The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

This session will review the historical growth of the world's three largest tobacco manufacturers, Philip Morris (PM), British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI) and current production, sales and economic structure globally. Particular attention will be paid to these companies' entry and impact of tobacco marketing in developing nations including a review of “worst” marketing practices. The positions of these companies on important tobacco control issues will be described including: smoking and disease, secondhand smoke, framework convention on tobacco control, corporate social responsibility, “youth” prevention programs and tobacco product testing. The impact of regional and global trade treaties on the growth of these companies will also be discussed. The developing world is at a cross roads on curbing tobacco use. On the one hand, the FCTC provides a solution to future disease, on the other Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco Inc. may only increase the burden of smoking related deaths.

Understanding the structure, intentions and marketing strategies of the global tobacco giants could provide the David's in tobacco control the ability to win the global tobacco war.