BRIT. TOBACCO PLANS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29754, 22 February 1962, Page 16

BRIT. TOBACCO PLANS

Two New Brands For Market (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SYDNEY, February 21. British Tobacco Company (Australia), Ltd., will introduce at least two new cigarette brands on the market within the next four months. The chairman (Mr T. J. N. Foley) told shareholders this at- the annual meeting today. He said preparations for several at these new brands were nearly complete, and their introduction would in no way interfere with the developmental pressure on existing brands. Mr Foley said the fashion aspect and the highly personal characteristics of cigarette smoking made it distinctly possible that other brands, with special appeals to particular groups within the community, might win acceptance. Expand Further This could expand further the company’s total share of the market. Two developments had occurred in the last year which, if continued, would strengthen the company’s position in the market. The first was evidence of greater stability in the market for non-filter cigarettes in the latter part of the year. The decline in this market had been partly arrested, and now was proceeding at a much-diminished rate.

Neon Signs.—Neon Signs (Australasia), Ltd., reports that profit in the half year to December 31 was a record and 60 per cent, higher than in the comparable half year of 1960. The company will pay a steady 6} per cent, interim.