Tobacco in 2024: The big picture
Volume sales of tobacco in Ireland continued to decline in 2024, following the trend observed throughout the review period. This decrease is primarily due to a combination of strict regulatory measures and consecutive price increases aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. Policies such as plain packaging, advertising restrictions, and higher excise duties have placed significant pressure on the industry.
2024 key trends
Volume sales of tobacco continued to decline in 2024, driven largely by ongoing tax increases and the implementation of stricter regulations. However, there are notable exceptions within the market. Nicotine pouches, for example, experienced significant growth, reflecting a shift in consumer behaviour towards alternative, smoke-free nicotine products. However, the persistently high prices of tobacco, particularly cigarettes, have contributed to the continued expansion of the illicit trade. As legal products become less affordable, a growing number of consumers are turning to unregulated sources in search of lower-cost alternatives.
Competitive landscape
Gallaher (Dublin) Ltd was the leading company within tobacco overall in 2024, although it recorded a very marginal fall in share. Gallaher maintains a strong foothold in the cigarette segment, supported by the solid market presence of flagship brands such as Mayfair, Silk Cut, and Benson & Hedges. These brands continue to demonstrate high levels of consumer penetration, underpinned by longstanding brand equity and widespread availability across retail channels. Beyond traditional tobacco products, Gallaher is also reinforcing its position in the evolving nicotine landscape. The company has established itself as a leading player in the fast-growing nicotine pouch category, capitalising on shifting consumer behaviours and the increasing demand for smoke-free alternatives. This strategic diversification not only strengthens Gallaher’s portfolio but also positions it at the forefront of innovation within the tobacco industry.
Retail developments
Convenience stores maintained its leading position among distribution channels in 2024, continuing to serve as a key point of purchase for tobacco products. Its widespread availability, extended opening hours, and ease of access make them a preferred choice for consumers, particularly for impulse buys and on-the-go purchases.
What next for tobacco?
Tobacco in Ireland is projected to experience a decline in volume sales over the forecast period, primarily driven by increasingly stringent taxation and regulatory measures, both those currently in place and those anticipated over the forecast period. These policies are specifically designed to deter consumption and limit access, placing additional pressure on manufacturers and retailers.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Tobacco industry in Ireland 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 Ireland, 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 Ireland 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 Ireland?
- Which are the leading brands in Tobacco in Ireland?
- How are products distributed in Tobacco in Ireland?
- Which category is the most heavily taxed in Ireland?
- How is the operating environment for Tobacco changing?
- What are the current legislative restrictions applicable to the sale of Tobacco products in Ireland?
- 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 Ireland
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
Vapour products
PRODUCTION/IMPORTS/EXPORTS
DISCLAIMER
Cigarettes in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rising prices and anti-smoking efforts drive a volume decline for tobacco, while Illicit trade grows
Gallaher (Dublin) Ltd strengthens its leadership in Ireland as consumers shift to economy cigarette brands
Convenience stores lead sales while retail e-commerce and forecourts gain ground
Tightening regulations and rising prices are set to accelerate decline and boost economy sales
Illicit trade and cross-border purchases are set to challenge sales as tobacco prices continue to climb
Channel sales will shift to store-based retail as regulations on licenses get stricter
Taxation rates
Average cigarette pack price breakdown
Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Fine-cut tobacco and cigars lose ground as consumers favour convenience and modern tobacco alternatives
Player & Sons, Johh and Gallaher (Dublin) Ltd maintain strong positions, driven by brand heritage and consumer loyalty
Convenience stores lead sales for cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco
Cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco are expected to record ongoing declines
Fine cut tobacco is set to lose share as consumers shift towards modern tobacco categories
Low innovation and competition from e-vapour products is set to dampen growth
Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco in Ireland
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Vaping slows amid regulatory uncertainty, while nicotine pouches record a rise in popularity
Competition set to rise over the amidst changing consumer patterns and legislation restrictions
Retail e-commerce loses sales to convenience stores, while specialised vape stores dominate nicotine pouch distribution
Sales of e-vapour products are set to decline under new regulations, while oral nicotine records strong growth
The new licensing system will impact distribution as smaller players are expected to struggle
Innovation will be key to adding value and expanding the consumer base
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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