'LOOP' to launch in key metropolitan areas including Johannesburg and Cape Town, with broader distribution planned across South Africa
SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ASF(Another Snus Factory), a leading nicotine pouch manufacturer, announced the launch of its flagship nicotine pouch brand, LOOP, in South Africa.
Headquartered in Sweden, ASF specializes in nicotine pouches and has established a strong market presence across the Nordic region, including Sweden, Norway and Iceland, through its flagship brand, LOOP. The brand is recognized for its distinctive flavor combinations that blend spicy notes with fruit and mint, along with a diverse range of nicotine strengths designed to meet varying adult consumer preferences.
Through its local import and distribution partner, Venture South (Pty) Ltd, ASF will initially introduce LOOP in key metropolitan areas across South Africa, including Johannesburg and Cape Town. The company plans to progressively expand its distribution network and retail footprint based on consumer demand and market response.
The initial rollout features three distinct products: LOOP Jalapeño Lime Hyper Strong, LOOP Red Chili Melon Hyper Strong, and LOOP Habanero Mint Hyper Strong, each showcasing unique flavor combinations such as lime, melon and mint.
South Africa is the largest nicotine pouch market in Africa and the continent's largest economy, making it a strategically important market for ASF's long-term growth. As demand for nicotine pouches continues to grow, ASF aims to strengthen LOOP's market presence in South Africa while using the country as a strategic gateway for further expansion across Africa and other high-growth international markets.
"South Africa offers significant long-term growth potential and represents a strategically important market for our expansion across Africa," said an ASF spokesperson. "Building on LOOP's strong brand equity and our global commercial capabilities, we will continue strengthening our international presence while expanding into new markets."
ASF was acquired in December 2025 through a joint investment by KT&G and U.S. tobacco company Altria. KT&G, the manufacturer of the globally recognized ESSE brand, is Korea's leading manufacturer of Combustible Cigarettes, Next Generation Products (NGP), and health functional foods. The company markets approximately 870 brands in 148 countries worldwide.
The acquisition of ASF marks KT&G's strategic entry into the rapidly growing global nicotine pouch category, further diversifying its business portfolio. Going forward, KT&G will continue strengthening its global competitiveness by expanding its core businesses, including nicotine pouches and other Next Generation Products (NGP) categories.
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ASF Launches Nicotine Pouch Brand 'LOOP' in South Africa, Expanding Across Africa
ASF Launches Nicotine Pouch Brand 'LOOP' in South Africa, Expanding Across Africa
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, has secured its largest wind project in Vietnam with REE Energy, Vietnam's leading Renewable Energy Investment business. With a total capacity of 200 MW, the project is also Envision's largest overseas nearshore wind project to date, marking a major breakthrough in the deployment of its Future Energy System across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The Phu Cuong 1A and 1B project will deploy 25 Envision EN-226/8.X YE wind turbines, with batch deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027 and grid connection targeted for October 2027. Highly suited to the low- to medium-wind conditions of nearshore waters in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, the turbines combine proven technology, strong site adaptability and reliable lifecycle performance to maximize energy production and deliver long-term project value. The project is expected to provide a replicable model for turbine selection, engineering execution, project delivery, and long-term operations and maintenance, helping reshape industry benchmarks, advance quality-led wind development and accelerate the clean energy transition across ASEAN.
Phu Cuong 1A and 1B marks Envision Energy's second landmark collaboration with REE Group, building on the strong progress of the 128 MW Vinh Long wind projects. The first batch of turbines for Vinh Long rolled off the production line at the end of April 2026, and all wind turbine units are being shipped to the project site in batches as scheduled. Envision's efficient execution and reliable delivery have laid a strong foundation for the two companies to deepen their collaboration through the Phu Cuong Project, further strengthening wind energy infrastructure and Envision's Future Energy System across Vietnam.
Edward Hou, Senior Vice President & President of Asia-Pacific Region at Envision Energy, said: "The next phase of wind development will be defined not only by scale, but by how effectively technology can be matched to local resources and long-term system needs. Through the Phu Cuong Project, Envision aims to show how locally adapted technology, reliable execution and lifecycle services can deliver enduring value. It marks an important step of Envision's Future Energy System across Southeast Asia, integrating intelligent renewable generation, energy storage, AI-powered energy management and digital capabilities to build more reliable and more resilient clean-energy infrastructure. We look forward to advancing a scalable model for nearshore wind development and supporting the energy transition in Vietnam and across the region."
"The development of nearshore wind in Vietnam calls for long-term partnerships built on suitable technology, reliable delivery and sustained asset performance," said Mr. Nguyen Quang Quyen, Managing Director of REE Energy, "The progress achieved together on the Vinh Long project has deepened our confidence in Envision as a trusted partner. The Phu Cuong Project represents the next step in our collaboration and an opportunity to apply these capabilities at greater scale. Together, we aim to deliver a high-quality project that supports the reliable development of nearshore wind and contributes to Vietnam's long-term energy transition."
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Envision Energy Secures Its Largest 200 MW Nearshore Wind Project in Vietnam with REE Energy, Strengthening Future Energy System Across Southeast Asia
