Jump to full article: The Ticker (Baruch College), 2008-04-07
Author: Stacey Korolkova
Intro: Altria Group, Inc., the parent company of Philip Morris USA (PM USA), Philip Morris International (PMI) and Kraft Foods claims to honor a "commitment to responsibility" to its customers, to its employees and to the environment.
However, the company sends a mixed message: while declaring, "There's no such thing as a 'safe' cigarette," it thrives on markets, holding a 14.5 percent international market share in the tobacco industry. . . .
A member of the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), it cites goals such as "regulation of the contents of tobacco products" and "licensing to prevent illicit trade." PMI also encourages smoking minimum-age laws.
In addition, the firm supports financial contributions to charities to four main areas: domestic violence prevention, hunger relief, disaster relief and arts development. . . .
Although striving for positive recognition through its vast quantities of global projects, the company cannot shake its tainted Marlboro Man reputation so quickly. . . .
A 1975 report from PM researcher M.E. Johnston reads, "Marlboro's phenomenal growth rate in the past has been attributable in large part to our high market penetration among young smokers, 15 to 19 years old … The[se] years are important because [this is when] most smokers begin to smoke, initial brand selections are made, conformity to peer-group norms is greatest."
The main argument lies in the opinion that Altria focuses more on how it is perceived in the public eye than on actual improvement projects. Altria's donations account for less than one percent of total net expenditures.
Jump to full article » |