Français 
Rothmans Cigarettes
Rothmans cigarettes, rooted in a rich history dating back to its humble beginnings, have evolved into a diverse portfolio of tobacco products catering to varied consumer preferences worldwide. Louis Rotman, the founder of L. Rothman & Co., originally hailing from Ukraine, established the brand in 1890 upon immigrating to England. What started as a small tobacco shop on Fleet Street burgeoned into a renowned name synonymous with quality and affordability, buoyed by inadvertent endorsements from journalists frequenting the area’s publishing houses.
By the early 20th century, Rothmans had firmly established itself as a thriving enterprise with offices in prestigious London locales and a burgeoning international presence spanning Holland, India, Australia, and South Africa. Despite the upheavals of the twentieth century, the brand not only endured but also expanded its global market footprint significantly.
Origins and Early Growth
Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH) stands as a prominent figure in Canada’s tobacco industry, forged from the merger of Rothmans International and Benson & Hedges brands, both under the ownership of Philip Morris International. The roots of this entity can be traced back to Quebec’s Rock City tobacco company, founded in 1899 by Olivier-Napoléon Drouin and his brothers. Initially a thriving enterprise, Rock City became one of Canada’s largest tobacco manufacturers by the 1910s, with operations expanding across Ontario and Quebec.
Evolution through Acquisitions
In 1936, British Carreras Tobacco Company acquired Rock City, a move later followed by its purchase by Rothmans International in 1963. The landscape shifted again in 1999 when British American Tobacco acquired Rothmans, subsequently spinning off a majority stake in RBH as a public entity. Philip Morris International assumed full ownership in 2008, solidifying RBH’s stature as the second-largest cigarette producer in Canada at the time.
Rothmans Cigarettes Portfolio
Today, Rothmans boasts one of the most extensive cigarette portfolios in the industry, offering a myriad of formats and broad varieties to suit diverse consumer tastes. Among its notable offerings are the classic Rothmans Royals, Rothmans Blue, and the innovative Rothmans Duble Click from its “push-button” series.
Rothmans Royals
This classic series features king-size cigarettes known for their robust flavor profile. Packaged in distinctive white packs with the brand’s signature red accents, Rothmans Royals are characterized by their strong tobacco blend and a sturdy acetate filter. Despite occasional construction issues with cigarette seams, the blend includes yellow and light-yellow tobacco fractions, delivering a satisfying smoking experience with tar levels at 7 mg and nicotine at 0.8 mg per cigarette.
Rothmans Blue
Similar in design to Rothmans Royals with a white pack and red accents, Rothmans Blue offers a lighter smoking option. With reduced tar levels of 6 mg and nicotine at 0.5 mg per cigarette, this variant maintains the brand’s tradition of quality while catering to those seeking a milder tobacco experience. However, some users note an alkaline smoke that may irritate sensitive mucous membranes.
Rothmans Aero Blue Double Click
Representing innovation in compact, flavored cigarettes, Rothmans Aero Blue Double Click stands out with its dark blue packaging and dual-flavor capsules. Each cigarette features a white filter adorned with silver accents and houses two flavor capsules—yellow for a melon-like taste with moderate menthol and blue for a currant flavor with pronounced menthol. The unique design allows smokers to enhance their experience by clicking the capsules, altering the taste profile during smoking without compromising on quality.
Consumer Experience and Market Position
Reviews among smokers vary widely, reflecting individual preferences for flavor intensity and smoking sensations. Despite occasional issues with cigarette construction, particularly in the sealing of seams, Rothmans cigarettes generally offer a satisfactory balance of taste and affordability. Prices for these cigarettes range, with Rothmans Royals and Rothmans Blue appealing to different segments of the market, from enthusiasts of strong flavors to those preferring lighter smoking options.
Diverse Portfolio of Brands
RBH manages a diverse portfolio of cigarette brands catering to various market segments. These include Accord, Belmont, Belvedere, Benson & Hedges, Canadian Classics (known as Québec Classique in Quebec), Craven A, Davidoff, Mark Ten, Next, Number 7, Philip Morris, and Rothmans. Each brand is tailored to meet distinct consumer preferences, ranging from premium selections such as Benson & Hedges to more economical choices like Next and Number 7.
Legal Challenges and Regulatory Landscape
Throughout its history, Rothmans has encountered significant legal challenges, notably a high-profile case in 2006 involving charges of fraud and conspiracy related to cigarette smuggling during the early 1990s. This legal saga concluded with Rothmans pleading guilty in 2008 and agreeing to substantial fines and ongoing payments. These events underscore the intricate legal and regulatory environment in which Rothmans operates within Canada.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rothmans cigarettes continue to uphold their legacy of quality and innovation in the tobacco industry. From their origins as a modest tobacco shop in London to becoming a global powerhouse, Rothmans remains committed to offering a diverse range of cigarettes that cater to a wide array of consumer tastes. Whether enjoying the robust flavor of Rothmans Royals or the lighter profile of Rothmans Blue, smokers can expect a distinctive smoking experience coupled with the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence.
This comprehensive overview underscores Rothmans’ position as a leader in the tobacco market, driven by a legacy of craftsmanship and a dedication to meeting the evolving preferences of cigarette enthusiasts worldwide.
