V – AI – PERS
AIMING HIGH
An e-liquid manufacturer is considering a stock market listing that could see it valued at £ 160m . Manchester-based Supreme makes popular convenience store brands Kik and 88vape . The company is considering joining London ’ s junior stock market , AIM . Supreme abandoned an attempted floatation in 2018 , blaming market conditions .
HOLD THE TAXES
Policymakers in Montana have passed a bill to stop local governments from regulating e-cigarettes without state approval . The legislation – to prevent vaping products from being taxed and restricted as cigarettes – is now awaiting approval from state officials . Despite a promised opposition from tobacco control groups , supporters expect the policy to be approved .
Scientists are developing the “ Level ” system , an onboard AI device that precisely monitors the vaping habits of users . It will incorporate data found during a study into the psychology and behaviours of dual users . Lead researcher Dr Emma Ward , from the University of East Anglia , highlighted that the study could give smokers and vapers a greater insight into their nicotine cravings . She said : “ The new technology we ’ re using is more reliable and sophisticated than the puff counters which come integrated in many e-cigarettes … it records the puff topography to build a personalized profile of the user ’ s vaping patterns .”
FSFW LAWSUIT
A Foundation for a Smoke-Free World employee was fired for raising concerns about its ties to Big Tobacco and practices including the promotion of teen vaping , a lawsuit alleges . Former director of digital and social media , Lourdes Liz , claims she was sidelined and eventually fired . The Foundation is yet to file a formal response but said that it ‘ intends to deny the material allegations and defend against it vigorously .’ The foundation has the financial backing of Philip Morris International but maintains that it is independent and committed to ‘ ending the world ’ s billion smokers ’ addiction to cigarettes .’
DAVE ’ S LOVIN ’ IT
MAY 12-14 FOR TPE21
Following “ an exceptional year of uncertainty due to COVID-19 ” this year ’ s Tobacco , Vapor , and Alternative Industries trade show ( TPE21 ) is moving to May 12-14 , 2021 . The Tobacco Plus Expo will still be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center , on the same show floor with the same exhibitors . Ben Stimpson , Managing Director of Tobacco Media Group , said : “ The warmer weather of May gives us more options to safely execute the business and networking aspects of the show . We feel confident that this new timing has everyone ’ s best interests in mind .”
A fast food fan has created a Big Mac-flavoured e-liquid to help see him through lockdown . Dave Sykes spent months crafting the McDonald ’ s-inspired juice after struggling to get hold of his favourite takeaway . Sykes said : “ I ’ d been thinking of quitting smoking and the start of lockdown felt like the right time . That was fine but what wasn ’ t OK was that I could no longer get a McDonald ’ s . But after perfecting my secret recipe this is the next best thing .” The software developer is considering KFC as his next meaty vape endeavour .
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