Trends in Japan » Camel Crush cigarettes tested in Japan?

Camel Crush cigarettes tested in Japan?

Written by: Michael Keferl on April 25, 2008 at 3:55 pm | In Marketing & Ad Trends |

When we first blogged about the new Kool Boost cigarettes featuring an internal “powerball” infused with menthol, we though it was brilliant. Smokers can add more menthol by squeezing the filter to break the capsule, thus releasing the mentholated goodness.

Now it seems that RJ Reynolds is slowly releasing a stateside version of their Camel brand with the same capsule inside the filter. The Camel Crush are currently being tested in select markets back in the U.S.

camel-crush-kool-boost-cigarettes

It would be interesting to know the degree as to which this innovation was tested in Japan. The U.S. Patent application explains its origins, but Japan may just be (for better or for worse) the ideal testing ground for FMCG such as tobacco.

Back in the U.S., people will actually ask someone for a cigarette and then decline it when it’s the wrong brand, but Japanese are far more willing to switch brands for any number of reasons: Cool packaging, freebies, product modifications, limited editions, etc. Sure, the older generation of salarymen stick to their Mild Sevens, but young people treat cigarettes like they do any other FMCG. After all, who wants to drink the same brand of coffee their whole lives?

This attitude makes Japan a great testing ground for many products, but also a deceiving one. If smokers abroad aren’t open to switching brands for any type of FMCG, it’ll take more than a menthol ball to win them over.

Tags: Innovations, Marketing, Tobacco
Category: Marketing & Ad Trends
Other categories: Technology & Gadget Trends, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Press coverage

27 Comments »

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Your link isn’t to a patent, but to a patent application. Here is another patent application:
http://www.metafilter.com/58973/Stop-using-my-godly-powers

Comment by Roy — April 27, 2008 #
wtf is fcmg?

Comment by dan — May 8, 2008 #
wtf is fcmg?

FMCG = Fast Moving Consumer Goods (snacks, drinks, cosmetics, tobacco, etc).

-Michael

Comment by Michael — May 20, 2008 #
what the hell!
are you kidding me. If I saw a tobacco product such as this one, i would buy a pack in a heart beat. I’ve been trying to figure out where to buy these cigarettes but they are nowhere to be found. Everyone ive talked to about these cigarettes are amazed by the idea! their reactions are incredible! “DUDE, NO WAY. REALLY?”. “CAN YOU GET ME A PACK?”

Comment by Gangsta — June 20, 2008 #
sheetz has um

Comment by angie — June 22, 2008 #
I work in a smoke shopin utah. I recenntly talked to the camel rep he was saying that they shoud be on the U.S Market by January 09. I’m amazed with the idea i was smoking Camel wides and camel wide menthol lights for ever just switching between them then they changed the blend on the regular wides so i went to the menthol ones the rep saw me and told me it was because of the younger clubrs that would smoke regular smokes until they were drinking then would perfer a menthol.BRILLIANT! Whats next

Comment by Tarl — June 27, 2008 #
They are only available in Philly right now. Check out this site, it listed which convenience stores have them available. http://tobaccoproducts.org/index.php/Camel_Crush

Supposedly nationwide availability in August, but I don’t want to wait that long.

Comment by Skippy — July 11, 2008 #
I live in jersey and drive to philly for these.

They are really fantastic.

Comment by haww — July 23, 2008 #
Walgreens will start carring them soon, if anybody out have any facts sheet, please send them to me at Ronmeister03@gmail.com

Comment by Ron — July 26, 2008 #
According to a smoke shop manager here in Rochester, NY they’ll be coming out on August 25th. I’m sure that’s just here, but I’m excited!

Comment by Joey — August 8, 2008 #
Seriously now W. T. F? dont you even want to know, the SIDE EFFECTS of whatever they put in to that capsule? ….. dont judge me for what i said, just think about it… thats all.. smoke what ever you want but “know” what your putting into your body.. TTYL

Comment by Asa — August 8, 2008 #
I wonder how toxic the spray is? Or are they saying it is good for you.

Comment by angela nelson — August 14, 2008 #
shit sounds cool as hell i found out about it from some friends but does any one know how much they will be?

Comment by winston — August 14, 2008 #
they will be out nationally by aug 28

Comment by jae — August 19, 2008 #
They were giving them out for free at a bar, 2 packs for every ID scanned..Free smokes..way to get you.

Comment by Mohr — August 19, 2008 #
ive got 2 unopened packs in my car. they hand them out at the clubs for free. Look for guys walking around with black saddle bags.

Comment by Dman — August 23, 2008 #
what is the little “powerball” thing?

Comment by jake — August 28, 2008 #
Just bought a pack of these this morning after a friend gave me one last night during break in class.

First thing I did was dissect one of the filters and pull out the powerball. It’s a little blue ball that when crushed, releases a menthol liquid that the filter then soaks up.

In a way, it’s a lot like those little breath mint capsule things.

Comment by kage — August 30, 2008 #
oh, and this was in arkansas, so I’m pretty sure they are widely available. Paid $4.49 for my pack.

Comment by kage — August 30, 2008 #
one more thing. I love the box these come in. It has rounded off corners. Don’t know if Camel has been doing this previously, but I think it’s awesome. Rigidness of a box pack and no sharp corners in the pocket!

Comment by kage — August 30, 2008 #
I heard of these cigarettes for two weeks! I am extremely impatient to try them! But, for what reason aren’t they being sold in Reno Nevada?????!!!!!! I have been all over looking for them! People in CA somehow are buying them but WHERE? And When can “I” buy them???

Comment by Tia — August 30, 2008 #
i just bought my first pack good stuff i think i gotta crush on camel crush!!! oh yeah im in cincinnati OH

Comment by scotty — August 30, 2008 #
I love the new crush there so damn cool i bought me a carton like a week ago for about 28 dollars and man there the best thing out there and im in Jay FL a lil ass hick town lol

Comment by Matthew — September 4, 2008 #
i got my first pack the otherday september 5th 2008
and they are great i used to smoke kool lights
and before that newport and then newport lights
these camel crush are far better tasting than all the rest and the package is awesome

Comment by Richard — September 7, 2008 #
These are amazing. You should try them. Got my first pack beginning of September in FL

Comment by Tracie — September 14, 2008 #
i opened one up and took the powerball out. then i put the powerball in my mouth and it dissolved. it was good.

Comment by dblay3 — September 15, 2008 #
someone have an idea where i can buy them online?

Comment by squad — October 2, 2008 #