Esse cigarettes are often cheap because they're frequently sold as
contraband or illicitly, bypassing high taxes and regulations, especially in markets like India, where they dominate smuggled sales due to their slim appeal and lower tar impression, but they're also a
mainstream budget brand from Korea (KT&G) that offers lower tar/nicotine, appealing to price-sensitive consumers. The cheapness stems from high demand for budget smokes, tax evasion, and a perceived lower health risk, making them a popular "Cheap White" brand.
Reasons for Esse's Low Price:- Illicit Trade & Smuggling: In many countries (like India), Esse is a major player in the smuggled tobacco market, meaning they don't pay high local taxes, making them significantly cheaper than legal brands.
- "Cheap White" Category: Esse falls into the "Cheap White" category, which are low-cost brands often produced outside major markets and smuggled, undermining tax policies.
- Targeted Demographics: They target price-sensitive consumers, particularly women and young smokers, with slimmer designs and lower tar/nicotine content, giving a "less harmful" impression.
- Tax Avoidance: By operating in the grey market, they avoid the heavy taxes imposed on legal cigarettes, which drives up prices for established brands.
In essence: You're paying less for Esse because you're often buying untaxed or under-taxed products that are designed to be an affordable alternative to premium brands, even if they're technically contraband in your region.
