Imperial Brands Explores Caffeine to Diversify From Tobacco
- Strict packaging rules raise prospects for non-tobacco items
- Pomegranate and chili-flavored melting caffeine powder tested
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U.K. cigarette maker Imperial Brands Plc is testing caffeine energy products as its home market starts prohibiting cigarette logos on packaging, posing one more obstacle to tobacco companies in how they market their products.
The company sees growth prospects in energy boosters as well as in e-cigarettes, Chief Executive Officer Alison Cooper said on a call with reporters Wednesday. Imperial has been testing caffeine products in the U.K. under the Reon brand, and is selling packs of powder laced with the stimulant and priced at 3 pounds ($3.87) for four doses.