Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Illegal tobacco sales: JTI UK withdraws support from two c-stores

Illegal tobacco sales: JTI UK withdraws support from two c-stores

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) has withdrawn its support from two convenience stores found guilty of selling illegal tobacco.

Supersave Xpress in Harlesden was ordered to pay £6,000 by Brent council’s Trading Standards team in January after being caught selling illegal cigarettes that were hidden under a pile of rugs in its store. Over 400 packets of illicit cigarettes were found on the site, including some which were counterfeit.


Maxi Food and Wine in Southgate had its license to sell alcohol suspended for three months after illegal cigarettes, vapes and Viagra were seized from the site following a test-purchase exercise run by Trading Standards.

Following the verdicts, JTI UK has written to both stores to inform them that their Business Advisers will no longer be available to visit and no further support will be offered from JTI.

“JTI’s swift response to the criminal activity seen in these cases demonstrates our commitment to backing the actions of Trading Standards in tackling the distribution and sale of illegal tobacco," said Ian Howell, Fiscal and Regulatory Affairs Manager at JTI. "We hope that other businesses supplying services to these stores will follow our lead and withdraw their support too.

“With sales of illegal tobacco on the increase it is good to see that later this year Trading Standards will be given new powers that will allow them to issue ‘on-the-spot’ fines of up to £10,000 against any business selling illegal tobacco.

“It is imperative that honest retailers do their part to help by reporting any information they have about the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes to their local Trading Standards department through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.”

Since 2000, HMRC estimates criminal tobacco activity has resulted in a tax revenue loss of £51.3 billion. Recent JTI research showed that over a third of smokers have bought tobacco products that were not in the plain packs legally required in the UK. In 2022, JTI presented further evidence to MPs on the scale of the illegal tobacco and vape trade and called for stronger powers and additional funding for Trading Standards to tackle the issue.

More for you

Kitwave’s Automatic Retailing depot

Kitwave’s Automatic Retailing depot in North Shields, Tyne & Wear

Photo: Google Streetview

Kitwave sees over 10 per cent rise in revenue in 2024

Kitwave Group, the delivered wholesale business, has reported strong revenue and profit growth for its 2024 fiscal.

In the 12 months ended 31 October 2024, the group revenues increased by 10.2 per cent to £663.7 million, and adjusted operating profit rose by 6.3 per cent to £34m. Like-for-like revenue growth stood at 5 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
​The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co

The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co acquired by Compleat Food Group

The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co acquired by Compleat Food Group

Leading food manufacturer The Compleat Food Group has acquired The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co for an undisclosed figure.

A leading supplier of own label and branded chilled Yorkshire puddings in the UK, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co has driven consistent double-digit growth in the category to become a £33 million turnover company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nisa Local Uxbridge Road revamped

Nisa Local Uxbridge Road

NISA

Nisa Local Uxbridge Road revamped with new layout

LA Foods on Friday (7) reopened Nisa Local in Shepherd’s Bush on Uxbridge Road, West London with a new layout and an extensive refit designed to enhance the shopping experience for the local community.

Operated by convenience chain LA Foods, the store relaunched also has an expanded range of fresh and chilled products, and a significant selection of Co-op own-brand goods.

Keep ReadingShow less
JW Filshill celebrates 150 years sustainably

JW Filshill marks 150th anniversary with continued focus on sustainability

Wholesaler JW Filshill, having achieved its 2020 pledge to cut its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 five years early, is prioritising sustainability in its 150th anniversary year.

In terms of Filshill’s sustainability goals, the company revealed that it has reached this target five years early, boosted by its relocation to the new Renfrew site, significant investment in electric HGV vehicles, solar panels and full LED lighting, and transitioning to HVO fuel for all diesel-powered operations at Westway Business Park.

Keep ReadingShow less
Independent businesses brace for impending rise in costs

Independent businesses in UK

Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images

Independent businesses closing doors ahead of April tax rise, warns retail body

Towns and cities across Britain are already witnessing a wave of closures as independent businesses shut their doors ahead of April's triple tax burden, the UK's leading retail body has warned.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents 6,000 independent businesses nationwide, reports that many shop owners are making the heartbreaking decision to close now rather than face the financial cliff-edge coming in April.

Keep ReadingShow less