Is it just me who's percieved and increase in tobbacco product lines in the last few years, even with more and more tax and legislation as time goes by? I've had a brain wave and reckon maybe people are smoking more because of the economy. It could just be in my head though, I can't find any figures.

I gave up smoking about 14 months ago now because I thought of giving up (and figured I either do it now while it's my idea and therefore choice or I never will) and tbh all I've noticed is my former favorite "proper cig" is now over £5 for 20 (Marlboro were that expensive a year ago...) and those stupid "make your own cigarette" machines have made a comeback

I changed brands when mine hit £7 a box. Alot more loose brands out so maybe thats what it is.

Seven pounds? What were you smoking, rolled on a virgin's thighs?

I used to work (until 6 months back) designing machines for tobacco and chocolate factories........they never saw anything of this recession, business was absolutely booming. Comfort products

Made it a harder decision to leave, being such a secure position.

we all smoked as kids, nowadays im not sure i even know any smokers! Its becoming a lot less common - or maybe my age group just moved out of the demograph (if thats the right word...)

I only know one or two people that smoke. maybe they are starting to die off at last*

But the recession probably has no impact on smoking revenue. Its an addictive substance. can you imagine someone on 40 a day saying 'may have to cut down for a bit as its expensive'?

EDIT: just realised you talked about an INCREASE in sales, not decrease. Or are sales the same, but revenue has increased because of more duty????





* said partly in jest. Seeing my grandfather die of throat cancer was not a pleasant experience for a young boy.

[Edited on 3/6/11 by balidey]

I started this because I was board but it's quite intresting. I've been few a few brands (usually because all of a sudden tesco stop selling them).

on a related note, the proposal to put ciggerettes in plain packets and hidden in shops must have the bigger brands getting excited, they'll save money on packaging (Which they won't pass to the consumer) and it kills off the competition.