With a total of eight brands for the Vietnamese consumers, BAT holds a robust market position in the Vietnam market. Today, BAT is one of the most successful international businesses in Vietnam.
BAT started its operations in Vietnam in October 1994, and has been one of the leading international FMCG multinational companies in the past 23 years in Vietnam. It is notable that, long before the 1st day of operation in Vietnam, BAT’s brands had been circulated, and well-known in Vietnam market through some critical licensing transactions between BAT and some key factories of Vietnam Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba) – the biggest State-owned tobacco company in Vietnam and other partners such as Sai Gon Industry Corporation, Khanh Viet Corporation.
In 2001 BAT established a partnership with Vinataba, through a US$65-million joint venture company named British American Tobacco-Vinataba, with the main business function of growing and processing tobacco. It was the first foreign-invested joint venture company in Vietnam in the tobacco industry, having an operation term of 50 years, to underline BAT Group’s strong commitment to Vietnam’s economic development.
Also in 2001, the representative office of BAT Marketing Singapore Pte Ltd was established in Ho Chi Minh City in order to conduct market research activities as well as to connect with local businesses in Vietnam creating employment for thousands of people directly and indirectly.
In 2004, the British American Tobacco-Vinataba officially operated a cut-rag plant in Dong Nai Province to supply cut rag to Vinataba and other factories. This is acknowledged as one of BAT’s most modern cut-rag processing factories in the world.
In 2014, BAT formed a second partnership with Vinataba by establishing the VINA-BAT JV Co. to produce cigarette sticks.
In October 2016, BAT and CNS celebrated the 30th anniversary of a successful partnership in Vietnam.
With positive contributions into the local socio-economy, especially the tobacco industry, BAT and its joint venture entities in Vietnam have been awarded by the Prime Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Labor Federation and other organizations.
Currently, BAT is one of the most successful multinational tobacco companies in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, BAT has been maintaining a strong and steady position in the market with eight brands, including State Express 555, Dunhill, Kent, Craven A, White Horse, 7 Diamonds, Everest and, Virginia Gold.