Global Expansion

KT&G's ESSE Brand Tops $700M in Sales, Expands Duty-Free Reach

Cannes – September 29, 2026 -- KT&G's ultra-slim cigarette brand ESSE surpassed KRW 1 trillion (approximately USD 700 million) in global sales in 2025, the South Korean tobacco maker announced at TFWA World 2026 in Cannes, France, running September 27 to October 1.

KT&G products now reach 179 duty-free stores across roughly 110 airports worldwide

The company entered the duty-free channel in 1995 with the launch of 88 Light in China. Three decades later, its flagship brands -- ESSE, RAISON, and BOHEM -- hold shelf space at 179 duty-free outlets spanning approximately 110 airports, including facilities in South Korea.

SEEKOUT Expands Premium Pet Mobility Business to North America, Europe

Seoul – September 27, 2026 -- South Korean premium pet mobility company SEEKOUT is expanding beyond its established Japan export business into North America and Europe, targeting global B2B buyers through overseas trade shows planned for the first half of 2027.

SEEKOUT leverages Japan export track record to enter Western markets

The company built its export foundation by shipping premium pet strollers directly to Japan, a market noted for stringent product quality standards. SEEKOUT is now using that experience as the basis for entering North American and European distribution channels.

KT&G Quadruples InterTabac Booth Size, Pushes Global Distribution

Seoul – September 23, 2026 -- KT&G Corporation closed its participation in InterTabac 2026, the world's largest tobacco trade fair, after operating an exhibition booth roughly four times larger than its 2025 footprint at the Dortmund, Germany event held September 15-17.

KT&G expands booth fourfold to showcase combustible and next-generation product lines

The Korean manufacturer organized its expanded space into four themed zones by product category, displaying combustible cigarette brands ESSE and BOHEM alongside next-generation products (NGP), vapor devices and nicotine pouches. InterTabac drew roughly 800 companies from more than 70 countries across 12 exhibition halls this year.

CKGSB-IE Report: Chinese Firms Shift to 'Capability Export' Globally

Singapore – September 17, 2026 -- Chinese companies are entering a third phase of globalization defined by exporting operating capabilities rather than just products, according to a joint report released by Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) and IE University's China Observatory.

Report identifies 'capability export' as the new phase of Chinese globalization

Titled Chinese Companies' New Playbook for Going Global, the study finds firms are transferring technical standards, product development processes, supply-chain organization, service models, branding and business models abroad while adapting them to local conditions. The research is led by CKGSB Professor of Economics and Associate Dean Li Wei.

Delta Consulting Group Acquires Osborne Partners, Expands to 179 Professionals

Washington and London – September 15, 2026 -- Delta Consulting Group, Inc. has acquired Osborne Partners Ltd., creating a combined advisory platform of 179 professionals across eight global offices. The transaction closed on August 14, 2026, though financial terms were not disclosed.

Combined firm operates from Washington, DC to Singapore

The merged entity maintains main offices in Washington, DC; New York; Toronto; Madrid; London; Mumbai; Dubai; and Singapore. Osborne Partners will operate during the transition period under the name Osborne Partners, A Delta Consulting Group Company.

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