Product Development
cigarettes, RRP* and RRP* devices
*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking
We develop products for delivery to 130 countries and regions around the world
The role of product development is to give concrete shape to concepts for new products.
The JT Group sells tobacco products in approximately 130 countries and regions. And the R&D Group manages product specifications and develops products on a global basis by coordinating with several bases in different countries around the world.
By applying and integrating raw materials and technologies developed through science research and technology development, we create high-quality products with the goal of bringing excitement to consumers.
We are also engaged in activities to develop seeds, innovative ideas, for new products .
Product development personnel work with marketing personnel to develop product concepts based on consumer needs. At the same time, we also develop products in a technology-oriented manner based on the technologies the R&D Group researches and develops. For this reason, we are each encouraged not only to develop products as determined by marketing plans but also to develop products on a trial basis. Each individual has his or her own approach, whether it is to research other products on his or her own and search for inspiration, or to develop products from different angles using design thinking.
Developing top-quality products through teamwork
The JT R&D Group includes research and development personnel with specialties in each material and component, working together to develop a product. All raw materials and components are intertwined in a complex manner, affecting the taste and flavor of tobacco products. Therefore, teamwork among R&D personnel is extremely important when it comes to product development. Regardless of the area of expertise, the R&D Group is actively engaged in information exchange and discussions. Even outside of scheduled meetings, for example, personnel can often be found discussing near their desks and in the hallways. In order to develop products that meet our goals, an environment in which we can actively exchange opinions and combine knowledge is necessary. The JT R&D Group has created a culture in which every individual can act on their own initiative.
Attempting product development with high originality, only possible for the JT Group
RRP* is a new category of tobacco products that includes Heated Tobacco Products, the market for which is rapidly expanding worldwide. At the JT R&D Group, R&D personnel specializing in mechanical design, electrical design, software programming, materials chemistry, and other technologies, as well as R&D personnel specializing in tobacco-related technologies, are working together to develop highly unique and innovative products. In addition to tastes and flavors, the core of tobacco products, we also focus on the design and UI and UX (user interface and user experience) of our products. We formulate a product concept, repeat prototyping and evaluations to achieve high quality, and design and launch our products in mass production.
Repeating trial and error until perfect tastes and flavors are created
Through years of research and development, the JT R&D Group has developed technologies that can simulate the delivery process of the compounds contained in tobacco products. However, even with all of this scientific knowledge, we are not able to perfectly quantify the tastes and flavors that humans experience in real life. Therefore, R&D personnel use their five senses to check the tastes and flavors. If the taste and flavor of a prototype is not as good as expected, we change the materials and compounds and repeat the prototyping process. In this way, we work hard to manufacture tobacco products with persistence and particular care until we achieve the perfect taste and flavor.
*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking
*This section is intended only to explain the business operations of the JT Group, not to promote sales of tobacco products or encourage smoking among consumers.
