KT&G, led by CEO Bang Kyung-man, participated in TFWA World 2026, the world’s largest duty-free industry exhibition, held in Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1 (local time).
Organized by the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), the annual event brings together major companies and industry stakeholders from the global duty-free market. KT&G has participated in the exhibition for five consecutive years to strengthen its presence in the global duty-free tobacco market.
At this year’s event, KT&G showcased its major domestic and international brands, including ESSE, RAISON and BOHEM. The company particularly highlighted ESSE, its ultra-slim cigarette brand, which surpassed KRW 1 trillion in global sales last year. KT&G also used digital screens and displays at its booth to present its global expansion and overseas business performance.
KT&G entered the global duty-free market in 1995 by launching its 88 Lights cigarette in China’s duty-free market. The company currently sells its products at duty-free stores at Korean airports as well as approximately 110 airports and 179 duty-free stores worldwide.
Following its participation in TFWA World 2026, KT&G plans to expand its duty-free business in regions including Europe and Latin America. The company aims to strengthen partnerships with overseas businesses, broaden its duty-free distribution network and enhance the competitiveness of its brands in global markets.
“TFWA World, the world’s largest duty-free exhibition, provided an opportunity to explore new business opportunities with overseas partners and raise awareness of K-tobacco brands,” a KT&G official said. “We will continue to actively expand our global network and strengthen our brand competitiveness in overseas markets.”
KT&G is also broadening its global presence by participating in duty-free and industry exhibitions in countries including Singapore and Germany this year. In August, the company expanded its consumer reach by introducing five ESSE products at the duty-free store of Istanbul Airport in Türkiye, which serves approximately 84 million passengers annually.
