KT&G Takes Legal Action Against Local Counterfeit Cigarette Manufacturers and Distributors in India

– Growing counterfeit cigarette manufacture and distribution leads to severe negative consequences for national credibility and regional economy

SEOUL, South Korea, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KT&G, a global tobacco company, stated on the 2^nd that it has taken civil legal action against local entities for manufacturing and distributing counterfeit products under its global superslim brand “ESSE.”

KT&G has recently confirmed that counterfeiters used aliases such as “KT&G India”, “KT&G Punjab”, and “KT&G Ambala” to illegally manufacture and distribute a significant volume of counterfeit cigarettes, appropriating the company’s global superslim brand “ESSE.”

To prevent counterfeiting activities, KT&G has taken legal action against local manufacturers and distributors across India, emphasizing that the company is unrelated to “KT&G India”, “KT&G Punjab”, and “KT&G Ambala” in any way.

Recently, the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit products under globally renowned brands are rapidly growing, gravely impacting national economy and regional societies. As the eradication of counterfeit tobacco becomes an urgent task, KT&G as well as other global tobacco manufacturers are heightening their responses.

Alongside legal actions, KT&G also plans an official brand launch in the Indian market on June 2^nd. Any inquiries, including tips on counterfeit products or questions regarding official sale points or imports are handled by the local Indian partner, Kedara (e-mail: info@kedaratrading.com).

The manufacturer of the global brand ESSE, KT&G, is a well-known Korean company. It holds dominant positions in many markets, including the health functional foods market. It is also a global company that sells 870 brands across 148 countries as of 2024.

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