BAT issues new product prices

British American Tobacco has revised prices of two main products.

Ms Julie Adell, the BAT Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs East Africa Zone, said the change was necessitated by a recent revision of tax incentives of tobacco products.

On December 8, last year, Parliament amended the excise structures on cigarettes in the Finance Bill on the recommendations of the Finance Committee.

However industry players blamed the Finance Committee for failing to consult them while making the recommendations to Parliament.

“We are simply being responsive to these changes and have repositioned our products accordingly,” said Ms Adell.

Sportsman, which was previously retailing at Sh95 per pack has now been repositioned to retail at Sh70 per pack.

SM, which previously retailed at Sh100 has now been repositioned to retail at Sh90.

Other brands including Dunhill, Embassy, Safari Kings, Safari Regular and Rooster had their prices unchanged.

“These other products were not affected by the excise changes. We will, however, continue to diligently monitor developments in the market, take all necessary action to protect our market share, remain competitive and deliver value to the business,” added Ms Adell.

She said that in a bid to ensure the new policy is observed, BAT will communicate to her trade partners so that they embrace the pricing structure. BAT will also inform her consumers so that they demand the right prices at the points of sale.

Ms Adell said there should be no issues with complying with the new pricing structure, adding that pricing changes are common.