Philip Morris South Africa Launches ZYN Nicotine Pouches

Philip Morris South Africa (PMSA) introduced ZYN nicotine pouches to the South African market at a media briefing in Bryanston.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Philip Morris International’s (PMI) global strategy to shift two-thirds of its net revenue to smoke-free products by 2030.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are around 1.1-billion smokers worldwide.
Oral-smokeless products like ZYN are a key addition to PMI’s growing portfolio of smoke-free products.
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While the best option for smokers is to quit nicotine and tobacco products entirely, the reality is that fewer than one in ten smokers manage to quit each year. Recognizing this, PMI has invested heavily in the development of smoke-free alternative products that deliver nicotine without the harmful effects of combustion. The introduction of ZYN nicotine pouches in South Africa is part of PMSA’s broader effort to accelerate this transition.

ZYN pouches are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. They are intended for use only by legal-age adults who are current nicotine users.

// Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris South Africa, Jonathan Kwak

Each ZYN pouch is made from plant-based fibres, flavourings, and nicotine extract, all housed in a chewing gum size, tea bag-like material. Users simply place the pouch under the upper lip and experience a steady release of nicotine.

Although ZYN nicotine pouches share some similarities with snus, a traditional Swedish oral tobacco product, there are significant differences between the two. Most notably, while snus is made from tobacco, ZYN contains no tobacco leaf. Instead, it uses pharmaceutical-grade nicotine combined with food-grade ingredients. This difference makes ZYN a tobacco-free option that comes in various formats, sizes, nicotine strengths, flavours, and moisture levels.

In 2022, PMI acquired Swedish Match, a global leader in oral nicotine products with a decades-long legacy in replacing Sweden’s cigarette consumption with snus and ZYN. Sweden now has the lowest smoking rate in Europe. We are excited to bring their expertise to South Africa.

// Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris South Africa, Jonathan Kwak

ZYN — Branislav Bibic, Area Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa for Philip Morris International alongside Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris South Africa, Jonathan Kwak. Image: The Sandton Times

However, Jonathan is clear that ZYN nicotine pouches are not without risks.

They contain nicotine, which is addictive, and should only be used by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products. Remember, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, quit. And if you don’t quit, change.

// Director of Smoke-Free Products at Philip Morris South Africa, Jonathan Kwak

ZYN is available in selected grocery stores, petrol stations, independent convenience stores, and tobacconists across South Africa, as well as Uber Eats Market in select areas. The product comes in five distinct, adult-oriented flavours: Black Cherry, Cool Mint, Bellini, Exotic Mango, and Espressino.

ZYN flavours are offered in two nicotine strengths: medium (3mg per pouch) and strong (6mg per pouch). Image: The Sandton TImes

In addition, ZYN cans come in two formats in the South African market: ZYN Mini Rich, which offers a robust nicotine experience in solid-coloured label cans, and ZYN Mini Dry, which offers a smoother, mellower experience in white-label cans.

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