MIAMI -- Vector Group Ltd. has announced that its indirect subsidiary, Zoom E-Cigs LLC, will launch its ZOOM electronic cigarette brand nationwide in Jan. 2014. Zoom's first product, a disposable, nonrechargeable line, will be the company's first e-cigarette, and Liggett Vector Brands LLC will manage sales and distribution of the brand.
ZOOM premium e-cigs will feature tobacco and menthol flavors, in Bold and Smooth styles. Products initially will be available nationwide in single and convenient three-pack formats and feature low-weight, 100mm products, a length that is familiar to smokers of conventional cigarettes.
Developed in combination with XEO Int. Ltd., a Hanover, Germany-based e-cigarette design and engineering company, ZOOM disposable e-cigs feature an exclusive, 130mAh battery that delivers at least 300 Tru-Puffs, the equivalent of approximately two packs of conventional cigarettes. ZOOM products use a proprietary U.S.-made e-liquid that produces a premium-quality vapor stream with the consistent delivery of traditional tobacco and menthol flavors preferred by smokers, the company said. ZOOM features a soft-tip filter and proprietary packaging to complete the e-cigarette experience.
"We have carefully developed our flavorful ZOOM e-cigarette brand to appeal to adult smokers in the growing e-cig market, and we are confident that if the category continues to expand, we will succeed with this compelling product," said Ron Bernstein, CEO of Liggett Vector Brands. "We have drawn on our own industry experience and research, German precision engineering, quality U.S. e-liquids developed under the guidance of Liggett tobacco experts and Chinese manufacturing expertise to create ZOOM."
XEO Int. Ltd. CEO Markus Goch added, "We are proud to be working with Zoom E-Cigs LLC to develop this product, which is a giant step forward for e-cigs in the United States and represents a new U.S. standard. The flavor, puff count and overall experience are, in my opinion, second to none."
ZOOM's launch will be supported with national media, including radio and key market outdoor/transit advertising. In addition, Liggett Vector Brands' national sales force will implement trade promotion programs to ensure rapid distribution and adult smoker trial.
Miami-based Vector Group is a holding company that indirectly owns Liggett Group LLC, Vector Tobacco Inc. and Zoom E-Cigs and directly owns New Valley LLC. Liggett Group has been a North Carolina-based manufacturer of cigarette brands for more than 100 years. It operates a manufacturing facility in Mebane, N.C. It makes national cigarette brands including Liggett Select, Eve, Grand Prix and Pyramid.
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