British American Tobacco (BAT) reported a 0.7 per cent rise in underlying first-quarter volumes, driven by growth in its major brands.

This rise compares with a 0.4 per cent fall in first-quarter underlying volumes in 2011, reports Reuters.
Overall group volumes rose 1.3 per cent to 166 billion cigarettes while price rises pushed underlying revenues up 6 per cent.
Chief Executive Nicandro Durante said the group achieved good growth in revenue, with continued pricing momentum, but currency headwinds had adversely affected results.
Its top four brands – Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall – saw volumes rise 6 per cent, led by Lucky Strike which was up 26 per cent following strong growth in Germany, Spain, Poland, France and Chile.
BAT made 705 billion cigarette last year. (pi)