INTERNATIONAL. Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has reported a -2.5% fall in sales volumes for 2009 compared to 2008, with the figure hitting 434.9 billion cigarettes. Global Flagship Brands declined by -0.9% in volume to 243.4 billion sticks.
The company said that the “underlying business momentum remained strong in the context of total market contractions, down-trading and excise tax increases in a number of markets.” JTI said it increased its market share in all key markets except Taiwan – including Italy, Spain, France, UK, Russia and Turkey.
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Among the key Global Flagship Brands, Winston volumes dipped by -4.1%, with strong growth in Italy, France and Turkey offset by declines in Iran, the Philippines, Russia and Ukraine.
Camel sales volumes fell by -1.8% year-on-year. Growth in Italy and Ukraine was offset by declines in Russia, the Philippines and Spain.
Mild Seven posted growth in Korea but a decline in Taiwan, for an overall dip of -3% in the year. LD sales volumes climbed by +18.2%, reflecting its mid/value positioning, with solid performances in Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Turkey. Glamour volumes rose by +7.9%, with a strong performance in Russia.
Net sales excluding tax hit US$9.682 billion, down by -7.3% on 2008. Net sales per thousand cigarettes fell by -6.5% to US$22.50. At constant rates of exchange, net sales excluding tax rose by +7.2% and net sales per thousand cigarettes rose by +8.1%, driven by stronger pricing and volume gains in Europe.
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