Tokyo, October 29, 2009 -- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) today announced its international tobacco business results for the nine-month period from January 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the sales volume of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), JT’s international tobacco business operations, decreased by 3.7 percent to 325.6 billion cigarettes compared to the same period last year. In a number of markets where JTI operates, total cigarette markets are contracting, down-trading is accelerating and governments are increasing excise taxes. In spite of these tougher market conditions, JTI grew share of market in most of its key markets including Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey.
Sales volume of Global Flagship Brands (GFB3) decreased 1.7 percent to 182.4 billion cigarettes in relation to the same period last year.
Total sales volume for Winston decreased by 5.3 percent. Continued growth in Italy, France and Turkey was offset by declines in the Philippines where the business model has changed, in Iran where an unstable operating environment continued, in Ukraine with excise-led market contraction, and in Russia due to down-trading coupled with market contraction.
Camel sales volume decreased by 3.2 percent with good performances in Italy and Ukraine being offset by decreases in Russia, the Philippines and Spain. Mild Seven’s sales volume went down 2.4 percent as growth in Korea was offset by a decline in Taiwan after a price increase following the tax raise.
Total sales volume for LD grew by 18.7 percent, reflecting down-trading, with solid performances in Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Turkey. Glamour’s sales volume went up 10.9 percent with a strong performance in Russia.