Lorillard Drops Deal with Swedish Match, Still Plans Smokeless Product

Lorillard Inc. says it has stopped developing a snus-like product with Swedish Match AB but still plans to enter the smokeless-tobacco market in the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported Feb. 9.

Americans didn’t respond well to Lorillard’s test marketing of snus, a pasteurized, no-spit  tobacco product sold in pouches, so the company plans instead to develop a moist smokeless tobacco offering more familiar to U.S. consumers.

Altria/Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds have brought snus products to market, with some limited success.

Lorillard makes Newport cigarettes, the leading menthol brand in the U.S.