Altria Boosts South Richmond Cigarette Production
The company reported a 5% increase in production output at its Richmond facility during 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Altria Group increased its cigarette production at the South Richmond plant by 5% throughout 2026. The company also saw significant output in its nicotine pouch and contract manufacturing divisions during the third quarter.
Why it matters
The production adjustments reflect Altria's efforts to balance its core cigarette business with growing demand for alternative nicotine products. This strategic shift highlights the company's dual approach to maintaining market share in traditional tobacco while expanding its oral nicotine footprint.
Altria produced 13.32 billion Marlboro sticks and 47.8 million cans of on! and on!Plus pouches in the third quarter of 2026. These figures accompany a 5% increase in total plant production at the South Richmond site compared to prior periods.
The players
Altria Group
Altria Group is a major American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes, and related products.
The details
The facility supported output by ramping up sales for the Basic discount brand and increasing manufacturing volume for foreign tobacco firms. Foreign contract cigarette production reached nearly 1.6 billion sticks during the third quarter.
Timeline
Altria increased cigarette production at its South Richmond plant throughout 2026.
Third-quarter 2026 production totals for cigarettes and pouches were reported.
Market Landscape
This production shift follows the pattern of diversification seen in the 2019 Altria acquisition of a minority stake in NJOY. It reflects a wider industry pivot toward balancing traditional cigarette volume with the growing demand for modern nicotine delivery systems.
These production figures indicate steady availability of Marlboro and Basic cigarettes for local shoppers. Consumers of on! nicotine pouches may see consistent supply levels in retail stores as the company scales its non-combustible manufacturing output.
The takeaway
Altria continues to leverage its South Richmond facility to maintain dominant volume in traditional cigarette categories. Investors and observers should monitor whether the growth in nicotine pouch output eventually outpaces the production of combustible products.
Further reading
For more on local manufacturing trends, visit Consumer Goods.
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