Market for Lights
Swedish Match’s matches and lighters are sold across the globe and the most important markets are in Europe and Asia, as well as in Brazil and parts of Africa.
Market
The match market is in a long term state of decline in most countries where Swedish Match has a presence. The largest Swedish Match markets are in Europe, Brazil, and parts of Africa. For lighters, market volumes are flat to declining in most developed markets, while growing in many developing countries. For lighters, the largest Swedish Match markets are located in Asia and Europe, while it also maintains a strong presence in Brazil. Most markets for matches and lighters remain highly competitive.
Swedish Match also sells complementary products, such as light bulbs, batteries, razors, and certain other products. The main Swedish Match market for complementary products is Brazil.
During 2018, restructuring programs to reduce costs and improve efficiency were conducted in Sweden at the Tidaholm match factory and in Brazil, for its match manufacturing as well as the optimization of the Rio de Janeiro sales office.
Matches
During 2018, Swedish Match maintained significant or leading market positions in its largest markets for matches, including Sweden (Solstickan), Norway (Nitedals), Brazil (Fiat Lux) and Australia (Redheads).
Lighters
Swedish Match offers a wide range of lighter products which include both premium disposable lighters and utility lighters. With its flexible and efficient manufacturing process, Swedish Match is able to quickly manufacture and deliver both mainstream and special order varieties to satisfy customer requirements for quality, reliability, design, and innovation.
The lighter business is characterized by variability in volumes and mix, depending on the timing and type of products delivered, geography, and currency fluctuations.
Complementary products
Swedish Match offers a portfolio of complementary products mainly on the Brazilian market, including disposable razors, batteries and light bulbs under the Fiat Lux brand.
Competitors
Match competition varies widely between markets. Lighter competitors include Bic, Tokai, Flamagas, and a number of other smaller manufacturers.
