Régie to manufacture
Imperial Tobacco brands

Philip Morris

and JTI show an interest

Régie Libanaise des Tabacs et Tombacs (Régie), the State-owned tobacco monopoly, has signed an agreement with the UK-based Imperial Tobacco Company to produce international brands ‘Gitanes’, ‘Gauloises’, and ‘West’ in Régie’s facilities. An estimated $7 million has been invested in a new production line, which is expected to be operational by February.

Around 10,000 boxes, each containing 500 20-cigarette packs, will be produced for the local market at first, according to George Hobeika, Secretary General at Régie.

He said this number will eventually be increased for export purposes.

Régie has financed the renovation of the old Hadath factory in the last two years to the tune of around $25 million.

Hobeika said that other international companies such as Philip Mortis and Japan Tobacco International have also shown an interest in manufacturing their cigarettes at the factory.