TOKYO, Mar. 17, 2010 (Kyodo News International) -- Japan Tobacco (OOTC:JAPAY) Inc. said Wednesday it will release a smokeless tobacco product in mid May, expecting demand for its use in a variety of places including nonsmoking areas.
The product, called Zerostyle Mint, does not need to be lit and thus is smokeless, JT said. It uses a replaceable cartridge, which contains tobacco leaves and is fitted with a tapered mouthpiece and a removable cap.
While it looks like a regular cigarette, it is the first of its kind among smokeless tobacco products in the world, JT officials said. Consumers can use the product for approximately half a day to one day on a single refill cartridge.
One unit with two refill cartridges will be available for 300 yen, JT said. A set of four cartridges will carry a price tag of 400 yen. The company will sell the new product at convenience stores and other retailers in Tokyo before launching nationwide sales.
