Tobacco Sales Research Articles

Public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland: A cross-sectional survey 2024.

This study assessed public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland, including a smoking ban on private balconies, regular tobacco tax increases, and a total ban on tobacco sales. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). The 1080 adults (aged 18-82 years) were interviewed, of which 53% were females. A self-prepared questionnaire included questions on support for various tobacco control measures. The primary outcomes were levels of support for each proposed measure. Attitudes were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, and independent variables included sociodemographic factors and smoking status. The smoking ban on private balconies was supported by 44.1% of respondents, with higher support among older adults, non-smokers, and those with higher education. Support for annual tobacco tax increases was 47.1%, particularly among younger and middle-aged adults, the educated, and non-smokers. A total of 41.8% of respondents declared support for the total ban on tobacco sales. Higher education, non-smoking status, and voluntary smoke-free home rules were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher support for all three tobacco control measures. There was no significant impact (p>0.05) of the gender, financial status, household size, and location of the place of residence on public support of analyzed tobacco control measures. This study revealed that less than half of adults in Poland declare support for extensive tobacco regulations such as a smoking ban on private balconies, taxation increases, and a ban on tobacco sales. Educational level and smoking status are significantly associated with public attitudes toward tobacco control measures.

Effect of a minimum floor price law for tobacco products on tobacco sales in Oakland, California, USA: a synthetic difference-in-differences analysis.

In May 2020, Oakland became the most populous city in California to implement a minimum floor price law (MFPL), requiring tobacco retailers to sell cigarettes and cigars at $8 or more per pack/package. Policy enforcement began in August 2020. We estimated changes in cigarette and cigar prices and unit sales for Oakland versus a matched comparator during the first 20 months following MFPL implementation using a synthetic difference-in-differences approach. We estimated outcome changes overall and by lower-priced (<$8) versus higher-priced (≥$8) segments based on pre-MFPL prices. We also assessed retailer compliance with the MFPL. We further estimated cross-border shopping as a means of price increase avoidance and substitution to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products as alternative consumer responses to the MFPL. Retailer compliance was high for cigarettes (97.5%) but extremely low for cigars (7.4%). Lower-priced cigarettes in Oakland exhibited: increased median price per pack of 9.0%, a decline in mean monthly sales of 25.2%, and no evidence of significant cross-border shopping (-1.2%) following MFPL enforcement. Lower-priced cigars in Oakland experienced no price change, yet a large sales decline post-enforcement (-58.8%), with a partially-offsetting increase in cross-border shopping (11.0%) post-enforcement. We observed no significant product substitution to higher-priced cigarettes or cigars nor to ENDS or NRT products. Oakland's MFPL produced an aggregate decline in cigarette sales of 15%. MFPLs hold promise as a complement to tobacco taxation for reducing tobacco use, especially in localities that pre-empt local tobacco taxation.

EPH121 Minimum Legal Age of Tobacco Sales Law as a Commitment Mechanism: A Regression Discontinuity Design

EPH121 Minimum Legal Age of Tobacco Sales Law as a Commitment Mechanism: A Regression Discontinuity Design

Exploring small retailers’ perspectives on selling tobacco after the tripling of Tasmania’s tobacco licence fee

BackgroundLicensing of tobacco retailers, including high retail licence fees, is one tobacco control measure that may reduce tobacco retail availability. Between 2015 and 2018, the tobacco licence fee in Tasmania,...

Financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased receipt of commercial tobacco discount coupons among US adults who use commercial tobacco

IntroductionMany individuals experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic; yet commercial tobacco (CT) sales increased in the USA. We examined how experiencing financial hardships relates to increased CT discount coupon...

Prevalence of Tobacco Consumption and Its Economic Burden among Adult Males (≥18 Years) Residing in an Urban Area of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

Introduction: Globally, besides being the second largest consumer of tobacco, India is also the second largest tobacco producer. There are very few studies that give data on economic burden of tobacco consumption. We estimated the prevalence of tobacco consumption along with monthly expenditure for the same among adult males. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among males aged ≥18 years residing in an urban area of Raipur city. Simple random sampling technique was applied and a total of 292 adult males participated in the study. Analysis was done on Statistical software package (STATA) software version 12. Results: The mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 41 (13) years. The prevalence of tobacco consumption (smoke and/or smokeless) was 73.6%, where use of smokeless tobacco was 60.6% and use of smoke tobacco was 33.6%. Beedi was the most common type of smoke used (11%), followed by a mix of cigarette and beedi (10.4%). Among occasional smokers, mean (SD) number of days of occasional smoking in a month was 7.8 (5.1) whereas among smokeless tobacco users, nearly 83% use them daily with 2-5 times in a day (66%). Nearly 67% of them had seen someone smoking and/or chewing tobacco in public places in the last 7 days. Mean [interquartile range (IQR)] monthly expenditure on tobacco products among study participants was INR 367 (0-355). Mean (IQR) monthly expenditure on smoking tobacco products and smokeless tobacco products was INR 244 (0-150) and INR 123 (0-225), respectively. Conclusion: This study gives insight to both consumer prospects about how much money they are spending on something that is going to harm in future (health problems due to tobacco use) and also to the policymakers of tobacco control programs to implement stringent rules on tobacco sale.

Compliance to the tobacco-free educational institution policy (ToFEI study) in urban areas of selected districts of Karnataka: A situational analysis

BackgroundYouth smoking is a major concern as the average age at which people start smoking has been declining in recent years. Strengthening tobacco control policies at educational institutions (EI) will prevent the access to tobacco products for minors. The current study aims to assess teacher’s knowledge and compliance to tobacco-free-educational-institution (ToFEI) policy. MethodsFour districts of a south Indian state were chosen for the study. A face-to-face interview with approximately 50 head teachers from respective districts was carried out by a trained interviewer to assess the compliance to ToFEI guidelines. The shops within 100 yards of EI were visited to confirm the sale of tobacco using geographic information system. ResultsA total of 234 EI were surveyed, of which 79 (33.8%) institutions had ‘tobacco-free institution’ board. A display board prohibiting tobacco sale within 100 yards of school was present in 175 (74.8%) institutions. A total of 733 shops were found around 195 EI and of them, 9.7% (71/733) shops were selling tobacco products. ConclusionDespite the existence of tobacco-free school guidelines in India, there was a lacunae in compliance with provisions of guidelines among various EIs across Karnataka state. With nearly one-fifth of institutions having shops that sell tobacco within 100-yard of institutions, further laxity in implementation of tobacco control activities can be a threat and can lead to easy availability of tobacco products and attract more students to use the lethal products.

Tobacco Outlet Availability, Density, and Proximity in Rural Areas in the Netherlands: An Ex ante Evaluation of the Impact of Tobacco Sales Bans.

The Netherlands will ban tobacco sales from supermarkets in 2024 and from petrol stations and small outlets after 2030 (tobacco specialist shops exempted). Previous studies showed that this will reduce outlet availability, density, and proximity in Dutch urban areas. This study assessed the distribution of tobacco outlets in Dutch rural areas, and potential outlet reductions after implementation of these bans. A cross-sectional quantitative audit of tobacco outlets was conducted in seven rural municipalities in the Netherlands. Tobacco outlet availability (N), density (per 10000 capita and km2), and proximity (average distance of a street or city block to the closest tobacco outlet [meters]) were calculated, as well as predicted changes after implementation of upcoming sales bans. 97 tobacco retailers were identified. There were 5.00 outlets per 10000 capita and 0.09 per km2. The tobacco sales ban in supermarkets is expected to reduce availability by 57 outlets, and density by 2.94/10000 per capita and 0.05/km2, while increasing average distance by 824m. A tobacco sales ban in petrol stations is expected to further reduce availability (-26), density/10000 capita (-1.34), and density/km2 (-0.02), while increasing distance (+1595m). For small outlets, these numbers are -12, -0.62, and -0.01, respectively, while the closest tobacco outlet will be mostly outside municipality borders. Assuming no new tobacco outlets will emerge in response to future tobacco sales bans, the bans could nearly eliminate tobacco outlets in rural areas. To meet the demand for tobacco, there is a risk that new tobacco specialist shops will be established. This study shows the potential impact of tobacco sales bans in, sequentially, supermarkets, petrol stations, and small outlets on tobacco outlet density and proximity in rural municipalities in the Netherlands. A ban on tobacco sales in supermarkets, petrol stations, and small outlets could reduce the number of tobacco outlets in rural areas of the Netherlands to nearly zero. As a result, supermarkets may be inspired to open tobacco specialist shops, which are exempt from the bans. To prevent the proliferation of such shops, retail licensing schemes may need to be established.

A content analysis of illicit tobacco-related crimes reported in Australian media.

Australian survey and seizure data suggest a growing illicit tobacco market. As an illicit product, accurately tracking trends in illicit tobacco growing, manufacture and sales is challenging. We examined trends in Australian illicit tobacco-related crimes using a content analysis of news articles. We analysed Australian news articles identified in the Factiva database and government press releases describing Australian illicit tobacco-related crimes reported between January 2000 and December 2023. Sources were coded for crime type, location, product type, dollar value of seized products, methods of distribution or storage, agencies involved, and other crimes involved. We identified 447 crimes reported in 389 sources. The number of illicit-tobacco related crimes reported increased between 2000 and 2023. The most common crimes were possession of illicit tobacco (n=196/43.7%) and smuggling (n=187/41.8%), and the most common product type was 'illicit cigarettes' (n=197/44.1%). The most common distribution/storage method reported was via residential premises (n=98/21.9%). One-hundred and twenty incidents involved other crimes such as financial crimes involving money laundering (n=59/13.2%). Across all included news articles, the quantity of seized products totalled 827,529,307 cigarette sticks, 76,185 cartons, 668,687 packs, 239 hectares (of land growing tobacco plants), and 2,149,000 plants of illicit tobacco between 2000 and 2023. The median value (worth; AUD) of each seizure was $1,500,000 (range $43 to $67,000,000). Australian media reporting on illicit tobacco-related crimes increased over the past two decades, particularly since 2018. These findings highlight a need for improved border detection measures, investment in enforcement and other deterrent activities. This media analysis confirms trends identified in national survey data that indicate a growing illicit tobacco market in Australia since 2013 with a marked increase since 2018. While survey data suggests that Australian tobacco tax policy, which has included regular large tax increases since 2010, has decreased consumer demand for tobacco overall, it may have also incentivised criminal networks to supply illicit tobacco products due to it being a 'low risk' and 'high reward' activity. Controlling the Australian illicit tobacco market should be a policy priority.

Mental health and support for rigorous tobacco control strategies in South Australia

IntroductionTobacco endgame strategy includes policies to end the tobacco epidemic. As tobacco smoking prevalence is higher among people with mental health conditions (MHC), understanding the impact of rigorous tobacco control...

Research on the Application of Statistical Anomaly Detection in Tobacco Sales Anomaly Detection

With the rapid development of a new generation of information technology, digitalization and informatization have become key factors in enhancing the core competitiveness of the tobacco industry. Detecting and monitoring abnormal tobacco sales behaviors play a vital role in combating illegal transactions and ensuring the healthy development of the tobacco industry. Manual identification of abnormal sales behaviors presents practical issues, such as low efficiency, strong subjectivity, and a reliance on accumulated experience. Utilizing statistical probability theory to help the tobacco bureau determine the threshold for defining abnormal sales behavior can effectively improve the efficiency of anomaly detection. This study applies relevant theories of statistical anomaly detection in combination with practical production needs, establishing four threshold criteria for identifying abnormal sales behaviors: the number of days without retail data, the ratio of daily sales volume to the sales volume of the previous seven days, the number of days of available sales, and the number of days with scanning activity per week. These criteria make it possible to automate and dynamically identify abnormal sales behaviors in subsequent sales situations.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of population-level interventions to tackle smoking behaviour

This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD 42022311392) aimed to synthesize the effectiveness of all available population-level tobacco policies on smoking behaviour. Our search across 5 databases and leading organizational websites resulted in 9,925 records, with 476 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. In our narrative summary and both pairwise and network meta-analyses, we identified anti-smoking campaigns, health warnings and tax increases as the most effective tobacco policies for promoting smoking cessation. Flavour bans and free/discounted nicotine replacement therapy also showed statistically significant positive effects on quit rates. The network meta-analysis results further indicated that smoking bans, anti-tobacco campaigns and tax increases effectively reduced smoking prevalence. In addition, flavour bans significantly reduced e-cigarette consumption. Both the narrative summary and the meta-analyses revealed that smoking bans, tax increases and anti-tobacco campaigns were associated with reductions in tobacco consumption and sales. On the basis of the available evidence, anti-tobacco campaigns, smoking bans, health warnings and tax increases are probably the most effective policies for curbing smoking behaviour.

Estimated impact of a tobacco-elimination strategy on lung-cancer mortality in 185 countries: a population-based birth-cohort simulation study

The tobacco-free generation aims to prevent the sale of tobacco to people born after a specific year. We aimed to estimate the impact of eliminating tobacco smoking on lung-cancer mortality in people born during 2006-10 in 185 countries. For this population-based birth-cohort simulation study, we proposed a scenario in which tobacco sales were banned for people born between Jan 1, 2006, and Dec 31, 2010, and in which this intervention was perfectly enforced, quantified until Dec 31, 2095. To predict future lung-cancer mortality rates, we extracted lung-cancer mortality data by sex, 5-year age group, and 5-year calendar period for countries with at least 15 years of data from the WHO Mortality Database. For countries for which mortality data were not available, we extracted data on lung-cancer incidence from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. To establish the number of lung-cancer deaths that could be prevented in the birth cohort if tobacco smoking was eliminated, we subtracted reported age-specific rate of deaths in people who had never smoked tobacco (hereafter referred to as never smokers) from a previous study from the expected rate of lung-cancer deaths in our birth cohort and applied this difference to the size of the population. We computed population impact fractions (PIFs), the percentage of lung-cancer deaths that could be prevented, by dividing the number of preventable lung-cancer deaths by the expected lung-cancer deaths in the birth cohort. We also aggregated expected and prevented deaths into the four World Bank income groups (ie, high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income, and low-income). The primary outcome was the impact on lung-cancer mortality of implementing a tobacco-free generation. Our birth cohort included a total population of 650 525 800 people. Globally, we predicted that 2 951 400 lung-cancer deaths could occur in the population born during 2006-10 if lung-cancer rates continue to follow trends observed during the past 15 years. Of these deaths, 1 842 900 (62·4%) were predicted to occur in male individuals and 1 108 500 (37·6%) were expected to occur in female individuals. We estimated that 1 186 500 (40·2%) of 2 951 400 lung-cancer deaths in people born during 2006-10 could be prevented if tobacco elimination (ie, a tobacco-free generation) was achieved. We estimated that more lung-cancer deaths could be prevented in male individuals (844 200 [45·8%] of 1 842 900 deaths) than in female individuals (342 400 [30·9%] of 1 108 500 deaths). In male individuals, central and eastern Europe had the highest PIF (48 900 [74·3%] of 65 800 deaths) whereas in female individuals, western Europe had the highest PIF (56 200 [77·7%] of 72 300 deaths). Middle Africa was the region with the lowest PIF in both male individuals (180 [2·1%] of 8600 deaths) and female individuals (60 [0·9%] of 6400 deaths). In both sexes combined, PIF was 17 400 (13·5%) of 128 900 deaths in low-income countries, 104 900 (15·8%) of 662 800 deaths in lower-middle-income countries, 650 100 (43·9%) of 1 482 200 deaths in upper-middle-income countries, and 414 100 (61·1%) of 677 600 deaths in high-income countries. The implementation of a tobacco-free generation could substantially reduce global lung-cancer mortality. However, data from low-income countries were scarce and our estimates should be interpreted with caution. Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery.

Gaps in Awareness of the United States Minimum Legal Age of E-Cigarette and Cigarette Sales: Implications for Public Health Messaging

PurposeIn 2019, the United States raised the minimum legal age (MLA) of sales for all tobacco products from 18 to 21. Public awareness of the federal MLA of tobacco sales overall and by demographics is understudied. MethodsA national, cross-sectional 2023 survey in which 6,098 participants aged 13–40 years responded to the question, “at which age is it legal to purchase [e-cigarettes; cigarettes; alcohol] in the United States?” Participants also reported age, sex, race/ethnicity, and prior use of each substance. ResultsSixty-one percent, 64.6%, and 88.7% correctly identified the MLA of sales for e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and alcohol, respectively. Differences in awareness of the MLA were found by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and prior use status. DiscussionGaps in awareness of the MLA of tobacco sales, particularly among adolescents and adults, suggest messaging regarding the federal Tobacco 21 law is needed.

The Effect of Sustainable Alternative Cigarette to the Valuation of PT. Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna, Tbk. (HMSP.JK)

This research investigates the impact of sustainable alternative cigarettes on the valuation of PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk (HMSP.JK), a leading tobacco company in Indonesia and a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI), which is actively pursuing a smoke-free future. With growing global awareness of the health risks associated with traditional cigarettes, there has been a shift towards alternative tobacco products perceived as less harmful. This study evaluates how the introduction and adoption of these alternative products influence the company's market valuation. Using a comprehensive valuation model that integrates financial analysis, industry trends, and potential growth of the alternative cigarette market, the research applies discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis to the projected 10Y HMSP’s FCFF. The evaluation was conducted under three scenarios based on the rate of acceptance of Heated Tobacco Sales (HTU) in the market both domestic and international. In the scenario analysis, the projected stock price varies significantly depending on the rate of HTU sales. Under the most optimistic scenario (Scenario 3/10% HTU revenue mix), the stock price shows substantial upside potential up to 92% with intrinsic value of Rp. 1,297. The market price of HMSP’s share is at Rp. 675 as of August 1, 2024, which indicated that current share price is undervalued. Therefore, it is recommended for investor to buy HMSP stock at current price. Based on these insights, the Author recommends that Sampoerna’s management focus on accelerating the adoption of alternative products, navigating regulatory challenges proactively, and enhancing consumer education to solidify its market position in this evolving landscape.

Tobacco Retail Sales in Massachusetts and New Hampshire Before and After Massachusetts' Flavored Tobacco Restriction.

In June 2020, Massachusetts became the first state to implement a comprehensive flavored tobacco restriction. One concern was that Massachusetts residents would travel to New Hampshire to purchase restricted products. This article assesses tobacco sales in both states post-law implementation. Retail scanner data were obtained from the Nielsen Company and Information Resources, Inc (IRI), from 1 year pre-law implementation to 2 years post-law implementation. Data post-law implementation were compared with data from 1 year pre-law implementation (baseline). In Massachusetts, 2 years post-law implementation, flavored and menthol tobacco sales decreased by more than 90%. Total sales decreased by around 20%. In New Hampshire, menthol tobacco sales increased (25.1% in IRI and 18.2% in Nielsen), but total sales changed minimally (<5% increase in IRI, <5% decrease in Nielsen). When data from both states were combined, total sales decreased by around 10%. The net decrease in total tobacco sales across Massachusetts and New Hampshire indicates Massachusetts' flavored tobacco restriction resulted in a reduction in tobacco sales despite potential cross-border purchases.

Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions and Youth E-cigarette Behavior: Impact by Tobacco Retailer Density in Diverse Communities in California.

Factors that impact flavored tobacco sales restriction (flavor restrictions) effectiveness on youth e-cigarette behavior are unclear. Tobacco retailer density (retailer density) is a health equity issue with greater retailer density in high-minority, low-income areas. We examined the association between flavor restrictions and youth e-cigarette behavior by retailer density across diverse communities in the California Bay Area. We analyzed data from the California Healthy Kids Survey using a difference-in-differences (DID) strategy. We compared pre- and post-policy changes in e-cigarette access and use one-year post-implementation among high school students in the Bay Area with a flavor restriction (n = 20 832) versus without (n = 66 126). Separate analyses were conducted for students in cities with low and high retailer density, with a median cutoff of 3.3 tobacco retailers/square mile. Students with high retailer density were more likely to identify as a minority and have parents with lower education. Among students with low retailer density, flavor restrictions were associated with 24% lower odds in the pre- to post-policy increase in ease of access relative to unexposed students (DID = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.99). Among students with high retailer density, flavor restrictions were associated with 26% higher odds in ease of access (DID: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.56) and 57% higher odds of current use (DID = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.87). Flavor restrictions had positive impacts on youth e-cigarette access in low, but not high retailer density cities. From a health equity perspective, our results underscore how flavor restrictions may have uneven effects among vulnerable groups. In diverse communities in the California Bay Area, our results suggest a protective association between flavored tobacco sales restrictions and youth access to e-cigarettes in low, but not high tobacco retailer density cities one-year post-implementation. These results underscore how flavor restrictions may have uneven effects, and when implemented in high retailer density areas, may disproportionately place already vulnerable groups at heightened exposure to e-cigarette use and access. In high retailer density areas, additional tobacco control efforts may need to be included with flavor restriction implementation, such as increased education, youth prevention and cessation programs, policies to reduce tobacco retailer density, or stronger tobacco retailer enforcement or compliance monitoring.

IMPACTS OF TOBACCO USE AND EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO SMOKE ON HEALTH, SOCIETY, ECONOMY, AND ENVIRONMENT

Smoking represents a significant global public health challenge and is the primary preventable cause of disease and death. This problem is accentuated by the fact that a substantial 80% of adult smokers worldwide come from low- or middle-income countries. The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to highlight the health impacts associated with tobacco use, and second, to delineate the indirect damage caused to the environment during the life cycle of tobacco products - from production and distribution to consumption and waste generation. The reluctance of some countries to take decisive action, together with intense pressure from tobacco corporations, is hindering progress towards reducing the number of adult smokers and curbing tobacco use among minors. State interventions, supported by strict laws, are necessary to enforce the ban on indoor smoking, the ban on the sale of tobacco to minors, and the establishment of permanent interstate cooperation in the fight against cigarette smuggling. Educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and tobacco consumption are key to fostering a smoke-free culture. A strong media campaign, supported by state measures, could contribute to faster and more comprehensive targeting of target groups, especially younger age categories.

Reducing Commercial Tobacco Sales to Youth On and Around California Tribal Reservations With a Reward and Reminder Retail Intervention.

High prevalence of commercial tobacco product (CTP) use among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth is a public health crisis. A multi-level Tribal-community-based participatory research project under Tribal public health authority implemented a retailer-focused intervention to reduce AI/AN youth CTP use. We sought resolutions in support of a retailer-focused CTP intervention from Tribal Nations organized by a Tribally directed research program. We identified tobacco retail outlets operating on and within five miles of nine Tribal reservations, and CTP products sold at these outlets. We conducted a four-wave Reward and Reminder intervention with apparent minor buyers. Clerks who complied with the law received a modest reward and commendation in social media posts to the local Tribal communities, while clerks who sold without age verification were reminded of the laws. Of 18 retail outlets selling CTP, eight sold e-cigarettes, and all sold combustible cigarettes. The Reward and Reminder intervention showed an approximate 25% reduction in sales of CTP to apparent minors, with a 33% baseline CTP sales rate without age verification and an 8% intervention CTP sales rate without age verification. The intervention increased awareness of laws prohibiting CTP sales to minors and mandating age verification for young adults seeking to buy CTP. The intervention, which had support from all governing Tribal Nations, builds the evidence base of effective practices which Tribal public health authorities may utilize to reduce youth access to CTP on and around Tribal reservations. Sovereign Tribes have authority over commercial businesses operating on their lands. Tobacco 21 laws aiming to restrict commercial tobacco availability to youth are supported by Tribes. A retailer intervention in which apparent minors attempt commercial tobacco purchases can offer accountability feedback to retailers both on and near Tribal reservations. Obtaining Tribal support and publicizing the interventions helps mobilize Tribal communities to support commercial tobacco prevention and promote healthy youth.

Sales of tobacco and nicotine replacement therapy products, especially nicotine pouches, increased in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: Some previous studies suggest that the consumption of tobacco and nicotine products overall declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the results are mixed. We investigated tobacco and nicotine product sales in Finland, including the sales of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Our particular focus was on nicotine pouches used as NRT. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sales of tobacco and NRT products in 2020 by comparing the sales to the previous year. Methods: The data were derived from a large sales group (S group) in Finland, representing 46% of the market share in grocery trade in 2020. The gross weekly sales of tobacco (cigarettes, loose tobacco) and NRT (patches, inhalers, tablets, gum and "other", consisting mainly of nicotine pouches) were retrieved from February to December 2020 from 1062 points of sale throughout the country and compared to the same period in 2019. Results: During this period, there was a significant increase in cigarette sales. Moreover, the sales of NRT were significantly higher throughout 2020 compared with 2019. Specifically, the sales of nicotine pouches sold as NRT increased, especially after the travel restrictions in Finland were initiated and the national boundaries closed in the spring of 2020. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland, the sales of cigarettes and NRT products increased, especially those of nicotine pouches sold as NRT. Our findings call for further research to reveal the factors leading to this increase and to determine whether the situation is long-standing.