JUPITER, Fla. —Tobacco industry veteran Steve Sandman has joined nicotine toothpick manufacturer Pixotine Products as its new chief operating officer, the company has announced.
Sandman’s most recent position was with Republic Tobacco North America. He joined the Glenview, Ill.-based company in 2007 and became its president and COO in 2012. Prior to that, he led Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Altadis Tobacco and Consolidated Cigar sales organization from 1999 to 2007 (before they were acquired by Imperial Tobacco, now Imperial Brands in 2008).
CSP named Pixotine’s nicotine toothpicks as the winner of its Best New Product contest in the other tobacco products (OTP) category in 2019.
Sandman has been a frequent contributor to and participant in industry media and association conferences, including moderating CSP’s Behind the Counter Forum in 2019.
“We are extremely excited and energized to have Steve join our team as COO,” said Evan Grossman, founder and CEO of Jupiter, Fla.-based Pixotine. “Steve’s expertise, exceptional reputation and credibility is recognized throughout the industry and will guide Pixotine’s growth in the modern oral nicotine alternative category, where retailers, wholesalers and consumers are looking for leadership and profitable options.”
“I am very excited to join the Pixotine team,” Sandman said. “Alternative nicotine products are growing rapidly, and Pixotine has shown incredible acceptance from consumers, while retailers are really excited about the margins on these products. This is not only a great opportunity to help successfully build out Pixotine across the country, but it’s truly exciting to have the retail community embrace such a unique and functional product as the category changes and evolves.”
At retail, Pixotine nicotine toothpicks are sold in plastic packages with 15 toothpicks per pack, merchandised at the front end with three-tier tower countertop display or behind the counter, the company said. The toothpicks are 100% tobacco-free and are registered and fully compliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. They are infused with natural nicotine extract, vegetable glycerin and flavors, the company said.
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