collage of historical imagery from altria's operating companies

Our Heritage

Altria's companies have a strong American heritage stretching back more than 200 years.

When George Weyman opened his tobacconist shop in Pittsburgh in 1822, he had no idea he was taking the first steps toward creating U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, the world's largest smokeless tobacco company. And when John Middleton established his Philadelphia tobacco shop in 1856, he was paving the way to become one of America's largest cigar manufacturers.

In 1929, when Philip Morris & Co.'s leaders selected Richmond, Va. as their new manufacturing hub, they didn't realize their focus on quality would help the company soon sell more than half of all cigarettes sold in the United States. Our focus on quality and consumers has helped make us the leader in the tobacco industry for more than 40 years. We're proud that we've provided thousands of jobs right here in America for almost a century.

  • Altria

  • Philip Morris USA
  • U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.
  • John Middleton

Altria

2025
NJOY Company Logo
2023
On June 1, 2023, Altria completed its acquisition of NJOY Holdings, Inc. NJOY’s product portfolio includes NJOY ACE®* and NJOY DAILY®, the first e-vapor products to receive market authorizations from the FDA for both tobacco and menthol variants. Currently, NJOY is the only FDA authorized menthol e-vapor product.
2023
On March 16, FDA authorizes U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company to market Copenhagen Classic Snuff, a moist smokeless tobacco product, as a modified risk tobacco product.
2023
On March 6, Altria announces a definitive agreement to acquire NJOY Holdings, Inc. Read Release
2023
On March 3, Altria announces the exchange of its entire minority economic investment in JUUL Labs for a non-exclusive, irrevocable global license to certain of JUUL’s heated tobacco intellectual property. Read Release
2022
On October 27, Altria announces a majority-owned joint venture with JT Group, called Horizon Innovations LLC, for the U.S. marketing and commercialization of heated tobacco stick products, and a non-binding memorandum of understanding, to collaborate on product development and the global commercialization of smoke-free products, setting forth a strong commitment by both parties toward a greater partnership to accelerate global harm reduction.
2022
On October 19, Altria reached an agreement with Philip Morris International to transition the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights of the IQOS system effective April 30, 2024. Read Release
Windfarm image
2022
On April 5, Altria announces progress towards climate goals with a signed virtual power purchase agreement for energy produced by a wind farm in Texas, to address the emissions from 100 percent of Altria’s annual purchased electricity demand across all U.S. facilities. Read Release
2021
On October 1, Altria completed the sale of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates business.
2021
In December 2020 and April 2021, Altria subsidiaries closed transactions to acquire the remaining 20% of the global on! business for a total of approximately $250 million.
detail of hands inspecting stock performance chart on laptop
2019
Altria's Board votes to increase Altria's regular quarterly dividend for the 54th time in 50 years. Altria celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation.
helix innovations logo
2019
With an agreement to acquire 80% ownership of certain Burger Söhne Holding AG (the "Burger Group") companies, Altria Group enters the growing oral nicotine products category. Altria Group establishes Helix Innovations LLC, a parent company of Burger Group subsidiaries, to commercialize and distribute on!, an oral tobacco-derived nicotine pouch product.
cronos logo
2019
Altria Group makes a significant investment in The Cronos Group, a global cannabinoid company.
2018
Altria Group makes an investment in JUUL Labs, Inc. e-vapor company.
2017
Altria Group acquires Sherman Group Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (Nat Sherman).
2016
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev) merges with SAB Miller plc, becoming the world's largest drink and brewing holdings company. Altria retains a 9.6% economic and voting interest in the new group, and nominates two members to AB InBev's Board of Directors.
2010
Atria launches its first online Corporate Responsibility Progress Report.
detail of old united state tobacco annual report
2009
Altria Group acquires UST Inc., a holding company whose primary businesses manufacture and market moist smokeless tobacco products through U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and premium wines through Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
2009
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act is signed into law, giving FDA the authority to regulate the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of tobacco products.
sunrise on altria headquarters building
2008
Altria relocates its headquarters to Richmond, Va., and completes the spin-off of Philip Morris International.
john middleton facility in king of prussia, pennsylvania
2007
Altria spins off Kraft Foods, distributing all shares owned by Altria to Altria's shareholders. Altria acquires John Middleton.
altria headquarters lobby at 120 park ave
2003
Philip Morris Cos. is renamed The Altria Group Inc., and remains the parent company of Kraft Foods Inc., Philip Morris International, Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris Capital Corporation.
SABMiller logo
2002
Miller Brewing Company merges with South African Breweries to form SABMiller plc., the world's second-largest beer company, with Philip Morris Cos. retaining a continuing interest in the enlarged group.
2000
The Philip Morris Companies Community Employee Fund (later Altria Companies Employee Community Fund and Altria Contributing Together - act) is established, enabling greater employee activity and philanthropy in our operating communities.
1989
Kraft and General Foods combine to form Kraft General Foods.
kraft logo
1988
Philip Morris Cos. acquires Kraft Foods Inc.
general foods logo
1985
Philip Morris Cos. is incorporated, and becomes the publicly-held holding company and parent of Philip Morris Inc. Philip Morris Cos. acquires General Foods Corp.
PMCC logo in front of industrial machinery
1982
Philip Morris Credit Corporation (now Philip Morris Capital Corporation) is incorporated.
1920
Philip Morris & Co. produces its first Annual Report.
1920
Philip Morris USA
2025
2024
On April 30, 2024, the exclusive licensing agreement with Philip Morris International for the commercialization of IQOS and three Marlboro Heatsticks variants in the U.S. ended.
2019
Under an exclusive licensing agreement with Philip Morris International, Philip Morris USA commercializes IQOS, the first heat-not-burn tobacco product to receive pre-market authorization (PMTA) by FDA.
2018
Philip Morris USA introduces the Reseal Pack on Marlboro Ice, Marlboro’s most recent packaging innovation and the first of its kind in the United States.
original model for philip morris usa's manufacturing center
2013
Philip Morris USA's Manufacturing Center celebrates its 40th anniversary.
philip morris usa's manufacturing center - exterior
2009
Philip Morris consolidates its manufacturing in its state-of-the-art Richmond Manufacturing Center.
altria/philip morris usa headquarters building
2004
Marlboro celebrates its 50th anniversary as Philip Morris USA moves headquarters to Richmond, Va.
happy woman walking down sidewalk with quit assist logo
2004
Philip Morris USA launches www.QuitAssist.com, a free information resource designed to help connect adult tobacco users who have decided to quit to expert quitting information from public health authorities and others.
2002
Philip Morris & Co., Ltd. celebrates its 100-year anniversary.
1998
Philip Morris USA signs the Master Settlement Agreement with 46 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
1972
Marlboro becomes the world’s best-selling cigarette brand.
miller brewing company logo
1970
Philip Morris Inc. acquires Miller Brewing Company.
1954
Philip Morris & Co., Ltd. re-positions Marlboro cigarettes as a cigarette brand for men. The cigarettes included new cork-tip filters housed in a flip-top box with a red roof design.
1950
Philip Morris & Co. Ltd. moves to 100 Park Avenue in New York. The company will eventually occupy both 100 and 120 Park Avenue as its corporate headquarters.
1938
Philip Morris & Co. Ltd. preferred stock is offered to the public.
vintage photograph of young african american female worker at machine

1933

Philip Morris & Co. Ltd. integrates the labor force of its manufacturing center in Richmond, Va., three decades before Civil Rights becomes law.
detail of vintage philip morris & cos. ltd. "brown box" packaging

1919

A new firm, owned by American stockholders, acquires the U.S. Philip Morris company and incorporates in Virginia under the name Philip Morris & Co. Ltd., Inc.

detail of vintage philip morris tobacco tin

1902

Philip Morris & Co. Ltd. is incorporated in New York.

1900

By royal warrant, Philip Morris & Co. is appointed tobacconist for King Edward VII.

1854

Philip Morris makes his first cigarette.

vintage photo of philip morris shop on london's bond street

1847

Philip Morris, Esq., tobacconist and importer of fine cigars, opens a shop on Bond Street in London.

1847
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.
2025
2023
On March 16, FDA authorizes U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company to market Copenhagen Classic Snuff, a moist smokeless tobacco product, as a modified risk tobacco product.
Original Snuff Shop
2019
The Original Snuff Shop opens in Nashville, Tn., combining a retail area carrying Copenhagen products with an engagement space celebrating U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company's brands.
2018
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company submits application to market Copenhagen Snuff Fine Cut as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP). Application pending FDA approval.
animated gif of us smokeless manufacturing composite
2009
Altria acquires UST, Inc.
gavel and book on wooden table
1999
United States Tobacco Company becomes the only smokeless tobacco manufacturer to sign the Smokeless Master Settlement Agreement with 45 state attorneys general.
1997
United States Tobacco Company celebrates the 175th anniversary of Copenhagen by introducing Copenhagen Long Cut.
chateau ste. michelle winery at dusk
1974
UST, Inc. enters the wine business by acquiring Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington's largest winery.
detail of US tobacco company's 1961 annual report celebrating golden anniversary, set against hanging tobacco leaves
1961
United States Tobacco Company celebrates its 50th anniversary.
1947
The number of United States Tobacco Company stockholders grows to 8,632, representing a dramatic 72 percent increase in five years' time.
vintage photo of women working at machines in united states tobacco facility
1936
United States Tobacco Company constructs new packing and finishing department in Nashville, Tn.
1934
United States Tobacco Company introduces Skoal, a wintergreen-flavored smokeless tobacco.
vintage photo of men working at machines at US tobacco company facility
1931
Despite the Great Depression, United States Tobacco Company is one of just a handful of companies to retain all its employees and never miss a dividend payment.
1911
Weyman-Bruton becomes the United States Tobacco Company.
1890
Production of Copenhagen Snuff outpaces that of all Weyman & Bros.' other brands for the first time.
1822
George Weyman, inventor of Copenhagen Snuff, opens his tobacco shop in Pittsburgh. This is the foundation of the future United States Tobacco Company.
1822
John Middleton
2025
john middleton bay at richmond manufacturing center
2018
John Middleton begins manufacturing large machine-made cigars at Philip Morris USA's state-of-the-art Manufacturing Center in Richmond, Va.
2011
John Middleton introduces its first two untipped cigarillo products nationwide: Black & Mild Sweets and Original.
history wall at middleton king of prussia facility, detail: "the legacy continues"
2007
Altria acquires John Middleton from privately held Bradford Holdings.
1987
John Middleton purchases various pipe-tobacco brands, including Prince Albert, Carter Hall, Apple and Royal Comfort.
1980
John Middleton launches Black & Mild Pipe-Tobacco Cigarillos.
detail of hands laying out large machine-made cigars
1968
John Middleton launches its first cigar made of pipe-tobacco.
king of prussia facility animated gif
1960
John Middleton opens its King of Prussia facility, ending manufacturing operations in Philadelphia.
1958
John Middleton ends its retail business to focus on manufacturing and selling its own tobacco products.
detail of vintage john middleton "blend your own pipe tobacco" advertisement
1950
John Middleton begins manufacturing its pipe-tobacco products.
1856
John Middleton establishes a tobacco shop in downtown Philadelphia.
1856
* Due to orders issued by the International Trade Commission, effective March 31, 2025, NJOY is prohibited from importing, marketing, selling and distributing NJOY ACE devices and pods in the United States.