Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers hope on National PTSD Awareness Day
Here's an inspiring story about a Rebekah Gregory, a Boston Marathon survivor from Orlando, as we approach World Mental Health Day, October 10.
Rebekah Gregory’s 5-year-old son was getting restless the crowd at the finish line of the Boston Marathon in 2013. Sit down on my feet and play with the rocks, she told him.
It might be the best advice she ever gave them. Moments later, a bomb exploded three feet away from the pair, shattering Gregory’s legs. The boy, protected by his mother’s body, suffered only minor injuries.
Although Gregory was grateful that her son was spared by the blast, her battle was just beginning. She spent nearly two months in the hospital and underwent 68 surgeries over the next several years. Doctors were initially optimistic that they could save both of her legs, but ultimately were forced to amputate her left leg.
It was not the first time that Gregory has experienced trauma. She had witnessed domestic violence firsthand as a child. And several months before the bombing, she had been held up at gunpoint in a shopping center parking lot.
The now-32-year-old committed herself to getting better for her son’s sake. In addition to her grueling physical therapy regimen, she sought counseling to process the traumatic experiences. And she created a nonprofit, Rebekah’s Angels, to help young trauma survivors.
Yet Gregory was still haunted by sights and sounds of the bombing. “I had tried traditional styles of therapy and while I was learning to cope and manage my symptoms, I wasn’t healing from them,” she said.
Gregory tried Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a technique that helps clients effectively create a new ending for traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART helps most people experience a partial or complete reduction in the physical and psychological symptoms of trauma in just one to five sessions. ART is used to treat trauma, anxiety, depression and phobias, among other conditions.
In just a few sessions, Gregory felt dramatically better. “The part that really resonated with me is that you’re rewriting the narrative of your worst experiences,” she said. “ART really helped me in areas where I didn’t realize I had residual trauma.”
This year, Gregory was able to return to the marathon without experiencing anxiety. ART helped her put the horrific events behind her. “I can talk about my experiences in a different way now because the trauma isn’t there,” she said.
Through her foundation, Gregory is helping children and families discover ways of recovering from trauma. “I want to use our experiences to make it clear that people can heal,” she said.
Rebekah will be available for a limited number of phone and in-person interviews. If you are interested in interviewing Rebekah, speaking with an ART clinician or Kelly Breeding, executive director of ART International, please contact Julie Scharper with Sandy Hillman Communications, jscharper@hillmanpr.com.
CANADIANS WITH INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS SOUGHT FOR TWO SURVEYS
VANCOUVER, BC (October 7, 2019) – Two of Canada’s leading patient groups, the Gastrointestinal Society and the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR), are calling on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to participate in a survey to help them identify what’s missing in their care. They are also asking Canadian patients with any inflammatory condition who take biologic/biosimilar medication to provide their opinions.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The first survey, IBD Patients: What's Missing in Your Care?, seeks to learn more about IBD patients’ experiences and their outlook in current management. The survey, which is available in English and French, follows a similar questionnaire conducted in 2018, but this time is open to IBD patients worldwide in order to collect a larger and more diverse body of information about the IBD patient community. Participants must have been diagnosed with any type of IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, microscopic colitis, etc.).
Use of biologic/biosimilar medications for inflammatory diseases
The second survey, the Canadian Biosimilar Medication Experience, explores the experiences and outlook of Canadian patients who use biologic/biosimilar medications to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), as well as other inflammation causing diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, psoriasis, HIV, multiple sclerosis, or growth deficiencies. This is following up on a survey conducted in 2015.
“Healthcare is an ever-changing space of innovation and variation,” said Gail Attara, president and CEO, Gastrointestinal Society. “As the Canadian leaders in providing trusted, evidence-based information on all areas of the gastrointestinal tract, the GI Society and the CSIR seek to balance health policy with real world evidence and ensure that the patient voice is the prime focus. That’s why we urge all individuals who are living with IBD to participate in our global survey and Canadian patients with inflammatory conditions of any kind to complete the biosimilar survey.”
Data gathered from both surveys will be used anonymously and in aggregate to shape future programming and to inform discussions with community members, healthcare professionals, and health policy decision-makers.
“Gastrointestinal conditions affect as many as sixty percent of the population at some point in their lives,” added Attara, “and the GI Society has a vast collection of trusted, medically-sound information covering topics from gum to bum on badgut.org.”
About the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research and Gastrointestinal Society:
The Gastrointestinal Society and the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) represent gastrointestinal (GI) patients on a variety of healthcare fronts, including health policy. The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) is a registered charity established in 1976. It arose as the first patient group in Canada to enhance public awareness on a wide array of gastrointestinal and liver diseases and disorders by providing patient and professional information, as well as funding for medical research. The Gastrointestinal Society is a registered charity committed to improving the lives of people with gastrointestinal and liver conditions, supporting research, advocating for appropriate patient access to healthcare, and promoting gastrointestinal and liver health. CSIR works closely with the GI Society to provide a number of core programs and services that focus on providing Canadians with trusted medically sound information on digestive health. For more information about the GI Society and CSIR, visit www.badgut.org |www.mauxdeventre.org.
Canadians with Inflammatory conditions sought for two surveys
VANCOUVER, Oct. 7, 2019 /CNW/ -Two of Canada's leading patient groups, the Gastrointestinal Society and the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR), are calling on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to participate in a survey to help them identify what's missing in their care. They are also asking Canadian patients with any inflammatory condition who take biologic/biosimilar medication to provide their opinions.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease The first survey, IBD Patients: What's Missing in Your Care?, seeks to learn more about IBD patients' experiences and their outlook in current management. The survey, which is available in English and French, follows a similar questionnaire conducted in 2018, but this time is open to IBD patients worldwide in order to collect a larger and more diverse body of information about the IBD patient community. Participants must have been diagnosed with any type of IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, microscopic colitis, etc.).
Use of biologic/biosimilar medications for inflammatory diseases The second survey, the Canadian Biosimilar Medication Experience, explores the experiences and outlook of Canadian patients who use biologic/biosimilar medications to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), as well as other inflammation causing diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, psoriasis, HIV, multiple sclerosis, or growth deficiencies. This is following up on a survey conducted in 2015.
"Healthcare is an ever-changing space of innovation and variation," said Gail Attara, president and CEO, Gastrointestinal Society. "As the Canadian leaders in providing trusted, evidence-based information on all areas of the gastrointestinal tract, the GI Society and the CSIR seek to balance health policy with real world evidence and ensure that the patient voice is the prime focus. That's why we urge all individuals who are living with IBD to participate in our global survey and Canadian patients with inflammatory conditions of any kind to complete the biosimilar survey."
Data gathered from both surveys will be used anonymously and in aggregate to shape future programming and to inform discussions with community members, healthcare professionals, and health policy decision-makers.
"Gastrointestinal conditions affect as many as sixty percent of the population at some point in their lives," added Attara, "and the GI Society has a vast collection of trusted, medically-sound information covering topics from gum to bum on badgut.org."
About the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research and Gastrointestinal Society: The Gastrointestinal Society and the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) represent gastrointestinal (GI) patients on a variety of healthcare fronts, including health policy. The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) is a registered charity established in 1976. It arose as the first patient group in Canada to enhance public awareness on a wide array of gastrointestinal and liver diseases and disorders by providing patient and professional information, as well as funding for medical research. The Gastrointestinal Society is a registered charity committed to improving the lives of people with gastrointestinal and liver conditions, supporting research, advocating for appropriate patient access to healthcare, and promoting gastrointestinal and liver health. CSIR works closely with the GI Society to provide a number of core programs and services that focus on providing Canadians with trusted medically sound information on digestive health. For more information about the GI Society and CSIR, visit www.badgut.org | www.mauxdeventre.org.
SOURCE Gastrointestinal Society
OMA Urges Ontarians to Support Mental Illness Awareness Week
TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Mental illness can strike any one of us at any time. No one is immune.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, every Ontarian should take the time to understand mental illness and help reduce the stigma surrounding it.
As doctors, we see patients every day who are living with mental illness. And all of us – whether we know it or not – have friends and loved ones who are affected. There are still too many people experiencing mental illness who keep it to themselves and try to manage on their own. This needn't happen because help is available.
"On behalf of Ontario's doctors, I say to everyone, young and old, that if you are experiencing signs of mental illness or are concerned about a loved one, please reach out to your family doctor," said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, President of the OMA. "We are here to help with supports, advice and treatment options. No one of us needs to meet this challenge on our own."
The Ontario Medical Association is a membership organization that represents the political, clinical and economic interests of doctors in Ontario. Our 41,000 members are practicing and retired doctors, residents and medical students.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
COPPER BRANCH INTRODUCES ITS ‘LET’S BEAT BREAST CANCER’ CAMPAIGN
The world’s largest plant-based restaurant chain will donate a portion of its sales to promote cancer prevention education in partnership with the PCRM
(October 3, 2019 – Montreal, QC)
For the entire month of October, Copper Branch, the largest 100% plant-based restaurant chain in the world, will donate a portion of the sales of its popular Organic Beet Hummus dish to support nutrition education and help reduce the risk of breast cancer to coincide with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The company, which operates over 65 locations around the world, will be working with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to raise money for breast cancer nutrition education and prevention. Further information on PCRM’s Let’s Beat Breast Cancer campaign can be found here
The importance of eating a balanced, healthy diet as it relates to preventing breast cancer cannot be overstated. Dr. Kristi Funk, Co-Founder of Pink Lotus Breast Center in Los Angeles states, “The healthiest meals are plant-based, low fat, and high fiber: an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains like brown rice and oats, non-animal proteins such as lentils, beans, and soy.” Copper Branch’s menu features 100% plant-based menu items which are never fried and consist of mainly organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Eating right is a philosophy that has been at the core of Copper Branch’s goal to bring healthy, delicious food to the masses since its inception in 2016. Rio Infantino, CEO of Copper Branch, explains, “Our mission has always been to empower, energize and make people feel their best. We are honored to work with these wonderful organizations to help combat breast cancer”.
According to Canada.ca, more than 26,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives and 5,000 will die from the disease. Breast cancer accounts for approximately 26% of all new cases of cancer in the country and in the United States roughly 1 of 8 women will battle breast cancer sometime in their lives.
Mr. Infantino adds, “We picked our Organic Beet Hummus because the rich red color of beets actually comes from the cancer-fighting antioxidant Betalain, which starves tumors and hinders cell division.
The campaign will run through the end of October at Copper Branch locations in Canada.
card, a portion of your order is directly donated to making youa h
ABOUT COPPER BRANCH
Started in 2014 and headquartered in Montreal, Copper Branch is a privately held company and holds the distinction of being the largest and fastest growing plant-based fast casual chain in the world. The company’s mission is to Empower, Energize and make people feel their Best; providing a convenient, plant-based dining experience without sacrificing taste, quality or satisfaction. The reasonably priced, 100% plant-based menu items are never fried and consist of mainly organic and non-GMO ingredients. For locations, menus and other details, visit https://www.eatcopperbranch.com/. Twitter and Instagram @copperbranch
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Rights 4 Vapers Responds to Proposed Changes to Nova Scotia's Tobacco Access Act
TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's leading vapers' rights association, Rights 4 Vapers, today responded to proposed changes by Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston to Nova Scotia's Tobacco Access Act.
"Rights 4 Vapers is the voice of Canadian adult vapers, 98 percent of whom are former smokers. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, we understand the need for the Government of Nova Scotia to take action to reduce access to vaping products to youth, particularly with the news reports of vaping-related illnesses. I would also like to stress that we support fair and reasonable regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure consumer safety," said Professor Chris Lalonde, a leading expert on vaping and academic advisor to Rights 4 Vapers.
However, any changes to the Tobacco Access Act should also take into consideration the thousands of adult smokers who have chosen vaping as a way to quit smoking and reduce their risk of the particular health problems smoking will cause.
An essential factor in a smoker's decision to transition to vaping is taste. The flavoured vaping products give smokers a reason to move away from the burnt-tobacco taste of cigarettes. Flavours must remain available.
The role of flavours is something that adult vapers have confirmed.
In the largest survey of Canadian adult vapers, with over 4000 respondents, Rights 4 Vapers found that the clear majority of vapers use flavoured products like fruits and candy. Also, 94 percent say that they have quit smoking because of vaping and 98 percent say that they smoke less because of vaping.
"This is a good thing," said Professor Lalonde. "Why would the Government of Nova Scotia want to put barriers up to prevent smokers from moving to vaping products? There has to be a way to both prevent youth from vaping and give smokers the products that best help them to quit."
Nova Scotia is not the only province considering expanded vaping regulations. British Columbia and Alberta are also considering new regulations.
About Rights 4 Vapers Rights 4 Vapers is an organization of vaping advocates dedicated to the advancement of Canadian-based research on vaping. Dr. Chris Lalonde is an academic advisor.
SOURCE Rights 4 Vapers
Avicanna (TSX: AVCN) Announces First Commercial Sale of the Pura Earth Derma-Cosmetics line of CBD Products
Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics expected to be available in approximately 59 retail locations throughout Colombia later this month
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/
TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") (TSX: AVCN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of organic and sustainable plant-derived cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce the first completed commercial sale of its Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics line of CBD products.
The sale was completed through Avicanna's wholly owned subsidiary, Avicanna LATAM S.A.S., to Percos S.A. ("Percos"), Avicanna's exclusive distributor of Pura Earth™ derma-cosmetics products in Colombia. The initial order from Percos included Avicanna's Anti-Aging Treatment, Anti-Aging Serum, Clear Skin Treatment and Intensive Skin Conditioning Treatment, which are expected to be available for purchase in approximately 59 retail locations throughout Colombia later this month. Avicanna expects to launch the Pura Earth™ brand in additional international jurisdictions in early 2020.
The Pura Earth™ products were produced with Avicanna's proprietary formulations using cannabidiol ("CBD") isolate extracted by the Company's majority owned subsidiary, Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S. ("SMGH"), from cannabis grown and cultivated by SMGH in Santa Marta, Colombia.
"This initial commercial sale of our Pura Earth™ line of CBD products is a significant step towards validating Avicanna's vertically integrated business model and demonstrating our ability to take a product from concept, through the development stage and into the commercialization stage." stated Aras Azadian, Chief Executive Officer. "We conceptualized the Pura Earth™ brand, and then our scientists developed and optimized the final line of products, which contain CBD sourced directly from our subsidiaries, and we are now marketing these products to retailers and distributors. Most importantly, these are science based products that we have tested in human trials lead by Avicanna."
"We believe that this initial sale of Pura Earth™ products marks a significant step towards commercialization and maturity of our company as we reach our goal of building a global organization focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of organic and sustainable plant-derived cannabinoid-based products." concluded Mr. Azadian.
About Pura Earth™
Pura Earth™ is Avicanna's derma-cosmetic line which utilizes a combination of purified cannabidiol (CBD) and other synergistic botanical ingredients designed to naturally regulate and nourish the skin. The Pura Earth™ products are formulated with CBD cultivated under organic and sustainable conditions by Avicanna's subsidiary in Santa Marta, Colombia in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Pura Earth™ product line was designed by Avicanna and optimized in partnership with the University of Toronto using Avicanna's proprietary formulations. The Pura Earth™ product line is manufactured by Altea Farmaceutica S.A. ("Altea") under Good Manufacturing Practices standards. In addition, Centro de Atención e Investigación Médica CAIMED S.A.S. is currently completing clinical studies on selected Pura Earth™ products in order to demonstrate their effectiveness with specific cosmetic endpoints, such as reduction of fine lines associated with aging, efficacy as a moisturizer for eczema prone skin, and reduction of sebum and redness attributed to acne.
About Avicanna
Avicanna is an Ontario corporation focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products through its two main business segments, cultivation and research and development.
Avicanna's two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S., both located in Santa Marta, Colombia are the base for Avicanna's cultivation activities. These two companies are licensed to cultivate and process cannabis for the production of cannabis extracts and purified cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Avicanna's research and development business is primarily conducted out of Canada at its headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto. Avicanna's scientific team develops products, and Avicanna has also engaged the services of researchers at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for the purpose of optimizing and improving upon its products.
Avicanna's research and development and cultivation activities are focused on the development of its key products, including plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, phyto-therapeutics, derma-cosmetics and Extracts (defined as plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and purified cannabinoids, including distillates and isolates), with a goal of eventually having these products manufactured and distributed through various markets.
Stay Connected
For more information about Avicanna, visit www.avicanna.com, call 1-647-243-5283, or contact Setu Purohit, President by email info@avicanna.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include but are not limited to the number of retail locations at which the Pura Earth products are expected to be available and the timing for the launch of the Pura Earth products both in Colombia and internationally. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's long form final prospectus dated July 8, 2019. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company.
SOURCE Avicanna Inc.
October Is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. "This is a good time to be aware that, despite its expansion into cyberspace, bullying in the classroom has not gone away. It still happens, and administrators and teachers still ignore it, whenever it's possible. And usually, it only becomes impossible when it's too late. Bullying destroys lives." So says Stacey J. Miller who experienced bullying when she was in middle school. It never goes away for her -- partly, because bullying, and its consequences, are in the news every day.
"Those of us who were bullied at school and have never fully recovered from that trauma may feel as powerless as we did when we were kids, and -- even decades later -- we may still be living with the fear and stress that bullying in the classroom brought us," she says. "Telling ourselves that bullying is no big deal and it happens to nearly everyone doesn't mean the trauma will just evaporate if we do nothing. In fact, if we ignore the pain that we experienced from childhood bullying, the consequences can become even more serious."
National Bullying Prevention Month suggests that we can prevent bullying in the classroom, and someday, maybe we can prevent all children from being targeted by bullies. But, as Susan P. Limber, Dan Olweus Professor of Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life at Clemson University told the "Today Show," there is no instant fix.
Bullying is here, and we have to deal with it. The pain of childhood bullying doesn't simply evaporate because we mature and, eventually, leave school behind us. Bullying stays with us until we find a way to heal.
The good news is that there is a 4-part program to help adults recover get beyond the pain of bullying at school. "I developed the healing strategies myself after living, for decades, with the aftermath of the residual trauma associated with the bullying I experienced. It involves telling your story, planning to be found by people from your past, putting the former bullies into perspective, and connecting with former bullies to gain closure and peace," Miller shares.
Her book is called, "Getting Past Childhood Bullying: How Adults Can Recover From Trauma That Began at School." Please let me know if you'd like to receive evaluation copy. Stacey Miller is also available for interviews. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Book:
Getting Past Childhood Bullying: How Adults Can Recover From Trauma That Began at School
Don’t Sacrifice Your Workout Routine: How to Stay Safe When Running Alone
You might love going for your daily run, but you could be worried about your safety when you head out on your own. You shouldn’t sacrifice your daily workout routine just because of safety purposes, of course. Instead, follow these tips to keep yourself safe.
Pick a Safe Place
First, make sure that you pick a safe place to run. Of course, bad things can happen anywhere. If you choose a place that is well-lit and well-populated, though, you can feel a lot safer.
Carry a Weapon
It’s not a bad idea to bring along a weapon on your runs so that you can protect yourself. Women’s concealed carry leggingsmake it possible for you to conceal a weapon, for example. Even a can of pepper spray can serve as a good weapon to protect yourself in a bad situation. Just make sure that you’re aware of the laws in your area about carrying a weapon so that you can protect yourself but still avoid getting into any legal trouble.
Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings
Although you might like to zone out when you’re running, it’s important to keep an eye on your surroundings. If you ever feel frightened or uncomfortable for any reason, don’t be afraid to duck into a business, head for a more populated area or call for help.
Bring Your Phone
Make sure you bring your phone with you when you go on a run. Keep it close by so you can grab it and call for help if you need to. As an added bonus, you can use many smartphones to listen to music and track your progress while you’re running, which can make your workout that much more fun and effective.
Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
It’s not a bad idea to let a roommate, friend or family member know where you are going to be running and approximately how long you will be gone. Then, if your loved one does not hear from you in a reasonable amount of time, he or she can take action by going to look for you or calling for help.You should definitely be focused on your personal safety, but this does not mean that you should sacrifice your workout routine. Instead, keep the tips above in mind so that you can enjoy running while still feeling comfortable
Filter cigarettes still on the rise globally despite 57% of smokers wanting to quit, says GlobalData
Health concerns related to conventional tobacco products combined with campaigns such as the NHS’s Stoptober encouraging people to quit smoking, have led to around *57% of smokers having the desire to give up smoking. Consumers that feel they cannot stop completely are instead turning to cigarette alternatives that have reduced risk and contain fewer common toxins such as tar. However, despite the efforts and changing trends, the filter cigarette market is still expected to grow between 2018 and 2023, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Cigarettes account for a large majority of spending in the tobacco industry. Overall tobacco products represented $707bn in global spending in 2018 and cigarettes were the largest category, having generated $654bn. China is the largest cigarette market by volume, almost eight times larger than Indonesia, which ranks second. Filter cigarettes are the only segment that is expected to grow between 2018 and 2023 by volume, while all other segments are expected to decline - with chewing tobacco expected to see the largest fall at 5.4%.
Tobacco users are more drawn to natural ingredients than current e-cigarette users. Therefore, smoking alternatives looking to convert tobacco smokers should employ natural ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals.
Mitsue Konishi, Senior Innovation Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “One important reason for smoking cited by traditional cigarette users is relaxation. Novel ingredients that provide a relaxing or refreshing feeling will be important to explore. In this vein, cannabidiol (CBD) has been widely used in recent innovations in the US and Europe. Cigarette alternatives can also capitalize on this new ingredient.”
Globally, the majority of smokers (*a57%) are more concerned about quality than cost when considering tobacco and smoking alternatives, and are willing to pay more for better-quality products. It will be a challenge for many brands and manufacturers to communicate product quality, particularly for cigarettes, as many markets have some restrictions on packaging.
Konishi adds: “Taste and other sensory attributes cannot be compromised. Latin America is quality-driven, while North America is price-sensitive. Premiumization can be effective in the former market, but the price point of new innovations in tobacco and smoking alternatives must be carefully considered in the latter.
“Heat-not-burn (HNB) has been hugely popular in the East, particularly in Japan, and there is now an interesting migration of HNB markets in the West. Manufacturers of HNB state that the toxins are lower risk than conventional cigarettes, meaning HNB can be a potential product for smokers seeking an alternative to tobacco. However, there is a legal challenge for manufacturers to not attract consumers that cannot legally smoke.”
* GlobalData 2015 Q1 Global Consumer Survey *a GlobalData 2018 Q4 Global Consumer Survey
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