THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

The "tobacco industry" represents the major transnational companies that sell tobacco.  The major tobacco companies are also commonly referred to as Bit Tobacco. 

There are five private tobacco companies that dominate the market:

• Philip Morris International

• Altria (Philip Morris USA)

• Japan Tobacco International

• British American Tobacco

• Imperial Tobacco

Other private companies that dominate the US market are RJ Reynolds and Lorillard. 

In addition to the private companies, there are numerous other state-owned companies that manufacture tobacco in specific countries. 

The largest state-owned tobacco company is China National Tobacco Corporation, which makes more cigarettes than any other tobacco company in the world.

The largest private tobacco company in the world is Philip Morris International, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes.

 TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND HEALTH

As more and more tobacco products are introducted into the market, it becomes increasingly difficult for public health advocates to protect and promote completely tobacco-free environments.

In order to combat the efforts of the numerous tobacco companies and to advocate for policies that eliminate tobacco and unregulated nicotine products (e.g. electronic cigarettes, cigarette "sticks", and nicotine lollipops) in our communities, we must familiarize ourselves with the old and new products on the market.