Tobacco group Philip Morris Worldwide has reportedly stated it plans to cease promoting cigarettes within the U.Okay. in 10 years’ time.
It may deliver an finish to the cigarette maker’s flagship Marlboro model and comes two years after the U.Okay. authorities stated it needed to finish smoking in England by 2030.
“I wish to enable this firm to depart smoking behind,” Philip Morris CEO Jacek Olczak stated in an interview with the Mail on Sunday. “I feel within the U.Okay., 10 years from now most, you possibly can fully resolve the issue of smoking.”
When requested whether or not that meant the corporate would cease promoting conventional cigarettes within the U.Okay. inside that timeframe, Olczak replied: ’“Completely.”
The WHO describes the tobacco epidemic as “one of many greatest public well being threats the world has ever confronted.”
Marketing campaign teams have highlighted that Philip Morris Worldwide has issued related statements prior to now just for little or no to vary.
Additionally they argue that tobacco giants, which have an extended historical past of denying the well being dangers of smoking, are advocating themselves as a part of the transition to a smoke-free world whereas additionally persevering with to promote and promote cigarettes globally.
Philip Morris Worldwide’s former Chief Govt André Calantzopoulos stated in 2016 that he hoped the corporate would cease promoting cigarettes totally.
A spokesperson for the corporate was not instantly out there to remark when contacted by CNBC on Monday.
The World Well being Group describes the tobacco epidemic as “one of many greatest public well being threats the world has ever confronted.” The United Nations well being company says smoking, together with second-hand, kills greater than 8 million folks per 12 months.