Esse accelerates global push after topping 1 trillion won in overseas sales

Present in 179 duty-free stores worldwide

KT&G participates in the 2026 TFWA World, the world's largest duty-free trade show, held in Cannes, France, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 (local time). Pictured is the KT&G booth at the event. [KT&G]
KT&G participates in the 2026 TFWA World, the world's largest duty-free trade show, held in Cannes, France, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 (local time). Pictured is the KT&G booth at the event. [KT&G]

KT&G Corp is participating in the 2026 TFWA World, the world's largest duty-free trade show, running from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 (local time) in Cannes, France.

TFWA World is an annual trade fair organized by the Tax Free World Association to promote the duty-free industry. KT&G has attended for five consecutive years as part of its push to cement its position as a leading global tobacco company.

At this year's show, KT&G showcased products from its key domestic and international brands — Esse, Raison and Bohem. The company centered its product portfolio presentation on Esse, which surpassed 1 trillion won ($740 million) in overseas sales last year. Digital screens and displays installed throughout the booth highlighted KT&G's overseas expansion and business performance.

KT&G entered the global duty-free market in 1995 when it launched "88 Lights" in China's duty-free channel. It now operates 179 duty-free stores across about 110 airports worldwide, including domestic airport outlets. The company plans to use the Cannes show as a springboard to expand its duty-free business into Europe, Latin America and other regions.

KT&G has been broadening its global market presence this year by taking part in duty-free and industry trade shows in Singapore and Germany, among other countries. Last month, it opened five Esse outlets at Istanbul Airport in Turkey, which serves about 84 million passengers a year.

"Participating in TFWA World gave us a meaningful opportunity to explore new business opportunities with overseas partners and further strengthen awareness of K-tobacco brands," a KT&G official said. "We will continue to actively expand our global network and work to enhance our brand competitiveness in overseas markets."


spa@heraldcorp.com