Best snus for the USA?

[Redbeard]

I think Xmoker has a valid point here. I have had similar experiences and had to go through the whole explanation of the health benefits of snus. Many folks see that little round can and (especially if its los) associate it with oral cancer. ("So instead of getting lung cancer, you're going to get mouth or throat cancer?""No, snus is different from dip. Here's why...") I believe that may be one of the most ingenious things RJR did with Camel. They made it "appear" to be different from dip, via the tin shape/size and marketing. If snus is to take off in the US, there will have to be a marketing blitz of RJR/PM proportions to change the image of smokeless tobacco.

[spirit72]

Yeah, I agree that Match is the only manufacturer with the resources and capacity to tackle the US market without a major partnership.

I specifically think that rolling out General Wintergreen nationally would be successful fast, since Skoal and Kodiak are two of the most popular ST brands already. Even a lös version of it would work.

I'd like to see them also launch Ettan and Grov, which would attract the Cope users.

[MN_Snuser]

01 02 Lab series

[tom502]

Well, my smoker buddy came over last night, and we hung out drank some, watched the Anvil movie, I was snusing as usual. I had given him my Discreet samples, and he still says he likes them, though he said he might only use 4 portions a week. Oh well, he's still smoking. Which is fine, but he did say he wanted to quit, and I told him how many here have used snus to quit. Anyway, I had a can of Thunder Original, and Grov Original, and Camel White portions laying on my desk, my current "in-use" cans. He would not try any of these, and said he only likes flavored, and does not want basic tobacco, yet he smokes Camels. So I dug into the freezer and pulled out a can of Offroad Icemint Portions I got in a trade, as he said that might appeal to him. We did one and he liked it, and I thought it was decent, but not my thing, but he wanted the can, so I let him have it. This is why I think Offroad and Thunder strong would more appeal to the common non snus educated person who does want to quit smoking, but doesn't want a salty wet cigar end stuck in their gum. But I think the Thunders would do well, because they actually give you a hit, whew I just popped one in, and I'm spinnin'. But I never felt sick from these. I bet I would if I never had one, or any snus before in a regular use, and did one.

[justintempler]

but doesn't want a salty wet cigar end stuck in their gum. .

So let me get this straight.. Swedish Match and the other snus tastes like a salty wet cigar end but Thunder and Offroad don't?

[tom502]

No. I mean to a total newbie, trying an Ettan OP, compared to trying Offroad Icemint P.

[Xmoker]

Guess this is why PM and SM might be crawlin' into bed together via a possible buyout. That would provide the $$$ and other resources for a massive rollout that could work.

[aj01]

SM USA

SM is already huge in the USA. They own Red Man and Longhorn among other smokeless products, as well as Cohiba and some cheaper cigars. Putting snus into that infrastructure makes sense if there is adequate consumer communication and a realistic timeframe for trial and acceptance (10 years or so). They have tried targeted US snus launches before, and they have failed.

In any case, the distribution infrastructure in the US already exists.

Philip Morris, if they buy Swedish Match, will almost certainly push snus down the priority list. They will not submit snus as a reduced-harm tobacco alternative (SM's current goal) and will do their best to make sure smokers continue to smoke. Guaranteed.

[Xmoker]

I agree with you 99% but find it hard to believe, given SM brands popularity and market share of the snus world, that PM could resist the temptation to exploit it rather than quash it.

[chadizzy1]

No. I mean to a total newbie, trying an Ettan OP, compared to trying Offroad Icemint P.

When I was a total brand spankin' new newbie just off of Camel Frost, I could tolerate Ettan and enjoyed its mild flavor. But again, everyone's taste is different.

[justintempler]

No. I mean to a total newbie, trying an Ettan OP, compared to trying Offroad Icemint P.

You're comparing apples and oranges. unflavoured vs flavored.

I'm one of those people that didn't like the salty tobacco. I started out liking General Wintergreen but now that I have become accustomed to snus I can't stand General Wintergreen anymore. Flavors only get you in the door but they don't keep customers.

Most people start smoking or dipping to be cool, most people start out thinking smoking and dipping tastes like crap. Why would snus be any different? It's the image of being cool that keeps most people using the products long enough until they aquire a taste for the product.

My motivation for switching to snus wasn't taste it was my desire to quit smoking. If your friends aren't motivated to quit smoking then your odds of converting them are pretty slim.