Cigarette volume at British American Tobacco increased 4 billion sticks in the first quarter to 156 billion, adjusted for acquisitions, as the company increased market share, BAT said.

“Our momentum has continued with market share in our key markets increasing by a further 20 basis points,” said Chief Executive Officer Nicandro Durante in a trading statement. BAT did not divulge its key market share.
Volume growth in global drive brands was 10.5 per cent in the three months ended 31 March. Sales rose 1.7 per cent, with currency fluctuations lowering reported revenue, BAT said. “We expect profit growth to be weighted to the second half of the year,” the company said.