JT and JTI - overview q2 2010..

July 31, 2010 - Japan Tobacco Inc’s (JT) volume cigarette sales during the three months to the end of June, at 35.9 billion, were 7.9 per cent lower than those of the three months to the end of June last year.

Its market share, at 64.5 per cent, was down from 64.9 per cent, though the market share of its key brands ‒ Mild Seven, Pianissimo and Seven Stars ‒ was said to have held steady at 45.1 per cent.

The company blamed the volume decline on the continuing reduction in overall consumption and the announcement of forthcoming price increases largely made up of an unprecedented excise hike due in October.

Meanwhile, Japan Tobacco International’s (JT's international tobacco business) volume cigarette sales during the three months to the end of March, at 94.1 billion, were down by 6.8 per cent on those of the three months to the end of March last year, while sales of its Global Flagship Brands (GFB) were down by 4.4 per cent to 54.6 billion.

However, JT said that because of JTI’s well-balanced brand portfolio its market shares were continuing to grow in most key markets, including Russia, Italy, France and Turkey.

JT blamed its international business’ volume declines on the contraction of industry volumes in many markets and mentioned specifically the continuing unstable operating environment in Iran.

For more see reference below.

Reference: 2010 q2 - Volume declines at JT and JTI, Tobacco Reporter, 7/29/2010.