The tobacco industry in UK - statistics & facts

The cultivation of tobacco in the United Kingdom has, historically, played a pivotal role in the country’s economy. Recently, however, the industry has been facing mounting challenges and undergone significant transformation – reflecting global trends in tobacco consumption and public health concerns. The UK’s anti-smoking measures and initiatives have been some of the strictest globally. The most notable among these is probably the ban on tobacco advertising and promotion which came into effect in 2003 and which dramatically reduced the visibility of smoking in public spaces.

Tobacco: is the price right?

Despite its many challenges, the industry remains a significant economic force in the UK. In 2022, the tobacco products industry in the country was estimated at 22.6 billion British pounds, a figure expected to continue growing slightly in the near future. The average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in the country has been increasing in the last two decades and is showing no sign of stopping. It is also one of the highest ones in Europe.

Alternatives to traditional tobacco products

Even if cigarettes remain the preferred tobacco product in the United Kingdom, smoking rates have been declining in recent years. As a result, tobacco companies have had to diversify their product portfolios. E-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and vapes have been growing in both popularity and revenue of late – although debates persist regarding their long-term health effects. The highest-selling e-cigarette brand in British C-stores and independent stores is Elf, generating almost 590 million British pounds more than the second brand on the list in 2023.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Mar 22, 2024

Key insights

Revenue of the tobacco products market in the UK
23.32bn GBP
Revenue of tobacco wholesalers in the UK
13.8bn GBP
Most used tobacco product in the UK
Cigarettes
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Revenue of the tobacco products market worldwide in 2023, by country (in million U.S. dollars)

Tobacco

Global tobacco products revenue 2023, by country

Most valuable tobacco brands worldwide in 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Tobacco

Ranking of the most valuable tobacco brands worldwide 2023

Share of the population that were current smokers in the United Kingdom in 2022, by occupation

Smokable

Share of population by occupation that were current smokers in the UK 2022

Related topics

Recommended

4

Recommended statistics

Global overview

5

Global overview

Manufacture

6

Manufacture

Trade

4

Trade

Retail

7

Retail

Consumption

9

Consumption

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu