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Gallaher-owned Benson & Hedges is rolling out five limited-edition packs of its Gold range of cigarettes.

Imperial Tobacco has refreshed the identity of its Golden Virginia and Windsor Blue brands and is launching special pack designs for Richmond King Size. It recently introduced price-marked packs.

Meanwhile, Philip Morris, which owns Marlboro, is trialling 'snack size' cigarettes for smokers forced outside by the smoking ban who want only a 'quick fix' of nicotine rather than a leisurely smoke.

Tobacco advertising was banned in 2003, followed by promotions, direct marketing and sponsorship a year later.

The Department of Health (DoH) is proposing plain packaging and a bigger minimum pack size to deter children from taking up the habit. Brand names would be required to be printed in a standard font, colour and size. The DoH is also recommending that cigarette displays and vending machines be banned.

John Noble, director of the British Brands Group, claimed the proposals would restrict brand-building. 'Making all products look the same will reduce consumer choice and weaken competition,' he said.

The tobacco industry in the UK is worth £12.6bn a year, according to the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association. Cigarettes account for 91% of this. In 2006 Imperial Tobacco had a 46% share of the market, followed by Gallaher with 39%, Philip Morris 8% and British American Tobacco 5.5%.