Nielsen reported Altria’s volumes were up 1.9% for the latest report, while Reynolds was up 1% and ITG up 1.6%.
“It seems the price increase may have led to some destocking of cigarettes,” said David Sweanor, an adjunct law professor at the University of Ottawa and the author of several e-cigarette studies.
Philip Morris’ market share was at 52.9%, with top-selling Marlboro at 46.5%.
Reynolds was at 34%, with No. 2 Newport at 14.1%, No. 3 Camel at 8%, No. 4 Pall Mall at 6.1% and No. 5 Natural American Spirit at 3.8%.
ITG was listed at 7.3%. ITG has said its market share is closer to 10%. Its top brand, Winston, was at 1.9%.
“Overall, cigarette sales are down a bit more than recent trends and vaping sales are down somewhat less than recent trends,” Sweanor said.
“Modern oral (snus, heat-not-burn cigarettes) continues to be a big success in the marketplace.”
Herzog said Marlboro recently extended its test markets for its HeatSticks heated traditional cigarettes into the Charlotte area, along with Atlanta and Richmond.
Overall e-cigarette sales-volume growth has declined steadily since Nielsen’s Aug. 10, 2019, report, when it was up 60.2% year over year.
