“We want to have a positive impact on the 15 million smokers in the country. For this reason, we have decided to open the way to science and innovation through revolutionary products such as IQOS, and to achieve a smoke-free future in the country as part of our goals for 2030,” said Andrzej Dabrowski, CEO of Philip Morris Mexico, in a statement.
PMI believes that about 26,000 Mexicans already use their IQOS device. However, Mexican authorities insist that electronic devices may be as harmful and addictive as regular cigarettes. To this effect, they have banned the importation of such products.
In some markets cigarettes may become obsolete within 10 years
Meanwhile, Philip Morris International CEO Andre Calantzopoulos, keeps pointing out that as smokers become more and more health conscious and start switching to safer alternatives, cigarette sales in some markets may become obsolete within 10 to 15 years.
“I am convinced it is possible to completely end cigarette sales in many countries within 10 to 15 years,” he said in a sustainability report published last July. However, he had added, the help of regulators is needed in order for this to become a reality.
Towards a Smoke-Free Future
The maker of Marlboro has long been saying that the company’s goal is achieving a “smoke-free future,” and has now started giving a concrete timeline. The company is already generating almost a fifth of its revenue from non-combustible products, such as iQOS.
In recent years, PMI has been striving to emphasize a change in direction and earn credibility. “Our message regarding smoking has always been clear: If you don’t smoke, don’t start . If you already smoke, quit. But whoever decides not to quit smoking deserves to have access to information and alternatives,” said Dabrowski.
Read Further: Entrepreneur
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