British American Tobacco (BAT) said volume fell 1.2 per cent through nine months of 2012, with almost all of the drop occurring in western Europe.

Economic recovery remains fragile this year and difficult trading conditions persist in many parts of the world. However, pricing remains strong, we are
growing underlying market share and our global drive brands continue to perform well,” Chief Executive Officer Nicandro Durante said in a trading statement.
Stripped of acquisitions like recently acquired Protabaco of Colombia,  nine-month volume fell 1.8 per cent. Bucking the trend was a 3 per cent increase in volume for the four global brands; Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall.
Group volume at 517 billion sticks was six billion sticks lower than in the first nine months of last year. The decline in western Europe alone was 5 billion sticks to 95 billion.
BAT said reported revenue fell 1 per cent due to adverse developments in currency exchange rates. Revenue rose 4 per cent without adjustment for currency fluctuations. Stripped of the impact of acquisitions, organic revenue increased 3 per cent at constant currency. (ci)