{
  "id": 10598652,
  "title": "KT&G expands global duty-free presence with ESSE, RAISON and BOHEM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/kt-g-expands-global-duty-free-presence-with-esse-raison-and-bohem",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-29T03:38:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Korea IT Times",
    "slug": "korea-it-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=157610"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KT&G, under the leadership of CEO Bang Kyung-man, showcased its significant presence in the global duty-free tobacco market at TFWA World 2026, the world’s largest duty-free industry exhibition held in Cannes, France. This annual event, organized by the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), brought together major companies and stakeholders from the duty-free market. Over five consecutive years, KT&G has participated in the exhibition to enhance its global footprint. The 2026 edition allowed the company to present its flagship domestic and international brands: ESSE, RAISON, and BOHEM. ESSE, in particular, was highlighted for its impressive global sales, crossing the KRW 1 trillion mark in the previous year. To emphasize its global expansion, KT&G employed digital screens at its booth to display its overseas business performance. The company entered the duty-free market in 1995 when it introduced the 88 Lights cigarette into China’s duty-free sector. Currently, KT&G operates in approximately 110 airports and 179 duty-free stores worldwide. Post-TFWA World 2026, the company aims to expand its operations in Europe and Latin America, aiming to forge stronger partnerships, expand distribution, and boost brand competitiveness internationally. A KT&G official stated, \"TFWA World, the world's largest duty-free exhibition, provided an opportunity to explore new business opportunities with overseas partners and raise awareness of K-tobacco brands. We will continue to actively expand our global network and strengthen our brand competitiveness in overseas markets.\" In addition to Cannes, KT&G is broadening its global presence by engaging in duty-free and industry exhibitions in Singapore and Germany this year. The company also recently introduced five ESSE products at Istanbul Airport’s duty-free store in Turkey, serving around 84 million passengers annually.",
  "summary": "KT&G, led by CEO Bang Kyung-man, participated in TFWA World 2026, the world’s largest duty-free industry exhibition, held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1 (local time).Organized by the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), the annual event brings together major companies and industry s",
  "key_points": [
    "KT&G CEO Bang Kyung-man showcased company's global presence at TFWA World 2026.",
    "Company aims to expand operations in Europe and Latin America post-exhibition."
  ],
  "editors_take": "KT&G's participation in TFWA World 2026 solidifies its position in the global duty-free market, enabling the company to strengthen partnerships, expand distribution, and boost brand competitiveness in Europe and Latin America.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}