Tobacco

Ruyan America, Prime Time International Sign Deal

Firms forge exclusive product development, brand marketing, supply agreement
MINNEAPOLIS & PHOENIX -- Ruyan America Inc. and Prime Time International Co., Phoenix, said that they have executed an exclusive product development, brand marketing and supply agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Prime Time will become the exclusive North American distributor and marketer of Ruyan America's digital smoking alternatives and will provide input and direction with respect to Ruyan's future product development initiatives, to include design, formulation, distribution, branding, labeling and marketing.

Initially, Prime Time will distribute Ruyan's [image-nocss] RAPP digital, E-mystick, a battery powered, personal, portable and disposable vaporizer containing a long-established lobelia based supplement. The product is classified as a nontobacco smoking alternative. It is not intended to be used for smoking cessation or deterrent. The product is formulated and assembled in the United States, using ingredients available domestically.

Prime Time and Ruyan will cooperatively develop other formulations and designs for similar purposes. Ruyan America currently has patents pending for a variety of formulations using its patented designs and delivery systems.

"We are delighted to join forces with Prime Time International to bring our unique products to a broader market through its extensive wholesale and retail network. They have a demonstrated ability to reach segments of the market where consumers of traditional tobacco products are now looking for alternatives that can be used where smoking is now prohibited or limited," William Bartkowski, president of Ruyan America.

Jim Emery, president of Prime Time International, said, "We are partnering with the original pioneer of this technology and with the real innovators of its design and formulation with both its current and future products under development. We anticipate being able to offer our customers the very best in innovation, design and effectiveness in a whole range of easy-to-use, disposable smoking alternatives. We look forward to expanding and extending the designs, formulations and uses for Ruyan's dynamic and patent-protected products. Prime Time International is committed to bringing open and honest leadership to this exciting new alternative tobacco category. We are committed to being the captain in the category of alternative tobacco products with a broad range of product offerings."

Minneapolis-based Ruyan America develops and markets over-the-counter (OTC) consumer products using patented and patent-applied-for convenient delivery methods. It is a U.S.-based joint venture partner of Ruyan Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong.

Prime Time International, Phoenix, is a manufacturer of tobacco and nontobacco products with an established presence in the U.S. wholesale and retail supply chain serving more than 70,000 established retail outlets.

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