Tobacco

Retail volume sales of tobacco in Hong Kong continued to strongly decline in 2023. Strong tobacco control measures and legislation introduced by the local government have resulted in a highly saturated and mature market. The government introduced yet…

Demand for cigars in Hong Kong marginally improved in 2023, supporting sales through offline distribution channels in line with the waning impact of the pandemic. One notable development was the opening of cigar shops in the Tsim Sha Tsui East…

Following slowing growth post-pandemic, volume sales of cigarettes in Hong Kong declined in 2023, in line with a stronger fall in smoking prevalence among the adult population. This downward trend was despite the relaxation of pandemic-related rules,…

After experiencing negative sales in 2022 due to post-pandemic conditions, such as the reopening of borders and consumers resuming normal habits, tobacco in the UK recorded positive low value growth in 2023. This growth was mainly driven by rising…

Tobacco in Laos recorded positive sales growth in 2023, despite spreading health concerns and government efforts to reduce smoking prevalence via information campaigns, taxation and regulation. The 2023 decree imposing higher taxes on cigarettes and…

In 2023, Kuwait witnessed a continued tradition of males smoking in public, particularly in cafés. Although volume sales of cigarettes declined, the overall value growth remained positive due to higher product prices. Kuwaiti consumers showed a…

Within tobacco in Kazakhstan, retail volume sales of cigarettes continued to decline in 2023. The performance of cigarettes in the market was affected by the switch to alternatives like smoking tobacco, closed system single use (closed vaping…

Tobacco products contracted slightly in Guatemala in retail volume and current value terms, as cigarette consumption continued its steady downward trend in Guatemala. The consistent fall in smoking prevalence is due primarily to health concerns and…

Tobacco in Greece posted only modest growth in volume terms in 2023. This occurred within the context of rising levels of health awareness in the country, which had a negative impact on consumption. The cost of living crisis, spurred by a sharp rise…

It was a positive picture for tobacco in Georgia in 2023, with healthy volume growth across all tobacco products. This was partly due to an increase in population, as there were increased numbers of immigrants from Russia, as a result of the war in…

Volume sales of cigarettes grew in 2023 despite the decline in smoking prevalence. Much of this stemmed from a reduction in smuggling via gangs and wider distribution of legitimate brands. However, despite a strong reduction in contraband, illegal…

The market for smokeless tobacco, e-vapour products and heated tobacco in Greece saw vibrant growth in retail volume terms in 2023. Manufacturers are increasingly shifting their focus away from traditional tobacco products, and towards new-generation…

Both e-vapour and heated tobacco registered healthy volume growth in 2023. That being said, sales were still low. In particular in terms of e-vapour, there is concern that vaping is as harmful as cigarette smoking. In April 2023, the government…

E-vapour products, heated tobacco products and tobacco free oral nicotine in the UK all recorded impressive, double-digit growth rates in 2023. The number of cigarette users who are quitting smoking or are now dual users (utilising e-vapour or heated…

Within e-vapour products in Guatemala, e-cigarettes continue to be very popular among consumers. These products are easily accessible, affordable, and are widely distributed throughout the country. In addition to being readily available throughout…

Smokeless tobacco, e-vapour products and heated tobacco in Kazakhstan faced significant challenges at the end of the review period. Heated tobacco products, by far the biggest category in terms of retail value sales, posted declines in retail volume…

Cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in the UK returned to positive value growth in 2023, after experiencing a decline the previous year. This growth was mainly driven by a significant rise in unit prices across the category, boosted by constantly…

Overall, cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in Kazakhstan registered a stronger decline in retail volume sales in 2023, compared to 2022. However, this was due to the weak performances of cigars and cigarillos, while pipe tobacco and fine cut…

Overall, cigars remain quite a small and exclusive category in Guatemala, with few consumers opting for these products due to the relatively high unit prices, aside from enthusiasts and those with greater purchasing power. However, with the return of…

The market for cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in Greece saw a decline in volume sales in 2023, continuing the trend of the previous year. While the largest product area, fine cut tobacco, has proved to be more resilient than cigarettes,…