Following its launch earlier this year into the grocery multiples, Imperial Tobacco’s JPS Tobacco is now available to all UK retailers.

The tobacco company says the product enables smokers to create 20 quality, king size cigarettes for £3.87 after purchasing the accompanying cigarette maker and tubes. The JPS cigarette-making kit is available at a recommended retail price (rrp) of £6.99. It comprises a 14g pack of JPS Tobacco, 100 king size cigarette filter tubes and a cigarette maker. Each element of the kit is available separately.

If sold individually, the rrps are: JPS Tobacco £3.67; make-your-own tubes, 99p for 100; and make-your-own cigarette maker £3.09.

Imperial Tobacco reckons the product provides cost-conscious consumers, who may purchase tobacco from illicit tobacco traders, with an incentive to buy from legitimate retailers as it gives them a "quality reassurance backed up by the heritage and value of JPS".

Martin Goodall, Imperial Tobacco’s head of sales, reports that sales through the grocery multiples have been very positive and are in line with the company’s expectations.

"In the current economic climate, the prevalent ’value-seeking’ trend has accelerated as more adult smokers are moving down through the cigarette price sectors, demonstrating their preference for cheaper tobacco options.

"Product innovations which reflect market trends are imperative as the category moves forward towards a potential tobacco display ban and the associated increase in sales of illicit tobacco," he says.

0117 963 6636

www.imperial-trade.com

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