Tobacco in Greece
Euromonitor International's Tobacco in Greece market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts illustrate how the market is set to change.
Buy online to access strategic market analysis and an interactive statistical database of duty paid retail volume and value sales, illicit trade volume, company and brand shares, pricing, distribution and production data.
Tables: 86 | Publication date: Jul 2009
Why buy this report
- Get insight into trends in market performance
- Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
- Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment
Executive summary
Smoking prevalence increases
Contrary to the European trend of declining smoking rates, the smoking population in Greece is on the rise. Greek women are the heaviest smokers in the world, while Greek men hold the fourth place. In addition, Greece has one of the highest per capita consumption rates of tobacco products among EU Member States. Despite this, volume sales of cigarettes in Greece declined in 2008, as shrinking disposable incomes pushed more Greek smokers towards cheaper RYO products.
“Light” cigarettes, slims/superslims and RYO products on the rise
Health concerns, lifestyle patterns and harsh economic conditions are having an important impact upon the behaviour of Greek tobacco consumers. Increasing health concerns are paving the way for the increasing penetration of “light” (low tar/ultra low) cigarettes, which are perceived as less harmful by many consumers. New lifestyle patterns, according to which style plays a prominent role, is boosting demand for slims/superslims, which are increasingly appealing to female consumers. Last but not least, the international economic crisis has deteriorated the already grim economic situation of the majority of Greeks, further shrinking their disposable incomes. This is increasing the penetration rates of RYO products, which are considerably cheaper than manufactured cigarettes.
Greek manufacturers come under pressure from multinational competitors
The increasingly competitive international tobacco environment, characterised by continuous mergers and acquisitions, led to a loss of volume shares for Greek manufacturers during the review period. Greek manufacturers’ attempts to fight back by introducing cheap cigarettes soon failed, as governmental tax increases particularly influenced cheap brands. Contrary to their multinational competitors, Greek companies did not have the economic capacity to absorb such increases. In 2008, the top two cigarettes manufacturers were both multinationals.
Kiosks remains the leading distribution channel
It is estimated that more than 70% of total volume sales of cigarettes and RYO tobacco in Greece take place in kiosks. Larger kiosks, situated in central points, also sell cigars and cigarillos, as well as pipe tobacco. Being located in every neighbourhood and often staying open on a 24-hour basis, kiosks have become a byword for tobacco retailing in the mind of Greek consumers. The proliferation of large department stores, which sell cigarettes in special areas within their premises, has not managed to alter the distribution profile. Greek consumers continue to choose their neighbourhood kiosks – with the owners often having friendly relations with many of their customers – for purchasing tobacco products.
General smoking ban expected to result in only a marginal decline in smoking rates
The general smoking ban in all public spaces, originally scheduled for 1 January 2010, has been moved back six months and will now take effect on 1 July 2009. Although this kind of ban has proven effective in other European countries, resulting in considerable decreases in smoking rates, it is questionable whether it will have the same effect in Greece. Unpopular laws are frequently ignored in Greece and some “exceptions” to the law have already appeared even before its implementation. In addition, good weather conditions, which allow for outdoor entertainment (open bars, clubs, restaurants, etc) during long periods of the year, will undermine the effectiveness of the ban. Consequently, the ban is expected to result in only a marginal decline in smoking rates and, subsequently, tobacco consumption.
Table of contents
TOBACCO IN GREECE : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Smoking prevalence increases
“Light” cigarettes, slims/superslims and RYO products on the rise
Greek manufacturers come under pressure from multinational competitors
Kiosks remains the leading distribution channel
General smoking ban expected to result in only a marginal decline in smoking rates
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Smoking Prevalence
Table 1 Smoking Prevalence in Population 2003-2008
Table 2 Number of Smokers by Gender 2003-2008
Death by Cause
Table 3 Death by Cause 2004-2008
The Role and Effect of Cannabis/Marijuana
LEGISLATION
Legislative overview/FCTC ratification
Legislation: EU directives
Minimum legal smoking age
Tar levels
Health warnings
Duty paid packet marks
Advertising & Sponsorship
Smoking in Public Places
Litigation
Taxation and Duty Levies
Table 4 Taxation and Duty Levies: Cigarettes 2003-2008
Table 5 Average Cigarette Pack Price Breakdown: Brand Examples
PRODUCTION/IMPORTS/EXPORTS
Table 6 Trade Statistics – Cigarettes 2004-2008
MARKET INDICATORS
Table 7 Illicit Trade Estimate 2003-2008
MARKET DATA
Table 8 Sales of Tobacco by Sector: Volume 2003-2008
Table 9 Sales of Tobacco by Sector: Value 2003-2008
Table 10 Sales of Tobacco by Sector: % Volume Growth 2003-2008
Table 11 Sales of Tobacco by Sector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 12 Forecast Sales of Tobacco by Sector: Volume 2008-2013
Table 13 Forecast Sales of Tobacco by Sector: Value 2008-2013
Table 14 Forecast Sales of Tobacco by Sector: % Volume Growth 2008-2013
Table 15 Forecast Sales of Tobacco by Sector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
DEFINITIONS
Summary 1 Research Sources
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - GREECE
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HELLAS SA - TOBACCO - GREECE
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 2 British American Tobacco Hellas SA: Key Facts
Summary 3 British American Tobacco Hellas SA: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
PRODUCTION
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 4 British American Tobacco Hellas SA: Competitive Position 2008
KARELIA TOBACCO CO INC - TOBACCO - GREECE
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 5 Karelia Tobacco Co Inc: Key Facts
Summary 6 Karelia Tobacco Co Inc: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
PRODUCTION BY FACTORY
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 7 Karelia Tobacco Co Inc: Competitive Position 2008
PAPASTRATOS CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING CO SA - TOBACCO - GREECE
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 8 Papastratos Cigarette Manufacturing Co SA: Key Facts
Summary 9 Papastratos Cigarette Manufacturing Co SA: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
PRODUCTION BY FACTORY
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 10 Papastratos Cigarette Manufacturing Co SA: Competitive Position 2008
SEKAP SA - TOBACCO - GREECE
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 11 SEKAP SA: Key Facts
Summary 12 SEKAP SA: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
PRODUCTION BY FACTORY
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 13 SEKAP SA: Competitive Position 2008
CIGARETTES IN GREECE
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DISTRIBUTION
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
New Product Developments
Summary 14 New Product Launches
PROSPECTS
SECTOR BACKGROUND
Illicit trade (Cigarettes)
Cigarettes: Price Bands
Summary 15 Cigarette Price Band Definitions
Cigarettes: Menthol/standard
Cigarettes: Filter/non-filter
Cigarettes: Carbon/standard filter
Cigarettes: Filter length
Cigarettes: Slims/superslims vs regular
Cigarettes: Pack size
Cigarettes: Pack type
SECTOR DATA
Table 16 Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: Volume 2003-2008
Table 17 Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: Value 2003-2008
Table 18 Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: % Volume Growth 2003-2008
Table 19 Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 20 Sales of Cigarettes by Price Band: % Volume Breakdown 2003-2008
Table 21 Sales of Cigarettes by Standard/Menthol: % Volume Breakdown 2003-2008
Table 22 Sales of Cigarettes by Tobacco Type: % Volume Breakdown 2003-2008
Table 23 Sales of Cigarettes by Filter Vs Non-filter 2003-2008
Table 24 Sales of Filter Cigarettes by Carbon Vs Non-carbon 2003-2008
Table 25 Sales of Cigarettes by Length 2003-2008
Table 26 Sales of Cigarettes by Regular/Slim 2006-2008
Table 27 Sales of Cigarettes by Pack Size 2003-2008
Table 28 Sales of Cigarettes by Pack Type 2003-2008
Table 29 Cigarettes: Production, Imports and Exports: Total Volume 2003-2008
Table 30 Cigarettes Company Shares 2004-2008
Table 31 Cigarettes Brand Shares 2005-2008
Table 32 Sales of Cigarettes by Distribution Format: % Analysis 2003-2008
Table 33 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: Volume 2008-2013
Table 34 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: Value 2008-2013
Table 35 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: % Volume Growth 2008-2013
Table 36 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Tar Level: % Value Growth 2008-2013
Table 37 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Price Band: % Volume Breakdown 2008-2013
Table 38 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Standard/Menthol: % Volume Breakdown 2008-2013
Table 39 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Tobacco Type: % Volume Breakdown 2008-2013
Table 40 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Filter Vs Non-filter 2008-2013
Table 41 Forecast Sales of Filter Cigarettes by Carbon Vs Non-carbon 2008-2013
Table 42 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Length 2008-2013
Table 43 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Regular/Slim 2008-2013
Table 44 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Pack Size 2008-2013
Table 45 Forecast Sales of Cigarettes by Pack Type 2008-2013
CIGARS IN GREECE
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DISTRIBUTION
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 46 Sales of Cigars by Subsector: Volume 2003-2008
Table 47 Sales of Cigars by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 48 Sales of Cigars by Subsector: % Volume Growth 2003-2008
Table 49 Sales of Cigars by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 50 Company Shares of Cigars Excluding Cigarillos 2004-2008
Table 51 Brand Shares of Cigars Excluding Cigarillos 2005-2008
Table 52 Company Shares of Cigarillos 2004-2008
Table 53 Brand Shares of Cigarillos 2005-2008
Table 54 Sales of Cigars by Distribution Format: % Analysis 2003-2008
Table 55 Forecast Sales of Cigars by Subsector: Volume 2008-2013
Table 56 Forecast Sales of Cigars by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 57 Forecast Sales of Cigars by Subsector: % Volume Growth 2008-2013
Table 58 Forecast Sales of Cigars by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
SMOKING TOBACCO IN GREECE
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DISTRIBUTION
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 59 Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: Volume 2003-2008
Table 60 Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: Value 2003-2008
Table 61 Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: % Volume Growth 2003-2008
Table 62 Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: % Value Growth 2003-2008
Table 63 Company Shares of RYO Tobacco 2004-2008
Table 64 Brand Shares of RYO Tobacco 2005-2008
Table 65 Company Shares of Pipe Tobacco 2004-2008
Table 66 Brand Shares of Pipe Tobacco 2005-2008
Table 67 Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Distribution Format: % Analysis 2003-2008
Table 68 Forecast Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: Volume 2008-2013
Table 69 Forecast Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: Value 2008-2013
Table 70 Forecast Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: % Volume Growth 2008-2013
Table 71 Forecast Sales of Smoking Tobacco by Subsector: % Value Growth 2008-2013
SMOKELESS TOBACCO IN GREECE
HEADLINES