“In Romania, industry volumes increased following a significant reduction in the level of illicit trade due to the strong action taken by the government. Market share was higher, led by Dunhill, Kent and Vogue. Profit was up strongly, driven by price increases, higher volumes and an improved premium product mix,” BAT noted in its financial report.
Worldwide, BAT’s profit rose 20% in the first half of the year, to GBP2 billion, from GBP1.66 billion, while revenue rose to GBP22.28 billion, from GBP21.2 billion in January-June 2010.