January 20, 2015
CLARENCE, N.Y. – 22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT: XXII) today announced that its factory in North Carolina, which is now a participating manufacturer under the U.S. tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (“MSA”), has begun shipping RED SUN super-premium cigarettes.
Designed to appeal to discriminating consumers and positioned to compete with leading brands like Marlboro,® Camel,® and Natural American Spirit,® RED SUN is initially being offered to independent distributors and specialty retailers located in select markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Boulder and Portland.
RK Company, Inc, d.b.a. Cigar Cartel, a licensed stamping agent in California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and Wyoming and once the largest independent distributor of Natural American Spirit cigarettes in Southern California, was among the first to order RED SUN. Trey Prevost, the President and owner of RK Co, Inc., stated “RED SUN is exactly what my customers want: A great tasting, highly differentiated product that is exclusive to specialty stores… a much better cigarette than the mass market brands… made by a company that truly values its retailer and distributor partners. The 22nd Century Group Trade Partners Program makes it a no-brainer for retailers to carry and promote RED SUN.”
Last week the Company established its Trade Partners Program as a strategic incentive plan to give eligible cigarette distributors and retailers the opportunity to earn publicly tradable shares of the Company's common stock in consideration for purchases of the Company's RED SUN brand of cigarettes. Participating distributors will earn $1.00 worth of 22nd Century common stock as a rebate for each carton of RED SUN purchased in 2015 and participating retailers will earn $3.00 worth of 22nd Century common stock as a rebate for each carton of RED SUN purchased in 2015.
Mr. Prevost went on to explain, “I am a strong believer in 22nd Century Group and in the Company’s mission to manufacture and market tobacco products with the potential to reduce the harm caused by smoking; it is no secret that I have already purchased tens of thousands of dollars of the Company’s stock on the open market.”
As part of 22nd Century’s marketing initiative to promote RED SUN in its target markets, the RED SUN website at www.redsuncigarettes.com has been revised and expanded to include explanations about product attributes that make RED SUN and 22nd Century Group unique, as well as irreverent humor designed to have some fun at the expense of the “Big Tobacco” companies.
Henry Sicignano, III, the President and Chief Operating Officer of 22nd Century, explained “In the spirit of all the Davids who have ever stood up to the Goliaths of the world, I like to think that our unsurpassed quality distinguishes RED SUN cigarettes in much the same way that distinctive, flavorful beers separate Sam Adams® from mass market brands.”
Designed to be both informative and amusing, the RED SUN website aims to spark dialogue and interaction with consumers. To inspire increased discussions about the RED SUN brand, the newly enhanced website also announces a “no purchase necessary” consumer contest that promises the winner an all-expense paid trip for two adults to the land of the “Red Sun.” Finally, www.redsuncigarettes.com provides a password protected “trade portal” for licensed tobacco resellers.
22nd Century also announced this week that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Goodrich Tobacco Company, will attend the Tobacco Plus Convenience Expo in Las Vegas on January 28-29, 2015. RED SUN cigarettes will be offered for sampling and sale at this for-the-trade only exposition. Company representatives will also be on hand to discuss the RED SUN Trade Partners Program with all interested, eligible retailers and distributors in attendance.
For additional information about 22nd Century Group, please visit: www.xxiicentury.com
