Published: 09 May 2014

Tobacco sales have continued to increase since the beginning of the marketing season inching close to the $400 million dollar mark as the country's 180 million kg target draws closer.

According to figures from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, sales by day 52 stood at $398,4 million compared to $370 million sold during the same period last year.

Almost 125 million kilogrammes of tobacco have so far been sold, a marked increase from the 99,5 million kgs sold during the same time last year.

Out of the tobacco sold so far, a total of 87,6 million kgs worth $294,4 million was sold from contract sales while 36,7 million kgs worth $104 million came from auction sales.

Contract sales were fetching an average price of $3,36 per kg while auction sales averaged $2,83 per kg.

To date, Tobacco Sales Floor has handled 18,4 million kg worth $54 million while Boka Tobacco Floor handled 8,8 million kgs worth $23,9million. Premier Tobacco Floor has handled 9,5 million kg worth $26 million .

TIMB said more than 1,6 million bales have been sold so far compared to 1,3 million bales last season while 77 862 bales have been rejected from 73 053 previously.
- BH24

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