no COPIES NAr BE Has Tobacco Strategy review TO&IR A meeting of the Tobacco Strategy Review Team was held an 30th November 1990. Present: Mr. P. Sheehy, Mr. M.F. Broughton, Mr. B.D. Brumley, Mr. R. Pritchard, Mr. U. Harter, Mr. P.J. Rombaut, Mr. J-L. Mercier, Dr. R. Salter (Secretary) Mr. A.L. Heard attended for items 35-51. 1. The minutes of the meeting held on 17th September were agreed. 2. Inter-Company Transfers : It was noted that opportunities to broaden managers' experience and to transfer expertise through movements of staff between Group companies were being pursued actively. A seating to review existing secondments and to review progress on the identification of new opportunities and new candidates will be arranged by Mr. Brumley in mid-I 991. The results of theme reviews will be reported to the tam in September 1991 - 3. Representation in Overseas Markets : It was noted that in was markers where more than one Group company vat represented. insufficient advantage was being taken of opportunities to reduce costs and Improve efficiency by sharing office facilities, market information, market research, etc. It was agreed that Mr. Brumley, Mr. Pritchard and Mr. Barter would review the arrangements for their overseas representation and would report back to the next meeting an specific action being taken to Improve co-ordination. 4. US International Iran" : Mr.. Pritchard reported that sales of US13 for the year would show a significant (13%) increase on 1989. The rate of increase In the second half of 1990 would be lose than In the early part of the year but there were specific factors expl&4-4- this (e.g. the timing of the Chinese New Year; of launches in Japan; and of the opening of East European markets). Thus, it did not represent a slackening in the underlying momentum of growth in US International Brands. brown 4 Williamson were committed to the objective of achieving 15% p.a. volume growth through identifying and fully exploiting market opportunities as these &rose, worldwide. 5. For sent, It was noted that a first evaluation of the Total Offer Tests in Europe would be sade in aid-December. Assuming that this evaluation above encouraging results, cast markets are planned for 1991 with a past-European launch in 19 9 2. It was also noted that the launch in Brazil bad been brought forward from 1992 to 1991. 6. Lucky 3tri1sa Lights was considered to have a good growth potential and would be available in 15 countries in 1991. A possible la--h in Venezuela was being considered and Lucky Strike was making good progress In Brazil. Prospects in Europe were considered to be particularly good with significant progress in Germany and further launch** planned for 1991. The Chairsast underlined the importance of mounting a really effective sales drive for this brand, commensurate with its exciting prospects In the market. it me also important that the guidance on pricing and on blends vas followed In each market to ensure the ri&bt positioning raUtive to Marlboro. 7. Mr. Brumley was asked to review the 'blends. pricing and distribution in Spain and to report back to the next meeting au action taken to improve quality. raise prices and strengthen distribution in this market. 00 PO %4 %-O OD BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 - 2 - 8. The Chairman stressed the Importance of conforming to the approved blends for Kent and Lucky Strike Worldwide and asked for reports for those markets where other blends were being used, outlining action in hand to change to the approved recipes. 9. For Barclay, it was agreed that it would be critical to avoid damaging the Image of Barclay as combining full flavour with low deliveries. It was important, therefore, to be in a position to launch Barclay Ultra Lights (2ag) ahead of any change in the tar rating of the existing product. Revised strategies should be considered for those markets where it bad been intended to launch a 5ag rated product ahead of the 2ag version. The revised strategies for Barclay will be reviewed at the next meeting. 10. It vas agreed that Capri and other superalis products would continue to be significant an niche products but, in future, progress should be reviewed at 6 monthly intervals rather than quarterly. 11. It was Noted that Viceroy and Zool continued to be progressive in selected markets and it was suggested that further consideration should be given to the potential for expanding sales of Menthol cigarettes in the Africa/Mlddl* East region. 12. It was uoted that Fell man was Important as a leading low-priced brand for Eastern Europe and for Gars=y- The Chairman stressed that it was important for the brand owner to control the bland*. Rovever, provided this was done, the markets should be supplied from the lowest cost source, subject to the further condition that the business must be profitable on a full cost rather than a marginal basis. SperAfic consideration should be given to supplying Fall Hall from Brazil. Details of the bland to be used will be supplied by Mr. Pritchard. 13. The 1991 PlAns for the major 93 International Brands will be reviewed at the next meeting. In addition, Mr. Pritchard will also provide a note explaining the differences between the methods used to calculate the figures for US International Brands as presented by Ircim 4 Wil Umsou and 1ATCo. respectively. 14. UX International Brands : Mr. Bromley reported that although domestic sales of UX later-national Brands, &part from ?layers Vold- Leaf (PGL), ware static or declining, export sales of SE 555 and PGL vote progressive and the declines In Benson 4 Sedges and JPS appeared to have been belted. Overall, sales of UX International BrarAs ware continuing to expand. 15. Tar laws& 4 Badges, it was noted that there had been good progress In France (0.9% market share) and the position in West Africa appeared to have stabillsed. The evaluation of the -Po toutial for launching a Benson 6 Badges Amricim Lights had not been encouraging but was being looked at again la the context of the Malaysian market. 16. State Xxpreas continued to do wall in the Far East. There was a need to redesign the pack for the Low Tar variants bur It we agreed that the brand In&&* was sufficiently strong to allow considerable latitude in design. 17. Smoking Qual1ty was a continuing concern and it vas agreed that in order to maintain the Image of the International Brands, it was Important that these were based on international blends. Every effort C:> should be made to negotiate an end to any restrictions (e.g. in Spau and Mala;sia) requiring the use of local leaf. co PQ ---4 %-0 co BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 - 3 - 18. Eastern Europe : Mr. Herter reported that even excluding East Germany, which is now part of the German domestic market, 1990 sales to Eastern Europe up to the end of October were 2.5 billion, which was over $02 ahead of the corresponding period in 198 9. However, market conditions were becoming more difficult due to political uncertainties and a worsening economic situation. It was also noted that Philip Morris was still more successful in penetrating the markets and in expanding sales to duty free and hard currency outlets. 19. The USS& was being visited during the weak and out purpose of the visit will be to set up the Moscow office. The Group had already established a range of contacts in the USSR and in addition to offers to the Central Import Agency, enquiries were also being received from traders who were believed to be supplying the market through counter-trade arrangements. 20. In Poland, increased taxes and punitive duties on Imports were severely restrict'-mg business, especially in the hard currency outlets. Although there were some opportunities for Imports from Brazil (which attacted lower rates of import duty), longer term expansion was likely to depend on manufacturing in Poland. 21. Mr. Berter had had talks with the works council of a factory in Poland which could be privatised and the next stage would be to send a fo proposal for a joint venture. Although the factory was smaller than the two leading manufacturing plants (which are In negotiation with Philip Morris and RJR), it appears to be reasonably efficient and has room for expansion. If the Group proposal were to be accepted, the likely level of investment would be around 14.5 million, which night be in the form of machinery. 22. The Chairman suggested that it would be helpful for Mr. Harter to seek assistance from a company in London which was known to the Group and which had experience of negotiating joint venture *rrangements in Poland. Mr. Barter said be would do this ahead of sending the proposed letter of intent to the Polish Minister for Foreign Investment. In addition, It was noted that the Group should also be prepared to advise the Polish Goverment on excise structures, which appeared to be rudimentary at present. 23. Hungary : Mr. Bramley reported that a proposal for an investnent in a factory at Pecs in Nuugary we@ currently being considered by the State Property Agency. Although their response on this bad been delayed, it was expected with-in the next few days. However, the change of Finance Minister in HmSary night cause a further delay. 24. Bulgaria : Following a visit to awaluate 3 factories in Bulgaria as potential Investments, it was intended to send a letter of intent which Mr. Wattertom hoped to discuss with the Bulgarian authorities in January. Mr. Watterton would also seek to identify export opportunities during his visit. 25. Lea Advi"ry Team : Mr Iramley reported that the Leaf Advisory Tom had been set up along the II=" previously agreed and the team planned to visit Sungary, Poland and Bulgaria during January. It was hoped that by April next year, the tam would be In a position to provide useful advice on Leaf growing In each of theme countries. co 00 BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 - 4 - 26. Vietum : 4r. Bramley reported that Mr. Wattertom had visited Vista= and would return in January for further discussions on the potential for investment there. In the meantime, it was thought that there could be opportunities to promote exports of SE 555. 27. Burma. : BATCo. had sent in an adviser to help the Burmese Government act up an excise structure. Although immediate apportumicites for increased trade or investment appeared to be limited, contacts with this market would be maintained. 28. S'UTL : It was noted that BAT had been wall known in Vietnam and Burma through SUTL and the Chairman suggested that a formal agreement with SUTL might be considered as a way to build on these contacts. 29. Mexico : Mr. Bramley reported that the Group's brands had been registered in Mexico and an import licence had been applied for. The potential for setting up a secondary manufacturing plant was also being investigated. Attempts were being made to buy back the rights to the Viceroy trademark but the currant owners were resistant to this. 30. Turkey : Mr. Bramley reported that a meeting would be held early in December to progress the negotiations on a potential investment in Turkey. This project had nov been handed over to Mr. Wacterton and his tem. 31. Brazilian Exportx : It was noted that following a significant increase in 1990, the target for exports from Brazil its 1991 would be 3 billion, which was over double the volume achieved in 1989. The Chairman stressed the need to upgrade the staffing and expertise in this activity and it was noted that Souza Cruz are obtaining help from Brown & Williamson in this respect. It was asked that Souza Cruz should report progress at the next meeting, considering the price and profitability of exports as well as the volume. 32. Maw0acturing Capacity : Pollowing discussion of an initial survey of the present and potential capacity of the Group's main manufacturing facilities it was sugSested that further work was required both to establish vbera shortfalls might occur and also to establish where there was a potential for expansion to Improve the overall ptoducitivit'i. ciii;:effictlveoess and tax-efficiency in sourcing the Group's markets. 33. It was agreed that Mr. Kohnborst should be asked to arrange a meeting of the Group's production directors and that he should produce a review for the May meeting; of the toma; showing the currently planned capacity and output of the Group's manufacturing facilities; identifying potential probless; and considering options for specific expansion& to provide extra capacity and opportunities for sore cost-effective and tax-efficient ways to most overall Group demand. 34. The Chairman noted that Mr. Bannister at 3=XZ had produced a good appraisal of the potential for expanding Southampton and suggested that a similar appraisal should be carried out for Bayreuth. Be also stressed the need for each company to ensure that machinery would be available to meet planned expansion and rafurbiebmut up to 1995. 'It was also suggested that Souza Cruz should contact machinery manufacturers to try to encourage Improved availability La Brazil of r1%) the equipment needed co update their manufacturing facilities. C) on 00 BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 35. Yundmental Joseareb Programme Introducing the proposed programme for Fundamental Research, Mr. Heard said that there had been a change of emphasis with greater priority now being given to providing the scientific basis for improved product design. As a result. less priority was being given to regulatory issues and to speculative work on innovative products. The proposed allocation of of fort was:- (a) Smoke Quality Improvement 35Z (b) Innovative Products 20% (c) Regulatory Issues 2B% (d) Environmental Issues 17% 36. Af ter discussion, it mat agreed that the proposed allocation of effort and the total budget of L3.885 million plus LO-296 million for the Scientific Research Group projects were acceptable. The proposals for the contributions from each company to funding the programmes was noted but before agrating these it was asked that there should be a further check by Mr- Broughton to ensure that the allocations are made in the most tax-efficient way. 37. 31ological Activity : A specific issue discussed in the review of the research programme was the Group's position an testing for 'biological activity' by the Ames test and by other methods. It was noted that there is a continuing programm to monitor trends in the emergence of new bioassays and to develop expertise in those which may have relevance to tobacco products. It was also noted that despite the uncertainty associated with current in vitro tests and their applicability to coapLez systems. they could provide information both as to bow people wbo use these tests may characterise Group products and as to whether further research is required. However, this does not imply acceptance of the validity of these tests. 38. Technical Liaison : Reviewing the current arrauSemonts for technical liaison, it me noted that the interchange of information on R&D avid product development appeared to be working well but there was less confidence in the effectiveness In sharing Lufarmation and expertise an aanufactur@4 'processes. 39. It was agreed that, wherever possible, technical liaison should be an an ad hoc basis and regular liaison meetings should be avoided. It was also suggested that it was better for the person responsible for an activity to be involved directly rather than having one person responsible for liaison over a range of subjects. Wile it was accepted that secondments we-re a very effective memo for sharing experience in depth, these should be restricted to cases wbere tbare was a specific purpose related sitber to the transfer of specific expertise or to manager development. 40. The Chairman asked Hr. Bromley to arrange for a paper to be presented to the next meeting, detaLlIng the technjas.L liaison mestings which had occurred in 1989 and 1990, ShMNS the location of each and the names of the people who had attended. UNA on this, the tem would then be asked to decide whether there mu* a cam for reducing the umober of meetings and whether the attendancit at future meetings ought to involve a vider spectrum of people. C) NO co its. SAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 - 6 - 41. regulatory Issues - Smoking on Aircraft : Mr - Bramley introduced a paper suggesting approaches which Group companies might take when faced with the possibility of airlines introducing bans an smaking. It was agreed that the paper would be useful as general guidance for use by individual companies and should be made available to then for use in this way. It was also suggested that an additional point to be made was that the airlines gained from smoking bans through reduced administrative and cleaning costs. Bence they would not be judging the issue entirely from their customers' point of view. 42. US Environmental ?"tactics Agency : It was noted that the US Environmental Protection Agency had produced two draft reports an Health Effects of Passive Smoking and Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Workplaces. Mr. Pritchard reported that these were now being considered by the Goverment's Scientific Advisory Board (SAS). Re will report the reactions of the SAB at the next meeting. 43. sidestrom Smoke : Objectives for reducing sidestram make will be reviewed in February 1991. 44. Smoking Compendiums : It was noted that the Sucking and Health Compendiums will be reviewed and updated in January 1991. 45. The Additives Register will be completed in the first quarter of 11991. 46. Green Issues : It was noted that the main issue likely to be of significance to the Group was the attitude to packaging and the related work In the European Commission which could la" to a Directive, based on. proposed German legislation, to ask& retailers responsible for the collection of packaging used an products which they sell. It was agreed that developments in attitudes to packaging would be a key issue to be monitored by the Group. 47. Valdez Charter : It was noted that there was increasing pressure In the USA for major companies to sign an environmental charter based on the 'Valdez Principles'. The Secretary was asked to report back on the possible significance of this to B.A.T Industries. 48. Products 'Incorporating T-1 Tobacco : Mr. Pritchard reported that products incorporating Y-1 Tobacco were undergoing tests, the results of which would be reported at the next meeting. Mr. Harter reported that tests of BATCF products were due in 1991 and 1ATC*- also reported that T-1 was being evaluated. 49. The Blenders Handbook had been completed and Mr. Pritchard would arrange for this to be circulated throughout the Group. The handbook would be treated as a high security document and this would be reflected in the way In which it was distributed and subsequently held. A 50. Ammonia Technology - Decomposition Products : It was reported that the projeci to characterize the decomposition products of cigarettes containing materials subjected to ammoula treatment La due for completion by aid-19 91. Usults of tests to date have not given cause for concern. 51. Use of Reconstituted Stem : It was &&road that the project to evaluate the benefits of incorporating stm in the form of reconstituted sheet should be completed as soon sa possible. Assuming that this shown that the use of sheet is beneficial, plans should be prepared for meeting the requirement fo; sheet in Europe, drawing on the crperience of Brown & Williamson who have sheet made for them by Kiaberly Clark. ... co %-0 co V1. BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 7 52. Leaf Supplies : It was noted that reviews of the likely availability of tobacco in 1991-1992 had suggested that shortages could develop, especially In Burley. It was agreed that all companies should ensure that orders were placed as early as possible In 1991, sufficient to cover the total requirement for 1992. If there are any shortfalls, action should be put in hand Immediately to expand supplies within the Group (a.&. in Brazil and Nicaragua). 53. Grade lationalization : it was noted that the working of the Leaf Grade rationalisation scheme was due for review In May 1991. 54. Car-rent Trading : Reviewing the results for the Group's tobacco businesses up to the end of the third quarter, Mr. Broughton draw attention to the increase in volume which, for the full year, was expected to be 14 billion higher than in 1989, despite an assumed 3 billion reduction La trade loading in the USA. Trading profits were also expected to show an increase compared with 1989 despite an adverse movement in exchange rates. 55. It was noted that RATCO. ware hoping for a significant increase au 1989 despite adverse effects due to exchange rate movements and an economic downturn In Africa. Spain had performed better than expected. Market share and profits ha increased in India in local currency but this had been offset by the devaluation of the Rupee. 56. Brown A 11121susan were also hoping to meet their profits budget but volums could be slightly below budget. The results were adversely affected by the expected intention of Philip Morris to increase trade loading as the pressure grows for their tobacco businesses to compensate for reduced growth in their food businesses. 57. NATCY profits before tax were DM5 million below budget at the and of the 3rd Quarter but were expected to meet the budget for the full year. 58. Souza Crux was expecting to achieve a market share of 81Z for the full year but there mould be a negative variance an profits due to price controls on cigarettes and the adverse affect of an overvalued Cruseiro on 1Aaf exports. The current trend me for the Cruzairc to devalue which would be good for exports but would have an adverse effect on the translation of profits. 59. Isperial's market share had increased to 60% and Operating Profits were expected to be Cau$11 million better than budget. Rowever. industry volumes were dawn 4.5Z on the year and this trend was expected to continue. 60. Nawsewmt Development : Mr. Broughton reported that the project to review the arrangements for management traiaLog and development bad been set-up and would be co-ordiustod by Mr. Xt3eath. The main part of the work would be carried out by two **Wad***, one from Tobacco and one from Financial Services but it was also intended to use consultants to collect data on current practices both within BAT =4 In other companies. 61. It was noted that it van likely that the consultant to be used would be Bill Laidlaw, who had worked for lotbmans and we now a partner In Mosaic, a suall Independent consulting firm speciallsing In this field. BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999 6Z. It was agreed that the person seconded to the project should be a high potential manager in 30-40 age Stoup and should preferably not be a personnel specialist. A specific nomination was made which will be followed-up by Mr. Broughton. 63. The Chairman asked that the tesm should be provided A th progress reports as the project developed. 64. Marketing Direcrors SeaLuar : The Chairman thanked the ==here of the tem for their suggestions for issues which Might be considered by a future marketing directors' seminar. The arrangements for this seminar will now be progressed from the Centre. 65. Dates of Future meeting FlectLogs in 1991 will take place on Wednesday, 27th February; Thursday, 30th May; Friday, 6th September; and Monday, 2nd December. RS/DJA 12th December 1990 C:) co 00 BAT Industries document for Province of British Columbia 22 April 1999