Cigarette Companies Spend Less on Advertising, More Money on Smokeless Products

Cigarette companies are spending less money on advertising, as more resources are now being allocated to the promotion of smokeless tobacco products, according to the Associated Press. The data is based on a report released by the Federal Trade Commission this week.

The report shows that tobacco companies spent 34 percent less money on advertising for cigarettes between 2003 and 2008. Cigarette purchases also decreased by 11 percent during this time frame. According to the Associated Press, 2008 contains the latest data in terms of marketing efforts and tobacco companies.

While cigarette ads have decreased, tobacco companies have increased their marketing efforts for smokeless products. The Associated Press reports that the money spent for advertising these products doubled to $547.9 million between 2003 and 2008. At the same time, usage has increased by 11 percent.

The reduced amount of advertising for cigarettes is thought to directly relate to a decrease in smokers nation-wide. The Associated Press reports that the amount of smokers decreased by 20 percent between 1970 and 2004. In the last seven years, the decrease in smokers has stalled. There are theories that a lack of funding for cessation programs have contributed to the stall in rate.