Imperial Tobacco launches New Crush variants for JPS Players and L&B Blue

Imperial Tobacco has launched New Crush variants for its L&B Blue and JPS Players brands to help provide more options for retailers following the menthol ban.

Available from the end of October, the New Crush variants will include a filter that delivers a cooling sensation during smoking, as well as a white-tipped firm filter that retains its shape and structure until the end of the smoke. Both JPS Players and L&B New Crush variants will be available to buy in packs of 20 cigarettes at an MRRP of £9.30, with 10 packs per outer.

Market manager UK at Imperial Tobacco Chris Street said: “Since the arrival of the menthol ban, former crushball consumers have been trialling different options before settling on their product of choice but many are yet to find the right product to suit their nicotine needs. Our New Crush variants have been designed specifically with these consumers in mind, providing all the familiar features without the crushball, from two of our leading brands.

“L&B Blue commands a sizeable share of the total Factory Made Cigarettes (FMC) category with 11% and JPS Players is even stronger with 18% market share, earning it the accolade of the No.1 FMC brand in the UK . With lots of consumers still looking for the best product fit for them, these latest innovations from the UK’s biggest brands will give retailers the perfect propositions to meet demand.”