Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) announces that it acquired the nicotine pouch brand, CLEW, in the United States of America from Nevcore Innovations Inc. on November 10. The transaction consists exclusively of U.S. assets, namely trademarks and intellectual property rights, product formulations and a Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA).

1. Strategic rationale for the acquisition
In alignment with JT Group’s tobacco strategy, this acquisition will strengthen the JT Group’s capabilities in the nicotine pouch category as it continues to explore opportunities in Reduced-Risk Products. It will gradually broaden the JT Group’s product offering to U.S. adult consumers, to ensure sustainable profit growth over the medium to long term.

“The acquisition of CLEW will strengthen our proposition to U.S. adult consumers by enabling an entry into a rapidly growing category and by complementing JTI’s portfolio of combustibles. In line with the strategy outlined at the time of the Vector Group acquisition, this new transaction will further enhance our U.S. market’s contribution to the JT Group and support sustainable cash flows in U.S. dollars over the medium to long term,” said Idil Yasa, JTI’s Regional President, Americas.

CLEW will become part of the JTI LIGGETT portfolio effective immediately.

2. Impact on financial performance
The transaction will be funded by JT Group’s existing cash and will have no material impact on the JT Group’s consolidated performance for the fiscal year 2026.

About the U.S. nicotine pouch market
Nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free oral products placed between the gum and lip, where nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. The U.S. nicotine pouch category has expanded rapidly in recent years, supported by evolving adult consumer preferences for reduced-risk products.

About CLEW
CLEW is a nicotine pouch brand owned by Nevcore Innovations Inc. The brand offers moist, tobacco leaf-free nicotine pouches in some flavor variants and nicotine strengths for the U.S. market. CLEW is currently distributed in 13 U.S. states in selected outlets.

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) is a global company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is listed on the primary section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 2914.T). JT Group has approximately 53,000 employees and 61 factories worldwide, operating in two business segments: tobacco and processed food. Within the tobacco business, the largest segment, products are sold in over 130 markets, and its flagship brands include Winston, Camel, MEVIUS, and LD. The JT Group is committed to investing in Reduced-Risk Products and markets its heated tobacco products under its Ploom brand.

Consumers, shareholders, employees, and society are the four stakeholder groups (4S) at the heart of all of JT Group's activities. Inspired by its “Fulfilling Moments, Enriching Life” purpose, the JT Group aims to ensure sustainable and valuable contributions to its stakeholders over the long term. In addition to its two business segments, this goal is also supported by D-LAB, the JT Group’s corporate R&D initiative, set up to search and create added-value business opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.jt.com/.