Japan Tobacco (JT) cigarette sales volume in its home market rose 3.3 per cent to 120.1 billion units in the fiscal year ended 31 March as smokers laid in supplies ahead of an increase in the value-added tax, the company said.

Flagship brand Mevius increased domestic market share to 61 per cent from 59.6 per cent, driving the increase in key brand sales volume, JT said.
Operating profit at JT, the parent company of Japan Tobacco International, rose nearly 22 per cent to JPY 648.3 billion (EUR 4.6 billion). Sales gained 13.2 per cent to JPY 2.4 trillion as domestic revenue offset the impact of lower volume in the international tobacco business, JT said.