RJ Reynolds

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

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Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Tobacco
Products	Cigarettes

The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is one of the largest tobacco companies in the United States. Founded in 1875 by Richard Joshua Reynolds, the company has played a significant role in the development and marketing of tobacco products, particularly cigarettes. R.J. Reynolds is known for its iconic brands such as Camel, Winston, and Salem.

History

R.J. Reynolds was established in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a city that became synonymous with the tobacco industry. The company initially focused on chewing tobacco but shifted to cigarettes in the early 20th century. The introduction of the Camel brand in 1913 marked a turning point, as it became one of the first nationally marketed cigarette brands in the United States.

During the mid-20th century, R.J. Reynolds expanded its product line and became a dominant force in the tobacco industry. The company was known for its aggressive marketing strategies, including the use of the "Joe Camel" mascot, which became controversial due to its appeal to younger audiences.

In 2004, R.J. Reynolds merged with the U.S. operations of Brown & Williamson, another major tobacco company, to form Reynolds American Inc. This merger was part of a broader trend of consolidation within the tobacco industry.

Products

R.J. Reynolds produces a variety of cigarette brands, each targeting different segments of the market. Some of the most notable brands include:

• Camel: Known for its distinctive taste and packaging, Camel was one of the first brands to use a blend of Turkish and American tobaccos.
• Winston: Introduced in 1954, Winston quickly became one of the best-selling cigarette brands in the United States.
• Salem: Launched in 1956, Salem was one of the first menthol cigarettes on the market.

Controversies

R.J. Reynolds has been involved in numerous controversies, particularly related to the health effects of smoking and its marketing practices. The company has faced lawsuits and regulatory actions over its advertising strategies, which have been criticized for targeting youth and downplaying the health risks associated with smoking.

Acquisition by British American Tobacco

In 2017, British American Tobacco completed its acquisition of Reynolds American Inc., making R.J. Reynolds a wholly-owned subsidiary. This acquisition further solidified British American Tobacco's position as one of the largest tobacco companies in the world.

Also see

• Tobacco industry
• Cigarette advertising
• Health effects of tobacco
• Tobacco litigation
• British American Tobacco