Nicotine Pouch NEWS
Tucker Carlson Launches ALP: A New Nicotine Pouch Brand Challenging ZYN
Known for his provocative commentary, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has shifted his interest from his previously favored nicotine pouch brand ZYN to launching his own brand, ALP. This move has come as a surprise to many.
Carlson’s decision to part ways with ZYN stems from his dissatisfaction with political contributions allegedly made by employees of ZYN’s parent company, Philip Morris International (PMI). Recently, he accused ZYN of contributing to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Although Philip Morris itself claims not to make political donations to presidential candidates, the subsidiary in charge of ZYN runs a political action committee that donates to both Republican and Democratic campaigns, with around 70% of contributions going to Republican candidates.
Carlson’s current stance is sharply different from his previous support of ZYN, which included making some baseless claims about ZYN products on a podcast last October. PMI declined a potential partnership proposed by Carlson’s team, citing concerns about his statements. They stated, “Given Mr. Carlson’s prominence and influence, these statements have the potential to amplify misunderstandings and misuse of our products.”
Discontent with ZYN’s apparent direction, Carlson decided to create a nicotine pouch brand that he believes aligns more closely with his own values and vision for nicotine use. ALP is scheduled to launch in November 2024 and promises to offer a product free from what Carlson described to The Wall Street Journal as “humorless leftist zealots.”
The new brand aims to attract a wide audience by offering various flavors and nicotine strengths, including options like tropical fruit, sweet honey, wintergreen, chill mint, and refreshing ice. Overall, ALP will provide customers with three nicotine concentrations: 3mg, 6mg, and a robust 9mg—distinctly 33% stronger than ZYN’s strongest offering. Additionally, ALP pouches utilize a wet processing method, in contrast to ZYN’s dry method. Wet-processed nicotine pouches release nicotine and flavor more quickly, catering to consumers seeking more immediate effects, while dry-processed pouches offer a slower, more gradual release. This choice allows ALP to appeal to consumers desiring quicker impact. As Tucker Carlson gears up to launch ALP in the coming months, the nicotine pouch market is poised for an intriguing evolution. This new venture not only signifies a personal turnaround for Carlson but also positions him in direct competition with a brand he once endorsed. Adding to the ongoing development, a subsidiary of Turning Point Brands has filed to trademark the ALP brand name and logo, featuring a winking man in a cowboy hat.
