RJR Bows to Criticisms Over Test Marketing

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 12/21/2010

Following criticisms about its tobacco-infused mints, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco is to end test-marketing of the product in Columbus, Ohio, but company officials said they plan to introduce it on to other test markets next month, according to a Dispatch story. David Howard, an RJR spokesman, said the company would make the product available in US cities outside of Ohio. The product provoked intense criticism from tobacco's opponents, including Senator Sherrod Brown, who have argued that the dissolvable mints are designed to hook children on nicotine. Howard insisted that the products were not intended for teenagers and children. "It is very clear that these are tobacco products sold to adult tobacco consumers," he said. Test-marketing of the mints began last year in Columbus and two other cities. Howard said the products would not be removed from Columbus stores, but that the company would no longer replenish local supplies. Enditem