KT&G unveils AFRICA MAPACHO

By Lee Hyo-sik

KT&G’s AFRICA MAPACHO

KT&G has introduced its latest product containing Africa Mapacho, a potent variety of rainforest tobacco used for hundreds of generations, including by the ancient Mayans.

Korea’s largest cigarette maker said Thursday that to develop AFRICA MAPACHO, its developers reinvented the way the Mayans smoked Mapacho 1,300 years ago with a modern point of view.

“Mapacho was widely used by the ancient Mayans when they made offerings to their gods or when they prayed for victory prior to battles,” a KT&G official said. “By including this unique and rare type of tobacco, we were able to produce cigarettes that offer a rich flavor.”

The cigarette package, covered in blue, the color symbolizing the Mayan Civilization, also has a Mayan symbol on it, the official said. “AFRICA MAPACHO is a Mayan-themed product, which contains 5 milligrams of tar and 0.4 milligrams of nicotine. We expect to attract a great deal of attention from consumers who seek a new, distinctive taste.”

AFRICA MAPACHO is priced at 4,500 won per pack.