Empresas La Moderna, the Mexican tobacco, biotechnology and packaging group reported a 20 per cent increase in sales and 8 per cent increase in profits for 1996

Total sales amounted to US$ 1.78 billion; cigarette sales through its affiliate CLM accounted for 46 per cent of revenues and 36 per cent of profits.
Cigarette exports earned US$ 47 million in 1996, up by 38 per cent compared to 1995. Domestic sales increased by 3 per cent.