Collection: Snus

Camel snus is the market leader among snus products in the US.1 Snus is a form of chewing tobacco that is placed between the lip and the gum. The tobacco is pasteurized and not fermented. It contains less moisture than moist snuff and does not require the use to spit it out.2

The Camel snus ads shifted the focus from traditional smokeless tobacco ads (i.e. blue collar workers) to urban sophisticates.3 Examples of the advertisements include ads with messages such as “hunting-friendly; fishing-friendly” and “haven’t seen a deer in hours-friendly.” The ads also subliminally suggested that individuals could use snus where smoking is restricted (e.g., freedom from smokers, enjoy taxicabs, subways, and bar-hopping, NYC smokers enjoy freedom without the flame.)

In 2009, Camel introduced a new series of snus ads with the slogan “Break Free.” Examples of such ads are“before, during, and after boldly go everywhere; one size should never fit all.” The break free ads were ambiguous in their message. A content analysis of the Camel Snus break free campaign suggested that some of the messages could be taken to refer to a change in use of smokeless tobacco while other messages could be a call for an adolescent to act independently from parents or from the mainstream youth or adult population.” For instance, some adolescents may readily relate to the rebellious tone of advertisements, such as “Keep making noise” or “Be hear not hearded.”3

1. CSP daily. (2016). Where the gains are. Available at http://www.cspdailynews.com/category-data/cmh/tobacco/tobacco-smokeless-2016
2. Winston-Salem Journal. (2013). R.J. Reynolds unveils larger pouch for Camel Snus. Available at http://www.journalnow.com/business/business_news/local/r-j-reynolds-unveils-larger-pouch-for-camel-snus/article_6b32ac68-1431-11e3-b6c1-0019bb30f31a.html
3. Timberlake, David S., et al. "A content analysis of Camel Snus advertisements in print media." Nicotine & Tobacco Research (2011): ntr020.