5 Surprising Finds at TPE 2017

LAS VEGAS -- Through the fog of exhaled vapor, several insights emerged from the annual Tobacco Plus Expo held last week in Sin City’s main convention center.

With about 250 exhibits and an estimated 4,000 attendees total, the trade show provided retailers with a look at new-product introductions from established players and wares from vendors, many of whom were attending for the first time, according to officials with Kretek International, Moorpark, Calif., the show’s sponsor.

Here are five insights from the show floor …

After recently settling a dispute with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nat Sherman has replaced its “Natural” brand name with “Select” for its premium cigarettes, a move that includes a new descriptor on its packaging of “tobacco filler ingredients, tobacco and water.”

Officials on-site said they are looking forward to opportunities to grow after Richmond, Va.-based Altria Group’s purchase of the New York-based premium cigar and cigarette company.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Altadis will introduce a new product within its Romeo & Juliet line, featuring new packaging and design set to release this March, officials said.

With marijuana becoming legal in more and more states, many products are coming to market using extracts from the cannabis plant. Without making any health claims, Neuchatel, Switzerland-based Isodiol is offering water and energy shots infused with a nonpsychoactive ingredient from the cannabis plant called cannabidiol, or CBD.

Officials with Phoenix-based Prime Time International said they’re prepared moving forward for life under the new FDA “deeming” rules, with current products on shelves today and lines they can revive in the future.

Retailers wondering how they can profit from the growing legalization of marijuana sooner than later should think about selling “glass,” or the accessories users need to smoke the product.