A Toast to ZYN: New Flavours, Fresh Energy, and an Unforgettable Evening
By Gift Khosa
We recently had the chance to join Philip Morris International (PMI) for an evening filled with flavour, conversation, and celebration as they unveiled their brand-new range of ZYN nicotine pouch variants. On the menu? Fresh flavours like Apple Mint, Spearmint, and Citrus, plus exciting new nicotine strength options — 1.5 mg and 11 mg — giving South African adult nicotine consumers more ways than ever to enjoy a smoke-free lifestyle.
As someone who’s been part of the ZYN journey (and not shy to give feedback 😉), I was thrilled to see the brand listening to consumers. I’ll admit, when I first tried ZYN, it felt a little strong. So, the introduction of reduced MG options is a total game-changer for those easing into the experience. Fun fact: ZYN is currently the number one nicotine pouch brand in the world. Talk about leading the pack!
Jonathan Kwak, Smoke-Free Products Director at PMSA, summed it up perfectly:
“Our team is driven by a passion for offering products that resonate with today’s South African adult users. With these new variants and nicotine strength options, we’re not just expanding our portfolio—we’re giving our consumers more ways to personalise their experience and completely switch to a better alternative to smoking.”
And let’s be honest — when PMI sends you an invite, you go. Their events are never ordinary. As a fan of both IQOS and ZYN, I knew it would be worth it, and this launch didn’t disappoint.
The evening was an immersive flavour journey, with a three-course menu inspired by the new ZYN flavours. From starters to dessert, every dish was a playful nod to the pouch profiles — a clever way for even non-nicotine users in attendance to taste the ZYN experience. Some dishes hit bold, high notes, while others gave us subtle bursts of flavour, much like the products themselves.
Beyond the food, the vibe was spot on. Conversations flowed effortlessly, the atmosphere was warm and inclusive, and the PMI team — led by Communications Director Vuyokazi Xapa — created a space where transparency and dialogue were front and centre. A stellar job all around.
Oh, and here’s a little teaser for you, Guid-ians: PMI hinted at something exciting on the horizon — their Veev device, already making waves globally in the vapour market, will be launching in South Africa soon. You know we’ll bring you the full scoop when it lands.
At the end of the day, ZYN remains dedicated to adult nicotine users only. While the best choice for health is to quit tobacco and nicotine entirely, for those who don’t, ZYN continues to lead as a better alternative to smoking.
Cheers to new flavours, bold innovation, and experiences that leave us talking long after the last bite of dessert. The product is available at your nearest retail outlets and tobacco shops.
