JT’s domestic sales down by 2.3 percent last year

Japan Tobacco Inc’s domestic cigarette sales volume during December, at 10.2 billion, was down by 2.3 percent on that of December 2013, 10.4 billion, according to preliminary figures issued by the company on Friday. The December 2013 figure was up by 1.1 percent on that of December 2012.

Volume during January-December, at 112.4 billion, was down by 3.6 percent on that of January-December 2013, 116.5 billion, which was down by 0.3 per cent on that of January-December 2012.

JT’s market share stood at 60.2 percent during December, at 60.4 percent during January-December and at 60.5 percent during January-December 2013.

JT’s domestic cigarette revenue during December, at ¥57.7 billion, was up by 1.2 percent from its December 2013 level, ¥57.0 billion.

Revenue during January-December, at ¥631.1 billion, was down by 1.3 percent on that of January-December 2013, ¥639.6 billion.

Meanwhile, JT said on Thursday that it was changing the names of three of its products with the addition in each case of the word ‘Aromatic’; so, in March, when the changes are due to come into effect, the three products will be known as: Pianissimo Lucia Menthol, Pianissimo Pétil Menthol One, and Pianissimo Fram Menthol One.

These products will be the subject of redesigns, too; though while the packs are being changed and LSS (less smoke smell) technology applied to them, their tastes and aromas are being retained.