Gallaher maintains lead in the tobacco market

INTERNATIONAL cigarette maker Gallaher Group has maintained its market leader position in Ireland, this year, with a 49.1% share of the tobacco sector.

Despite this being the first full year of the smoking ban, the total cigarette market in the Republic increased by 1.3%. This was partly assisted by the phasing of trade sales ahead of price increases.

Gallaher's performance was mainly driven by a strong showing of its Benson & Hedges brand. The company's main brands also include Silk Cut, Mayfair and Sovereign.