Tobacco maker keeps profits moving ahead

Imperial Tobacco, the world’s fourth largest cigarettes maker, said today it had performed well after group profits rose 11% to €964m.

The “strong” performance over the six months to March 31 came after continued growth for international brands Davidoff, West and JPS.

Imperial said its experience of the smoking ban in public places in Scotland and other markets confirmed its view that smokers will continue to smoke, with the initial dip in consumption diminishing over time.