South Korean tobacco firm, KT&G, raised its Mongolian tobacco market share to 34.2 percent in the first half of this year to beat JTI and take the top spot for the first time.

Its ESSE, the most popular product in the global super-slim cigarette market, accounted for 30 percent of the Mongolian market in the first half. KT&G explained that the product was especially popular with young consumers.

The price of the product is almost twice those of local products. Nevertheless, it is taking the lion’s share in the market and increasing its popularity as local smokers’ favorite premium cigarette product.

KT&G is planning to launch Bohem Pipe Scottie, a regular cigarette, in Mongolia next month to further raise its market share. (business korea)