JAPAN TOBACCO'S SMOKELESS CIGARETTES TO STAY SCARCE UNTIL AUTUMN

Source from:  AsiaPulse 06/12/2010

With production unable to keep up with brisk demand, Japan Tobacco Inc. (TSE:2914) said Tuesday that newly launched smokeless cigarettes will remain in short supply until at least autumn when it can crank up a new production line. The Zero Style Mint smokeless cigarettes, which debuted May 17, allow smokers to enjoy tobacco without lighting up. Made at a Tokyo production facility, output capacity currently stands at 500,000 packs a month. But 650,000 packs were sold in May alone. Caps are now being placed on orders from retailers. "Our foresight was lacking when it came to predicting demand," Executive Vice President Yoshihisa Fujisaki told reporters. The company, also known as JT, aims to install a new assembly line at its Tokai plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, doubling production capacity. Until then , there is likely to be a shortage of the cigarettes. Enditem