Kretek International, Inc., leading importer and marketer of specialty tobacco products announced the national rollout of a new line of CIG2O (sig-two-oh) e-cigarette products.

The line of competitively priced CIG2O e-cigarettes was successfully launched in smoke shops early in 2010. The strength of adult consumer response, plus stated preference during research studies, led to the current nationwide roll-out to c-stores and other channels, says the company.

The initial product line includes regular tobacco and menthol flavors, with nicotine levels set 18 mg and 24 mg to approximate the nicotine content of a pack of cigarettes. The rechargeable unit includes one e-cigarette and two atomizer refills, plus a USB charger that can be connected to a laptop computer or i-phone.

Refill CIG2O “cartomizers” contain flavoring and nicotine in a solution of distilled filtered water and propylene glycol (the same inert ingredient used in asthma inhalers). Three cartomizer refills contain nicotine equal to about 3 packs of cigarettes. Suggested retail will be $8.99 which makes them less expensive than most cigarettes when federal and state tobacco taxes are figured in.

The introductory display also includes a wall-plug adapter unit for recharging. Future CIG2O accessories and choices include power-sticks in a variety of colors, and refill cartomizers in 6 flavors.

"The keys to success in this emerging category are smoker recognition of the convenience and freedom of the CIG2O alternative, re-chargeable product design, consistent taste and an affordable price," says Kretek President Mark Cassar. "We’ve been careful to insure that the content labeling of the CIG2O product is accurate and complete."

The nicotine content of the CIG2O atomizer and refill units are clearly labeled, with a prominent warning against underage sale. "We aren’t interested in anyone who is not already an adult smoker beginning to use this product," Cassar continued.

Up until recently, the majority of e-cigarette products have been sold over the Internet, says the company. The emerging competitive marketplace at retail will drive prices down and eliminate inferior products over time. The CIG2O product package from Kretek was created with this in mind, says the company. The basic unit of one e-cigarette, two cartomizer refills, plus recharging unit can be priced under $25 at retail, and the refill 3-packs at under $10.

The product is available in standard open stock units of six cards per carton. CIG2O will be launched with a high-visibility upright display holding 18 basic units (12 tobacco, six menthol), 12 three-packs of refill units and three wall-adapters. The complete line of CIG2O items can be seen at http://www.cig2o.com/.