South Korean tobacco maker KT&G has launched its heated tobacco device Flex and four variants of Faim tobacco sticks in Kazakhstan, expanding its product lineup in Central Asia, the company said Monday.
The products, introduced Oct. 30, are locally rebranded versions of its Lil Aible device and Aiim tobacco sticks sold in South Korea.
The products are initially available only in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, but the company plans to gradually expand distribution nationwide.
To support the launch, KT&G also plans to open a Flex flagship store at Forum Mall in Almaty, offering product information and customer consultations.
The move follows the company's efforts earlier this year to establish independent overseas commercialization operations for some of its NGP products as part of its broader international expansion strategy.
KT&G has strengthened its presence in Kazakhstan through a local subsidiary, manufacturing facilities and an expanded distribution network. The latest launch extends its operations beyond conventional cigarettes to heated tobacco products.
The company has also invested in local production capacity and distribution infrastructure to increase its market share and improve profitability.
"The launch of Flex and Faim in Kazakhstan marks a new starting point for our global NGP expansion," a KT&G official said.
"We will continue entering new markets and strengthening our NGP business through differentiated products and strategies tailored to local market conditions."
yejinlim@heraldcorp.com
