At InterTabac 2025, GINN’s Phil Hudson sat down with Shivam Bihani, co-founder of MYNT Nicotine Pouches, to discuss the company’s origins, market growth, and vision for the future of oral nicotine. The conversation revealed how MYNT, founded in 2020 in Gujarat, India, has quickly become a global player in tobacco harm reduction.
From India to the World
Shivam explained that MYNT was born from a belief in the potential of nicotine pouches to offer consumers a better and safer alternative to traditional smoking and chewing tobacco. “We saw an opportunity not only to build a successful business,” he said, “but also to create a product that supports a smoke-free environment and gives consumers choice in how they use nicotine.”
Today, MYNT sells across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Thailand, with the United States emerging as a major market. The company also provides white-label manufacturing for leading global brands, underscoring its technical expertise and production capacity.
Why Join GINN?
Asked why MYNT became a GINN member, Shivam emphasized the importance of regulatory guidance and education. “Many markets still lack clear regulation. GINN is helping both policymakers and manufacturers understand how to set standards that protect consumers while enabling innovation. That platform for dialogue is invaluable,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for rapid updates on legislation and robust data sharing. “Policymakers are making changes quickly. If GINN can provide timely information and resources to manufacturers, it will strengthen the industry’s ability to respond responsibly.”
Innovation and Product Development
Beyond pouches, MYNT is exploring nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), including lozenges and dissolvable strips. Shivam sees this as part of a wider mission: to give adult consumers multiple safer pathways away from smoking. Importantly, he stressed that products like candy-based nicotine delivery are off the table. “That risks appealing to children. Our focus is strictly adult harm reduction.”
MYNT is also developing flavourless pouches, designed to meet consumer demand while addressing regulatory concerns about flavor bans. These products deliver a mild sweetness without added flavors, offering an alternative for smokers who want the nicotine experience without the risk of youth-oriented appeal.
Meeting Consumer Expectations
Consumer preferences vary widely, Shivam noted. Some want the instant “sting” of higher-strength pouches, while others prefer a slower release. MYNT is investing in technology that tailors the release curve of nicotine, giving users more choice in how they transition from cigarettes.
“The future is about engineering products that fit different consumer needs,” he said. “Whether it’s faster onset or longer release, manufacturers must cater to those differences. That’s how you make harm reduction work in practice.”
Looking Ahead
MYNT’s ambitions are global. Distribution is expanding into Africa, with growing inquiries from Latin America. Shivam was clear about the dual mission: grow sales while expanding safer options for consumers. “We want to give people variety, not just one or two products. The more choices we offer, the easier it becomes for smokers to switch.”
GINN’s Perspective
MYNT’s journey reflects the broader momentum in the oral nicotine sector: innovation, international expansion, and a commitment to responsible harm reduction. By combining technical expertise with an openness to regulation and collaboration, companies like MYNT are helping to shape the future of nicotine consumption—one where smokers have meaningful alternatives and policymakers have credible partners in public health.
