Imperial responds to UK packaging consultation

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 04/16/2012

In response to the U.K. government's confirmation today that it will be launching a consultation on the packaging of tobacco products, Imperial Tobacco announced it would be setting out its views in detail. "Our trademarks are protected by law and we have a fundamental right to differentiate our brands from those of our competitors," the company wrote in a press statement. "Tobacco packaging has never been identified as a reason why people start to smoke or continue to smoke. "We are particularly concerned about the impact plain packaging will have on illicit trade. "Logic dictates that making all tobacco products available in the same generic packaging will increase the already high level of counterfeit product available in the U.K., placing further pressures on retailers and government tax revenues." Enditem