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COPY REQUEST FORM
BRITISH A~4 ER I CA\'
"TOBACCO
REQUEST No
1462
IOrganisation I DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - CANADA
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BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000

f
ERC/O~
WILKINSON SWORD LIMtTED
SWORD HOUSE. TOTTERIDGE ROAD,
HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS., HPI3 6EJ
fE~EF'HONE: HIGH WYCOI~I.| ~0
C~tE$: $WOS~GCI~A~. H~GH WYCOM8I
IE;~: iJ37~/34
Dr. S.J. Green,
British American Tobacco Ltd.,
Westminster House,
Millbank,
London, S.W.I.
30th May 1973.
?,"
Dear Dr. Green,
I am writing to tell you that a merger has
been negotiated between Wilkinson Sword Limited and the
British Match Corporation.
I would like you to know that our entity as a
company remains unchanged and that our normal commercial
activities will continue as before.
The negotiations, therefore, between our two
companies are in no way affected by this event.
Yours sincerely,
• /i
E.R. Chi!ton,
Licensing Director.
WILKINSON $wO20 LI~41t'ED
REGD. OFFICE: SWOR~ I~OL;SE. ~'OTTI~IDGE ROAD.
HIGH WYCC~E, ~UC~S HPI~ 6E/
IE~. ~O. ~931~ ENGLAND
Q
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BATCo document for Legal Services • Health Canada 27 November 2000

CONFIDE~[T Z -~
COOLA/;TS EXPLORATORY CONCE?T RESEARCH
Market Research Sunumarv
b)
2.
a)
BACKGROLq~D .~D PURPOSE
This quailtative research was set up in Norway and H~biiand
to examine consumer attitudes to cigarettes treated with
alternative levels of various Coolant compounds, and to probe
Zor possible marketing opportunities for them. The research was
carried cu~ in the form of 10 group discusss$ons in each country
among smokers of filtered menthol cigarettes and of ordinary filter
cigarettes over April/May. Since the findings are not based on
statistic~.!ly representative samples of smokers and have been derived
by the use of exploratory tec~hniques, they should not be interpreted
in the sarape way as the results of formal, quantitative research
but rather treated as more hypothetical and as only being indicative
of consumer attitudes. A full-scale quantitative study which
will formalise these results is~no~; under way in both countries
wih resu!~s due at the beginning of August.
MAIN F!~FDI!~GS
I. Overall Reactions to the Coolant Cigarettes
a) In Norway the test cigarettes were generally identified as o
menthol, although most respondents recoguised tha~ they had
a lighter menthol taste than o.ther menwhol cigarettes they
had encountered, and indeed a few queried if it was a tea/
menthol. An important advantage which these cigarettes were
thought to have, particularly for non-menthol smokers, was that
the so-called menthol taste did not mask the tobacco flavour
as was said to be so often the case with normal menthol brands.
Some respondents called them a "hybrid" or "in between"
cigarette, i.e° neither menthol nor non=menthol.
In :~o!!and the test cigarettes were also ~hought to be a
men_thc! tlrpe of product, albeit with a lighter loading of
menthol. Many of the Dutch respondents found that the
menthol taste tended to disappear from the cig~-rettes after a
few puffs, and that the after-taste did not persist. Because
of this lighter and briefer menthol impression, consumers
quite definitely described the Coolant cigarettes as ~u
'in between' product,~either menthol nor non-menthol.
General Attitudes to the Test Cigarettes
In both countries most non-menthol smokers appeared to reject
the Coolant cig~rettes, mainly because they dislike ~uny form
of menthol brand. At the same time the bulk of regular
menthol smokers also tended to react ~nfavourab!y, because
they considered the menthol taste to be toc weak, although
some of them claimed that they might zmcke the Coolant
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BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000

- 2 -
cigarettes on an occasional basis. In addition in Norway
many respondents, especialiy the men, found the cigarettes
excessively mild and lacking satisfaction: in Hhlland opinion
was rather more divided in this respect, with some voicing
the same criticism and others rating them as harsh and
irritating~
b~ The most positive reaction to the test cigarettes came from
lighter smokers (both menthol and non=menthol) who appeared
to like the light menthol taste, and their fres}uuess and
mildness. 0nly a few heavier smokers w~re relatively favourably
disposed towards them: these were people who thought they might
like to use them on an occasional basis, when they wanted
a change, when they had a cold, or when they wmuted to offer
around in company a cigarette that would be reasonably
acceptable and not offensive to menthol or non-menthol smokers.
e) Women generally seemed to be more favourably inclined to the
Coolant cigarettes than men, possibly because they ~moke
more menthol, tend to be lighter and rather more occasional
in their smoking habits, and are possibly less committed to
a particular regular brand and so more willing to try something
different from time to time.
}. Recognition of the Coolin~ Effect
a) In Norway the cooling effect of the cig-~ettes was readily
detected in most groups, althcugh respondents tended to refer
to it as 'the menthol taste': thus it is no~ altogether clear
to what extent this was perceived as a cooling sensation as
distinct from a taste. In general this effect was described
as cooling, refreshing and good for freshening up the mouth
and breath.
b) In Holland the cooling effect was not so clearly recognised
although again where noticed it was described as fresh.
4. Other Smokin~ Characteristics
a) In Norway apart from the menthc! taste and cooling effect the
main positive attributes mentioned were the mildness and
smootD~ness of the cigarettes. Men tended to find them lacking
in satisfaction whereas women seemed to consider them quite
satisfying. Some Zhroat irritation appeared to be detected with
044and082, and in some groups some versions were thought to
give a dry effect in the mouth. Generally the tobacco flavour
of the cigarettes was found quite pleasant, alth~1 some groupg
seemed to detect an additional] perfumed, Turkish or spicy
taste.
b) In Holland opinions differed cn smoking attributes with some
finding them light ~nd mild, ~nd others regarding them as harsh, "
sharp or irritating. They did not seem to be considered
particularly satisfying cigarettes, especially !a! and 143.
The tobacco flavour did not ar~use much comment, although again
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BATCo document for Legal Services • Health Canada 27 November 2000

a)
b)
,
-5-
an:added flavour was detected in some versions (044,O82,143),
sometimes described as spicy. With some of them a looseness
of tobacco packing and a fast htur~ng rate were detected.
After-taste
In Norway consu/ers notic~a distinct after-taste in their
mouths, which was variously described as 'fresh', 'menthol'
a/%d l~L~lusualt
In Holland it was not noticed to the same extent: many
respondents thought there was a light menthol taste left, but
foum.d it relatively short in duration.
Potential Users and Smokin~ Occasions for Coolant Cigarettes.
In both countries the test cigarettes were regarded as likely
to be smoked by women, beginners, light and occasional
smokers, ahd by those who mainly smoke sn sccia! occasions.
In both countries,~nd especially Norway, they were thought to be
suitable for parties, ladies luncheon, for %'hen one has smoked
in excess, when one has a e~ld, when one wants to freshen the
mouth, and at the start and the end of the day.
7. Comparison with Control Menthol Version
The control menthol cig=_rettes were easily and quickly identified
by virtually all respondents as 'normal' menthol, with menthol
smokers tending to prefer them because of their stronger menthol
taste, and non-menthol smokers preferring the test cigarettes sin<
they had alighter menthol taste. After the test cigarettes many
smokers found the ordinary menthol so strong as to seem almost
harsh and sharp, although some in Holland appreciated them
as genuine and real after the 'in-between' Coolant cigarettes.
TENTATIVE COI;CLUSIONS AND RECOIoU~ENDATIONS
I. This research indicates that the Coolant cigarettes, as tested,
are thought to be quite different from other cigarettes and to
be uniquely positioned between menthol and non-menthol. In this
blind and unaided context consumers' spontaneous reaction to
their flavoun impression is to describe it as 'light menthol'
but it seems to be sufficiently weak ~!d um.dom~uating that in
a branded and advertised situation people would accept other
descriptions.
in Nor,~y in addition to the so~called menthol taste consumers
detect the cooling effect which they seem to see as part of
the menthol taste and describe as p~easant and refreshing,
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whilst in Holland it is less readily detected° At this stage
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it is not possible to say ho~ closely menthol taste and
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cooling effect are related in cons~ers' minds and to what
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extent they perceive the cooling effect as a separate (i.e.
Oo
non-flavour) sensation. We will aim to investigate this in
more detail in the quantitative study.
BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000

-4-
2. Not unexpect~dly there is little evidence of the test cigarettes
having a strong appeal for either menthol or non-menthol
smokers, but the interesting possibility oceturs that an
l_on~er smokers
intermediate segment might be created of {=" ~"
who are less committed to menthol or non-menthol and who
would appreciate the clean , fresh taste sdld/or cooling effect
but without a strong menthol fiav~un.
3. These above conclusions are consistent with three marketing
opportunities for Coolant cigarettes which were previously
hypo the si sed -
a) they could be marketed as a cigarette for people who reject
menthol on account of the usually strong taste, but who like
the cooling effect.
b) they could be used in an overtly male brand which offers a
fresh taste for men who reject menthol brands because of the
strong taste and their feminine con.notations, but who wJ~id
. prefer a fresh, clean tasting cigarette.
c) they codd be used tc extend the normal menthol range through
the introduction of a lower level, milder menthol ('hint of
mint') brand: this gap might of course be exploi~abie more
simply and economically by a low level menthol product,
and would need to be assessed t~hrough further cons~mer research.
4. In both Holland and Norway some versions of the Coolant cigarett
seemed to consumers to have an ~dditional non-tobacco,
non-menthol flavour, variously described as Tul~kish, perfumed
spicy, American (in Holland). Although this was not regarded
as an advantage, and would have to be overcome in specific brand
development it nonetheless confirms our previous hypothesis that
there might be a marketing opportunity to marry up the cooling
effect of the Coolant compounds with new and unu~suai flavours
in order to develop brands for minority segments.
5. In Norway the application of Coolants to the Pall Mall blend
appears to have produced a particularly mild and smooth
smoking product in several versions. This suggests that
these compounds could be employed in the development of
especially mild and smooth U.S. brands of a traditional (i.e.
--~
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non-menthol) type, although it would be essential to avoid
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producing excessive cooling effect or a~~ 'off taste~ There
t/n
is also the possibilit! that Cob!ants could be used because
of thse product benefits to imorove the smoking characteristics co
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of cheaper harsher b!ends,
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BATCo document for Legal Services • Health Canada 27 November 2000

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In Holland opinions were divided as to whether the Coolants
produced light or harsh cigarettes. It may be that their effect
on Virginia blends is less marked in this respect, and we will
need to study the results of the quantitative study to see if
they shed more "light on this area.
In Norway after-taste was clearly recognised in most versions
and generally favourably accepted: this effect is consistent
with the marketing applications noted above. However in
Holland this effect seems to have been ]°ess marked
and of shorter duration: we will need to study this in more
detail in the quantitative research in order to determine
more clearly how this operates in Virginia blends.
Finally this research confirms suggestion previously made that
cig~.rettes treated with Coolants could be marketed on a semi-
medicinal platform. Specifically, they could use it in brands
sold to help ease sore throats, heal~. co2ds and catarrh; and
in brands which offer the benefit of fresheninz 8m.d cleaning
the mouth and breath after too much smoking, at the beginning
and end of the day, and for social occasions or meeting people.
I.A. WALKER
3o15173
Distribution
Messrs.
P.L. Short
Dr. Green
R.D. Lowe
N.R.~. Brown
D.J. Wood.
G.J. Siddall.
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BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000

t
NEDERLANDS c~ntrum voo~ ~~,~ ~A~Ys~ ~v
SAIIPIIATIKADE i0, AMSTERDAM, TELEFOON (020) 6 40 71
(13o6)
Research among smokers of cigarettes
wi%h respect %o Coolant Compound
On behalf of the British-American
Tobacco Company Ltd.
London
Amsterdam, May 23, 1973
BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000

-I-
Chapter I: ~mderin~ of account
This tes~ report contains the r~ults of a research among
smokers (men and women) of menthol and virginia filter ci-
garettes, regarding cigarettes with a so-called coolant
compound.
The object of this research was to ~et ~n overall insight in
the reactions of thgse groups of smokers with respect to this
new type of cigarette.
The primary consi~eretion in,the analysis of these reactions
refers to questions suc[l as;
- de~zree of acceotation: in comparison with what one usually
smokes
- ooinion about a number of sc.~cifJc aszec~s; among which in
the first place the coolin~ effect and possible after-effects.
- manner in which the smoker himself r~esitio~.~ the cigarette
i.e. suitable for what kind of smokers, on :':h~.t occesions etc.
For a mere detailed enumeration of the topic~ ~--~--4 we
refer to the written briefing, provided to us b-j the principsl
("Details of method and infor:=ation to be obt6ined").
Oes/ig~._o~ the test
The test comprised i0 group-discussions with ~uokers of menthol-
and Virginia filter cigarettes (men and v:omen), by which 5
variants were tested.
These matters are schematically represented here, eccording to
date, place ~nd variant, and ~ow the following picture:
Place Date Variant
l~ Amsterdam (re+w) April 2@ 1975 O 0#~
2. Assen (~i) ~ay 3 1973 G 032
Asseu (m) ~ay l0 1973 G 0S2
3- Amsterdal (re÷w) ~lay 7 1973 G 1%1
4. Sbeenwijk (re+w) May 8 1973 C 084
5- Amsterdam [m~w) ~.[sy iO 1975 C 1@3
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BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000

-2-
A total number of 103 smokgrs (men and ~o~_.~) took p~rt in the
group-discus:~ions, of whoa 41 (men and women) were registered
as smokers of menthol cigarettes.
A few days before the discussions~ a package (in neutral packing)
of ~he cigarette to be tested was handed to the p~rticipa~ts
(men ~nd women) with the instruction to "to t~ out this cigarette".
During the discussion meeting, the test cizarettes were offered
a.gain. In the second and las~ part of the me~tin~ a normal mer thol
filter cigarette was offered os a check-cis;srette, so as to cow, pare
it with the test cigaretbe.
-mreceeding the discussion meeti~nN the questions no the stgndard
form "judgement cigarette X" which was :]eve!opped on behalf of
the B.A.T. Holland, had to be answered in .;ritin~. -
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BATCo document for Legal Services : Health Canada 27 November 2000
