Page 41 - TOB Magazine Jan/Feb 2013
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TOBACCO OUTLET BUSINESS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
PRODUCT PROFILE
Ballantyne Brands Introduces NEO E-Cigs
and Acquires Mistic E-Cig Brand
Bolstering its presence in the growing electronic cigarette market, Ballantyne Brands,
LLC, an electronic cigarette provider, has announced the introduction of a newpremium
brand, NEO. The company also said it has acquired the Mistic brand of electronic
cigarettes for anundisclosedamount, andhas securedan investment partner tosupport
its business for the long term.
“Withboth the launchof NEOandpurchaseofMistic, we are nowpoised to capture a
significant shareof theelectroniccigarettemarketover thenext sixmonthsandbeyond,”
says John Wiesehan, Jr., Ballantyne Brands’ chief executive officer. “Additionally, with
the strong support from our capital partners, there is no limit as to how much growth
we can achieve.”
“Having two great brands also provides our customers with the option of either a
value brand or a premiumbrand,” adds ToddMillard, Ballantyne Brands’ chief operating
officer. “This is a trend in the category that we believe will continue to evolve.”
The acquisition of Mistic was critical to Ballantyne Brands’ strategic goal of becoming
a top electronic cigarette provider in the marketplace, and provides the company with
a brand that currently has both equity in the marketplace and a strong consumer base,
notes a spokesperson for thecompany. NEOandMisticelectronic cigarettes, commonly
called e-cigarettes, are available in both traditional tobacco and menthol flavors. They
also offer both rechargeable and non-rechargeable options.
“We will continue to invest time in both of our brands, and create innovative designs
for our products, marketing and merchandising materials,” says Wiesehan. “We pride
ourselves in providing excellent customer service, and will continue to live by our
mission of giving retailers and consumers around the country two great brands from a
company they can trust.”
DjEEP Starring
Marilyn Monroe
DjEEP announces two new designs for
its Marilyn Monroe collectors series,
featuring photo-design that reflect the
timeless beauty of Hollywood’s most
sensual and enduring icon. The new
lighters will be available beginning in
February 2013 on three different counter
display choices, including 108-count
combo merchandisers. DjEEP Marilyn
Monroe lighters are priced the same as
other DjEEP designer lighters.
DjEEP’s exclusive photo-laminate
process delivers Marilyn’s image with
crystal clarity on the wide DjEEP lighter
body. DjEEP lighters offer up to 4,000
lights, with an extra-large wind guard
and thumb plate. With more than
110 points of inspection, consumer
satisfaction is guaranteed. DjEEP’s
patented mechanism meets the CSPC
standard for child safety. DjEEP lighters
are made entirely in Europe, are fully
insured, and are imported by Kretek
International. Kretek International, 800-
358-8100,
DjEEP’s Limited Leather
Kretek International announces the return of DjEEP black leather lighters,
beginning January 2013. The popular black leather series is always a strong
seller each time it is brought back to the market, mostly due to its broad
appeal to bikers, vampires, and zombies. With black leatherette that burnishes
to a rich patina over time, the lighters feature embossed Celtic Designs. DjEEP
black leather limited edition lighters are priced the same as other DjEEP
designer lighters and are available on 24-count upright displays for front or
back counter. Kretek, 800-358-8100,
