10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

So, You are searching for the best cigarette Brands in India.

In this article, we have listed the names top 10 Indian cigarette brands in India.

But…

It’s no longer a mystery. Still, I would want to tell you that Smoking is Harmful to your Health!

Listening to the Term “cigarette”, the first thing that strikes me is that a caution warning is printed on every cigarette box.

Although smoking is harmful to our health, people are still inclined towards it and cannot get rid of it due to the addictive properties of nicotine.

Cigarette smoking and using tobacco products of any sort can severely damage your health and cause dreadful diseases such as mouth, throat, and lung cancer, among others.

Now, listen to this very carefully:

This article is, therefore, not aimed at promoting cigarette brands or smoking.

Rather, it is meant to serve as a guide for millions of foreign nationals who visit India every year and look for top local cigarette brands to carry back home as gifts or for personal use. Or for those who just want to know more about the best cigarette brands in India.

Cigarette in India – Backgrounder

Large-scale production of cigarettes in India began as late as 1910.

On October 24, 1910, The Imperial Tobacco Company of India, the country’s first indigenous and large-scale cigarette manufacturer, was established.

The cigarettes made by this company were meant for supplies to British officers working on the Indian subcontinent and exports to select neighbouring countries.

In 1930, another cigarette company called Vazir Sultan Tobacco was opened near Hyderabad by local entrepreneur Vazir Sultan.

A year later, NTC Industries, based in Kolkata, opened a factory and began manufacturing its brand, Regent.

This company is also listed on the Indian stock markets and makes some brands that are available in select markets of the country.

Another entrant in the cigarette market was Mumbai-based Golden Tobacco Ltd, with factories located in the Vile Parle (West) suburb of the metropolis.

The year 1936 saw the entry of another major cigarette manufacturer in India- Godfrey Phillips.

Today, The Imperial Tobacco Company of India is known by its acronym, ITC, while Vazir Sultan Tobacco is a company listed on the Indian stock exchanges and has collaborated with global cigarette major British American Tobacco.

Together, they manufacture indigenous Indian brands, including some that existed since these companies began production. Here, we look at the Best cigarette brands in India.

List of Top 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

1. Gold Flake

Most Attractive Youtube Thumbnail 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

Gold Flake is one of the most popular cigarette brands in India. This international brand, owned by ITC Limited, has been serving Indian smokers for over a century.

It offers an array of variants, including Gold Flake Kings, Gold Flake Lights and Gold Flake Super Star.

With a strong presence in both urban and rural markets, this iconic brand has become a favourite among millions of people across the country.

The Imperial Tobacco Co of India began manufacturing this brand at its factories near Kolkata.

It is a brand manufactured by Golden Tobacco Co Ltd. Gold Flake Kings holds some 17.9 per cent of the Indian cigarette brand market, while the Lights variant holds an estimated 13.4 per cent of the market slice.

This classic Indian brand stands out for its quality homegrown tobacco that gives every puff an intense yet smooth flavour.

The rich aroma and premium taste make it all the more special as it stands apart from other cigarette brands in India. In addition to this, Gold Flake also features eye-catching packaging that adds to its appeal and popularity with smokers worldwide.

Price- ₹170

2. Four Square

Four Square 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

Four Square is also one of the oldest existing and best brands of cigarettes in India. It is available across the country.

The brand is available in several variants, including Four Square regulars, Four Square Kings, Four Square Mild and Four Square flavoured.

Availability may differ according to location. FourSquare is the flagship brand of Godfrey Phillips India Ltd.

Over the years, it has become one of the leading tobacco companies in India and is known for producing high-quality cigarettes at affordable prices.

In addition to offering several varieties of cigarettes under the Four Square brand, they also manufacture other products such as cigars and chewing tobacco.

Price- 90

3. Charminar

charminar 1 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

Charminar is the leading brand of non-filter cigarettes in India and has held sway in its segment for decades.

It is the flagship brand of Vazir Sultan Tobacco and draws its name from an eponymous historical monument in Hyderabad.

In recent years, VST has been trying to revive the brand and give it a premium image to combat stiff competition from foreign and other local brands.

Price- 90

4. Navy Cut

Navy Cut

Introduced in India as Wills Navy Cut, this was the premier brand of WD & HO Wills. The brand is now known only as Navy Cut and is made in India by ITC Ltd.

Earlier Navy Cut was available in three variants- Kings and Lights.

However, the two later variants were discontinued in view of the rising popularity of foreign brands made in India.

Price- 90

5. Wills Classic Mild

Wills Classic Mild 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

Wills Classic (or Imperial Classic as it is known in some countries) is a range of cigarettes in India that is currently owned and manufactured by ITC Limited.

Outside of India, it is manufactured by Imperial Tobacco.

Perfect for smokers who prefer a lighter flavour, Wills Classic Mild offers a unique smoking experience.

Known for their smooth taste and stylish look, these cigarettes are a favourite in India

Price- 90

6. Cavender’s

Cavender's

Cavender’s was initially a non-filter cigarette popular in coastal regions of India. It is a brand from Godfrey Phillips India Ltd.

In recent years, though, Cavender’s brand has undergone a total facelift.

Cavender’s is now available as Cavanders Gold and Cavanders Gold Light- both being filter-tipped cigarettes.

Price- 90

7. Parliament

Parliament 1 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

The brand was launched in 1931 and is distinctive for its recessed paper filters.

It was originally used as an advertising gimmick when cigarettes did not have filters.

The first commercial cigarette filters came into use in 1935. Until the late 1950s, Parliament was packaged in a two-layer “hard” pack.

Parliament is an American brand of cigarettes currently owned and manufactured by Philip Morris USA in the United States and Philip Morris International outside of the United States.

Known for their innovative paper filters and rich flavour, Parliament cigarettes offer a premium smoking experience.

Price- 90

8. Marlboro

Marlboro 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

an American brand of cigarettes owned and manufactured by Philip Morris USA  within the United States and by Philip Morris

Marlboro, from its classic red packaging to its variety of flavours that cater to a wide audience.

Marlboro has been a top choice for smokers around the world, and what makes it stand out in the competitive tobacco market.

A brand that’s much more than just a smoke, Marlboro symbolizes a lifestyle.

In the 2020s, this has become very rare due to the international use of health warning

Price- 340

9. Pall Mall

Pall Mall 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

Pall Mall was introduced in 1899 as one of the world’s first premium cigarettes.

It is one of only five brands to have ever reached market leadership status in the U.S. Mall has a rich history of innovation and firsts over the past 115 years and counting.

Pall Mall is celebrated for its smooth taste and prolonged burn.

We’ll delve into what makes Pall Mall a favourite among smokers, from its distinct aroma to its various lengths and flavours. Ideal for those who value a blend of tradition and quality.

Price- 390

10. Dunhill

Dunhill 10 Best Cigarette Brands in India

Dunhill is a Westminster, London-based cigarette brand owned and manufactured by Dunhill and British American Tobacco.

The brand name commemorates the English tobacconist, entrepreneur and inventor Alfred Dunhill.

In the United Kingdom, Dunhill is registered and manufactured in Westminster, City of Westminster, London.

its unique blend of tobacco and elegant packaging.

Dunhill is a preferred choice for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated smoking experience.

Dunhill stands out as a symbol of premium quality and refined taste in the world of cigarettes.”

Price- ₹475

Top Foreign Cigarette Brands of India

Over the years, multinational companies engaged in cigarette manufacturing have entered India either as joint ventures or as associates with local companies.

These include Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco Co Ltd, among others. Consequently, Indian-made varieties of their topmost Cigarette brands are available in the local market.

There are top foreign Cigarette brands that are popular in India, too.

  • Marlboro and Marlboro Light – USA
  • Davidoff (Regular, Light, and Ultra-Light)- Switzerland
  • Benson & Hedges – UK
  • Rothmans – UK
  • Dunhill – UK
  • Win – China
  • Ruili River – China
  • L&M (Regular and Light) – USA
  • Double Happiness – Hong Kong
  • More (Regular and Menthol) – USA
  • Mild Seven – Japan
  • Esse – South Korea
  • Gudang Garam – Indonesia
  • Black – Indonesia
  • Surya – Nepal
  • Cleopatra – Egypt

Cigarettes in India: Overview

According to a report released by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey and India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, only four per cent of India’s adult population smokes cigarettes.

World Health Organization and others estimate India’s smoker population at 270 million.

Though India is home to about 17 per cent of the world’s human population, it accounts for less than two per cent of smokers on this planet.

This translates as India having the lowest number of smokers for any country on Earth.

Illegal and Irregular Cigarette Markets

Meanwhile, there is also a huge illegal and irregular market for cigarettes in India.

This is the form of counterfeited cigarettes of major brands that are manufactured and sold by small illegal units as well as fakes that enter the country through its land and maritime frontiers.

Additionally, India has a booming black market for cheap cigarettes imported illegally from Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and to some extent, Pakistan.

Earlier, the bulk of this black market was concentrated in border areas with these countries.

However, illegally imported cigarettes are now available openly in every major city and town in India, though rates may vary according to location.

Most cigarettes smuggled into India are from the eastern corridors of the country.

Impact of Illegal, Irregular Market

Illegally imported and fake cigarettes flourish due to high taxes imposed by the Indian government on those manufactured in India or imported under proper licenses.

Consequently, a ‘decline’ in cigarette sales of a whopping 10 per cent has been observed, according to the website of The Tobacco Institute of India (TTII).

In Conclusion

Despite strict rules related to smoking in public places and penalties, cigarette smoking in India is on the rise, though figures may reveal otherwise.

This is boom time for top cigarette manufacturers in India.

However, Indian cigarette brand manufacturers have a long way to go before any Indian cigarette attains the fame of a global brand like Marlboro or Dunhill.

Indians had mastered smoking tobacco much before Western colonials set foot on the Indian subcontinent.

They smoked flakes of dried tobacco rolled in jackfruit or other leaves and called ‘bidi’.

In parts of India where tobacco grew or was farmed, people rolled the leaves into cigars of various forms.

Modern-day cigarettes were introduced to India somewhere between the 16th and 17th Centuries.

The earliest cigarette brands to arrive on the shores of India were imported from England and were brought by soldiers of the British East India Company.

Which Cigarette is best in India?

There is no one “best” cigarette in India. Different brands offer different varieties of cigarettes, so it really depends on personal preference. Some popular brands in India are Wills, Gold Flake, Classic, and Insignia. You can try out different brands to find the one that suits you best.

Which is the Most Expensive Cigarette in India?

The most expensive cigarette in India is the Davidoff Gold, which has a price of Rs. 600 for a pack of 20 cigarettes. It is considered to be one of the finest and most luxurious cigarette brands available in India.

Which is the Cheapest Cigarette in India?

The cheapest cigarettes in India are the local brands such as Wills, Gold Flake and Classic. These cigarettes are usually sold at a lower price than international brands like Marlboro and Camel. You can also find cheaper options at local shops or online retailers.

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