California Flavor Ban Drives Down Sales of Marlboro Maker’s Cigarettes
- Customers seek menthol alternatives such as drops, CEO says
- Marlboro maker calls for authorities to fairly enforce the ban
Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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Altria Group Inc., maker of Marlboro cigarettes, said a ban on flavored tobacco in California is hurting sales more in that state, as consumers turn to the illicit market or add their own menthol to products.
“We’re seeing some consumers self-mentholating,” Chief Executive Officer Billy Gifford said on a conference call Thursday announcing the company’s first-quarter results.