Japan Tobacco
Popular Japanese cigarette brand undergoes makeover
Japan Tobacco is to launch redesigned versions of seven of its popular Pianissimo brand of cigarettes in mid-January.
Pianissimo is the top-selling brand in Japan's 100mm slim menthol category and has proven particularly popular among female smokers for what Japan's largest tobacco company says is a "smooth, unassertive and refreshing menthol flavour and aroma".
Smoking rates are declining in Japan, although they remain higher for both men and women than in Europe and North America.
India bans FDI in its tobacco industry
India's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved the proposal from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion to ban foreign direct investment in its tobacco sector, jeopardising plans of Japan Tobacco, BAT and the Altria Group in India. With this ban, India would be the only country in the world to adopt such a stringent move.
