China launch cactus-based cigarettes in 2009
China Kangtai Cactus Biotech Inc announced plans to launch low nicotine and zero nicotine cigarettes based on cacti in the fourth quarter of 2009, following the successful completion of trial production.
The Nevada-based and China-focused group grows, develops, produces, and markets cactus-derived products including nutraceuticals, nutritious food, health and energy drinks, beer, wine and liquor, extracts and powders, and animal feed.
The new patented cactus cigarettes, under the registered trademark “Shengcao”, are expected to increase sales by approximately US$220,000 in the fourth quarter, the group said in a statement.
The low nicotine cigarette is made from cactus, honeysuckle, ginkgo biloba leaves and a small amount of tobacco leaves. This cactus-derived cigarette lowers tar and nicotine content by 70 percent. The zero nicotine cigarette is made without any tobacco leaves.
China Kangtai CEO Jinjiang Wang said: “The cactus cigarette market shows huge potential for growth in China. China has about 390 million smokers, accounting for 30 percent of global smokers.”
China Kangtai controls over 387 acres of plants and maintains an active R&D group that holds 18 product patents and is seeking another 12. China Kangtai’s products are sold throughout China via a distribution network that covers 12 of China’s 23 provinces and two of China’s four municipalities.
© Sept 02, 2009 Proactiveinvestors
