Tobacco News and Interesting Information

This week sees the launch of the UK's first cigarettes produced from ethically sourced tobacco.

1st-nation is a new, ethically sourced and produced cigarette brand. The company says it uses natural tobacco, processed without any artificial additives.

The brand has been designed to benefit independent farmers in Malawi as well as the native Mohawk tobacco manufacturers.

1st-nation aims to tap into consumer interest in ethically sourced and Fairtrade products. The brand has two variants – 'Full' (regular strength) and 'Smooth'.

Although ingredients are ethically sourced and the brand has been specifically created with the intention of benefiting poor and disadvantaged growers, 1st-nation cigarettes do not currently carry the official fair trade logo. This is due to the fact that no Fairtrade organisation in the world currently has standards written to cover tobacco production.

1st-nation managing director Sean Glynn claimed: "This is the most significant launch in the tobacco industry for more than 10 years. Sourcing ethically from two 1st-nation peoples, who will benefit directly from the production of the 1st-nation brand, will appeal to smokers in the 10 million UK homes, who are now buying Fairtrade products."

1st-nation cigarettes are available in packets of 20, with a recommended RSP of F5.44.