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Market size and growth
The per capita consumption of tobacco in India is 0.7 kg, compared to the world average of 1.85 kg. Domestic tobacco consumption has been growing at 2-3% pa.
Out of the 250 million tobacco consumers in India, less than 20% consume it in cigarette form, while over 50% consume it in bidi form and the rest in raw /gutkha forms. Worldwide, cigarettes account for over 80% of tobacco consumption.
Distribution of tobacco users in India
Users (mn) % to Total
Bidis 125 50
Chewing 77 31
Cigarettes 88 19
One of the main reasons for the high usage of bidis is the low price. Excise on bidis is significantly lower than cigarettes. Although bidis pose a greater health hazard, they are taxed at a nominal rate. Bidis are manufactured in the small scale sector and provide employment to a large number of people and therefore enjoys high political support.
The segment which accounts for a major part of tobacco consumption has remained insulated from steep excise hikes. Infact the recent budget hike on the less than 60mm segment, which directly competes with the bidi segment, indicates the strength of the bidi lobby.
Tobacco accounts for 5% of India's agricultural exports.
Market share of major players
Competitor Analysis
Godfrey Phillips India Limited operates in the Cigarettes sector. This analysis compares Godfrey Phillips India Limited with three other tobacco companies in Asia: I.T.C. Limited (2002 sales of 51.91 billion Indian Rupees [US$1.09 billion] of which 155% was Cigarettes), VST Industries Limited (3.34 billion Indian Rupees [US$69.99 million] of which 210% was Cigarettes), and Lakson Tobacco Company Limited which is based in Pakistan (6.89 billion Pakistan Rupees [US$119.20 million] of which 236% was Cigarettes & tobacco
The per capita consumption of tobacco in India is 0.7 kg, compared to the world average of 1.85 kg. Domestic tobacco consumption has been growing at 2-3% pa.
Out of the 250 million tobacco consumers in India, less than 20% consume it in cigarette form, while over 50% consume it in bidi form and the rest in raw /gutkha forms. Worldwide, cigarettes account for over 80% of tobacco consumption.
Distribution of tobacco users in India
Users (mn) % to Total
Bidis 125 50
Chewing 77 31
Cigarettes 88 19
One of the main reasons for the high usage of bidis is the low price. Excise on bidis is significantly lower than cigarettes. Although bidis pose a greater health hazard, they are taxed at a nominal rate. Bidis are manufactured in the small scale sector and provide employment to a large number of people and therefore enjoys high political support.
The segment which accounts for a major part of tobacco consumption has remained insulated from steep excise hikes. Infact the recent budget hike on the less than 60mm segment, which directly competes with the bidi segment, indicates the strength of the bidi lobby.
Tobacco accounts for 5% of India's agricultural exports.
Market share of major players
Competitor Analysis
Godfrey Phillips India Limited operates in the Cigarettes sector. This analysis compares Godfrey Phillips India Limited with three other tobacco companies in Asia: I.T.C. Limited (2002 sales of 51.91 billion Indian Rupees [US$1.09 billion] of which 155% was Cigarettes), VST Industries Limited (3.34 billion Indian Rupees [US$69.99 million] of which 210% was Cigarettes), and Lakson Tobacco Company Limited which is based in Pakistan (6.89 billion Pakistan Rupees [US$119.20 million] of which 236% was Cigarettes & tobacco