BAT Says Heated Tobacco Consumers Reached 14.9 Million
British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Jack Bowles announced in a trading update that heated tobacco consumers increased by more than 1.4 million in Q1 2021, bringing the total to 14.9 million. Our digital and consumer-centric multi-category approach, with th
British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Jack Bowles announced in a trading update that in the first quarter of 2021, the number of heated tobacco consumers increased by over 1.4 million, reaching a total of 14.9 million.
“Thanks to our digital and consumer-centric multi-category approach, along with the right resources and products supported by our agile organization, we are investing in and building strong, fast-growing international brands in every segment, rapidly accelerating our reach and consumer acquisition,” Bowles said.
“Our heated tobacco product portfolio is tailored to meet the needs of adult consumers. We are rapidly expanding new categories, encouraging more smokers to switch to scientifically backed reduced-risk alternatives.”
The company's new category products are now sold in 74 markets across 53 countries. Its Vuse/Vype vaping devices are gaining value share in all top five markets. Bowles noted that Vuse is even approaching a leading global position in the vaping sector, achieving a category value share of 31.4% in April this year among the top five vaping markets.
BAT's Glo heated tobacco products (HNB) have recorded positive sales momentum in many markets, including Japan. In April, the device achieved a category sales share of 16.2% in the top nine HNB markets.
According to Bowles, BAT has also been consolidating its leading position in international sales share for Modern Oral, with strong growth in Velo sales in the U.S. In April, the company achieved a category share of 40.2% in the top five Modern Oral markets.
The company stated that BAT's combustible segment is characterized by strong pricing and robust sales. Year-to-date, the group's value and volume shares have both increased by 10 basis points, with an expected industry volume decline of about 3% for the year.
For 2021, BAT now expects currency revenue to continue growing by over 5%, exceeding its guidance of 3-5%.
