BAT is launching the manufacturing of its renowned international brand Dunhill in Russia, said the managing director for BAT Russia, John Taylor.

The decision, he elaborated, was made after the brand showed an impressive six-fold year-on-year growth over the first nine months of 2006. According to AC Nielsen research group, Dunhill had won 0.8 per cent of the overall cigarette market in Russia by the end of Q3. By moving the production to its St Petersburg facility, BAT hopes to save import costs and meet the fast growing demand with greater efficiency and flexibility. Previously, Dunhill had been imported into Russia from BAT’s plant in Southampton. (vt)