Milan, 10 June (LaPresse) – In a statement, Philip Morris Italia states that it considers the AGCM’s decision to fine the company €7 million for unfair commercial practices to be “incorrect and flawed in several respects”, and intends to defend its position in all relevant forums. The Authority’s objections, Philip Morris emphasises, “stem from an institutional campaign (‘In Italy to build a smoke-free future together’) focused on the company’s long-standing presence in Italy, the substantial investments made across the country, and Philip Morris’s integrated ‘Made in Italy’ supply chain, which involves 44,000 people and 8,000 Italian businesses”. For Philip Morris, ‘this is not a commercial campaign aimed at consumers. In its commercial messages, Philip Morris Italia always provides clear information on the risks, the presence of nicotine, and the ban on sale and use by minors’. The expressions contested by the Authority “are accurate and fully compliant with Italian legislation and the relevant European Directive, which uses the term ‘smokeless’ to define those tobacco products that do not involve a combustion process, of which Italy is the world’s leading producer and exporter”, emphasises Philip Morris Italia, which “regarding the harm profile of non-combustible products compared to traditional cigarettes, provided the Authority with dozens of authoritative studies during the preliminary investigation”.
Competition: Philip Morris Italia challenges AGCM decision and announces appeal
Milan, 10 June (LaPresse) – In a statement, Philip Morris Italia states that it considers the AGCM’s decision to fine the company €7 million for unfair commercial practices to be “incorrect and flawed in several respects”, and intends to defend its position in all relevant forums. The Authority’s objections, Philip Morris emphasises, “stem from an institutional campaign (‘In Italy to build a smoke-free future together’) focused on the company’s long-standing presence in Italy, the substantial investments made across the country, and Philip Morris’s integrated ‘Made in Italy’ supply chain, which involves 44,000 people and 8,000 Italian businesses”. For Philip Morris, ‘this is not a commercial campaign aimed at consumers. In its commercial messages, Philip Morris Italia always provides clear information on the risks, the presence of nicotine, and the ban on sale and use by minors’. The expressions contested by the Authority “are accurate and fully compliant with Italian legislation and the relevant European Directive, which uses the term ‘smokeless’ to define those tobacco products that do not involve a combustion process, of which Italy is the world’s leading producer and exporter”, emphasises Philip Morris Italia, which “regarding the harm profile of non-combustible products compared to traditional cigarettes, provided the Authority with dozens of authoritative studies during the preliminary investigation”.
