Zerostyle Mint is a new style snuff tobacco product. The new product does not require a flame, and thus is smokeless, allowing consumers to use it in a variety of locations. Since the launch of the product in Tokyo in May 2010, it has been raising consumer expectation from diverse areas with requests for sales area expansions and purchases, JT says. In response to those requests, the company decided to roll out the product across
Japan from the beginning of January 2011 through estimated 4,000 retailers excluding those located in Tokyo and Kanagawa where the product is already available. The decision follows the company's increased production capability through production increases in a manufacturing base established in November 2010. (ci)