CLARENCE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT: XXII), a plant biotechnology company focused on tobacco, announced today that the Company will now highlight the “soul” of its RED SUN brand as “Extremely Nicotine” on consumer advertising materials. This change is in response to strong customer feedback showing that smokers in targeted demographic groups view RED SUN’s high nicotine content as a compelling product feature.
Unlike 22nd Century’s MAGIC brand cigarettes that feature the world’s lowest nicotine tobacco cigarettes (95% less nicotine than conventional brands), independent lab tests show that RED SUN’s high-grade, whole-leaf tobacco contains substantially more nicotine than market-leading brands like Marlboro®, Camel® and Newport®. Made specifically for adult smokers who appreciate a bold, natural tobacco taste, RED SUN cigarettes are produced in 22nd Century’s Mocksville, North Carolina factory. Like “craft brews” that have become popular across the United States, RED SUN caters to discerning smokers who shun mass market cigarettes in favor of small, independent brands that stand for something more.
Though very new to the market and only available in select retail outlets, RED SUN is already appreciated by many smokers as “America’s best cigarette.” 22nd Century describes the brand as “Unapologetic... Authentic... Different.” Positioning RED SUN as a counter-culture brand that offers free-thinking smokers a choice, the Company has been pleasantly surprised at smoker’s enthusiasm for “extreme nicotine.”
To demonstrate their enthusiasm for the RED SUN cigarette brand, dozens of adult smokers – RED SUN Extremists – have entered the Company’s novel RED SUN Permanent Tattoo Promotion. The contest invites adult smokers in select markets across the country to design and wear original RED SUN permanent tattoos on their bodies. Initially expecting only a token number of entries in a handful of cities to participate, the Company is delighted that more than 50 RED SUN customers have already taken up the challenge to become RED SUN emissaries with some of the most fantastic tattoos imaginable. (See RED SUN Extremists in the photos that accompany this article.)
“We own the formula for America’s best, most authentic cigarettes. Indeed, no other brand matches RED SUN’s extreme nicotine,” explained Henry Sicignano III, President and Chief Executive Officer at 22nd Century Group. “RED SUN is bold and decidedly unapologetic… RED SUN gives smokers the freedom to enjoy greater satisfaction with every cigarette.”
Though not every RED SUN smoker has commissioned a permanent tattoo, after launching the RED SUN brand less than one year ago, 22nd Century has found that RED SUN smokers are surprisingly passionate about the brand. Here are a few of the many customer testimonials we have received:
“I tried some RED SUN cigs recently… and thought they were great… the RED SUN cigs were as flavorful if not even bolder than American Spirit. I’ll be buying [RED SUN] again and sharing them with friends. Well done!” – Erick from Oregon
“I love smoking, always have and always will. I find your unapologetic approach refreshing.” – Michael from Minnesota.
“I LOVE RED SUN. They are amazing!” – Megan from New York
“The clerk from the corner store… turned me on to RED SUN; now I wouldn’t smoke anything else!” – David from California
“I admire your company and mission.” – Jack, from New York
About 22nd Century Group, Inc.
22nd Century Group is a plant biotechnology company focused on technology which allows it to increase or decrease the level of nicotine in tobacco plants and the level of cannabinoids in cannabis plants through genetic engineering and plant breeding. The Company’s primary mission is to reduce the harm caused by smoking. 22nd Century currently owns or exclusively controls more than 200 issued patents and more than 50 pending patent applications around the world. The Company’s strong IP position led to a licensing agreement with British American Tobacco (“BAT”), the world’s second largest tobacco company. Visit www.xxiicentury.com for more information.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information, including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of 22nd Century Group, Inc., its directors or its officers with respect to the contents of this press release, including but not limited to our future revenue expectations. The words “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 5, 2015, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.
