In the aftermath of government announcements which must take effect on July 1, the OFDT recalls in its annual assessment that smoking is located at one “Historically low level” In France.
“”The tobacco volumes sold in the tobacconist network decreased by 11.5% in 2024 compared to 2023“, Writes the OFDT in a note which details a 12.3% drop in cigarettes and 13.2% for rolling tobacco.
This decrease continues for several years (-7% on average between 2017 and 2024) is today uniform in the territory, underline the authors of the note, noting in particular a decrease in the same proportions in the border departments with Belgium, where the decline is usually more marked because of cross-border purchases. But Belgium applied a 25% increase in tobacco prices from January 2024.
Other products such as cigars, smoking tobacco or chewing tobacco have however seen their sales increase by 2%.
Despite the decrease in sales and smoking, “Global tobacco turnover reaches 19.3 billion euros, with an average growth of 0.9% per year since 2017 led by the price increase“, Note the observatory.
In total, in 2024, 32,846 tonnes of tobacco sold in France.
These figures do not take into account the black tobacco market but reflect “most of the market”, ensure the authors of the note.
“Tobacco -free generation”
The drop in sales “is accompanied by a continuous decrease in smoking”, which is at a “historically low level”, estimates the OFDT, which refers on this point to data from 2023.
Less than a quarter of adults aged 18 to 75 declared smoking daily, according to the latter data, that is to say “The lowest prevalence ever recorded since 2000“.
This is explained in particular by the weaning assistance devices, a practice that has “considerably increased“Between 2023 and 2024, starting with nicotine substitution treatments (+10% sales), according to the reference body.
“”These changes show growing interest in leaving smoking, supported by public policies“, write the authors again.
On Thursday, the Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families, Catherine Vautrin, announced the implementation on July 1, a ban on cigarettes on beaches, in parks, public gardens, near educational establishments, shelters, etc.
The objective, insisted on Friday his ministry, is to create “a tobacco -free generation” and to limit “the attractiveness” of cigarettes among the youngest, recalling that its consumption causes 200 deaths per day in France.
Failure to comply with this prohibition promised since the end of 2023 may generate a fine of 135 euros: “Where there are children, tobacco must disappear,” said Ms. Vautrin.
“”The idea is not at the beginning to go and sanction everyone“, Haded the Ministry of Health to the press, evoking a period of” pedagogy “.
The generalization of these spaces (also the surroundings of libraries, swimming pools and sports facilities) must be accompanied by other measures: the reduction in nicotine levels in tobacco and vaping products, as well as the limitation of aromas in vaping products, “often designed to seduce the youngest“, Writes the ministry.
These latest measures arouse “strong concern” of addiction professionals, who fear “counterproductive effects” of “too restrictive” supervision of “vape”.
Limiting aromas, in particular, risks “slowing down one of the most effective risk reduction and tobacco outlet tools”, wrote the Addiction Federation in a press release.
The general tour of the government provided by the government in public spaces, even if it does not concern cafes or electronic cigarettes, constitutes a “Greeting add to (…) Anti-Tabac regulations“, For his part, the league against cancer.