BESTWAY Wholesale has also raised concerns about the effect the recent tobacco display ban could have on cigarette sales in c-stores, which are driven in part by PMPs.
Describing the removal of price-marking from packs as a “major issue”, Richard Booth, senior category controller for tobacco, said: “Price-marking on cigarettes is a key driver to purchase as the smoker has clear visibility of the price of the product.
“With removal of the price mark, the independent retailer no longer has a mechanic to shout that he is giving value for money and my fear is that smokers will perceive that they can get a better price from the multiple chains.
“This is obviously not true and we need to start working together with suppliers and retailers to see how we can protect the market share of the independent trade.