22nd Century Group's VLN low nicotine content cigarettes will be sold at more than 1,450 company locations in Texas, California and Florida by the #1 convenience store (c-store) chain in the United States. With the full support of the company and national franchise owner organizations, an additional 3,100 franchise stores in these state markets have followed suit by adding VLN offerings.
The launch will leverage 22nd Century Group's new national and regional distribution agreements, including agreements with the No. 1 and No. 2 convenience store distributors in the United States. In-stock orders at dealerships will begin in late June, and company stores and the first franchise stores are expected to begin selling VLN products in early July.
John Miller, president of tobacco products at 22nd Century Group, said in a statement: "Adding the number one c-store chain in the country and launching in three of the largest state markets will significantly and rapidly expand the availability of VLN. Expansion to thousands of additional stores." "Franchise stores have confirmed orders to add VLN as well as company rollout, which will include media campaigns, in-store offers, signage and a range of various channels designed to attract adult smokers to VLN educational and awareness tool.”
Miller continued, "In addition to rapidly adding corporate and franchise stores in these new markets, our plans to partner with other new regional convenience, pharmacy and military chains, as well as regional and state operations of existing chains, will The availability of VLN in multiple markets will be further expanded. These launch plans allow us to increase our exposure to additional stores and states throughout the remainder of the year, allowing us to achieve our stated growth goals."
James A stated, "We are pleased to deliver on our commitment to partner with major convenience store retailers and new national distribution resources as we work to rapidly expand sales of VLN products in as many as 18 states by the end of 2023."22 "VLN sales are accelerating as planned, putting us on track to be cash positive in the tobacco business by 2024," said Century Group CEO Mish.