KT&G's 'Esse' Exceeds KRW 1 Trillion in Overseas Annual Sales for the First Time

*This content was translated by AI.

KT&G's ace 'Esse' surpassed KRW 1 trillion in annual sales in overseas markets last year. In addition, since its launch, cumulative domestic and foreign sales have also exceeded 1 trillion won.

Esse recorded sales of KRW 1 trillion 108.8 billion in overseas markets alone last year, becoming the first single tobacco brand in Korea to enter the "1 trillion club" in global sales. Amid Esse's strong global sales, KT&G's overseas cigarette sales rose 29.4% year-on-year to KRW 1.8775 trillion last year, marking the first year that global cigarette sales exceeded Korea.

Esse, which was launched in 1996 and celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, sold 538.8 billion pieces in the domestic market and 467.6 billion pieces in overseas markets until last year, exceeding 1 trillion pieces in total domestic and foreign sales. Last year, annual sales amounted to about 20.8 billion in Korea and 32.6 billion overseas.

Esse, which was first exported to overseas markets in 2001, attracted attention in the global market for its slim design that distinguishes it from the existing cigarette size. Esse is now sold in more than 90 countries and solidifies its status as the No. 1 ultra-slim tobacco brand, accounting for a third of global ultra-slim sales.

An official from KT&G who spoke to this newspaper by phone said, "Ese, which is a concentration of KT&G's technology and quality, has been the No. 1 seller in the domestic market for more than 20 years since 2004."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.