Philip Morris International Duty Free rebrands as PMI Global Travel Retail

Philip Morris International (PMI) Duty Free has rebranded to PMI Global Travel Retail, marking a strategic shift towards a more consumer-centric and experiential retail approach.

The move reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving preferences of global travelling adult nicotine users and delivering elevated retail experiences.

The transition signifies a broader transformation, as PMI Global Travel Retail pivots from a transactional model to one focused on offering more immersive, omnichannel experiences.

With the resurgence of global travel and shifting consumer behaviours, the company is embracing digital innovation and personalisation to enhance engagement in travel retail spaces.

“The travel retail landscape has evolved dramatically since its inception,” commented PMI Global Travel Retail Vice President Beste Ermaner.

“Our new name, PMI Global Travel Retail, reflects this evolution and our dedication to meeting the changing needs of today’s sophisticated global travelling adult nicotine users and positions us at the forefront of an industry increasingly defined by experience, integration and global connectivity. We are excited to embark on this new chapter and continue to provide exceptional experiences for our consumers.

“PMI Global Travel Retail plays a vital role in driving PMI’s smoke-free vision forward. This transition exemplifies the strategic role PMI Global Travel Retail plays in PMI’s smoke-free ambitions,” Ermaner continued.

“By pioneering multi-category roll-out of our smoke-free products, PMI Global Travel Retail will continue delivering unique experiences to more than 350 million traveling adult nicotine users worldwide, supporting conversion to better alternatives and enhancing the equity of our innovative brands globally.”

PMI Global Travel Retail invites adult nicotine users to experience its innovative, refreshed approach and see the future of travel retail.

Driving a smoke-free future

PMI is a global leader in the tobacco industry, actively committed to delivering a smoke-free future. While the company’s current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, it is committed to expanding its portfolio beyond tobacco and nicotine.

Since 2008, PMI has invested US$12.5 billion in the development, scientific validation and commercialisation of innovative smoke-free alternatives for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke. Its goal is to completely end the sale of cigarettes. This involves developing scientific assessment capabilities – particularly in pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioural research and post-market studies.

The company’s flagship IQOS and ZYN brands, along with the acquisition of Swedish Match in 2022, has positioned PMI as a key player in the global smoke-free market.

Notably, the US Food and Drug Administration has authorised versions of PMI’s IQOS Platform 1 devices and consumables and Swedish Match’s General snus as Modified Risk Tobacco Products.

At the end of 2023, PMI’s smoke-free products were available in 84 markets, with an estimated 20.8 million adults having already switched to IQOS and stopped smoking. Smoke-free products accounted for approximately 37% of PMI’s full-year net revenues in 2023.

In 2021, the company expanded into wellness and healthcare solutions through its Vectura Fertin Pharma business, reinforcing its commitment to science-led innovation in health experiences.