Lorillard’s share of the domestic market rose above 15 per cent but growth occurred outside the menthol sector that is key to the cigarette company, a first-quarter statement shows.

Shipments of Newport menthol and non-menthol dipped 1.5 per cent in the three-month period to 7.55 billion sticks. Total shipments fell 2.9 per cent to 8.96 billion units.
Newport menthol’s market share was unchanged at 37.5 per cent and all menthol products accounted for 40.7 per cent, also unchanged. Lorillard overall market share rose 0.3 percentage points to 15.2 per cent.
Market share for blu eCig fell 0.8 per cent to 45 per cent in the 13-week reporting period ended 15 March, the company said. Both blu eCig and newly acquired Skycig reported operating losses as investment continues, Lorillard said. A price reduction for blu eCig rechargeable kits impacted sales, which fell USD 6 million (EUR 4.3 million) to USD 51 million in the three months ended 31 March, Lorillard said.
Cigarette segment sales gained 1.4 per cent to USD 1.54 billion. Operating profit was 12.8 per cent lower at USD 483 million.