Summary

Tobacco was introduced to China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) through Portuguese and Spanish traders. Initially, it was used for medicinal purposes. By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, tobacco smoking became more common, especially among scholars and the elite. It was often used as a recreational and social activity. Smoking has long been seen as a means of social bonding and networking in China. Business deals, friendships, and even political connections have been forged over shared cigarettes. Cigarettes are frequently given as gifts in China, especially during holidays and special occasions. High-end cigarette brands are considered prestigious gifts. Traditionally, smoking was predominantly a male activity in China. However, there has been a growing trend of female smokers in recent years. Smoking is a major public health concern in China. It's linked to various serious health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), a state-owned enterprise, has a monopoly on the production and sale of cigarettes in China. This gives the government significant control over the tobacco industry. Regulations on tobacco advertising and promotion are stricter than in many Western countries. However, these rules are not always rigorously enforced, and tobacco marketing is still pervasive. Cigarette packages in China carry health warnings, but these are often less prominent than in some other countries. Smoking bans exist in some indoor public places, including airports, train stations, and government buildings. However, enforcement can be inconsistent. The tobacco industry in China provides employment to millions of people, from tobacco farmers to factory workers and distributors. This economic dependence on the tobacco industry can make it challenging for the government to implement stricter anti-smoking measures.
According to the research report “China Cigarette Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the China Cigarette market is anticipated to add more than USD 30 Billion from 2023 to 2028. China is the world's largest consumer and producer of cigarettes. It accounts for a significant portion of the global cigarette market, with millions of smokers. Despite efforts to curb smoking, the sheer size of the Chinese population means that it continues to be a massive market. Domestic cigarette brands, produced by the state-owned China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), dominate the market. CNTC has a monopoly on cigarette production in China. Well-known domestic brands include Chunghwa, Zhonghua, and Double Happiness. There is a growing trend of Chinese consumers, particularly in urban areas and among the wealthier population, shifting towards premium and imported cigarette brands. Imported cigarettes are often seen as a symbol of prestige and quality, and this has boosted the sales of foreign brands. There is a growing interest in harm reduction products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in China. Some smokers are switching to these alternative products, which are perceived as less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The future of the Chinese cigarette market is uncertain. While there is increasing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and some positive shifts in public opinion, challenges remain due to the cultural, economic, and political complexities surrounding tobacco in China.

The Chinese cigarette market has seen innovation in recent years, with manufacturers introducing novel and niche cigarette products to cater to evolving consumer preferences. These "other" cigarette types could include products such as flavored cigarettes, herbal or botanical cigarettes, and premium or artisanal cigarettes. Innovations in taste, aroma, and packaging can attract consumers seeking unique smoking experiences. There is a growing trend toward healthier lifestyles and greater awareness of the health risks associated with traditional tobacco products. "Other" cigarette types include reduced-risk or reduced-harm products that are marketed as alternatives to traditional cigarettes. These products contain lower levels of harmful compounds, and consumers looking to reduce health risks opt for such options. As consumer preferences diversify, manufacturers and retailers have started segmenting the market to cater to specific consumer groups. "Other" cigarette types target niche markets, such as those interested in luxury smoking experiences, unique flavors, or specialty ingredients. Packaging, branding, and design can significantly impact consumer preferences. Unique and attractive packaging, as well as the promise of a different smoking experience, can drive the growth of "other" cigarette types.

Convenience stores are widely distributed across urban and rural areas in China, making them highly accessible to consumers. Their extended operating hours, often 24/7, ensure that consumers can purchase cigarettes at their convenience, contributing to the growth of the market. Convenience stores serve as prominent points of sale for cigarettes, prominently displaying cigarette products near checkout counters. This visibility increases the likelihood of impulse purchases and attracts smokers who not have planned to buy cigarettes. Convenience stores typically carry a variety of cigarette brands, including popular domestic and international brands. This wide selection caters to the diverse preferences of smokers and helps retain customer loyalty. Convenience stores offer a quick and efficient purchasing process, allowing consumers to buy cigarettes without the need for extensive browsing or decision-making. This speed can be especially appealing to smokers seeking a hassle-free buying experience. Cigarette manufacturers often invest in eye-catching packaging and point-of-sale advertising within convenience stores. Promotions, discounts, and displays can attract the attention of consumers and drive sales.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:
• China Cigarette market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Light
• Medium
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Speciality Store
• Hypermarket/supermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Cigarette industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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