Camel Target Market

RJ Reynolds has some kind words for describing the target market for their product. They describe their customers as "less educated," "immature," "less formed intellectually," they have a "lack of long term goals," and they have "nothing to look forward to."

The document goes on to lovingly identify the target market as "kids" twice. It's rich, enjoy . . .

Camel Pack History

It is amazing how much detail goes into marketing cigarettes. "The Camel pack is a world microcosm, a story being told about man with relation to his universe...an independent, but humble creature encounters his past and future possibilities on a desert -- suggesting that he is experiencing some sort of epiphany -- and this encounter is peaceful and positive." Epiphany? Peaceful and positive?

Probably not the first words that come to mind to those 1200 people on their death beds every day.

Project SCUM

Yes, SCUM. We're not making this up. RJ Reynolds actually used the acronym SCUM, which stood for "Sub Culture Urban Marketing" in a memo about a project targeting the gay and homeless communities in San Francisco. The memo focused on the introduction of the "Red Kamel" brand into the San Francisco market. Be sure to check out the yin yang, smiley face and peace sign symbols used to introduce each new section and line of the memo. RJ Reynolds takes its stereotyping to a new level in this one.

Philip Morris Market Research

Philip Morris asks the question, "Where next?" as they plow into the 90's. They ponder getting involved"green issues" thinking people would "feel less guilty smoking cigarettes from a Green giant." The memo goes on to focus on how to get more smoking in TV and movies, noting that "we believe that most of the strong, positive images for cigarettes and smoking are created and perpetuated by cinema and television." And that's just page 11 of 27 glorious pages. Enjoy . . .

Lorillard Market Research

Ever wonder what ridiculous ideas tobacco executives come up with when they sit around, B.S. and brainstorm? Ideas include manufacturing "a product in ‘bite size’, individually wrapped sections, with different flavors," producing "a chewing product in which bubble gum is incorporated." Others include a candy coated chewing tobacco gum ball, and they even suggested collaborating with the makers of "Life Savers," to figure out which flavors are most popular. Clever Lorillard, clever.

Anti Tobacco Industry Plan

There are thousands and thousands of people working against the tobacco industry, and rest assured Philip Morris hates every one of them. It's almost satisfying the amount of effort they put in to try and counteract what we do. This document reveals Philip Morris' strategy to create and promote conflict between anti-tobacco industry advocates (or, as Philip Morris affectionately calls us the "antis" or the "ATI"). They'd like to "moderate the ATI's impact on the policy process so that we can reestablish our credibility," It makes you feel good, and realize that it's somebody's job out there to try and thwart out efforts.

Tobacco Institute Speech

First, let's talk about the Tobacco Institute itself. It's a front group, representing the major U.S. tobacco companies. They served as the public relations front of the industry. This document is the transcript from an internal speech, it talks about the shortcomings of the Tobacco Institute in 1981. The document says they’ve thrown tons of money into research but have "nothing to show for it in terms of lifting the killer label from cigarettes." It goes on to point out that "Hardly anyone feels that you or The Institute is a credible source of information or persuasion about about smoking or health." Really? I can't imagine why not.

RJR Research

For years the tobacco companies have said they are not out to target teens and kids as customers, and they have even gone so far as to say they are committed to supporting tobacco prevention efforts. Their own documents tell a different story, over and over again, in their own words. "RJR should make a substantial long term commitment of manpower and money dedicated to younger adult smokers."