The Big Two typically negotiate for 55% shelf placement. While the actual percentage varies per contract, Philip Morris requires participants in its Retail Leaders incentive program to give its products top-rack positioning. Similarly, RJR asks for No. 1 or No. 2 shelf position for its Retail Partners and, for certain levels of participation, no less than than 12 linear feet of display space for its core Winston, Camel and Doral brands. Window decals, signs over permanent displays and a dedicated area for flagging promotions are extras in both programs, earning retailers more bonus cash and benefits like coupon mailings to drive traffic to specific stores.One Tennessee operator of tobacco outlets and c-stores, who dropped the Philip Morris contract two years ago because of "unreasonable" demands for compliance and signage, was gently coaxed back into the program by a recalcitrant PM. This year, he''s allocating 35% to PM, 40% to RJR and 10% to B&W. But adding Philip Morris, he said, will force him to shrink his offerings of Lorillard and drop his contract with discounter Commonwealth.

"We''re being very careful about not rushing the scientific development," said evp and chief counsel Paul Perito. "We''re looking at the issue of proving that reduced exposure to toxin equals reduced risk. In the meantime, we''re very conservative and are recommending that other companies refrain from making health claims."Brown & Williamson contracted to buy 1.5 million pounds of the Star-cured tobacco, about half the expected harvest from this year''s growing season, ending in October. The No. 3 producer of Kool, Capri, Misty and GPC will have low-nitrosamine cigarettes on the market within a year. Other firms are buying smaller amounts, while R.J. Reynolds is field-testing its own process for reducing tobacco toxins. Separately, Star this month will debut activated charcoal filters on all its brands.The focus on nitrosamines comes amid legislation pending in Canada proposing to add more information on labeling about tobacco''s toxic constituents and specific warnings about nitrosamines being the most active cancer-causing agent in cigarettes. Also, a World Health Organization gathering in May recommended that cigarette brands unable to conform to a standard ceiling of nitrosamine content should be excluded from markets.

Last month, B&W launched Kool Natural, containing 100 percent natural menthol and other natural flavors. "We believe that Kool Natural meets the taste preferences of consumers who are seeking natural flavors in their cigarettes," said Bob Bexon, senior vice president of marketing for the company, which accounts for about 16 percent of the U.S. cigarette market with its GPC, Misty, Capri, Carlton, Lucky Strike and Viceroy brands. Kool Natural will be available in Kings, l00s, Light Kings and Light 100s. B&W controls about 26 percent of the U.S. menthol market, according to company reports. Kool Natural will be supported with magazine, newspaper and billboard advertising, as well as in-store promotions. &W is also planning to re-position its Canton brand, which has 1.2 percent of the market, and up the profile of GPC, the best-selling discount brand with 6 percent of share.Lightening upEven the "microsmokes" are going light, as Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. extended its Natural American Spirit line this January with a light cigarette, which has already captured 80 percent of the company''s sales, and in August with a menthol light. An ultra-light is slated for launch next January, according to Ron Tully, vice president for public affairs, who explained, "There is a large segment of consumers who prefer lights, and we will have both."

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