Tobacco purchasing habits following introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products have remained constant, according to a study that shows neither a switch to low-cost Asian brands nor a rise in use of unbranded illicit tobacco.

Cancer Council Victoria, which backed the study, said results show claims by major tobacco companies that plain packaging would harm small business owners were unfounded. Tobacco purchases from small mixed-business outlets did not declined, and purchases from supermarkets were steady. The study compared buying habits in 2011 with 2013, the first year of plain packaging.
Use of low cost Asian brands was reported by 0.9 per cent of respondents in 2013 compared with 1.1 per cent in 2011. Smokers reporting use of unbranded illicit tobacco was 1.9 per cent last year and 2.3 per cent in 2011. About two thirds of respondents made their purchases in supermarkets in 2013, compared with 11.2 per cent in small, mixed-business stores.