative aiming to reduce carbon emission.<ref name=solar> K Jae-heun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221113720/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/11/419_319295.html?gonw BAT Sacheon Factory kicks off green solar power generation], 23 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
[[Image: solar.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT construction of factory with solar facilities <ref name=solar/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

File:Solar.jpg

2022-01-08T02:46:28Z

Editor:

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021

2022-01-08T02:45:59Z

Editor: /* Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of November 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 30th November 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| British American Tobacco (BAT) || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar || 196
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia || 103
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 71
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA) || 72
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 73
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan || 7
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 4
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 6
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 2
|-
| Ferio Tego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece || 43
|}

==Week 86: 1st November – 7th November 2021==
* [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was accused of sponsoring a publication on nicotine vaping products in the [https://ajp.com.au/ Australian Journal of Pharmacy] on 6th October 2021. Chief Pharmacist of the [https://www.acp.edu.au/ Australasian College of Pharmacy], a professional organisation that delivers educational and research programmes in Australia, had reportedly authored the article, which was subsequently removed from circulation in November 2021.<ref> S L White and M Daube. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117092442/https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2021/41/vigilance-needed-to-stop-new-wave-of-tobacco-company-promotion/ Vigilance needed to stop new wave of tobacco company promotion], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulate science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for electronic cigarettes and other inhaled nicotine containing products (NCPs). UK will become the first country in the world to issue e-cigarettes via a prescription as a medicine.<ref name=uk> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211119103439/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102005710/en/Philip-Morris-International-Applauds-U.K.-Government%E2%80%99s-Approach-to-Achieve-its-Smoke-Free-Ambition Philip Morris International Applauds U.K. Government’s Approach to Achieve its Smoke-Free Ambition], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
[[Image: uk.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 1: PMI declaring their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for smoke free products.<ref name=uk/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a “Low-Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP)”, reportedly a plan for environmental sustainability of the company, while shifting to heated tobacco products from the combustible cigarettes products. The statement further included that they are hoping to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by the year 2025.<ref> J Motles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211122042338/https://sustainablebrands.com/read/walking-the-talk/a-smoke-free-carbon-neutral-future-pmi-s-plan-to-accelerate-climate-goals-while-transforming-its-business A Smoke-Free, Carbon-Neutral Future: PMI’s Plan to Accelerate Climate Goals While Transforming Its Business], 7 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence exist on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://www.occrp.org/en Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)], a global network of investigative journalists exposing crime and corruption in the world, revealed that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has introduced 66 new products containing a higher menthol level in 19 European countries, a few months prior to the menthol cigarette ban imposed in May 2020.<ref> A Ciurcanu and A Cerantola. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123090139/https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/japan-tobacco-international-making-a-mint-by-circumventing-menthol-cigarette-ban Japan Tobacco International Making a Mint by Circumventing Menthol Cigarette Ban], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has launched a new 50 g package of “Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco” in UK reportedly due to increased demand for Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco products.<ref> Convenience Store. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123091702/https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/jti-adds-50g-format-to-sterling-essential-ryo-range/661403.article JTI adds 50g format to Sterling Essential RYO range], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[http://www.tasecurities.com.my/ TA Securities Holdings], a stockbroking company that provides finance and investment research services, announced a revenue growth of 7.3% for British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia in the first 9 months of 2021. It further reported a 7% growth of cigarette sales volume in 2021 compared to 2020.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123094441/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/11/741628/legal-ciggies-market-pick-bodes-well-bat-malaysia Legal ciggies market pick up bodes well for BAT Malaysia], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan submitted a proposal to the ruling party of the government to increase tax on tobacco products in 2022 tax reformation. The request reportedly was to increase the tax on heated tobacco products in a lower rate than the cigarettes, as the BAT plans to shift their trade to heated products from the cigarettes.<ref> The Japan Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211126083956/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/11/04/business/corporate-business/tobacco-tax/ In unusual move, tobacco-maker requests higher tax on cigarettes], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*The head of public affairs and the company secretary of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, Azizur Rahman, has been elected as the Senior Vice President of the [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB)]. ICSB is the “only recognised professional body to develop, promote and regulate the profession of Chartered Secretary in Bangladesh” as stated in their [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ website].<ref> TBS Report. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211202080132/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/azizur-rahman-made-icsb-senior-vice-president-325156 Azizur Rahman made ICSB senior vice president], 4 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh jointly won the first place in "President's Award for Industrial Development 2019" under the large industry category. The awards are reportedly conferred “for their contribution to the private sector, employment generation and economy of the country”. President Abdul Hamid is to attend the virtual award ceremony as reported by the media.<ref> The Daily Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117084254/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/news/19-firms-get-presidents-industrial-award-today-2221706 19 firms to get president’s industrial award today], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>

==Week 87: 8th November – 14th November 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa accused the [https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] for not enforcing the policies against illicit tobacco trade in South Africa. This was reportedly following a request to increase the price of the brand “Rand 28” by BAT, allegedly aiming to differentiate the illicit product based on the price.<ref> V Mokhoali. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228211740/https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/10/bat-sa-says-sars-unwilling-to-act-again-illicit-cigarette-trade BAT SA Says Sars Unwilling to Act Again Illicit Cigarette Trade], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*ITC Infotech, an IT service subsidiary of [[ITC Limited India]], partnered with [https://www.hbs.edu/ Harvard Business School] to introduce Infotech’s Work from Anywhere (I-WFA) framework, which is customer and employee based delivering platform.<ref> ITC Infotech. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228233234/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/itc-infotech-in-association-with-harvard-business-school-reimagines-the-future-of-work-unveils-its-work-from-anywhere-framework-301421122.html ITC Infotech in association with Harvard Business School reimagines the future of work; unveils its Work from Anywhere framework], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Myanmar announced their plan of termination of operations at the end of the year 2021 reportedly due to “long-term operational and commercial viability of business”. BAT is the latest major multinational to leave Myanmar since its coup in February. Earlier in 2003, BAT was forced to leave Myanmar following the pressure of the civil society campaigns based on their dealings with the previous regime. BAT re-established its business in Myanmar in 2013.<ref> Myanmar Now. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228062011/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/british-american-tobacco-announces-its-departure-from-myanmar-again British American Tobacco announces its departure from Myanmar, again], 13 October 2-21, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Gokhan Bilgic, British American Tobacco (BAT) Area Director in Turkey, Caucasus, and North Africa announced their plan to introduce new heated tobacco products at a press conference held in Egypt. This followed a meet up of the BAT area directors for Egypt, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Caucasus in Egypt, in which they reportedly “discussed the company’s ambitious strategy and plan to achieve an impactful change in tobacco and nicotine products”. He further stated that “sustainability” is their main focus and appreciated the government of Egypt for its efforts, including legislative, to preserve the sustainability of the tobacco industry.<ref> Daily New Egypt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228194510/https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/11/11/british-american-tobacco-aims-to-make-impactful-change-in-tobacco-nicotine-products/ British American Tobacco aims to make impactful change in tobacco, nicotine products], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) announced a reduction of profit before tax from Rs 8.5 billion to Rs 6.2 billion (27%) for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020. It also reported a reduced revenue of Rs.31.7 billion, a percentage reduction of 28.9%, compared to year 2020. Media report stated the reason for reduction is restrictions imposed for the third wave of the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka.<ref> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225092052/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/COVID-third-wave-cuts-CTC-revenue-profit-by-28/44-725759 COVID third wave cuts CTC revenue, profit by 28%], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref><ref> Daily Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225100952/https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/CTC-3Q-goes-up-in-smoke-as-lockdowns-hit-cigarette-sales/273-224616 CTC 3Q goes up in smoke as lockdowns hit cigarette sales], 12 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Jacek Olczak, CEO of [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)], made a statement defying the media reports of a possibility of re-merging with Altria. PMI spun off from Altria in 2008 reaching overseas markets. Industry analysts predicted a possible re-merge based on the low sales of cigarettes and diversified business interests of Altria. <ref> J R Blackwell. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226102936/https://richmond.com/business/report-philip-morris-international-will-not-pursue-merger-with-henrico-based-altria-group/article_f7b99519-f580-5d08-826f-5ef3fcfc9b97.html Report: Philip Morris International will not pursue merger with Henrico-based Altria Group], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] approved the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) for a product under Verve oral nicotine brand, owned by the [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group]. The [https://www.ussmokeless.com/en US Smokeless Tobacco Company], a subsidiary of Altria, has stopped the trade of this product in 2018. It further reported that this product could help nicotine addicted persons in switching from combustible products to less harmful products.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211115105945/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/09/fda-approves-pmta-of-discontinued-altria-product/ FDA Approves PMTA Of Discontinued Altria Product], 9 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] moved its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA, as announced in June 2021. It further reported that PMI has signed a lease for 12 years and plan to occupy the premises in the latter part of the year 2022.<ref> K R Gosselin. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211208093311/https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-philip-morris-office-stamford-20211105-w67umeyk5vfxlnlabhzjxnzt5i-story.html Philip Morris move to Stamford bodes well for attracting more companies to Connecticut’s fastest-growing city], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> Media reported that elected officials, including the Governor Ned Lamont, welcomed PMI. It further reported that Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons has stated that “I'm really looking forward to working with Philip Morris to help you grow and expand in our state”.<ref name=governor> R Kaufman. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211218182612/https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/gov-lamont-welcomes-philip-morris-international-stamford Gov. Lamont Welcomes Philip Morris International To Stamford], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.

[[Image: governor.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting that PMI’s move its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA. <ref name=governor/>]]

*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] met the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] to argue against banning PMI and Altria from importing and selling Iqos (a heated tobacco product) devices in the US. The ban was based on two patent violations owned by [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT). The reported counter-argument was that “Iqos is unique, both in its design and ability, to convert smokers”.<ref> A Lucas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219051816/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/08/philip-morris-international-meets-with-fda-to-make-its-case-for-iqos-in-patent-dispute.html Philip Morris International meets with FDA to make its case for Iqos in patent dispute], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Pakistan appointed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdigitalpk/?originalSubdomain=pk BDigital], a digital media agency based in Pakistan, as the official advertising agency for their oral nicotine product brand ‘Velo”.<ref> H Henry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219081509/https://www.brandinginasia.com/bdigital-appointed-by-british-american-tobacco-to-head-up-digital-for-velo/ BDigital Appointed by British American Tobacco to Head up Digital for Velo], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*A study report published by the [https://www.vitalstrategies.org/ Vital Strategies] exposed tactics and the key messages used for online marketing by the bidi industry in India. It revealed that bidi were marketed exclusively via Facebook facilitating online sales by advertising with clear images of products.<ref> Vital Strategies. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116082335/https://www.vitalstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/Selling-Death-on-Social-Media_How-Bidis-Are-Reaching-Consumers-Online.pdf Selling Death on Social Media: How Bidis Are Reaching Consumers Online], November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Teodoro Locsin, Foreign Affairs Secretary in Philippines, expressed his support for heated tobacco products claiming reduced harm and “equal satisfaction”. He made this statement at the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a representative of the Philippine delegation.<ref> Vera Files. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116104044/https://verafiles.org/articles/philippine-government-promotes-tobacco-industry-interests-gl Philippine government promotes tobacco industry interests at global health forum; civil society outraged], 10 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia announced a plan for a “mid-market range” price for their vaping brand ‘Vuse’. This was following a new “Prosperity Tax” that would increase the tax expenditure from 27% to 31% of the company. The same report announced a revenue and a volume growth for the product, reportedly due to “firmer trans-shipment regulations”, and their intention to lead the market in three years. Currently the reported market share for the product was 10%.<ref> The Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219191209/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/09/bat-malaysia-to-price-vape-brand-in-mid-market-range BAT Malaysia to price vape brand in mid-market range], 9 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>

==Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021==
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced the opening of its second luxury hotel branded “Mementos” Jaipur.<ref> S Sinha. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228235559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/band-baaja-luxury-after-udaipur-jaipur-to-also-get-itcs-new-luxury-brand-mementos/articleshow/87738302.cms Band, baaja, luxury: After Udaipur, Jaipur to also get ITC's new luxury brand ‘Mementos’], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://senedd.wales/people/darren-millar-ms/ Darren Millar], a Welsh Politician representing Conservative Party, was accused of hosting an event sponsored by [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)]. Media quoted Miller describing the event as “it would focus on the problem of cheap, illegal tobacco on sale in Wales”. John Griffiths, The chair of the Senedd, the [https://business.senedd.wales/mgOutsideBodyDetails.aspx?ID=534 cross party group on smoking and health], declared that he was “disappointed and concerned” because the event was allowed to happen. [https://ash.wales/ ASH Wales] also opposed to the event highlighting the fact that it would violate [[FCTC Article 5.3]]. <ref> W Hayward. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229230323/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/senedd-politics-tobacco-jti-cigarettes-22173698 Welsh Conservative MS criticised for hosting tobacco company event at the Senedd], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced the appointment of new staff “to lead the company toward a smoke-free product base”. The statement further reported that PMI aims to achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229233948/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/15/pmi-names-new-consumer-execs-commits-to-carbon-neutrality/ PMI Names New Consumer Execs, Commits To Carbon Neutrality], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco cultivation and manufacturing are major activities that damage the environment and contribute to climate change.
*Lovemore Manatsa, Chairperson of British American Tobacco (BAT) in Zimbabwe, announced an increase of volume growth in the first nine months of 2021 by 32% compared to the same period in 2020. He mentioned increased consumer demand, increased exportation of cut rag tobacco and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as reasons for this growth.<ref> A Vinga. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211227165223/https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bat-hails-exchange-rates-as-exports-grow-by-44/ BAT Hails Exchange Rates as Exports Grow By 44%], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://ebsummit.eu/ European Business Summit] was planned to be held on 17th and 18th November under the partnership of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] with the participation of EU commissioners. According to its [https://ebsummit.eu/ website], the European Business Summits is “a renowned organisation that creates and supports networking and debating events in Brussels, to bring business and politics together and to stimulate thinking on the most challenging European issues”. Civil society organisations objected to the partnership and requested EU commissioners not to participate in this summit.<ref> E S Nicolas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228200815/https://euobserver.com/democracy/153530 EU officials urged to boycott event with tobacco partnership], 17 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/ McDonald’s India] partnered with [[ITC Limited India]] to introduce ITC fruit products to the Happy Meal, which targets children. This was announced as “delighting its young customers in a unique way – by giving a wholesome refresh to everyone’s favourite Happy Meal” to celebrate its 25th operating year in India.<ref> FnBnew.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20211220033115/http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/mcdonalds-happy-meal-gets-a-wholesome-refresh-with-itcs-b-natural-mixed-fruit--cup-of-hot-corn-65647 McDonald’s Happy Meal gets a wholesome refresh with ITC’s B Natural Mixed Fruit & cup of hot corn], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures. McDonald’s is a chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Illinois, USA. Media reported that they decided to replace the happy meal toy with recyclable material by 2025 to reduce the use of plastics globally. This was amidst the objections of public health advocates in promoting unhealthy food for children by enticing them with toys.<ref>H Russ. [https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/mcdonalds-happy-meal-toys-go-green-globally-by-2025-2021-09-21/ McDonald's Happy Meal toys to go green globally by 2025], 22 September 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso/?originalSubdomain=ch Tommaso Di Giovanni], Vice President for Market Activation and Support of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], was awarded the Gold Award for "Communications Individual of the Year" at the [https://globeeawards.com/communications-awards/ 11th Annual 2021 Communications Excellence Awards]. This is reportedly awarded by the organisers of the Globee Awards, a scheme of business awards, consisting of eleven award programmess “to honor and recognise industry-wide and peer achievements and best efforts” in various sectors according to their website.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221045756/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-PMI-s-Tommaso-Di-Giovanni-wins-ldquo-Communications-Individual-of-the-37084912/ Philip Morris International : PMI's Tommaso Di Giovanni wins “Communications Individual of the Year” at the 2021 Globee Awards], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-bellini-510b561/ Marina Bellini], Director of Digital and Information of British American Tobacco (BAT), was awarded the [https://edloty.com/ European Digital Leaders award] in the business to consumer category. This is reportedly awarded by [https://www.cionet.com/ CIONET International], a company that provides IT management services, “to celebrate the accomplishments of all finalists and to highlight Europe’s top Digital Leaders in four categories”. It further reported that Marina is also nominated for [https://mitcio.com/award/ MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Awards]. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221092603/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-Digital-award-highlights-our-A-Better-Tomorrow-trade-transformation-37079099/ British American Tobacco : Digital award highlights our A Better Tomorrow™ transformation], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Australia has hired private investigators to gather information on illicit trade to hand over to Police in Queensland. Media reported that there are around 70 illicit tobacco-selling stores in Queensland, which is not a criminal offence as per the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act. As of January 2022, the Australian [https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1998-001 Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act] does not cover the illicit tobacco sales. <ref> P Doneman, A Horn. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221105844/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-20/queensland-tobacco-black-market-police-cigarettes/100622012 Illicit tobacco trade in Queensland 'exploding' with authorities powerless to stop it, industry groups say], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh conducted a workshop for sugarcane farmers titled “sustainable models of sugarcane cultivation”. The officials of the Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and Bangladesh Sugar crop Research Institute representatives also participated in the workshop.<ref name=Sugarcane> New Age Bangladesh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221111335/https://www.newagebd.net/article/155086/workshop-on-sugarcane-cultivation-held-in-kushtia Workshop on sugarcane cultivation held in Kushtia], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
[[Image: sugarcane.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the presence of government officials at the workshop. <ref name=Sugarcane/>]]

==Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021==
*A US District Court judge in Texas gave permission to four tobacco companies; [https://rjrt.com/ R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company], [https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/ Philip Morris USA], [https://www.itgbrands.com/ ITG Brands LLC] and [https://liggettvectorbrands.com/ Liggett Group LLC] to delay implementation of the new warning labels on cigarettes packs. This was following the joint motion submitted by the four companies. It is reportedly the sixth delay of implementation from 18 June 2021 claiming “irreparable harm because none of them will be compensable by money damages should the rule and/or graphic warnings requirement in the Tobacco Control Act be invalidated.” The [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/03/18/2020-05223/tobacco-products-required-warnings-for-cigarette-packages-and-advertisements#citation-1-p15638 new warnings labels] required color graphics depicting health harms of smoking to accompany new textual warning statements recommended by the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration]. In the new required labels, graphic warnings are designed to cover the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs, as well as at least 20% of the top of tobacco advertisements. According to FDA, the new 11 images “depict some of the lesser-known, but serious health risks of cigarette smoking,” such as sexual impotence, risk of blindness, lower blood flow to extremities and Type 2 diabetes.<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226074837/https://journalnow.com/news/local/cigarette-warning-labels-delayed-to-january-2023/article_c50c7586-4d4c-11ec-8060-9fcd279d9c5b.html Cigarette warning labels delayed to January 2023], 27 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 11: Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco Products | Article 11]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends graphic health warnings of 50% of more covering principal display areas of cigarette packs. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] has agreed to pay USD 14.5 million to the State of Arizona and to suspend the sales to youngsters as part of the settlement of the lawsuit against them on targeting the youth through various tactics. JUUL labs further agreed to suspend online sales and to implement a monitoring system of retailers to discover the illegal under aged sales.<ref> N Weixel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226105139/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/582987-juul-will-pay-145-million-to-settle-arizona-lawsuit?rl=1 Juul will pay $14.5 million to settle Arizona lawsuit], 24 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh was awarded as one of the top taxpayers of the country for the tax year 2020-21 by the [https://nbr.gov.bd/ National Board of Revenue (NBR)]. <ref> Tribune Desk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228215211/https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2021/11/25/bat-bangladesh-named-top-taxpayer-again BAT Bangladesh named top taxpayer again], 25 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::The estimated health care costs related to tobacco including productivity loss due to premature deaths and tobacco related diseases in Bangladesh was Bangladeshi Taka 305.6 billion (approx. USD 3.62 billion) in 2018-2019. The total contribution of the tobacco to the government was estimated as Bangladeshi Taka 229.1 billion in 2016-2017, showing a significant net economic loss in Bangladesh. Further, Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having interactions with the tobacco industry that would promote their image.
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.facebook.com/KiaraAdvani Kiara Advani], as the brand ambassador of ITC Charmis, the beauty care brand of ITC that targets young women.<ref> ICB World News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228234024/https://ibcworldnews.com/2021/12/itc-charmis-announces-kiara-advani-as-its-new-brand-ambassador/ ITC Charmis announces Kiara Advani as its new Brand Ambassador], 23 December 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*Media reported the 60th Anniversary of [https://www.jti.com/africa/tanzania Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC)], a member of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], which had been first established as East African Tobacco in 1961. <ref> The Citizen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229231532/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/supplement/tcc-celebrating-60-glorious-years-3635154 TCC celebrating 60 glorious years], 26 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/leadership/corporate-management-committee/b-sumant.aspx B Sumant], the Executive director of [[ITC Limited India]], declared the recovery of distribution networks except wholesale business, compared to pre COVID levels. <ref> IA Dutt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/all-channels-except-wholesale-higher-than-pre-covid-levels-itc-s-b-sumant-121112100428_1.html All channels except wholesale higher than pre-Covid levels: ITC's B Sumant], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was included in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/esg/dow-jones-sustainability-world-index/#overview Dow Jones Sustainability World Index], which represents “the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria”. [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] is the only global index suite with a transparent, modular structure.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112940/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211122006125/en/Philip-Morris-International%E2%80%99s-ESG-Performance-Recognized-by-SP-Dow-Jones-Indices-Company-Included-in-Dow-Jones-Sustainability-Index-North-America-for-Second-Consecutive-Year Philip Morris International’s ESG Performance Recognized by S&P Dow Jones Indices; Company Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for Second Consecutive Year], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://tresconglobal.com/conferences/cloud/egypt/ World Cloud Show], held virtually on 27th October 2021 in Egypt, was hosted by the [https://www.mcit.gov.eg/ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology] in Egypt and the [https://www.itida.gov.eg/ Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureensubramaniam/?originalSubdomain=my Sureendhran Subramaniam], Global Head of District of Colombia, Cloud and Automation at Global Service Operation, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Malaysia, was featured as a panelist at the event. <ref> CAN Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114016/http://www.itnewsonline.com/news/Egyptaposs-Cloud-Leaders-Virtually-Connect-to-Push-for-Sustainable-Cloud-Transformation-for-the-Country-at-World-Cloud-Show/7130 Egypt's Cloud Leaders Virtually Connect to Push for Sustainable Cloud Transformation for the Country at World Cloud Show], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] built a cigarette factory that uses solar power in South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is reported that this is part of the BAT’s environmental initiative aiming to reduce carbon emission.<ref name=solar> K Jae-heun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221113720/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/11/419_319295.html?gonw BAT Sacheon Factory kicks off green solar power generation], 23 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
[[Image: solar.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT construction of factory with solar facilities <ref name=solar/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – November 2021

2022-01-08T02:45:03Z

Editor: /* Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021 */

This is a continuation of our page on [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]] and summarises the incidents reported during the month of November 2021. This page will be continuously updated as and when incidents related to the respective month are reported.
===The Summary of Interference Reported as of 30th November 2021===
Table 1 summarises the incidents reported since 13th March 2020, the date of initiation of the first Lock Down in Sri Lanka, the day we started monitoring [[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]].
===Table 1: Summary of reported TII during COVID-19 Pandemic===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1"
! scope="col" width="300px" | Tobacco Company
! scope="col" width="600px" | Reported Countries
! scope="col" width="100px" | Number of Incidents
|-
| British American Tobacco (BAT) || South Africa, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico, Nigeria, Honduras, Russia, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Greece, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Egypt, New Zealand, Philippines, Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Romania, Namibia, Pakistan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, France, Japan, Myanmar || 196
|-
| Philip Morris International (PMI)|| Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Canada, Burkina Faso, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Japan, Astypalea, La Graciosa, United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Romania, Dubai, Australia || 103
|-
| Altria group || United Sates of America (USA), Canada, Switzerland || 71
|-
| Japan Tobacco International (JTI) || United Kingdom (UK), Bangladesh, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Romania, Germany, Cambodia, Greece, Iran, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, United State of America (USA) || 72
|-
| Imperial Tobacco || Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Greece, Czech Republic, United States || 33
|-
| [[ITC Limited India]] || India || 73
|-
| Korea Tobacco Ginseng Corporation (KT&G) || Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan || 7
|-
| Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) || Sri Lanka || 12
|-
| Reynolds American|| United Sates of America (USA) || 7
|-
| Universal Cooperation|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
|VMR Products|| United Sates of America (USA) || 2
|-
| RJ Reynolds Tobacco|| United Sates of America (USA) || 5
|-
| Godfrey Phillips India || India || 4
|-
| DJarum|| Indonesia || 2
|-
| PT HM Sampoerna || Indonesia || 1
|-
| Hongyunhonghe Tobacco (Group) || - || 2
|-
| 7 HILLS Manikchand Products Private Limited || India|| 2
|-
| Deccan Tobacco || India|| 1
|-
| Vinataba Tobacco Company || Vietnam || 1
|-
| International Tobacco Company|| Nigeria || 1
|-
| LT Group || Philippines || 1
|-
| China Tobacco || China, Latin America || 4
|-
| Gamucci || United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Asia and Africa || 1
|-
| JUUL Labs || United States of America (USA)|| 6
|-
| Swedish Match || Sweden || 3
|-
| Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) || Philippines || 2
|-
| Ferio Tego Cigar Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
|R.J Reynolds Vapor Company || United States of America (USA) || 1
|-
| Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation || South Africa || 1
|-
| Barco Trading Company || Angola || 1
|-
| Pan Africa Tobacco Group || Angola || 1
|-
| Company not specified or interference via Front Groups || United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon, Senegal, Sri Lanka, France, Myanmar, India, Chile, South Africa, Kenya, Bhutan, Philippines, Greece || 43
|}

==Week 86: 1st November – 7th November 2021==
* [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was accused of sponsoring a publication on nicotine vaping products in the [https://ajp.com.au/ Australian Journal of Pharmacy] on 6th October 2021. Chief Pharmacist of the [https://www.acp.edu.au/ Australasian College of Pharmacy], a professional organisation that delivers educational and research programmes in Australia, had reportedly authored the article, which was subsequently removed from circulation in November 2021.<ref> S L White and M Daube. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117092442/https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2021/41/vigilance-needed-to-stop-new-wave-of-tobacco-company-promotion/ Vigilance needed to stop new wave of tobacco company promotion], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Tobacco industry is known for producing their own “evidence” and manipulate science to influence related public health policies and tobacco control actions.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] declared their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for electronic cigarettes and other inhaled nicotine containing products (NCPs). UK will become the first country in the world to issue e-cigarettes via a prescription as a medicine.<ref name=uk> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211119103439/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102005710/en/Philip-Morris-International-Applauds-U.K.-Government%E2%80%99s-Approach-to-Achieve-its-Smoke-Free-Ambition Philip Morris International Applauds U.K. Government’s Approach to Achieve its Smoke-Free Ambition], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
[[Image: uk.jpg|800px|thumb|center|Image 1: PMI declaring their support for the UK government’s plan to issue medical license for smoke free products.<ref name=uk/>]]
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced a “Low-Carbon Transition Plan (LCTP)”, reportedly a plan for environmental sustainability of the company, while shifting to heated tobacco products from the combustible cigarettes products. The statement further included that they are hoping to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by the year 2025.<ref> J Motles. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211122042338/https://sustainablebrands.com/read/walking-the-talk/a-smoke-free-carbon-neutral-future-pmi-s-plan-to-accelerate-climate-goals-while-transforming-its-business A Smoke-Free, Carbon-Neutral Future: PMI’s Plan to Accelerate Climate Goals While Transforming Its Business], 7 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence exist on how cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
*[https://www.occrp.org/en Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)], a global network of investigative journalists exposing crime and corruption in the world, revealed that [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has introduced 66 new products containing a higher menthol level in 19 European countries, a few months prior to the menthol cigarette ban imposed in May 2020.<ref> A Ciurcanu and A Cerantola. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123090139/https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/japan-tobacco-international-making-a-mint-by-circumventing-menthol-cigarette-ban Japan Tobacco International Making a Mint by Circumventing Menthol Cigarette Ban], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] has launched a new 50 g package of “Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco” in UK reportedly due to increased demand for Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco products.<ref> Convenience Store. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123091702/https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/jti-adds-50g-format-to-sterling-essential-ryo-range/661403.article JTI adds 50g format to Sterling Essential RYO range], 2 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*[http://www.tasecurities.com.my/ TA Securities Holdings], a stockbroking company that provides finance and investment research services, announced a revenue growth of 7.3% for British American Tobacco (BAT) Malaysia in the first 9 months of 2021. It further reported a 7% growth of cigarette sales volume in 2021 compared to 2020.<ref> NST Business. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211123094441/https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/11/741628/legal-ciggies-market-pick-bodes-well-bat-malaysia Legal ciggies market pick up bodes well for BAT Malaysia], 1 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan submitted a proposal to the ruling party of the government to increase tax on tobacco products in 2022 tax reformation. The request reportedly was to increase the tax on heated tobacco products in a lower rate than the cigarettes, as the BAT plans to shift their trade to heated products from the cigarettes.<ref> The Japan Times. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211126083956/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/11/04/business/corporate-business/tobacco-tax/ In unusual move, tobacco-maker requests higher tax on cigarettes], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*The head of public affairs and the company secretary of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh, Azizur Rahman, has been elected as the Senior Vice President of the [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB)]. ICSB is the “only recognised professional body to develop, promote and regulate the profession of Chartered Secretary in Bangladesh” as stated in their [https://www.icsb.edu.bd/ website].<ref> TBS Report. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211202080132/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/azizur-rahman-made-icsb-senior-vice-president-325156 Azizur Rahman made ICSB senior vice president], 4 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh jointly won the first place in "President's Award for Industrial Development 2019" under the large industry category. The awards are reportedly conferred “for their contribution to the private sector, employment generation and economy of the country”. President Abdul Hamid is to attend the virtual award ceremony as reported by the media.<ref> The Daily Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211117084254/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/industries/news/19-firms-get-presidents-industrial-award-today-2221706 19 firms to get president’s industrial award today], 4 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>

==Week 87: 8th November – 14th November 2021==
*British American Tobacco (BAT) South Africa accused the [https://www.sars.gov.za/ South African Revenue Service] for not enforcing the policies against illicit tobacco trade in South Africa. This was reportedly following a request to increase the price of the brand “Rand 28” by BAT, allegedly aiming to differentiate the illicit product based on the price.<ref> V Mokhoali. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228211740/https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/10/bat-sa-says-sars-unwilling-to-act-again-illicit-cigarette-trade BAT SA Says Sars Unwilling to Act Again Illicit Cigarette Trade], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*ITC Infotech, an IT service subsidiary of [[ITC Limited India]], partnered with [https://www.hbs.edu/ Harvard Business School] to introduce Infotech’s Work from Anywhere (I-WFA) framework, which is customer and employee based delivering platform.<ref> ITC Infotech. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228233234/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/itc-infotech-in-association-with-harvard-business-school-reimagines-the-future-of-work-unveils-its-work-from-anywhere-framework-301421122.html ITC Infotech in association with Harvard Business School reimagines the future of work; unveils its Work from Anywhere framework], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Myanmar announced their plan of termination of operations at the end of the year 2021 reportedly due to “long-term operational and commercial viability of business”. BAT is the latest major multinational to leave Myanmar since its coup in February. Earlier in 2003, BAT was forced to leave Myanmar following the pressure of the civil society campaigns based on their dealings with the previous regime. BAT re-established its business in Myanmar in 2013.<ref> Myanmar Now. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228062011/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/british-american-tobacco-announces-its-departure-from-myanmar-again British American Tobacco announces its departure from Myanmar, again], 13 October 2-21, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Gokhan Bilgic, British American Tobacco (BAT) Area Director in Turkey, Caucasus, and North Africa announced their plan to introduce new heated tobacco products at a press conference held in Egypt. This followed a meet up of the BAT area directors for Egypt, North Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Caucasus in Egypt, in which they reportedly “discussed the company’s ambitious strategy and plan to achieve an impactful change in tobacco and nicotine products”. He further stated that “sustainability” is their main focus and appreciated the government of Egypt for its efforts, including legislative, to preserve the sustainability of the tobacco industry.<ref> Daily New Egypt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228194510/https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/11/11/british-american-tobacco-aims-to-make-impactful-change-in-tobacco-nicotine-products/ British American Tobacco aims to make impactful change in tobacco, nicotine products], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) announced a reduction of profit before tax from Rs 8.5 billion to Rs 6.2 billion (27%) for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020. It also reported a reduced revenue of Rs.31.7 billion, a percentage reduction of 28.9%, compared to year 2020. Media report stated the reason for reduction is restrictions imposed for the third wave of the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka.<ref> Daily FT. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225092052/https://www.ft.lk/front-page/COVID-third-wave-cuts-CTC-revenue-profit-by-28/44-725759 COVID third wave cuts CTC revenue, profit by 28%], 11 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref><ref> Daily Mirror. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211225100952/https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/CTC-3Q-goes-up-in-smoke-as-lockdowns-hit-cigarette-sales/273-224616 CTC 3Q goes up in smoke as lockdowns hit cigarette sales], 12 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*Jacek Olczak, CEO of [https://www.pmi.com/Philip Morris International (PMI)], made a statement defying the media reports of a possibility of re-merging with Altria. PMI spun off from Altria in 2008 reaching overseas markets. Industry analysts predicted a possible re-merge based on the low sales of cigarettes and diversified business interests of Altria. <ref> J R Blackwell. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226102936/https://richmond.com/business/report-philip-morris-international-will-not-pursue-merger-with-henrico-based-altria-group/article_f7b99519-f580-5d08-826f-5ef3fcfc9b97.html Report: Philip Morris International will not pursue merger with Henrico-based Altria Group], 10 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] approved the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) for a product under Verve oral nicotine brand, owned by the [https://www.altria.com/en Altria Group]. The [https://www.ussmokeless.com/en US Smokeless Tobacco Company], a subsidiary of Altria, has stopped the trade of this product in 2018. It further reported that this product could help nicotine addicted persons in switching from combustible products to less harmful products.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211115105945/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/09/fda-approves-pmta-of-discontinued-altria-product/ FDA Approves PMTA Of Discontinued Altria Product], 9 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] moved its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA, as announced in June 2021. It further reported that PMI has signed a lease for 12 years and plan to occupy the premises in the latter part of the year 2022.<ref> K R Gosselin. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211208093311/https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-philip-morris-office-stamford-20211105-w67umeyk5vfxlnlabhzjxnzt5i-story.html Philip Morris move to Stamford bodes well for attracting more companies to Connecticut’s fastest-growing city], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> Media reported that elected officials, including the Governor Ned Lamont, welcomed PMI. It further reported that Mayor-elect Caroline Simmons has stated that “I'm really looking forward to working with Philip Morris to help you grow and expand in our state”.<ref name=governor> R Kaufman. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211218182612/https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/gov-lamont-welcomes-philip-morris-international-stamford Gov. Lamont Welcomes Philip Morris International To Stamford], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry as such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.

[[Image: governor.jpg|400px|thumb|center|Image 2: Media reporting that PMI’s move its headquarters to Stamford, Connecticut in USA. <ref name=governor/>]]

*Media reported that [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] met the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] to argue against banning PMI and Altria from importing and selling Iqos (a heated tobacco product) devices in the US. The ban was based on two patent violations owned by [https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/ Reynolds American], a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT). The reported counter-argument was that “Iqos is unique, both in its design and ability, to convert smokers”.<ref> A Lucas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219051816/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/08/philip-morris-international-meets-with-fda-to-make-its-case-for-iqos-in-patent-dispute.html Philip Morris International meets with FDA to make its case for Iqos in patent dispute], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Pakistan appointed [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdigitalpk/?originalSubdomain=pk BDigital], a digital media agency based in Pakistan, as the official advertising agency for their oral nicotine product brand ‘Velo”.<ref> H Henry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219081509/https://www.brandinginasia.com/bdigital-appointed-by-british-american-tobacco-to-head-up-digital-for-velo/ BDigital Appointed by British American Tobacco to Head up Digital for Velo], 8 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*A study report published by the [https://www.vitalstrategies.org/ Vital Strategies] exposed tactics and the key messages used for online marketing by the bidi industry in India. It revealed that bidi were marketed exclusively via Facebook facilitating online sales by advertising with clear images of products.<ref> Vital Strategies. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116082335/https://www.vitalstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/Selling-Death-on-Social-Media_How-Bidis-Are-Reaching-Consumers-Online.pdf Selling Death on Social Media: How Bidis Are Reaching Consumers Online], November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*Teodoro Locsin, Foreign Affairs Secretary in Philippines, expressed his support for heated tobacco products claiming reduced harm and “equal satisfaction”. He made this statement at the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a representative of the Philippine delegation.<ref> Vera Files. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211116104044/https://verafiles.org/articles/philippine-government-promotes-tobacco-industry-interests-gl Philippine government promotes tobacco industry interests at global health forum; civil society outraged], 10 November 2021, accessed November 2021</ref>
*British American Tobacco (BAT) in Malaysia announced a plan for a “mid-market range” price for their vaping brand ‘Vuse’. This was following a new “Prosperity Tax” that would increase the tax expenditure from 27% to 31% of the company. The same report announced a revenue and a volume growth for the product, reportedly due to “firmer trans-shipment regulations”, and their intention to lead the market in three years. Currently the reported market share for the product was 10%.<ref> The Star. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211219191209/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/11/09/bat-malaysia-to-price-vape-brand-in-mid-market-range BAT Malaysia to price vape brand in mid-market range], 9 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>

==Week 88: 15th November – 21th November 2021==
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced the opening of its second luxury hotel branded “Mementos” Jaipur.<ref> S Sinha. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228235559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/band-baaja-luxury-after-udaipur-jaipur-to-also-get-itcs-new-luxury-brand-mementos/articleshow/87738302.cms Band, baaja, luxury: After Udaipur, Jaipur to also get ITC's new luxury brand ‘Mementos’], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://senedd.wales/people/darren-millar-ms/ Darren Millar], a Welsh Politician representing Conservative Party, was accused of hosting an event sponsored by [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)]. Media quoted Miller describing the event as “it would focus on the problem of cheap, illegal tobacco on sale in Wales”. John Griffiths, The chair of the Senedd, the [https://business.senedd.wales/mgOutsideBodyDetails.aspx?ID=534 cross party group on smoking and health], declared that he was “disappointed and concerned” because the event was allowed to happen. [https://ash.wales/ ASH Wales] also opposed to the event highlighting the fact that it would violate [[FCTC Article 5.3]]. <ref> W Hayward. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229230323/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/senedd-politics-tobacco-jti-cigarettes-22173698 Welsh Conservative MS criticised for hosting tobacco company event at the Senedd], 16 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having any partnership with the tobacco industry as it has a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] announced the appointment of new staff “to lead the company toward a smoke-free product base”. The statement further reported that PMI aims to achieve carbon neutrality to combat climate change.<ref> M McGrady. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229233948/https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/11/15/pmi-names-new-consumer-execs-commits-to-carbon-neutrality/ PMI Names New Consumer Execs, Commits To Carbon Neutrality], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco cultivation and manufacturing are major activities that damage the environment and contribute to climate change.
*Lovemore Manatsa, Chairperson of [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Zimbabwe, announced an increase of volume growth in the first nine months of 2021 by 32% compared to the same period in 2020. He mentioned increased consumer demand, increased exportation of cut rag tobacco and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as reasons for this growth.<ref> A Vinga. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211227165223/https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bat-hails-exchange-rates-as-exports-grow-by-44/ BAT Hails Exchange Rates as Exports Grow By 44%], 15 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://ebsummit.eu/ European Business Summit] was planned to be held on 17th and 18th November under the partnership of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)] with the participation of EU commissioners. According to its [https://ebsummit.eu/ website], the European Business Summits is “a renowned organisation that creates and supports networking and debating events in Brussels, to bring business and politics together and to stimulate thinking on the most challenging European issues”. Civil society organisations objected to the partnership and requested EU commissioners not to participate in this summit.<ref> E S Nicolas. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228200815/https://euobserver.com/democracy/153530 EU officials urged to boycott event with tobacco partnership], 17 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/ McDonald’s India] partnered with [[ITC Limited India]] to introduce ITC fruit products to the Happy Meal, which targets children. This was announced as “delighting its young customers in a unique way – by giving a wholesome refresh to everyone’s favourite Happy Meal” to celebrate its 25th operating year in India.<ref> FnBnew.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20211220033115/http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/mcdonalds-happy-meal-gets-a-wholesome-refresh-with-itcs-b-natural-mixed-fruit--cup-of-hot-corn-65647 McDonald’s Happy Meal gets a wholesome refresh with ITC’s B Natural Mixed Fruit & cup of hot corn], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures. McDonald’s is a chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Illinois, USA. Media reported that they decided to replace the happy meal toy with recyclable material by 2025 to reduce the use of plastics globally. This was amidst the objections of public health advocates in promoting unhealthy food for children by enticing them with toys.<ref>H Russ. [https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/mcdonalds-happy-meal-toys-go-green-globally-by-2025-2021-09-21/ McDonald's Happy Meal toys to go green globally by 2025], 22 September 2021, accessed January 2022</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso/?originalSubdomain=ch Tommaso Di Giovanni], Vice President for Market Activation and Support of [https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)], was awarded the Gold Award for "Communications Individual of the Year" at the [https://globeeawards.com/communications-awards/ 11th Annual 2021 Communications Excellence Awards]. This is reportedly awarded by the organisers of the Globee Awards, a scheme of business awards, consisting of eleven award programmess “to honor and recognise industry-wide and peer achievements and best efforts” in various sectors according to their website.<ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221045756/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/PHILIP-MORRIS-INTERNATION-2836703/news/Philip-Morris-International-PMI-s-Tommaso-Di-Giovanni-wins-ldquo-Communications-Individual-of-the-37084912/ Philip Morris International : PMI's Tommaso Di Giovanni wins “Communications Individual of the Year” at the 2021 Globee Awards], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-bellini-510b561/ Marina Bellini], Director of Digital and Information of British American Tobacco (BAT), was awarded the [https://edloty.com/ European Digital Leaders award] in the business to consumer category. This is reportedly awarded by [https://www.cionet.com/ CIONET International], a company that provides IT management services, “to celebrate the accomplishments of all finalists and to highlight Europe’s top Digital Leaders in four categories”. It further reported that Marina is also nominated for [https://mitcio.com/award/ MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Awards]. <ref> Market Screener. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221092603/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRITISH-AMERICAN-TOBACCO-4001163/news/British-American-Tobacco-Digital-award-highlights-our-A-Better-Tomorrow-trade-transformation-37079099/ British American Tobacco : Digital award highlights our A Better Tomorrow™ transformation], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Australia has hired private investigators to gather information on illicit trade to hand over to Police in Queensland. Media reported that there are around 70 illicit tobacco-selling stores in Queensland, which is not a criminal offence as per the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act. As of January 2022, the Australian [https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1998-001 Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act] does not cover the illicit tobacco sales. <ref> P Doneman, A Horn. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221105844/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-20/queensland-tobacco-black-market-police-cigarettes/100622012 Illicit tobacco trade in Queensland 'exploding' with authorities powerless to stop it, industry groups say], 20 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Tobacco companies are known for their involvement in the illicit trade in many parts of the world. Please visit our page [https://www.tobaccounmasked.com/index.php/Ceylon_Tobacco_Misleading_Shareholders:_The_Illicit_Cigarettes_Issue Ceylon Tobacco Misleading Shareholders: The Illicit Cigarettes Issue] for more details.
*British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh conducted a workshop for sugarcane farmers titled “sustainable models of sugarcane cultivation”. The officials of the Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and Bangladesh Sugar crop Research Institute representatives also participated in the workshop.<ref name=Sugarcane> New Age Bangladesh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221111335/https://www.newagebd.net/article/155086/workshop-on-sugarcane-cultivation-held-in-kushtia Workshop on sugarcane cultivation held in Kushtia], 19 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
:: Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends the governments to not have any partnership with the tobacco industry. Such partnerships have a fundamental irreconcilable conflict of interest with public health.
[[Image: sugarcane.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 3: Media reporting the presence of government officials at the workshop. <ref name=Sugarcane/>]]

==Week 89: 22nd November – 28th November 2021==
*A US District Court judge in Texas gave permission to four tobacco companies; [https://rjrt.com/ R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company], [https://www.philipmorrisusa.com/ Philip Morris USA], [https://www.itgbrands.com/ ITG Brands LLC] and [https://liggettvectorbrands.com/ Liggett Group LLC] to delay implementation of the new warning labels on cigarettes packs. This was following the joint motion submitted by the four companies. It is reportedly the sixth delay of implementation from 18 June 2021 claiming “irreparable harm because none of them will be compensable by money damages should the rule and/or graphic warnings requirement in the Tobacco Control Act be invalidated.” The [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/03/18/2020-05223/tobacco-products-required-warnings-for-cigarette-packages-and-advertisements#citation-1-p15638 new warnings labels] required color graphics depicting health harms of smoking to accompany new textual warning statements recommended by the [https://www.fda.gov/ US Food and Drug Administration]. In the new required labels, graphic warnings are designed to cover the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs, as well as at least 20% of the top of tobacco advertisements. According to FDA, the new 11 images “depict some of the lesser-known, but serious health risks of cigarette smoking,” such as sexual impotence, risk of blindness, lower blood flow to extremities and Type 2 diabetes.<ref> R Craver. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226074837/https://journalnow.com/news/local/cigarette-warning-labels-delayed-to-january-2023/article_c50c7586-4d4c-11ec-8060-9fcd279d9c5b.html Cigarette warning labels delayed to January 2023], 27 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::[[FCTC Article 11: Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco Products | Article 11]] of the [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends graphic health warnings of 50% of more covering principal display areas of cigarette packs. Tobacco industry is known for using litigation to delay implementation of effective tobacco control policies and actions. Please visit our page [[Ceylon Tobacco Legally Challenging Pictorial Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs]] for more details.
*[https://www.juul.com/ JUUL Labs] has agreed to pay USD 14.5 million to the State of Arizona and to suspend the sales to youngsters as part of the settlement of the lawsuit against them on targeting the youth through various tactics. JUUL labs further agreed to suspend online sales and to implement a monitoring system of retailers to discover the illegal under aged sales.<ref> N Weixel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211226105139/https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/582987-juul-will-pay-145-million-to-settle-arizona-lawsuit?rl=1 Juul will pay $14.5 million to settle Arizona lawsuit], 24 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] Bangladesh was awarded as one of the top taxpayers of the country for the tax year 2020-21 by the [https://nbr.gov.bd/ National Board of Revenue (NBR)]. <ref> Tribune Desk. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228215211/https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2021/11/25/bat-bangladesh-named-top-taxpayer-again BAT Bangladesh named top taxpayer again], 25 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::The estimated health care costs related to tobacco including productivity loss due to premature deaths and tobacco related diseases in Bangladesh was Bangladeshi Taka 305.6 billion (approx. USD 3.62 billion) in 2018-2019. The total contribution of the tobacco to the government was estimated as Bangladeshi Taka 229.1 billion in 2016-2017, showing a significant net economic loss in Bangladesh. Further, Article 5.3 of [[Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)]] recommends against governments having interactions with the tobacco industry that would promote their image.
*[[ITC Limited India]] announced Bollywood actress, [https://www.facebook.com/KiaraAdvani Kiara Advani], as the brand ambassador of ITC Charmis, the beauty care brand of ITC that targets young women.<ref> ICB World News. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211228234024/https://ibcworldnews.com/2021/12/itc-charmis-announces-kiara-advani-as-its-new-brand-ambassador/ ITC Charmis announces Kiara Advani as its new Brand Ambassador], 23 December 2021, accessed December 2021</ref> [[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which diversified their business into other ventures.
*Media reported the 60th Anniversary of [https://www.jti.com/africa/tanzania Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC)], a member of [https://www.jti.com/ Japan Tobacco International (JTI)], which had been first established as East African Tobacco in 1961. <ref> The Citizen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211229231532/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/supplement/tcc-celebrating-60-glorious-years-3635154 TCC celebrating 60 glorious years], 26 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[https://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/leadership/corporate-management-committee/b-sumant.aspx B Sumant], the Executive director of [[ITC Limited India]], declared the recovery of distribution networks except wholesale business, compared to pre COVID levels. <ref> IA Dutt. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/all-channels-except-wholesale-higher-than-pre-covid-levels-itc-s-b-sumant-121112100428_1.html All channels except wholesale higher than pre-Covid levels: ITC's B Sumant], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>[[ITC Limited India]] is the main tobacco company in India, which had diversified their business into other ventures.
*[https://www.pmi.com/ Philip Morris International (PMI)] was included in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/esg/dow-jones-sustainability-world-index/#overview Dow Jones Sustainability World Index], which represents “the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria”. [https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/equity/global-equity/sp-global-bmi/#overview S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI)] is the only global index suite with a transparent, modular structure.<ref> Business wire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221112940/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211122006125/en/Philip-Morris-International%E2%80%99s-ESG-Performance-Recognized-by-SP-Dow-Jones-Indices-Company-Included-in-Dow-Jones-Sustainability-Index-North-America-for-Second-Consecutive-Year Philip Morris International’s ESG Performance Recognized by S&P Dow Jones Indices; Company Included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for Second Consecutive Year], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*The [https://tresconglobal.com/conferences/cloud/egypt/ World Cloud Show], held virtually on 27th October 2021 in Egypt, was hosted by the [https://www.mcit.gov.eg/ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology] in Egypt and the [https://www.itida.gov.eg/ Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)]. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureensubramaniam/?originalSubdomain=my Sureendhran Subramaniam], Global Head of District of Colombia, Cloud and Automation at Global Service Operation, [[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] in Malaysia, was featured as a panelist at the event. <ref> CAN Newswire. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114016/http://www.itnewsonline.com/news/Egyptaposs-Cloud-Leaders-Virtually-Connect-to-Push-for-Sustainable-Cloud-Transformation-for-the-Country-at-World-Cloud-Show/7130 Egypt's Cloud Leaders Virtually Connect to Push for Sustainable Cloud Transformation for the Country at World Cloud Show], 22 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
*[[British American Tobacco (BAT)]] built a cigarette factory that uses solar power in South Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is reported that this is part of the BAT’s environmental initiative aiming to reduce carbon emission.<ref name=solar> K Jae-heun. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221113720/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/11/419_319295.html?gonw BAT Sacheon Factory kicks off green solar power generation], 23 November 2021, accessed December 2021</ref>
::Plethora of evidence have revealed that cigarettes and its manufacturing process negatively impact the environment including global warming and, thus, the human health.
[[Image: solar.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Image 4: Media reporting the BAT construction of factory with solar facilities <ref name=solar/>]]

==TobaccoUnmasked Resources==
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - November 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - December 2020]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - January 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - February 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic - March 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – April - May 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – June - July 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – August - September 2021]]
*[[Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – October 2021]]

==Notes==
<References/>

[[Category: Academics and Researchers]]
[[Category: Marketing and Promotions]]
[[Category: Influencing Policy]]
[[Category: Journalists and Media]]