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KT&G's ESSE Brand Tops $700M in Sales, Expands Duty-Free Reach

KT&G's ESSE Brand Tops $700M in Sales, Expands Duty-Free Reach

Cannes – September 29, 2026 -- KT&G's ultra-slim cigarette brand ESSE surpassed KRW 1 trillion (approximately USD 700 million) in global sales in 2025, the South Korean tobacco maker announced at TFWA World 2026 in Cannes, France, running September 27 to October 1.

KT&G products now reach 179 duty-free stores across roughly 110 airports worldwide

The company entered the duty-free channel in 1995 with the launch of 88 Light in China. Three decades later, its flagship brands -- ESSE, RAISON, and BOHEM -- hold shelf space at 179 duty-free outlets spanning approximately 110 airports, including facilities in South Korea.

KT&G Quadruples InterTabac Booth Size, Pushes Global Distribution

KT&G Quadruples InterTabac Booth Size, Pushes Global Distribution

Seoul – September 23, 2026 -- KT&G Corporation closed its participation in InterTabac 2026, the world's largest tobacco trade fair, after operating an exhibition booth roughly four times larger than its 2025 footprint at the Dortmund, Germany event held September 15-17.

KT&G expands booth fourfold to showcase combustible and next-generation product lines

The Korean manufacturer organized its expanded space into four themed zones by product category, displaying combustible cigarette brands ESSE and BOHEM alongside next-generation products (NGP), vapor devices and nicotine pouches. InterTabac drew roughly 800 companies from more than 70 countries across 12 exhibition halls this year.