Annual report 2004 (English) - PDF 3546K - Imperial Tobacco

30
Other European
markets
In Western Europe, Altadis strengthened its positions
despite general and sometimes sharp market declines.
In all countries except Greece, the Group’s sales and
market share increased thanks to the performance
of Gauloises Blondes, as well as Fortuna in Italy and
Luxembourg and News in Belgium. The European
markets are confi rming their position as a key
driver for Cigarette Division profi tability.
In Poland, the country’s entry into the European Union
brought profound changes to the market structure.
Altadis therefore readjusted its portfolio and launched
seven new products in the most promising segment,
where its sales grew by 29%. In Finland, the Group’s
sales, driven by Smart, rose by 21.4%.
GAULOISES BLONDES
+3.6%
rise in revenues