'Tis the season for cigarillos!

The cigar market is now worth £291m and cigarillos are the largest segment of this, making up 47 per cent of volume sales[1]. As Christmas approaches, it is the ideal time to take advantage of this upcoming profit opportunity, says Gemma Bateson, Sales Director at JTI UK.

“Retailers should stock cigars all-year round, but we do see seasonal spikes and last year sales volumes increased during the Christmas period[2]. This is driven by additional social occasions in December, which open the door to more cigar purchases. While budgets will be tighter this year, we still expect consumers to treat themselves around Christmas.

“Specifically, the cigarillo category has also grown in the convenience channel over the last year[3]. Retailers should stock up on products such as Sterling Dual Capsule Leaf Wrapped, which is the number one cigarillo brand, with a 91.6 per cent share of the UK market[4].

“Sterling Dual Capsule Leaf Wrapped includes a mentholated Virginia blend tobacco and capsule filter that when crushed releases a peppermint flavour. Both the 10 and 20 packs offer good value and should be must-stocks for retailers this season.”

For further support on what to stock, retailers can reach out to JTI’s Customer Care line on 0800 163503 or visit JTI’s trade retailer website, www.JTIAdvance.co.uk.

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[1] IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Total Cigar Category, Total UK, Mar 2022[2]IRi Market Place, Volume Sales, Total Cigar Category, Total UK, December 2021 vs. November 2021[3]IRi Market Place, Sales Volume, Total Cigarillo Category, Total UK, Mar 2022 vs. Mar 2021[4]IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Total Cigarillo Category, Total UK, Mar 2022