In the absence of context, the idea that Philip Morris was going to cease selling cigarettes in the UK within ten years could appear absurd. This alone shocked many, and it was difficult to imagine that a cigarette firm would even consider stopping selling cigarettes. But, if you take a bit more information, it’s not at all surprising.
Prior to Philip Morris’s announcement prior to the information of Philip Morris, Philip Morris’ information was made by the British government that they were planning to make the UK smoke-free by the year 2030 smoking-free, being meant to be a lower than 5% rate of smoking. But this was not a big deal for a lot of people. An official body seeking to reduce smoking cigarettes isn’t a big deal. Philip Morris’ announcement is more about acknowledging that the UK is determined to get rid of smoking cigarettes. It’s also part of their business strategy.
In May of the year, the CEO at Philip Morris, Jacek Olczak, announced, “Our ambition is that more than half of our net revenues will come from smoke-free products in 2025.”
The move away from cigarettes was something they were already considering. Overall, it seems that the UK has been quite open to vaping in the past and is willing to look into smoking nicotine-free alternatives. It’s possible to be that Philip Morris is simply moving away from smoking cigarettes and focusing on marketing their smoke-free tobacco product, the IQOS.
Smokers against smoking are reportedly having difficulties getting Philip Morris seriously. With the lack of dedication Philip Morris has shown in the past, it’s reasonable to assume that this is just a matter of publicity. However, given their smoking-free products and the United Kingdom’s pledge to be smoke-free, it’s probable that cigarettes will cease being offered in Britain.
