Convenience stores stuck with Philip Morris tobacco packs they can no longer legally sell will be able to swap them for compliant products at cash and carries across the UK as part of a “road show” organised by the tobacco giant.
Retailers had to sell stock that failed to comply with new tobacco regulations – Tobacco Product Directive (TPD) and Plain Packaging regulations – before 20 May.
Under the legislation, all tobacco must strictly comply with dark brown standardised packaging on which the brand and SKU name must be in grey standardised text with a health warning on all four sides. The minimum number of cigarettes is a pack is 20 and the minimum weight of rolling tobacco is 30g. Health warnings will also need to be given on e-cigarette product packaging.
Philip Morris said unsold non-complaint product could be swapped for selected compliant versions of its best-selling brands while stocks lasted, including Marlboro, Bright Leaf by Marlboro, Raffles by Virginia Slims, Virginia Slims, Chesterfield, Nicolites, Nicocig and Vivid.
The non-compliant product retailers want to exchange must have been legally bought in the UK, unopened and in good condition.
Matthew Tisdall, head of sales at Philip Morris, said: “In what is a rather nervous time for many retailers, we are hoping to make the TPD and plain packaging transition as smooth as possible with our cash and carry roadshow.
“As well as utilising our roadshow to swap non-compliant product, retailers can also maximise tobacco sales opportunities in store by stocking the best-selling brands that their local customers are looking for.”
Retailers can find their nearest participating cash and carry by visiting MyDriveOnline at www.pmimydrive.co.uk or calling 020 7076 6100.
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