British American Tobacco global brand Rothmans posted a 36.9 per cent gain in first-quarter volume to pace a 5.7 per cent increase for BAT's five global brands, the cigarette maker said.

Overall volume of subsidiaries dipped 3.6 per cent to 152 billion sticks in the three months through 31 March. Gross volume fell 6 billion sticks to 158 billion, BAT said in a trading statement.
Sales fell 5.8 per cent, BAT said without supplying an amount. Without currency fluctuations, sales rose 1.7 per cent. “Our market share increased by 40 (basis points) driven by our global drive brands which continue to deliver strong share and volume growth,” said Chief Executive Officer Nicandro Durante.
Rothmans growth was boosted by strong performances in Russia, Australia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Italy, BAT said. Dunhill volume rose 1.2 per cent while Kent dipped 1.6 per cent. Lucky Strike volume rose 5 per cent in the period.