CDC and NORC at the University of Chicago, Illinois released the following article in the journal, Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Trends in Cigar Sales and Prices, by Product and Flavor Type—the United States, 2016–2020

This study assessed trends in U.S. cigar sales during 2016–2020. Unit sales and average unit price for cigars were assessed during January 3, 2016–June 13, 2020, overall and by product and flavor type, for the 48 contiguous U.S. states and D.C. Assessed cigar types were large cigars, little cigars, and cigarillos; assessed flavor types were tobacco/unflavored, candy/sweets, fruit, menthol, alcohol, coffee, other flavors, and no flavor stated.

During January 3, 2016–June 13, 2020, unit sales of cigarillos increased, while unit sales of large cigars and little cigars decreased. The average price of cigarillos gradually decreased since mid-August 2017, and the average price of little cigars decreased from mid-June 2016 to mid-June 2019. In contrast, the average price of large cigars increased during the entire study period. Irrespective of cigar type, tobacco-flavored/unflavored products were the most commonly sold cigars during the assessed period; however, sales of other flavors varied by cigar type.

Cigar sales and price vary by type over time in the United States, including sales of cigarillos (94.2% of unit sales) increasing as their prices have decreased in recent years. These findings reinforce the importance of evidence-based strategies, including increasing price and restricting flavors, to reduce the affordability and consumption of cigars in the United States.

This article is available online at: https://bit.ly/3IUj90O