Tokyo, May 1, 2008 -- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) today announced its international tobacco business results for the three-month period between January 1 and March 31, 2008.
In the quarter that ended March 31, 2008, JT International (JTI), JT’s international tobacco business subsidiary, significantly increased its growth momentum. Combined with the Gallaher business, which was acquired on April 18, 2007, JTI's total sales volume increased 79.9 percent to 103.9 billion cigarettes compared to the same period last year.
Global Flagship Brand (GFB) sales volume increased 56.6 percent to 55.6 billion cigarettes compared to the same period last year. This increase was driven by Winston with strong performances in Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, Spain, Turkey and Italy; Camel with major gains in Italy, Spain and Russia; Mild Seven with solid results in Korea, Taiwan and Russia. GFB performance also reflects the additional contribution of B&H and Silk Cut in the U.K. and Ireland; LD, Sobranie and Glamour in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
Net sales including tax increased 176.8 percent to US$6.317 billion, and net sales excluding tax amounted to US$2.452 billion, an increase of 94.9 percent from the previous year. Net sales per thousand cigarettes, excluding tax, rose 8.4 percent to US$23.6.