260973 Exploring US and regional market trends in smokeless tobacco use, 2005-2010

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Olivia A. Wackowski, PhD, MPH , School of Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Daniel Giovenco, MPH , School of Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Michelle T. Bover Manderski, MPH , School of Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Pamela Ling, MD, MPH , Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Cristine D. Delnevo, PhD, MPH , School of Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Background: Consumption of smokeless tobacco (SLT) is on the rise but its growth and use is not necessarily evenly distributed across different brands, styles or US regions. Examining market trends of SLT products is critical to better understand and describe SLT use.

Methods: We analyzed Nielsen's convenience store Scantrack sales data from 2005 to 2010 to describe changes in SLT consumption and market share, including use of flavored SLT, pouches, and different brands. Results are presented for trends in the US overall and regionally, using data from 30 metropolitan markets tracked by Nielsen.

Results: Moist snuff volume increased 57% nationally over the six year period. Overall, sales of pouches, flavored products, and one discount brand are fuelling growth, although sales vary regionally. For example, in 2010 pouch sales made up as little as 5.9% of market share in Little Rock while over 19% in other markets (e.g., Chicago). Flavored products made up 55% of the national market all years and in 2010 made up as much as 75-79% of certain regional markets. Sales of discount brand Grizzly grew 167% from 2005-2010 and made up over 40% of snuff sales in certain regional markets in 2010. Lastly, sales of snus products ranged regionally from 1.3% (e.g., Atlanta) to 6.4% (Phoenix) of SLT market share in 2010.

Conclusions: The growth of characteristics such as flavoring, pouch packaging and discount pricing is significant given their potential to facilitate SLT use (e.g., by making it easier to try, use, conceal and afford).

Learning Areas:
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe market data for smokeless tobacco products sold in the US overall and regionally 2. Describe trends over time with respect to use of packets or pouches, flavored smokeless tobacco, and brands 3. Discuss implications for tobacco researchers and policymakers

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Spit Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an Assistant Professor who has worked in the tobacco control field for 8 years. I have previously conducted research projects, delivered presentations and published manuscripts on the topic of smokeless tobacco.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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