India has a significant number of female smokers, ranking second only to the United States. In 2012, 12.1 million women smoked in India, up from 5.3 million in 1980. By 2020, 13% of adult women in India smoked. On average, women smoke more cigarettes per day than men. Women smoke 7 cigarettes daily compared to men’s 6.1. Increased stress and “metro culture” contribute to this trend. A survey of 2,000 women aged 22-30 found that many smoked casually due to the “cool” factor and feelings of independence and sophistication.
Retailers need to know which brands appeal to female smokers. This guide covers the top 10 female cigarette brands in India. It includes details on parent companies, marketing strategies, tobacco types, historical backgrounds, ownership, and sales figures. This information helps retailers choose the right brands for female consumers.
Virginia Slims is a leading cigarette brand for women, owned by Philip Morris International , has been a leading cigarette choice for women since its introduction in 1968. Known for its sleek design and smooth taste, Virginia Slims uses high-quality Virginia tobacco. From its inception until 1978, the brand saw a steady increase in market share to 1.75% (3.9% of all female smokers). The market share peaked at 3.1% in 1989. By 2009, it stabilized at around 1.8%. Virginia Slims are sold mainly in the United States but have a presence in several other countries, including Brazil, Germany, and Russia.(Source: Wikipedia)
The brand offers various options like “Superslims,” “Lights,” and “Ultra Lights,” available in both menthol and non-menthol. Some of the brand’s marketing campaigns have faced criticism for targeting minority women and portraying smoking as an empowering act. In India, Virginia Slims are priced between ₹500 and ₹700 per pack, each containing 20 cigarettes .
Benson & Hedges Deluxe Ultra Slims is a premium cigarette brand owned by Philip Morris International. Established in 1873 by Richard Benson and William Hedges in London, the brand is known for its high-quality Virginia tobacco and sophisticated marketing. Benson & Hedges offers various products, including Kings, Menthol, Multifilter Kings, and the Deluxe series. The brand has a strong presence in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe and Asia. In India, prices for Benson & Hedges cigarettes typically range from ₹300 to ₹500 per pack.
The brand has been associated with various sponsorships, including Formula One racing, the Australian Touring Car Championship, and international cricket tournaments like the Benson & Hedges Cup and the 1992 Cricket World Cup. They also sponsored events in ice skating and fireworks competitions in Canada
Silk Cut is a British cigarette brand established in 1964. It is currently owned by the Gallaher Group, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco International. The brand is recognized for its distinctive white packaging with colored squares. Initially, Silk Cut used a tobacco substitute called Cytrel. The brand gained popularity in the 1980s due to its surrealistic advertising campaigns, which played with surreal themes and pop cultural references.
Silk Cut cigarettes are priced around ₹1,600 to ₹1,750 per pack of 20 in India. The brand has been associated with various sponsorships, including the Challenge Cup in rugby league and Jaguar XJR sports cars in the World Sportscar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Silk Cut was the best-selling brand in the UK during the 1990s but faced declines as tax increases led to a rise in the popularity of cheaper brands.
Menthol Mist, a top female cigarette brand produced by ITC Limited, is known for its refreshing, minty flavor. This brand uses a blend of tobacco infused with menthol, providing a cooling effect that appeals to smokers. Menthol cigarettes, including well-known brands like Newport and Kool, constitute about 30% of the total cigarette market in the United States. These cigarettes are especially popular among African-American smokers, with 80% of African-American smokers preferring menthol cigarettes. Additionally, menthol cigarettes have a significant user base among adolescents, women, and the LGBT community. In India, the price for Menthol Mist cigarettes typically ranges from ₹800 to ₹950 per pack.
Capri is an American cigarette brand established in 1956 by Lee Brothers Tobacco. Initially launched as “Capri Rainbows” with different-colored cigarette papers, the brand was later acquired by Brown & Williamson, who introduced it as a regular-gauge menthol cigarette. In 1987, Capri was relaunched as the world’s first super-slim cigarette, targeting women with its 17-mm circumference and 100-mm length.
Capri cigarettes are known for their stylish packaging and premium quality, using high-grade Virginia tobacco for a refined smoking experience. The brand is primarily sold in the United States but is also available in countries like Mexico, Germany (as “Caprice”), and Japan. In India, Capri cigarettes are typically priced around ₹500 to ₹700 per pack. The brand is available in regular light and menthol light varieties and regular and menthol ultra-light varieties. Capri also offers a 120mm “luxury length” version. All versions of Capri are lights or ultra-lights.
Post time: Mar-20-2025