(04.09.06)
Philip Morris plans to increase its share of mid-range cigarette market in Russia,
MOSCOW. Sept 4 (Interfax) - Philip Morris International is planning to increase its share of the mid-range cigarette segment in Russia."Philip Morris is the leader in the premium (more than 22 rubles per pack) price segment, but the company is continuing to work to strengthen its position on the market, mainly on the so-called popular price segment (above 16 rubles a pack), which accounts for more than 57% of the Russian tobacco market," Inna Poluyanova, manager of Philip Morris Sales and Marketing, said at a Monday press conference in Moscow.The company has introduced 10 new cigarette brands in the past eight months and updated about 50% of its brand portfolio, she said. Analysts said that the popular price segment (from 10 to 16 rubles a pack) accounts for 20% of the Russian tobacco market, and Philip Morris controls 32.1% of that market. Bond Street cigarettes account for about 19% of that segment and Next cigarettes for 8%. rm