UK
Europe’s largest tobacco company, Imperial Tobacco Group Plc., is forecasting in first-half cigarette volumes on the back of shrinking demand in the U.S., Spain and parts of Eastern Europe.
The Bristol, England-based company reported that selling quantities for the period ending March 31 will decline about 4%. Supply disruption in the Middle East also contributed to the contraction.
The company indicated that next half’s numbers should stabilize.



