Altria Group Inc. is a leading tobacco company based in the United States. The company was originally founded in 1919 as Philip Morris & Co. and later underwent several name changes before becoming Altria Group Inc. in 2003. Altria is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "MO."
Altria operates through its subsidiaries and focuses primarily on the manufacturing and sale of tobacco products. The company's product, Marlboro, one of the most popular cigarette brands in the world. Marlboro has been a significant contributor to Altria's success and has established itself as an iconic brand known for its distinct flavor and branding.
In addition to cigarettes, Altria also produces and sells smokeless tobacco products such as Copenhagen and Skoal, as well as machine-made large cigars under brands like Black & Mild. The company has a diverse portfolio of tobacco products that cater to different consumer preferences and market segments.
Altria has made some strategic investments in the cannabis industry. In 2018, the company made a significant investment in Cronos Group, a Canadian cannabis company. This move allowed Altria to enter the rapidly growing cannabis market and diversify its product offerings beyond traditional tobacco products.
Altria's presence in the tobacco industry has been marked by its efforts to develop and promote harm reduction products. The company has been actively involved in the research and development of reduced-risk tobacco alternatives, such as electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn devices. These products aim to provide consumers with potentially less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes.