ITC hikes prices of two cigarette brands

Press Trust Of India / November 19, 2009, 0:43 IST

FMCG major ITC, the largest player in the domestic cigarette market, has increased prices of two of its brands, India Kings and Benson & Hedges, by Rs 10 and Rs 5, respectively.

Sources said the company had increased the maximum retail price of a pack of 20 sticks of India Kings to Rs 110 from Rs 100. It has also hiked the price of a pack of 20 sticks of Benson & Hedges to Rs 105 from Rs 100.

According to industry analysts, the total market for branded cigarettes in India is around Rs 20,000 crore and ITC, with a portfolio of popular brands like Insignia, India Kings, Classic, Gold Flake, Silk Cut, Navy Cut, Scissors, Capstan, Berkeley, Bristol and Flake, has around 80 per cent share of the market.

When contacted, ITC spokesperson confirmed the price hike but declined to provide further details.