JPS Players launches Crushball cigarillo for menthol smokers

By Éilis Cronin in Tobacco 12th August 2020

Imperial Tobacco has added a Crushball Cigarillo to its JPS Players portfolio, in a move designed to “help retailers cater for consumers seeking out new nicotine solutions in the wake of the menthol ban”.

JPS Players Crushball Cigarillo consists of an American Blend tobacco wrapped in a natural tobacco leaf, and features a menthol crushball within the filter

The company said the variant provides consumers with the choice of releasing the fresh flavour contained within or smoking as a standard cigarillo.

JPS Players Crushball Cigarillo is available now in price-marked packs of 10 and retails at £4.20.

Chris Street, market manager UK at Imperial Tobacco, said: “When the menthol ban hit the market, many shoppers were left disappointed that their product of choice was no longer available.

“This new solution from one of our leading brands will help bridge the gap left by the ban with a product that benefits from crushball technology to deliver a fresh menthol flavour that will appeal to these shoppers.

“Value for money remains a major trend within the tobacco category with many adult smokers seeking out the lowest out of pocket spend possible. However, brand loyalty is also extremely high and shoppers don’t want to compromise on quality.

“With JPS Players positioned as the number one fast moving consumer brand in terms of market share, the launch of our Crushball Cigarillo variant addresses both of these needs with a price marked pack that offers shoppers the visible value they are looking for, from a well-known brand they can trust.”