So when did America become so interested in snus anyways?

[firemarth]

I still remember last year, I had never heard of the stuff, and then all of a sudden there were advertisements everywhere for all kinds of snus from the various American companies.

Why do you think American companies picked up on snus just so all of a sudden?

[RobsanX]

Two reasons. High cigarette taxes, and smoking bans.

Those are the reasons that I actively looked for an alternative to smoking, and found snus...

[MisterSpaghetti]

Snus literally exploded onto the scene where I live in NJ overnight. One day I never heard of snus, the next day Camel signs were everywhere. And I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. As it catches on, it's going to become huge.

[sagedil]

Living in one of the test markets, I had an opportunity to drill a Camel rep early on about why they were doing this. Just the cost of all the fridge's they were putting in stores, obviously Camel was putting out MAJOR bucks to do this. She said the answer was simple. RJR had simply come to the conclusion that within several years, smoking would be banned in every bar in the country. So snus seemed an appropriate next step.

[pangloss]

I'm in the Dallas Test Market as well and at the beginning they couldn't give the stuff away. Now that the smoking ban has come into play it is starting to get recognition.

the local cigar shop is also starting to sell more cans of General Snus (the only brand they offer at the moment).

Aside: this is one of the main reasons I decided to downsize my Snus collection. I find many of the brands/flavors quite palatable, but have made a decision to just use Gen. Wintergreen and Gen. Mini Mint which I will begin to purchase at the Cigar Shop at 5 dollar a can :shock:

Yes I realize this is a hefty price, but I need to start showing my face around those guys and display a genuine interest in Snus till it catches on. Last thing I would want is to be buying online and have the local store stop ordering snus due to low demand.

[tom502]

It seems to me, Camel SNUS is the big name for American "snus", and since we probably won't see the Swedish brands on the local gas station and grocery shelf(unless they can change their packing to not need refrigeration), I think we should try and push US Camel to get it right, and make a "natural" variety, larger portion, at least 20 portions, and stick them in a cheaper plastic can.

[Jason]

Someone is definitely buying the Camel stuff at the local stores (it sure isn't me).....I always glance at the display whenever I go to the counter, and it's obvious that it is going somewhere.

It's kind of weird, but I'm also seeing ads for snus just about everywhere now. I was reading a local magazine the other day, and there was a huge cardboard ad stuck in the middle with a coupon for a free tin.

[spirit72]

Someone is definitely buying the Camel stuff at the local stores (it sure isn't me).....I always glance at the display whenever I go to the counter, and it's obvious that it is going somewhere.

Speedway down the street was sold out of Triumph Mint the other day, and almost out of Original, too.

It's definitely catching on.

[tom502]

I wish they had Triumph snus at my corner gas station. Do they refrigerate that, like the Camel?

[chainsnuser]

Re: So when did America become so interested in snus anyways

Why do you think American companies picked up on snus just so all of a sudden?

First of all, one cigarette-company must have realised that the days of the cigarette are over sooner or later and that dip is no alternative for many people. I think it was Philip Morris that introduced the first pseudo-snus, named Taboka (not the Swedish brand with the very similar name), back in 2007.

Then some other manufacturers copied that. It's a sign of modern capitalism that every company produces roughly the same portfolio of products and immediately copies everything (the good ideas and the nonsense) from their competitors, not to miss a chance in our "turbo-economy".

I don't think it's due to heavy sales, at least not from what I've read here on the forum about many US-members, who do not know any other snus-users personally.

Cheers!

[sheilalynn]

Just have to start mentioning Discreet to all these tobacco shops/convenience stores/rest areas/etc. Anyone who's tried it knows it's SO much better than Camel's offerings! It's also not outragously priced, has a better nic fix, is made here in the USA so there won't be those customs issues, is pasturized like the Swedish snus are...need I go on? :wink:

[whokilledmyhooker]

People in America haven't even heard of snus. General's sales since launch have been awful, same with the camel and marb brands.

I think it's been a complete failure, especially here in Canada

[snusjus]

I asked a clerk at a Shell gas station how Triumph was selling, and he said he's never sold a can before. Hell, I hardly sell any "dip" at my store. Cigarettes are still the big cheese in the tobacco world. When bans start becoming more intrusive and ridiculous, I think some people may switch. As for the old, hardened smokers, I don't think they will be too motivated, unless they care about their health.

[Slydel]

I think the U.S. snus needs to get a little more nicotine in it to start winning over smokers. What does camel snus got going for it? It is too expensive, lasts a short period of time, does not have enough nicotine in it to satisfy anyone except maybe a newbie to tobacco, it holds a pittance of tobacco for the cost. If I was a newb to tobacco I would have a smoke because it rewards you so quickly. Maybe if there was a Thunder Snus around people would end up buying it. Triumph is quite good, but I have still not seen it in lower Michigan. What is the cost of Triumph in the U.S.? I could go for $3.50 a container for 20 pouches.

[SnusinUsa]

Just have to start mentioning Discreet to all these tobacco shops/convenience stores/rest areas/etc. Anyone who's tried it knows it's SO much better than Camel's offerings! It's also not outragously priced, has a better nic fix, is made here in the USA so there won't be those customs issues, is pasturized like the Swedish snus are...need I go on? :wink:

I would have to disagree about the Discreet, I have tried the strawberry and the peach (they both tasted like oatmeal of the same monikers), and while they are not "bad" I also don't think they're that great.