Billboard advertising and special packaging
Most countries in the European Region ban direct advertising in broadcast media, but fewer extend the bans to the press and billboards. Germany is the only country in the European Union where billboard advertising is still permitted.
To attract women, recent marketing campaigns have focused on the shape and look of cigarette packets, and emphasized price. One major tobacco company has launched a new edition that focuses on the handy pack size and the different colours available. According to the company's marketing director, this edition is mainly bought by women who have not previously smoked this particular brand, but buy a pack in a colour to match their outfits. The biggest sellers are turquoise and pink.