JTI rewards retailers with £250k prize pot

Five win £50k each in the Mayfair Gold ‘Go For Gold’ Prize Draw

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) UK has announced that the winners of its £250k prize draw have been confirmed, with five lucky retailers each taking home £50k following the manufacturers Mayfair Gold “Go for Gold” Prize Draw.

The in-depot competition was launched in October last year to celebrate the introduction of JTI’s latest ultra-value, ready-made cigarette, Mayfair Gold. Retailers who purchased an outer of Mayfair Gold in participating depots were automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of five £50k prizes.

“I first found out about the ‘Go for Gold Prize Draw’ from a trade press newsletter, and my JTI Business Advisor then recommended I get my stock from the depot so I could enter the competition," said Winner Neil Ramlagan (Jay’s General Store, Bolton), and revealed his shock at receiving a prize of this magnitude. "When I got the phone call that I was one of the five winners of the top prize, it was an amazing feeling as I’ve never won anything like this. I plan to use my winnings on a nice family holiday, and then invest in my store.”

Another winner was Ajay Desai (Morris & Co, Croydon), who admitted he felt incredibly lucky when he got the call: “It was a huge surprise to receive the call that I was one of the five winners, I also won a few Amazon vouchers on the ‘Spin the Wheel’ game, so I have been very lucky! I even brought a friend with me who has his own store, and he won some Amazon vouchers too. I plan to invest the winnings on maintenance work for my store.”

With existing adult smokers increasingly looking for products that offer premium quality at an ultra-value or value price point, JTI continues to invest in the category, launching new products to meet demand and help retailers drive sales. JTI’s Mayfair Gold has enjoyed a hugely successful introduction, reaching 0.8 per cent SOM since launch.

Neil commented that this is likely down to the demand for exceptional value: “Everyone is looking for value at the moment, so I would recommend Mayfair Gold as it represents great value for existing adult smokers due to its low RSP, as well as fantastic profit opportunity for retailers”.

Ajay added that he has seen Mayfair Gold quickly become a first choice in his store: “Mayfair Gold has been very popular in my store; it is a high-quality cigarette at great value - they sell very quickly. I would certainly recommend Mayfair Gold to other retailers”.

Mark McGuinness, Marketing Director at JTI UK, said: “The ultra-value sector remains a key priority for us, as the fastest-growing segment in both RMC and roll-your-own tobacco. The successful launch of Mayfair Gold, in no small part, is down to the efforts of retailers across the country. So, we are thrilled to be able to give back to our trade partners and retailers as a thank you for their continued support. Our biggest congratulations go out to all the successful retailers.”

To take advantage of the sales opportunity and keep on winning with Mayfair Gold, Mayfair Silver, or any other JTI product, retailers should speak to their local JTI Business Advisers or call the help desk on 0800 163503. Retailers can also visit www.jtiadvance.co.uk for further information.