KT&G's Ultra-Slim Cigarette 'Esse' Surpasses 900 Billion Units in Cumulative Sales

Number One in Global Ultra-Slim Cigarette Sales Since 2014

KT&G announced on the 14th that its ultra-slim cigarette brand 'ESSE' has surpassed a cumulative sales volume of 900 billion sticks.

Launched in November 1996, ESSE has sold 496.5 billion sticks domestically and 405.1 billion sticks overseas up to last year, achieving a total sales volume of 901.6 billion sticks worldwide. In the past year, ESSE's annual domestic sales reached 21.9 billion sticks, while overseas sales were 28.9 billion sticks, with overseas sales surpassing domestic sales since 2015.

At the time of its domestic launch, ESSE attracted market attention with its slim design and low-tar products, differentiating itself from the regular-sized, high-tar cigarettes that dominated the tobacco market. Since then, through the application of innovative technologies such as odor reduction and continuous product expansion reflecting diverse consumer preferences, ESSE has maintained its position as the number one cigarette brand in domestic sales for 20 consecutive years since 2004.

Starting exports in 2001 to the Middle East and Russia, ESSE has expanded its market continuously and is now sold in over 90 countries worldwide. It has established itself as the best-selling ultra-slim cigarette product globally, accounting for about one-third of global ultra-slim cigarette sales.

A KT&G representative stated, “ESSE has established itself as the number one global ultra-slim cigarette brand based on systematic brand management and innovative technology.” They added, “We will continue to strengthen our position as a top global brand through ongoing lineup expansion and market entry strategies that consider consumer needs.”

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