Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced an extension of its three-year long collaboration with KT&G, a leading tobacco and nicotine manufacturer based in South Korea. This new agreement grants PMI exclusive rights to commercialize KT&G’s innovative smoke-free products on a global scale, excluding South Korea.

As a reminder, KT&G’s main line of products (Lil) has so far been sold by PMI as a lower cost alternative than its flagship line IQOS.

Accelerating Towards a Smoke-Free Future

PMI’s Chief Executive Officer, Jacek Olczak, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration’s achievements and emphasized that a long-term partnership with KT&G would expedite the journey toward a smoke-free future.

Olczak stated, “We want everyone who does not quit smoking to switch to a better alternative, for the benefit of their own health, public health, and society at large. We will achieve a smoke-free future faster if all people who smoke have access to better alternatives and accurate information about these innovative products.”

Advocating for Science-Based Alternatives

PMI and KT&G are actively advocating for reasoned and constructive discussions about the role of science-based, better alternatives in reducing cigarette consumption. They are calling on regulators, scientists, and health professionals worldwide to embrace the potential of these innovations to shift smokers away from traditional cigarettes.

In Olczak’s view, this synergy aims to accelerate the shared vision of a smoke-free future.

Philip Morris: Expanding Product Offerings for Smokers

The agreement grants PMI continued exclusive access to KT&G’s smoke-free brands and product pipeline, including offerings tailored for low- and middle-income markets (for which PMI has just started piloting BONDS by IQOS), which will enhance PMI’s existing portfolio of smoke-free products.

Thanks to the partnership, KT&G will maintain access to Philip Morris’s global commercial infrastructure and expertise in the commercialization of smoke-free products, facilitating the expansion of KT&G’s smoke-free business beyond South Korea.

Products launched under these agreements will undergo rigorous assessments to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in respective markets.