Supermarket tobacco sales crash and burn

Multiples are losing share of tobacco sales for the first time in 25 years and independents need to make the most of it by getting their tobacco offer right.

This was the message from Scandinavian Tobacco Group, which produces Café Crème cigars and Salsa rolling tobacco, last week.

The manufacturer unveiled data showing that the introduction of tobacco display bans across the country had resulted in multiples suffering their first loss of market share in a quarter of a century.

Alan Graham, STG head of marketing, said: “Whether independent retailers are stocking a larger range is difficult to say, but if they make the most of it by getting their range right, they will pick up share.”