Cigarette volume at British American Tobacco (BAT) fell 3.7 per cent in the first quarter, a decline cushioned by the effect of higher prices, the company said.

Sales at constant currency rose 5 per cent and by 1 per cent with negative foreign exchange impact factored in, BAT said. Cigarette volume fell 6 billion sticks to 160 billion sticks in the three month period ended 31 March. The Asia-Pacific region was the only one in which BAT volumes increased — by 3 billions units to 48 billion.
Volume of the four key cigarette brands volume increased 1 per cent. Fine-cut volume in western Europe rose 9.5 per cent, BAT said.
“We have grown revenue, our pricing momentum remains strong and our global drive brands continue to perform well. It is a good start,” said Chief Executive Officer Nicandro Durante. (ci)