Lucky Strike snus launch 'probable'

UK-based British American Tobacco views a launch of Lucky Stripe brand snus in Sweden as "very probable," company spokesman Paul Crompton has said.

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The world’s second largest tobacco group began test-marketing Lucky Stripe snus in Sweden in May 2005 and plans to continue until May 2006.

Sales during this period were originally intended solely for the Stockholm area.

"But we noticed there was such great demand that we, at the end of last year, made the decision to expand market testing to Gothenburg and Malmö," Crompton said.

Snus, a finely-ground moist tobacco that comes either loose or in tiny sachets that are placed under the upper lip, is mainly sold in Norway and Sweden.

A final evaluation of the test-marketing in Sweden will be made this June to decide the next step for Lucky Stripe snus, the company stated.

But signs already point toward an official launch.

"So far the tests have been extremely successful and greatly surprised us," Crompton stated.

"We believe the result of the evaluation will be extremely positive, so an extensive product launch in Sweden is very probable."

Crompton also stated that British American Tobacco is considering launching another of its more than 300 brands in snus-form.

Possibilities include Pall Mall, Dunhill and Kent snus.

For the time being, however, Lucky Stripe will be the focus.

The Local