Reynolds blamed for infringement agreement on cigarette marketing
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and one of the leading anti-smoking organizations are again discerning accusations regarding Camel cigarettes.
The Action for Tobacco-Free Kids accused the cigarette producer of attempt to circumvent a 7-month-old agreement between 38 states, , under which the company pledged not to use fruit, candy or alcohol specificators in cig names or in marketing that children might be unprotected.
The representatives of the action mentioned above said R.J. Reynolds took out an ad in Cosmopolitan magazine introducing its Camel Signature Blends. On the Web site of the company it uses phrases like "cocoa and espresso" and "toasted honey" to describe the aromas in various Camel Signature Blends.
Due to the Web site is age-restricted, Action for Tobacco insists children can be exposed to advertising for the cigs in stores and magazines "that describe the alluring new cigarette names and claims of ’characteristic flavor.
R.J. Reynolds parried with one of its own, asking the advocacy group to retract its assertion.
"Giving an opinion is one thing; skipping the facts to achieve your aims is just plain wrong," said Reynolds representative Tommy Payne. These obstacles prevent any distinct dialogue to resolve the claims surrounding the tobacco industry.
R.J. Reynolds, for its part, said it’s complying with the agreement it made last October.
R.J. Reynolds, which also produces Winston, Salem and Doral cigarettes, is a subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc. which reported $8.5 billion in sales last year.
