With supply shortages reported in Florida, New Jersey and New York, U.S. sales of Zyn, a popular nicotine bag made by Philip Morris International Inc., surged 80 percent in the first quarter. It was out of stock at several retailers that shipped it nationwide, and some wholesalers also reported that they were having trouble getting their hands on the product.
Some smoke shops in New York said they had run out of Zyn, and wholesalers in Florida and New Jersey said the packs were hard to come by, without giving further details. A worker at a wholesaler that distributes tobacco products in a southern U.S. state asked not to be identified so as not to put the company’s distribution license at risk. He said the issue has been going on for weeks and is only now starting to show up at the retail level.
A Philip Morris International spokesman declined to comment. Zyn maker Swedish Match, which is being acquired by Philip Morris International, also did not respond to a request for comment.
Philip Morris International bought Swedish Match for $16 billion in 2022 and has since ramped up marketing for the product.
