More on Marlboro MST & Marlboro Snus..

February 2, 2009 - In its fourth quarter and year-end results, Altria Group Inc. revealed it would discontinue Philip Morris USA's Marlboro moist smokeless tobacco test market in Atlanta area. In the statement, the company maintained the Marlboro brand has "an important role to play in the smokeless tobacco category," adding the company is evaluating potential strategies and options for the Marlboro brand following Altria’s acquisition of UST's smokeless tobacco business last year.

Meanwhile, the company's test of Marlboro Snus, a spitless, smokeless tobacco pouch, will be expanded into a new test market in Arizona during the first quarter of 2009. In addition, the Snus product was revamped based on consumer-driven insights and learnings from test markets in Dallas and Indianapolis, the company stated. The new Snus contains new packaging, product enhancements and pricing, according to the company.

More on Marlboro MST and Marlboro Snus. More on Altria's 2008 Full Year & 4th Quarter Results.

Reference: Marlboro MST Test Gets the Can; Snus Revamped, Convenience Store News, 2/2/2009.

It is interesting to note that tobacco analysts felt the Marlboro name could not miss in the smokeless category. Citigroup tobacco analyst Bonnie Herzog Citigroup's Tobacco Analyst Bonnie Herzog told investors that PM USA will fully cement its place in the smokeless segment using the power of the Marlboro brand (8/21/2007). Philip Morris (PM) USA today announced that it will be introducing Marlboro Moist Smokeless Tobacco (MST)..">) Also - Altria's growth depends on the Marlboro name..

Todd Sullivan: I love the idea of a Marlboro branded chew product. I have very little doubt it will be an immediate hit. Several people I know who chew are excited about the product and are definitely going to give it a test when it is available. With smoking rates in decline, a new product with the Marlboro brand label will be a big boost to Altria's (and we shareholders') coffers. With the anticipated success of this product, a fat dividend increase, a big share repurchse, and the PMI spin all expected soon, it looks to be a very exciting fall for shareholders. (Altria: Marlboro Smokeless Product Will Be A Hit by Todd Sullivan, Seeking Alpha, 8/22/2007.)

Survey looks at new tobacco products, predicts hit for PM USA's Marlboro Snus..

UST, Inc. (principal subsidiaries: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates) NOT Worried About New Moist Snuff Entry - Marlboro..