Tobacco in 2024: The big picture
Cigarettes continued to be the most popular tobacco product in the Dominican Republic in 2024, in terms of volume sales. However, it registered a significant fall in sales in 2024, largely due to a continuing reduction in smoking prevalence. That being said, the rising illicit trade also contributed to the decline in licit volume sales.
2024 key trends
Cigarettes were still the most popular tobacco product, though falling smoking rates and rising illicit trade was a major challenge. More and more consumers switched to illicit options, as rising taxes further raised the price of licit cigarettes. The main distribution channel was the colmado (local neighbourhood store), and their extensive network represented a challenge, as the high fragmentation made it difficult to control the illegal cigarette trade, with sales to minors being rife. These outlets also allows consumers to buy single sticks, which appeals to price sensitive consumers and also boosts the competitive advantage of colmados, compared to other outlets such as modern grocery retailers.
Competitive landscape
Philip Morris Dominicana SA continued to dominate tobacco in the Dominican Republic and is particularly strong in cigarettes where its mains brands are Marlboro, Marlboro Artesanal and L&M. The company also gained further volume share in 2024, while its main competitors British American Tobacco Republica Dominicana and Japan Tobacco Inc lost volume share. These companies do not prioritise the Dominican Republic within their global strategy, which is reflected in a limited distribution presence and limited marketing activities.
Retail developments
In 2024, small grocery stores (colmados) remained the leading distribution channel for tobacco. Consumers favour colmados due to their proximity, convenience, and competitive prices. However, it is also the key distributor of illicit offerings and the lack of control through these outlets represents a challenge, with minors easily able to access tobacco products through colmaldos and cigarettes also often sold in single sticks. E-vapour products and especially disposable vapes are also being increasingly sold through colmados.
What next for tobacco?
Cigarettes will see further volume decline over the forecast period, as smoking prevalence continues to fall. Also, within cigarettes, consumers will remain highly price-sensitive, and this will continue to drive growth in illicit trade, unless government oversight is strengthened. Until that happens, tobacco companies will need to adjust their portfolios to promote mid- and low-priced brands.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Tobacco industry in Dominican Republic with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco
- Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco
If you're in the Tobacco industry in Dominican Republic, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Tobacco in Dominican Republic report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Tobacco in Dominican Republic?
- Which are the leading brands in Tobacco in Dominican Republic?
- How are products distributed in Tobacco in Dominican Republic?
- Which category is the most heavily taxed in Dominican Republic?
- How is the operating environment for Tobacco changing?
- What are the current legislative restrictions applicable to the sale of Tobacco products in Dominican Republic?
- How has COVID-19 impacted demand?
- How have national lockdown and enforced home seclusion following COVID-19 impacted sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Tobacco in Dominican Republic
Tobacco in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retail developments
What next for tobacco?
Legislation
Legislative overview
Minimum legal smoking age
Smoking prevalence
Tar levels
Health warnings
Plain packaging
Advertising and sponsorship
Point-of-sale display bans
Smoking in public places
Low ignition propensity (LIP) cigarette regulation
Flavoured tobacco product ban
Reduced harm
Vapour products
PRODUCTION/IMPORTS/EXPORTS
DISCLAIMER
Cigarettes in Dominican Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Double-digit percentage volume decline in 2024
Philip Morris continues to dominate but illicit trade a growing threat
The local neighbourhood stores continues to dominate distribution
Continuing decline over forecast period
Scope for further restrictions
Illicit trade continues to be a significant issue
Average cigarette pack price breakdown
Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco in Dominican Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Stable volume sales for cigars and cigarillos, with pipe tobacco seeing increasing sales
La Aurora continues to dominate
Distribution quite fragmented across varying channels
Challenges in terms of exports
Fall in volume sales for cigarillos, with La Aurora’s Principe gaining further volume share
Drive to encourage tourists to become brand ambassadors
Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco in Dominican Republic
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Significant growth in largely unregulated sector
E-vapour products remains highly fragmented
Speciality outlets lead distribution
Possible regulation could dampen value sales of e-vapour products
Lack of restrictions positions Dominican Republic as a key testing ground
Heated tobacco poised to see stronger growth and further expansion
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Tobacco
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- Fine Cut Cigarettes
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- Cigarettes (Illicit+Legal)
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- Cigars
- Cigarillos
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- Pipe Tobacco
- Fine Cut Tobacco
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- Chewing Tobacco
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- Loose US-Style Moist Snuff
- Portion US-Style Moist Snuff
- Swedish-Style Snus
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- Closed System Single Use
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- Closed System Rechargeable (including starter kits)
- Closed System Cartridges
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- Open Vaping Systems Charging and Vapourising Devices
- E-liquids
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- Tobacco Heating Devices
- Heated Tobacco
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- Nicotine Pouches
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- Closed System Single Use (Illicit+Legal)
- Closed System Cartridges (Illicit+Legal)
- E-Liquids (Illicit+Legal)
Tobacco
Passport Tobacco covers the seven major tobacco categories: Cigarettes, Cigars & Cigarillos, Smoking tobacco (made up of Pipe tobacco and RYO tobacco), Smokeless Tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco), E-Vapour Products (closed and open); Heated Tobacco; and Tobacco Free Oral Nicotine. Smoking paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, lighters or matches, etc., are not included, nor are nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, which are part of Euromonitor's Passport Consumer Healthcare database.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
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This report originates from Passport, our Tobacco research and analysis database.
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