ITG Launches ‘Select’ Cigarettes
Tobacco maker expands Winston brand in non-menthol ‘gold’ segment
April 2017
GREENSBORO, NC -- ITG Brands expanded its Winston brand of non-menthol cigarettes in what the industry calls its “gold” category –typically referring to cigarettes with a milder flavor profile – in the release of its Winston Select line, company officials announced.
Available this month with the backing of buydown discounts and 50-cents-off-a-pack promotions, the product in a king box has a white filter tip and a flavor profile that’s considered milder than the bolder taste of Winston Red.
“The [Select] name speaks of our selection of choice tobacco that brings flavor, character and quality together in one select brand,” said Leonard Jones, vice president of marketing for ITG.
In blind taste tests, Winston Select performed “exceptionally well with adult smokers who cited the [cigarette’s] overall satisfaction, smoothness and character of taste,” the company said.
While ITG already has a product in the gold segment, the Winston Select launch represents an expansion in the area of milder alternatives. The product also comes from an established line in the companys portfolio, so it has already met FDA requirements. Elaborating on its planned promotional support, the company said it will offer the same buydowns as other brands in the Winston family, as well as specifically marked 50-cents-off-a-pack promotions in April and June. Point-of-sale (POS) support includes posters and signage, as well as counter mats with several having the tagline, “Meet the New Gold Standard.” Winston Select also joins the rest of the Winston-branded engagement programs, including campaigns using direct mail, digital and print advertising. Members of the trade and adult consumers are also encouraged to visit www.winstoncigarettes.com.
The Winston brand family continues to gain market share since it became the flagship brand of ITG in June 2015, the company said. ITG Brands, LLC is the third-largest tobacco company in the United States and offers a broad portfolio of cigarette, cigar and electronic cigarette brands, including Winston, Kool, Salem, Maverick, USA Gold Cigarettes; Dutch Masters, Backwoods and Phillies cigars; and blu electronic cigarettes.
Sources: “ITG Launches ‘Select’ Cigarettes” by Angel Abcede, Senior Editor/Tobacco, CSP on April 12, 2017
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