22nd Century Group (NYSE American: XXII) is a tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes with very low nicotine content, operating two tobacco facilities in Mocksville, North Carolina and surrounding areas as of December 31, 2025. Revenue comes from two primary activities: sales of its proprietary VLN® brand cigarettes through convenience store distribution partners, and contract manufacturing services for third-party tobacco brands. The company holds FDA authorization to market VLN® cigarettes as modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs), with an exposure modification order running through December 23, 2026, for which the company reapplied for extension during 2025. VLN® cigarettes contain 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes. The company also signed a license and manufacturing agreement with Smoker Friendly, described in the filing as one of the largest independent cigarette retailers in the United States, covering 11 brands sold in the Smoker Friendly retail network. As a participating manufacturer under the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), XXII contributes to state settlements for smoking-related health costs. The company is headquartered in Mocksville, North Carolina.

Revenue model

Transactional sales of VLN® branded cigarettes through convenience store and independent retail distribution partners, plus contract manufacturing fees for producing third-party cigarette brands under license and manufacturing agreements.

Products and services

VLN® very low nicotine cigarettes (FDA-authorized MRTPs with 95% less nicotine); partner VLN® branded cigarettes produced for third-party retail networks; contract manufacturing services for third-party tobacco brands including brands licensed through a Smoker Friendly agreement covering 11 brands.

Customers and end markets

Adult cigarette consumers in the United States reached through convenience store chains and independent retailers including Smoker Friendly. Distribution partners operate at national scale with state-wide or multi-state store footprints. End market is domestic combustible cigarette retail.

Value-chain role

Vertically integrated manufacturer and brand owner. Operates leased manufacturing and inventory storage facilities in North Carolina. Sells proprietary brands direct to retail distribution and also provides toll manufacturing for third-party brand owners.

Geographic exposure

United States only, based on filing disclosures. Manufacturing headquartered in Mocksville, North Carolina as of December 31, 2025.

Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-03-26

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