Eloïse Trenda
Research Expert covering global food topics with a focus on the French and Spanish markets.
The tobacco industry in Spain - statistics & facts
Similar to many other European countries, Spain has a significant tobacco culture. A common practice for many years, smoking in the country has nonetheless been experiencing a decline recently. In 2009, the country counted 9.6 million daily smokers – a figure that has been going down annually, and amounted to 7.9 million in 2022. This global phenomenon is due to an increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and the corresponding stricter regulations implemented by numerous countries in response to what is a health crisis. The Spanish government, in line with European Union directives, has implemented measures such as graphic warnings on the labels of tobacco products as well as higher taxes on said products, to only cite a few examples.
With imports of tobacco products generally exceeding exports, the Spanish tobacco market has been taking an increasingly international direction in recent years. The Spanish-French manufacturing company Altadis – which produces some of the most popular cigarette brands in Spain such as Fortuna, Ducados, and Nobel – became a subsidiary of the multinational Imperial Brands – also known as British Imperial Tobacco – in 2008. Philip Morris International, best known for its Marlboro brand, is another example of how multinational companies have undeniably established themselves across this part of the Iberian Peninsula.
Subject to the constant changes in regulations, consumer preferences, and public health concerns, the tobacco industry in Spain faces similar challenges as the global one: to evolve, adapt, and possibly reinvent itself.
The internationalization of the Spanish tobacco sector
Despite these more stringent regulations, the Spanish tobacco sector is still a profitable market. Indeed, sales of tobacco products generated over 12 billion euros in 2022, with cigarettes being the most sold – and used – of all items.With imports of tobacco products generally exceeding exports, the Spanish tobacco market has been taking an increasingly international direction in recent years. The Spanish-French manufacturing company Altadis – which produces some of the most popular cigarette brands in Spain such as Fortuna, Ducados, and Nobel – became a subsidiary of the multinational Imperial Brands – also known as British Imperial Tobacco – in 2008. Philip Morris International, best known for its Marlboro brand, is another example of how multinational companies have undeniably established themselves across this part of the Iberian Peninsula.
Subject to the constant changes in regulations, consumer preferences, and public health concerns, the tobacco industry in Spain faces similar challenges as the global one: to evolve, adapt, and possibly reinvent itself.
