SEOUL – November 09, 2026 -- KT&G launched its heated tobacco device FLEX and four FAIIM tobacco sticks in Kazakhstan in October, extending its overseas Next Generation Products (NGP) business into a market where it has so far sold combustible cigarettes.
FLEX and FAIIM debut in Almaty before wider rollout
FLEX and FAIIM are locally branded versions of lil AIBLE and AIIM, both currently sold in South Korea, adapted for Kazakhstan. Sales initially cover only Almaty, the country's largest city. KT&G plans to expand its local distribution network gradually.
Forum Mall flagship store targets consumer education
KT&G will operate a FLEX flagship store at Forum Mall, a major shopping center in Almaty. The store will offer brand information and customer consultation, with the aim of improving consumer understanding of the products and broadening the brand experience.
Launch follows creation of independent NGP commercialization platform
The rollout is part of KT&G's global expansion strategy after it established an independent commercialization platform for certain products in its overseas NGP business this year. The company says its Kazakhstan subsidiary has expanded distribution, built local production capabilities, increased market share and improved profitability. KT&G now plans to move beyond combustible cigarettes into the NGP segment there.
A KT&G official described the launch as "a new starting point" for its global NGP expansion. The company said it will continue to enter untapped markets, relying on differentiated products and strategies tailored to local conditions.