Reduced-nicotine cigarette maker 22nd Century Group Inc. has completed a new license and manufacturing agreement with Smoker Friendly, which operates a mix of tobacco and convenience stores.
Mocksville, North Carolina-based 22nd Century said the agreement includes 11 SF brands currently sold in the Smoker Friendly network of retail stores and dealers in the United States. SF is Smoker Friendly's private-label brand. 22nd Century will also be making eight styles of Smoker Friendly's new all natural cigarette SF Black Label starting this month, the retailer told CSP.
“I am excited to align our business with dedicated manufacturing, licensing and distribution capabilities from 22nd Century, as well as secure new growth opportunities with additional products and brands that our customers are seeking,” said Keelan Gallagher, vice president of operations at Smoker Friendly. “22nd Century provides not only high-quality manufacturing, but also important predicate blends and additional product capabilities that will help us to further integrate our supply chain while adding new products.”
The low-nicotine cigarette maker said it expects to expand on the master services agreement, such as integrating the existing filtered cigar business from Smoker Friendly and adding a reduced nicotine content brand that complements 22nd Century Group's VLN product line.
Adding a reduced nicotine content product would not only expand Smoker Friendly’s product line, but also provide additional options to customers interested in controlling their nicotine intake using its VLN reduced nicotine branded products, 22nd Century Group said.
“This agreement is foundational and represents the next era of Smoker Friendly's long-standing relationship with 22nd Century, expanding the business opportunity for both companies,” said Larry Firestone, CEO of 22nd Century Group. “It also demonstrates the possibilities available to brands who want to use our integrated platform for licensing, predicate, manufacturing and other needs.”
The Cigarette Store Group/Smoker Friendly is No. 24 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, The Cigarette Store LLC, doing business as Smoker Friendly, now owns and operates 342 stores in 13 states under the Smoker Friendly, Tobacco Depot, Smoke ‘N Go, Havana Manor and Gasamat banners.
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