British American Tobacco said it gained market share in the first six months of this year as the pace of decline in group volumes slowed to 1 per cent.
Overall BAT volumes were 344 billion units. The four key brands Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall combined volume increased 11 percent in the six months ending 30 June. Dunhill volume gained 1 percent, Kent 16 per cent, Lucky Strike 8 per cent and Pall Mall 14 per cent.
Price increases helped boost sales 2 per cent to GBP 7.4 billion (EUR 8.4 billion) and adjusted profit from operations by 12 per cent to GBP 2.8 billion, the company said in a statement today.
“With continued pricing momentum, an increase in market share and the rate of volume decline moderating, we are on track for another very good year,” said Chairman Richard Burrows. (ci)