In an attempt to gain more of the female market share Camel has come out with a new product Camel No. 9. The packaging, the name and the slogan “light and luscious” all seem to be targeted at young women. The two varieties of the product come in packaging that is black with hot pink or black with teal, and the name Camel No. 9 can evoke thoughts of the high fashion Chanel No. 5 or 19 products. Product giveaways such as jeweled lighters, wristbands, lip-gloss, “fashion emergency kits”, and cell phone accessories are used to promote the product. This marketing is a blatant attempt to lure young girls into smoking by making it appear glamorous.

In fact, public health organizations and women’s organizations have petitioned R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. to remove the Camel No. 9 cigarettes from the market, claiming the product is “nothing more than a veiled attempt to sell more cigarettes to girls and young women, putting them at grave risk for disease and a premature death.” (http://www.adrants.com/images/Camel_No_9_Sign_On_letter.pdf)

The tobacco industry is constantly transforming its product and attempting new tactics to gain market share. If you are interested in learning methods to counter the industry’s tactics check out the website Global Tobacco Control learning from the experts: www.globaltobaccocontrol.org. This website provides free online lectures on tobacco and tobacco control presented by subject experts from around the world