[Intl-tobacco] BAT Russia posts a 15 per cent production boost in the first quarter

[Robert Weissman]

RUSSIA
 BAT Russia posts a 15 per cent production boost in the first quarter - TJI

 Wednesday, May 14, 2003

 In an official press release issued earlier this month, British
American Tobacco Russia posted a 15 per cent increase of cigarette
 output in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period of
2002. The company ascribes the notable growth of its
 production volumes to strengthening positions in all the key areas and
continuous geographic expansion, with five new cities
 added to the list of its bases for field force operations. According to
AC Nielsen, BAT Russia increased its market share in urban
 Russia and maintained its leadership in the Moscow retail sector during
the first quarter of 2003. BAT's share of light cigarettes
 was up 50 plus per cent as opposed to the 2002 first quarter. All drive
brands showed consistent growth, especially in the
 premium segment, with sales of Kent and Vogue up 40 and 22 per cent
correspondingly, on a year-to-year basis. (vt)

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