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BAT predicts fast growth in smoking alternatives for the next decade

By Thomson Reuters Sep 29, 2026 | 4:00 AM

By Emma Rumney

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) – British American Tobacco expects revenue growth from smoking alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches ​in the mid-teens in percentage terms ‌each year until 2030, it said on Tuesday.

• The world’s second-largest tobacco maker by market value will host an investor day later on Tuesday, where ‌it ​will outline its strategy for ⁠growth until the ⁠end of the decade

• It had already forecast mid-teens revenue growth from smoking alternatives for 2026 and now expects this to ​continue in the years ahead

• It also expects the “contribution margin” of these products — a ⁠measure of how profitable ⁠they are — to reach at least ​30% by 2030, against 13.3% in June 2026.

• ​BAT, which makes cigarette brands like Dunhill ‌and Lucky Strike, has been trying to grow revenues from other nicotine products amid long-term declines in smoking in some key ⁠markets

• Its rising ambitions reflect fast-growth in its nicotine pouch label Velo, after years of difficulties with ⁠its vape ‌and heated tobacco brands

• The ⁠company also said it remains on ​track ‌to deliver at the lower end ​of its ⁠guidance for revenue growth of between 3% and 5% and growth of 4% to 6% in adjusted profit from operations in its 2026 financial year

(Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by ​Jan Harvey)