Smokefree Innotec Opening New Channels of Distribution for Its Non-Nicotine Products in Australasian Markets
Marketwire “Press Releases “
IRVINE, CA — (MARKET WIRE) — 10/20/10 — Smokefree Innotec, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SFIO) Thomas Schroepfer , President and CEO, (http://www.sfio.us or http://www.realsmokefree.com) announced today that the Company has received a report today from Brendan Jackson , CEO of Bryant West , its representative in southeast Asia , that they are another step closer to placing the SFI’s Smokeless products into the Australasian markets, and opening new channels of distribution for the non-nicotine Smokers Option in those markets. He reported that delays caused through earlier submissions to the Australia regulative authorities — TGA, NDPSC — and the subsequent law rulings of nicotine products being banned, resulted in opening new channels of distribution for the non-nicotine Smokers Option. Samples are on final trials with Crossmark, a major chain retailer in that market. In addition, Mr. Jackson reported that pricing has been submitted to Toops New Zealand, who besides the normal markets in retail channels (convenience/liquor/grocery) are additionally looking at placing Smokers Option into the tertiary channels (airlines/chemist).
George Roth , CFO, also noted that on June 28, 2010 , the Government of New Zealand announced that beginning on July 1, 2011 smoking will be banned in all of the country’s prisons.
Mr. Roth observed, “Since it is estimated that two thirds of New Zealand’s prisoners smoke cigarettes, this could result in SFI’s penetration into a hereto overlooked and untapped market for our non-nicotine smokeless products which to not require the use of matches.” Mr. Jackson also noted that, “The main reason given for the smoking ban is that it will improve the health of both inmates and corrections officers. Besides improved health, if smoking is banned, inmates will have no need for lighters and matches. These can and are used to set such things as toilet paper on fire and thrown at officers. Lighter and matches can also be used to melt everyday items such as toothbrushes in order to fashion weapons.”