Panel discussion: Adapting to win - consumer demand, regulation and scale in nicotine pouches
The nicotine pouch category has seen huge volume growth. However regulation, consumer behaviour and market maturity vary widely by region (Europe, US, Middle East, Asia). What works in one market may not in another. This session will explore the latest evidence and relative risk around these products. How are brands capturing emerging demands and adapting product formats, marketing, regulatory compliance to each region while leveraging scale where possible?
Session Speakers
Tim Phillips is the Founder of Tamarind Intelligence, a global independent market and regulatory intelligence service providing data for businesses operating in a number of fast-moving consumer sectors facing regulatory change, including vape, cannabis and tobacco alternatives. Tamarind Intelligence provides market leading insights and regulatory tracking for clients ranging from governments and academic institutions to multinational companies and professional service providers.
Phillips is a UK-qualified attorney, having worked at the European Commission, international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, media companies BSkyB and AOL, and Betfair (now Flutter Entertainment), where he ran global public affairs as the company went through its IPO. He was also a partner in a New York venture capital-funded start-up in the diamond sector. Tim holds a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the University of Law, London and a masters degree in geology from Oxford University. He has run Tamarind Intelligence for the past 11 years.
Mohammad Agrabawi is the Managing Partner of Specter Advisory.
He is a seasoned expert in regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and government relations, with deep knowledge of the political, regulatory, and fiscal landscape of the Middle East. He began his career as a Jordanian diplomat, serving as Assistant to the Chief of Protocol and later as Consul at the Jordanian embassies in Cairo and Abu Dhabi.
Agrabawi subsequently led corporate affairs and communications at Philip Morris International Jordan and the Public Authority for Anti-Smoking, as well as at JUUL Labs MENA and ANDS, shaping policy and market strategies across the region. In each role, he demonstrated a rare ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and align corporate interests with government priorities.
With extensive experience bridging the public and private sectors, Agrabawi is recognized for his leadership and his capacity to operate effectively across the diverse commercial and political environments of the Middle East. He brings to Specter Advisory a deep network of government and industry relationships built over decades of senior-level engagement throughout the region.
Sydney Hiller, Ph.D., specializes in navigating evolving regulatory and scientific challenges in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries across dynamic, global environments. Sydney has a proven track record of success integrating scientific rigor with regulatory strategy to support innovative product development, regulatory submission and market entry, and ongoing compliance in challenging sectors including tobacco harm reduction and cannabis. Her ability to distill intricate scientific concepts into actionable plans has consistently driven success in these high-stakes, regulated environments. Sydney received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California and her B.A. from New York University. During her studies, she worked under Raphael Mechoulam, commonly known as the father of cannabis research. In addition to her active participation in numerous professional societies, Sydney is passionate about advancing women in STEM fields. She has served as a mentor for both Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) and Women in Chemistry (WiC) and is a member of Organization of Women in Nicotine and Tobacco (OWNiT).
Davide Sancassani is the Technical Sales Manager at Alchem NicSelect™, where he oversees product development, technical and regulatory support across nicotine products with special focus on nicotine pouches and NGNP. He graduated in Pharmacy (MPharm) from the University of Sunderland and spent several years in the pharmaceutical industry before joining the Alchem NicSelect™ team in August 2023.
