Richmond Cigarettes
Richmond cigarettes originated in Canada through Imperial Tobacco, launching in 1968 as a filtered kingsize product. This marked Imperial Tobacco's first use of the Strickman Filter, a cellulose-acetate filter tip designed to reduce particulate matter in smoke. After scientific scrutiny disproved its effectiveness, the original Richmond cigarettes were discontinued by the early 1970s. The brand reemerged in the UK market in 1999 as a value-focused option targeting price-conscious consumers. Richmond cigarettes now compete with other budget UK brands like Mayfair and Sovereign, offering multiple variants such as King Size, Superkings, and Compact formats. Core products include the Richmond Original King Size with a full-bodied flavor blend, the longer Superkings variant, and the menthol-infused Richmond Green Filter Superkings using cellulose acetate filters. All Richmond cigarettes adhere to UK packaging regulations with standardized health warnings.
Imperial Brands currently markets Richmond cigarettes in sleeves containing 10 packs of 20 cigarettes each. The product range expanded in 2000 with the introduction of Superkings variants. While the Strickman Filter was discontinued, modern iterations maintain a focus on affordability across their king-size and slim formats. Market positioning emphasizes competitive pricing rather than premium features.
