PMI Scan Data Program: ZYN Discounts, Retailer Benefits, SFPP Reporting & How to Participate
In our previous article we talked about how scandata has evolved since its inception in 2010 and how it plays an important role for retailers in managing promotional discounts, sales reporting, and retailer incentives.
Recent trends in tobacco industry where smoke products share is dwindling and smokeless products share increasing, ZYN nicotine pouches occupying a significant position in the U.S. nicotine pouch market. Retailers have good reason to understand PMI's scan data reporting requirements and associated promotional opportunities to take advantage of these trends.
Philip Morris International (PMI) scandata program is officially called as PMI US Smoke-Free Performance Program (SFPP) Data Program administered through Circana reflecting the growing importance of its nicotine pouches.
But what is PMI Scan Data Program? What does SFPP mean? Why is PMI scandata important? How do different types of promotional discounts work? And how can retailers participate?
This blog explains the PMI scandata program, common promotional structures, reporting requirements, retailer
considerations, and how dezi can help.
What is PMI Scan Data Program?
The PMI Scandata Program refers to retail scandata reporting associated with Philip Morris International's U.S. business. Similar to Altria’s DTP Program, RJR Scandata Program, PMI scandata program uses sales information captured by retail point-of-sale (POS) systems to support qualifying reporting activities.
Scan data typically includes information such as:
- Product UPCs or other product identifiers
- Quantity of products sold
- Transaction dates
- Retail selling prices
- Promotional discounts applied
- Other fields required by the applicable reporting specifications
There are certain key characteristics of the PMI scandata program
- Reporting requirements: PMI scandata has a very specific reporting format that dezi adheres to - we support pipe delimited without header format
- File naming conventions as specified by Circana
- Accurate data has to be sent to Circana by participating retailers by 5pm every Wednesday
Failure to meet any of the above requirements may result in the retailer receiving delayed payments or unable to
participate in the PMI scandata program.
Why Is PMI Scandata Relevant to Retailers?
PMI owns Swedish Match, which markets ZYN nicotine pouches in the United States. We have seen recent trends within the tobacco industry - more regulations by FDA, changing tobacco consumer preferences and use of technology has made retailers view the scandata program as a strategic tool. Recent changes in FDA regulations have changed the way ZYN can be marketed within the US (please note that ZYN pouches are still considered nicotine products and have to meet all the statutory and legal requirements). Zyn nicotine products are considered to be the market leaders within this segment which coincides with the customer trend of tobacco customers preferring smokeless products.
These have created for retailers selling qualifying PMI products opportunities to participate in manufacturer-supported promotional programs, subject to eligibility and program terms.However, selling ZYN does not automatically establish eligibility for the PMI SFPP Data Program or any specific promotional discount.
Retailers should confirm qualifying products, participation requirements, and current offers through their sales agents.
What Types of Discounts Are Associated With PMI Scandata?
Retailers evaluating manufacturer scandata programs are often interested in the promotional opportunities associated with participation.
The PMI promotional categories identified within PMI scandata are
- Buydown discounts
- Multipack promotions
- Loyalty discounts
dezi supports all the above discount types through its automated discount engine as well as the capability to report these kind of transactions.
PMI Promotional Discount Types Compared
How to participate in the PMI scandata program?
The PMI U.S. SFPP Data Program uses a structured reporting process involving retail transaction data. There are 4 stages in the retailer onboarding process
- Enrollment: Approach your PMI sales representative and express your interest in participating in the PMI scandata program. The sales representative will have you sign the SFPP Data Program, post which Circana will send you details around file submission and sFTP credentials. This information has to be forwarded to your third party scandata provider like dezi
- Testing: The third party scandata provider will submit test files, which Circana will perform formatting review post which the retailer can submit the actual scandata reports as per the format.
- Certification: In this phase Circana will review 2 weeks of consecutive weekly file submissions by the third party scandata provider. Circana will perform a review of each week’s data and communicate results to the retailer. The retailer in turn has to pass on the information to the third party scandata provider to fix any issues and submit the weekly report. This loop continues until Circana approves two weeks of scandata files.
- Validation: Once the certification stage is completed, the retailer is expected to submit six weeks of consistent and accurate data submissions to Circana. Once this is done, the retailer attains “validated” status post which PMI discounts can be provided to the tobacco consumers.
For any more information regarding SFPP Data Program contact Circana at 1-855-670-7737 or email at pmisfpphelpdesk@circana.com
Important Considerations for PMI Scandata Retailers
Before participating, retailers should understand several important requirements.
- Product eligibility: Not every product sold by a manufacturer automatically qualifies for every promotional offer.
- Reporting accuracy: Incomplete or incorrect transaction information can affect reporting validation.
- POS compatibility: dezi integrates with different PoS systems and retailers should contact us to check for their PoS compatibility.
- Promotional compliance: Discounts and loyalty offers must comply with applicable manufacturer terms and federal, state, and local laws.
- Age verification: Federal law prohibits selling tobacco and nicotine products to anyone younger than 21. Retailers must check photographic identification for customers under age 30 attempting to purchase tobacco products.
- Recordkeeping: Maintaining accurate transaction records can help address reporting questions and discrepancies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PMI Scandata Program
1. What is the PMI Scandata Program?
The PMI Scandata Program refers to retail sales data reporting associated with PMI's U.S. business. The program is also known as the PMI U.S Smoke-Free Performance (SFPP) Data Program.
2. What does SFPP stand for in the PMI SFPP Data Program?
SFPP is the acronym used in PMI U.S.'s official data program - Smoke-Free Performance Program.
3. Is the PMI SFPP Data Program new?
No. The PMI SFPP Data Program already exists..
4. Is PMI Scandata related to ZYN?
PMI owns Swedish Match, which markets ZYN nicotine pouches in the United States. Product eligibility for particular PMI promotions must be confirmed under the applicable program rules.
5. What types of discounts are associated with PMI Scandata?
The promotional categories identified in dezi's program information include buydowns, multipack offers, and loyalty discounts.
6. How much can retailers receive in PMI discounts?
Discount amounts and reimbursement terms depend on the applicable PMI promotional agreements. Retailers should confirm current rates and qualifying conditions through authorized program channels.
7. Does the PMI SFPP Data Program require weekly reporting?
Yes.
8. What is the PMI scandata validation process?
Validation is the stage in which submitted reporting files are reviewed before the participant is authorized to begin regular production reporting.
9. Do I need a compatible POS system?
Dezi integrates with multiple PoS systems that enable automatic discounting and reporting of scandata. If your PoS is not compatible, please contact us so that we can try to integrate with your PoS company
10. Can I use dezi for PMI Scandata reporting?
Yes
11. Can I switch from another reporting provider to dezi?
A transition may be possible, subject to PMI program requirements, existing agreements, and technical compatibility.
12. Can my store participate in multiple manufacturer scandata programs?
Potentially. Retailers may participate in multiple manufacturer programs where permitted, but each program has separate requirements and eligibility conditions.
13. Does participating in PMI Scandata guarantee promotional reimbursement?
No. Any promotional reimbursement or incentive depends on the applicable program terms, qualifying transactions, and compliance with reporting requirements.
14. How do I enroll in the PMI SFPP Data Program?
Retailers have to contact their PMI sales representative to initiate the PMI scandata program. Dezi will work with the retailers through the enrollment process as described above.
15. How can I get assistance with PMI scandata reporting?
Retailers can contact dezi to discuss its PMI reporting support, available POS integrations, and potential next steps.
16. My question is not listed here?
We are here to help with any of your scandata related questions - please contact us and one of our support team would get back to you shortly
Final Thoughts: Understanding PMI Scandata and SFPP Reporting
The PMI SFPP Data Program provides an established framework for reporting qualifying retail sales information.
For convenience store owners, gas station operators, and tobacco retailers, understanding the program's reporting process, promotional categories, and eligibility requirements can help support informed participation.
Accurate POS data, successful validation, and consistent weekly reporting are important elements of the program's documented reporting process.
Whether you're exploring the PMI program for the first time or already participate through another provider, dezi can help you understand its available reporting services.
Need Help With PMI Scan Data Reporting?
Connect with dezi to learn about POS compatibility, reporting support, and service availability.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes for tobacco and nicotine product retailers. PMI and ZYN are trademarks of their respective owners. dezi is an independent scan data reporting provider preparing to support PMI's existing program. Program eligibility, promotional offers, reimbursement terms, and service availability are subject to applicable agreements and confirmation. Retailers must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
