Broader Marketing of Marlboro Snus Planned

Test-marketing of Marlboro Snus will give way to broader sales of the product, a form of smokeless tobacco that manufacturer Philip Morris USA is pitching as an alternative to cigarette use.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Sept. 10 that expansion beyond the three cities (Dallas, Indianapolis, and Phoenix) where Marlboro Snus is currently sold is planned for this fall, although company officials did not reveal the extent of the expansion. Michael E. Szymanczyk, chairman and CEO of Altria, said the company is “planning initiatives to take advantage of the rapid growth in [tobacco-filled] pouches” like snus.

Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris, also is expanding its line of flavored tobacco products, including a new L&M menthol brand and a wintergreen variety of Copenhagen snuff. The company also cited success in getting smokers to try its new Marlboro Blend No. 54, another menthol brand.