What's with the expensive Chinese cigarettes?
Mar 19, 2012 | 6:15 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,959
What's with the expensive Chinese cigarettes?
While walking around China, I've noticed premium Chinese cigarette brands selling for up to 150RMB. Brands like Huangelou, Furongwang, Zhonhua, and Panda. Why do these sell at a massive premium compared to say, European brands such as Dunhills or Davidoffs? Now I'm curious to buy a pack to try them out 
Mar 19, 2012 | 7:46 am
#2
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
The State owns all tobacco production in China.
Most premium brands have a history which adds to
their perceived value.
They are used as gifts..for status..bribes.
As far as quality..don't know for sure as have only bought Zhonghua as gifts
and they are well received.
Most premium brands have a history which adds to
their perceived value.
They are used as gifts..for status..bribes.
As far as quality..don't know for sure as have only bought Zhonghua as gifts
and they are well received.
Mar 19, 2012 | 11:30 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,160
While walking around China, I've noticed premium Chinese cigarette brands selling for up to 150RMB. Brands like Huangelou, Furongwang, Zhonhua, and Panda. Why do these sell at a massive premium compared to say, European brands such as Dunhills or Davidoffs? Now I'm curious to buy a pack to try them out
Second, people who buy Lamborghinis just to show off also have a penchant for displaying their disregard for money in all aspects of life... they really are a marketer's dream.
Third, the SOE execs that order them to be planted at banquets don't give a rat's behind what they cost because they don't have to pay for them.
On a related note, there is a store in the Kerry Centre basement that sells Deng Xiaoping's favorite Pandas (produced 20+ years ago) at a cost of y3,000 per carton. I asked one of the sales girls about this insanity a while back, and she told me that they sell quite well. To each, his own.
Mar 19, 2012 | 11:38 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Singapore
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hh Gold, NH*G, SPGP, SQ-CC
Posts: 1,382
I smoke Marlboros here in Singapore and smoke either Chunghwa or Pandas in China.
I can tell you that there is a quality difference. Chunghwa and Pandas are flavorful and VERY smooth down compared to its western counterparts.
Of course, this is just my own experience.
These cigarettes are also status symbols and used as gifts and bribes.
Oh, there are fakes too.
I can tell you that there is a quality difference. Chunghwa and Pandas are flavorful and VERY smooth down compared to its western counterparts.
Of course, this is just my own experience.
These cigarettes are also status symbols and used as gifts and bribes.
Oh, there are fakes too.
Mar 19, 2012 | 5:02 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI / SFO
Programs: UA*G, AC*S, Marriott LTP, National Exec
Posts: 3,891
Wha? I feel like I'm dying when I smoke Chunghwa! They beat North Korean cigarettes though... I think one 20 pack could kill you.
Mar 20, 2012 | 7:18 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Singapore
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hh Gold, NH*G, SPGP, SQ-CC
Posts: 1,382
Wha? I feel like I'm dying when I smoke Chunghwa! They beat North Korean cigarettes though... I think one 20 pack could kill you.
Oh, Tibetan smokes are thicker.
Mar 20, 2012 | 5:43 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PEK & MKE
Programs: Amex-gold, Hainan-gold, Mrt-LT Titanium
Posts: 1,530
The best ones for VIP's are the Dino Yu Tai brand, which are exclusive for the state guest house.
The health claim label is in english on the carton, and the pack.
I actually prefer the small #4 Montecristo's from Habana Cuba. Which when bought here may be the 'genuine imitation' cigars.
