TPE Exhibits Reveal Array of Tobacco Alternatives
By Angel Abcede on Feb. 22, 2019LAS VEGAS — Through the puffs of vapor from Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) attendees, the exhibit floor at the annual convention and trade show featured an array of cigars, vaping devices, hookahs, pipes, glassware and loose tobacco, as well as cannabis- and hemp-based cannabidiols (CBDs).
Brands such as San Francisco-based Juul Labs, as well as newcomers from the e-liquid, vaping and medicinal-remedy space, presented at the show, which was held Feb. 11-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Here’s a rundown of a few memorable products …
E-Alternative Solutions
Darien, Conn.-based E-Alternative Solutions (EAS) had its Leap-branded vaping devices displayed prominently. EAS is a sister company to Swisher International, Jacksonville, Fla.
Fontem Ventures
Charlotte, N.C.-based Fontem Ventures and its blu line of e-cigarettes was one of the bigger sponsors of TPE.
Inhale Health
Vaping technology has expanded beyond nicotine delivery into other supplements, including vitamins, caffeine and melatonin, as seen with Los Angeles-based Inhale Health and its line of disposable vaping products.
Inter-Continental Cigar Corp.
Offering one of the c-store channel’s top-selling cigarillos, the Al Capone brand, Miramar, Fla.-based Intercontinental Cigar Corp. put its flavored cigarillo and sweet cigars on display.
Inter-Continental Trading USA
Kashmir rolling papers and related products were the center of the exhibit from Mount Prospect, Ill.-based Inter-Continental Trading USA.
Isodiol International
CBDXtreme, a product line from Vancouver, Canada-based Isodiol International, features edible chews and gummy candy infused with CBD, as well as energy shots, e-liquids and tinctures.
Just CBD
Pembroke Pines, Fla.-based Just CBD had a full line of medicinal edibles, tinctures, lotions and pods.
Juul
Juul had a big presence, with TPE attendees well aware of Richmond, Va.-based Altria Group’s recent $12.8 billion investment for a 35% stake in the e-cigarette maker. After discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Juul pulled its Creme, Cucumber, Fruit and Mango flavored cartridges, or “pods,” from retail stores, opting to sell those only online.
Kretek International
Hosts of the TPE event, Moorpark, Calif.-based Kretek International is best known in the c-store space for its Djarum filtered cigars. On the show floor, however, Kretek displayed its CBD expanded product lines.
Missouri Meerschaum Co.
Hand-fashioned corncob pipes were displayed prominently in the Missouri Meerschaum Co. booth. The Washington, Mo.-based company covers corncobs in plaster before sanding them down to make pipes.
Nat Sherman
New York-based Nat Sherman displayed its latest line of premium cigars, with Michael Herklots, vice president of retail and brand development, describing the company’s customer-centric business model to attendees during a general session.
Paradise Valley Products
Laveen, Ariz.-based Paradise Valley Products knows that man’s best friends are deserving of healing as well, providing CBD products for pets.
Premier Manufacturing
Continuing its initial product debuts at last fall’s NACS Show, which was also in Las Vegas, Chesterfield Mo.-based Premier Manufacturing promoted its Belmore line of handmade, premium cigars.
Spark Industries
Phoenix-based Spark Industries branched from its Cig2O e-cigarettes to introduce a line of charging cables and technology accessories.