Du Maurier (cigarette)

Du Maurier is a Canadian brand of cigarette produced by Imperial Tobacco Canada, a subsidiary of conglomerate British American Tobacco.[1] The brand is named after Sir Gerald du Maurier, the noted British actor.[2] The brand is also produced under license by the West Indian Tobacco Company in Trinidad and Tobago.

Du Maurier
Product typeCigarette
OwnerBritish American Tobacco
Produced byImperial Tobacco Canada
West Indian Tobacco Company (Trinidad and Tobago only)
CountryCanada
Introduced1930; 94 years ago (1930)
MarketsWorldwide
Previous ownersPeter Jackson Ltd.
Websitedumaurier.ca
Carcinogenicity: IARC group 1

History

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Pack of Du Maurier

The brand launched in the United Kingdom in 1930 after actor and producer Sir Gerald du Maurier (father of writer Daphne du Maurier) made requests for "a cigarette less irritating to his throat". He lent his name to the creation of a cigarette brand, the royalties for which he used to pay down his substantial tax liabilities.[2] The tobacco company that launched the brand, Peter Jackson, was a subsidiary of International Tobacco, which was taken over by Gallaher in 1934.

In 1979, the brand passed to British American Tobacco, which had owned the trademark overseas since they acquired Peter Jackson (Overseas) Ltd.

In 2005, Du Maurier changed the aesthetic of their packs and cigarette vending machines.[3] Various advertising posters were made for this brand.[4][5]

Sponsorship

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Du Maurier was the sponsor of the Canadian Women's Open golf from 1988 until 2000, as well as the Canadian Open's women's tennis from 1997 until 2000, when new anti-tobacco legislation came into force in Canada and prohibited tobacco companies from sponsoring major sporting events.[6]

Product

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Du Maurier markets the following varieties of cigarettes:

  • Signature (red)
  • Distinct (blue)
  • Distinct Silver (silver)
  • Mellow (beige)
  • Menthol (green) (discontinued in Canada)
  • Fine Cut Blend (discontinued)2019
  • Master Blend (discontinued)2019
  • Fresh Blend (discontinued in Canada)
  • Special Blend

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Canada, Imperial Tobacco. "Imperial Tobacco Canada - Our brands". Imperialtobaccocanada.com. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Du Maurier Cigarettes". Dumaurier.org. September 6, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  3. ^ "repackaging". Smoke-free.ca. Archived from the original on March 17, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  4. ^ Willis, Tim (January 22, 2015). "Plain packaging for cigarettes will see the end of some wickedly". Independent. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  5. ^ "du-maurier-cigarettes-1937". Flashbak.com (an image). December 17, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  6. ^ "Juli Inkster made LPGA history yesterday when she captured the du Maurier Classic". Getty Images (in French). July 18, 2014 [July 29, 1984]. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
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