查看文章

Objectives

This study identifies the specific product characteristics driving mass-merchandise cigar sales in the context of the changing regulatory environment.

Methods

Cigar sales data in US convenience stores during 2008–2015 were purchased from Nielsen’s Convenience Track system. Descriptive statistics highlight changes in the cigar market over time.

Results

Sales of flavored cigars increased by nearly 50% since 2008 and now make up over half of the cigar market. Fruit remains the most popular flavor group, but the sale of non-descript flavors such as “Jazz” and “Green” has grown substantially. Inexpensive 2-and 3-packs made up less than 1% of cigar sales in 2008, but by 2015 this packaging style held 40% of the market share. Black & Mild and Swisher Sweets dominate the convenience store channel and together are responsible for nearly 60% of total mass-merchandise cigar sales.

Conclusions

Cigar …