Japan Tobacco International said shipping volume stripped of acquisitions increased 1.5 per cent in the three months to 30 June, driven by sales in eastern Europe and its top global brands.

Factoring in volume from acquired Haggar Cigarette & Tobacco Factory in Sudan, April-June volume rose 2.8 per cent to 113.5 billion sticks. Shipments of global brands including Winston, Camel, Mild Seven and LD, gained 5.2 per cent to 69.7 billion sticks. Sales stripped of contract manufacturing, distribution agreements and other peripheral income rose 2.5 per cent, JTI said.
Volume growth in Russia and elsewhere in eastern Europe was 3.1 per cent. Most major international markets expanded. Shipment volume to western Europe declined.
Domestic performance at JT reflected the recovery after last year’s earthquake and tsunami. JT in a separate statement said it had almost 60 per cent of the domestic market in the three months ended 30 June contrasted with 41 per cent in the comparable period in 2011. (ci)