Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Philippines is exploring plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Malvar, Batangas to include reduced-risk products (RRPs) such as heated-tobacco offerings, with the goal of exporting to markets across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Currently, the Batangas facility produces traditional cigarettes for at least 17 countries, primarily in Asia. General Manager Guilherme Silva said the site has significant capacity for expansion and is well-positioned to support the company’s shift toward alternatives to combustible cigarettes.
“These new categories of RRPs are becoming more important not just in the Philippines but also across different Asia-Pacific markets,” Silva said. “We’re actively evaluating which products could be produced locally for export.”
JTI recently launched its heated-tobacco device Ploom X Advanced in the Philippines, following its success in Japan. While production of tobacco sticks for Ploom currently takes place in Japan and Poland, JTI is open to relocating manufacturing based on regional market demand.
(Source: BusinessWorld)
