Tobacco in 2024: The big picture
Tobacco saw moderate growth in retail volume terms in Spain in 2024, with sales also rising in current value terms on the back of increased prices. Cigarettes, which is the most consumed tobacco product in the country, registered steady growth both in volume and value terms. Despite a general decline in smoking rates, the rise in sales may be linked to the affordability of cigarettes in Spain compared to other European countries. Even with recent price hikes, cigarettes remain relatively inexpensive, which encouraged higher consumption. Cigarette smokers in Spain are sensitive to prices, a trait that has been accentuated by the economic impact of the pandemic and the high rate of inflation. The price hikes seen over the last few years of the review period led some consumers to switch to mid-range or economy cigarettes instead of premium ones. Cross-border sales also continued to grow in 2024 due to the price differentiation between Spain and neighbouring countries such as France and the UK, notably for cigarettes, which helped to push volume sales up.
2024 key trends
Cigarettes continued to dominate the tobacco market in Spain as they are widely accessible and relatively affordable compared to other tobacco products, making them the preferred choice for consumers. Spain's long-standing cultural association with cigarette smoking also plays a role, as smoking has historically been a social activity in the country. The influx of tourists further boosts cigarette sales, as visitors often purchase them during their stay. These combined factors contribute to cigarettes being the largest category in Spain's tobacco market.
Competitive landscape
JT International Iberia SL maintained a strong presence in Spain in 2024, driven by its global flagship brands such as Winston and Camel and its increasing focus on reduced harm products. The company saw steady growth in 2024, particularly in tobacco heating devices, which is an area that has been gaining popularity among Spanish consumers. The company’s strategic investments in innovation and marketing have helped solidify its position in the competitive Spanish tobacco market.
Retail developments
Due to specific regulations in the Spanish market, the main retail channel remains specialised tobacco shops. The licences held by these stores are managed by the Comisionado para el Mercado de Tabacos (CMT), the Spanish public body registered with the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). During the years 2022 and 2023 many licenses were granted by the Comisionado para el Mercado de Tabacos (CMT). This sub-auction attracted 157 new licenses at the national level which led to the opening of 30 new establishments in 2024. These currently operate in locations close to the coast of Lérida, Gerona, Guipúzcoa and Navarra, near France, as these are places where there is an increased demand for cigarettes.
What next for tobacco?
The future of tobacco in Spain is likely to be shaped by stricter regulations, evolving consumer preferences, and technological innovations. Spain has come up with The Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking, a document that encompasses and strengthens the actions, plans and strategies that the government, the autonomous communities and the city councils have been developing for years. The timeframe of the plan is from 2024 to 2027. The Spanish government is thus expected to continue implementing measures to reduce tobacco consumption, such as higher taxes, expanded smoke-free zones, and restrictions on advertising and flavoured products.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Tobacco industry in Spain 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 Spain, 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 Spain 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 Spain?
- Which are the leading brands in Tobacco in Spain?
- How are products distributed in Tobacco in Spain?
- Which category is the most heavily taxed in Spain?
- How is the operating environment for Tobacco changing?
- What are the current legislative restrictions applicable to the sale of Tobacco products in Spain?
- 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 Spain
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 Spain
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Increase in inbound visitors boosts sales of cigarettes in 2024
JT International remains the leading company in cigarettes
Tobacco specialists remains the main distribution channel for cigarettes in Spain
Cigarette consumption is expected to decline over the forecast period
Stricter controls on tobacco consumption likely to have negative impact on cigarettes
Innovation expected to focus on sustainability and personalisation
Taxation rates
Average cigarette pack price breakdown
Cigars, Cigarillos and Smoking Tobacco in Spain
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Price sensitivity influencing the consumption of cigars and cigarillos in Spain
Scandinavian Tobacco strengthens its lead in cigars and cigarillos
Distribution remains largely confined to tobacco specialists
Health and wellness trends and changing demographics will continue to negatively impact sales
Stricter controls on tobacco consumption likely to impact consumption
Potential ban on closed system single use devices could benefit pipe tobacco
Smokeless Tobacco, E-Vapour Products and Heated Tobacco in Spain
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Sales increase as consumers turn their back on traditional tobacco products
Heated tobacco continues to deliver dynamic growth
Tobacco and vape specialists remain the primary retail channels
Stricter regulations could present challenges
The future of nicotine pouches in the hands of the regulators
Innovation driving growth in smokeless tobacco
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.
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This report originates from Passport, our Tobacco research and analysis database.
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