KT&G Showcases Global Growth at “2026 TFWA World,” the World’s Largest Duty-Free Exhibition
Accelerating the global expansion of ESSE, the world’s No. 1 super-slim cigarette brand with overseas sales exceeding KRW 1 trillion—now available at 179 duty-free stores worldwide
Photo Description
KT&G participated in the world’s largest duty-free exhibition, “2026 TFWA World,” held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1 (local time). The company’s booth can be seen in the photograph above.
Photo Description
KT&G participated in the world’s largest duty-free exhibition, “2026 TFWA World,” held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1 (local time). The company’s booth can be seen in the photo.
Photo Description
KT&G participated in the world’s largest duty-free exhibition, “2026 TFWA World,” held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1 (local time). In the photo, stakeholders in the duty-free industry can be seen taking a tour of the KT&G booth at the 2026 TFWA World.
KT&G (CEO Bang Kyung-man) participated in the world’s largest duty-free exhibition, “2026 TFWA World,” held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1 (local time).
Organized by the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), TFWA World is the world’s largest duty-free exhibition, aimed at promoting growth in the duty-free industry. KT&G has participated in TFWA World for five consecutive years to strengthen its position as a leading global tobacco company and expand its influence in the duty-free market.
At its exhibition booth, KT&G showcased products from its major domestic and international brands, including ESSE, RAISON, and BOHEM. In particular, the company focused on promoting its differentiated product portfolio, led by ESSE, the world’s No. 1 super-slim cigarette brand, which generated more than KRW 1 trillion in global sales last year alone. Digital screens and displays throughout the booth provided visitors with an overview of KT&G’s overseas market presence and business achievements.
KT&G first entered the duty-free business in 1995 with the launch of “88 Light” in the Chinese duty-free market. Today, the company’s products are sold at duty-free shops at domestic airports and at approximately 110 airports and 179 duty-free stores worldwide. Building on its participation in this year’s exhibition, KT&G plans to expand its duty-free business into diverse regions, including Europe and Latin America.
A KT&G representative stated, “TFWA World is the world’s largest duty-free exhibition. Participating in this event gave us a valuable opportunity to explore new business prospects with overseas partners and further strengthen awareness of K-tobacco brands. We will continue to actively expand our global network and strengthen our brand competitiveness in overseas markets.”
KT&G is broadening its international business by expanding its engagement with global markets, including participating in duty-free and industry exhibitions held in Singapore and Germany this year. In August, the company also expanded its reach among overseas consumers and accelerated its push into the global duty-free market by launching five ESSE varieties at the duty-free shops of Istanbul Airport in Türkiye, which serves approximately 84 million passengers annually.