BrandBenson and Hedges U.S.A.

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History

Benson and Hedges, who started their tobacco business in London, England, began to expand overseas with the opening of a branch in New York City in 1899. Their factory was established at 32, West 18th Street, and they also had a retail location near the corner of 5th Avenue and 39th Street from 1906 to 1950. During this period, Benson and Hedges specialized in making premium cigarettes using various blends of tobacco from around the world. A particularily unique creation of theirs from this period was Parliament cigarettes, a brand which featured a recessed filter mouthpiece, which is still made today.

In 1928, the parent company sold their American subsidiary to a group of American interests (among whom included Hitt, Farwell & Company, and the Murray Hill Trust Company). The next major change came in 1954, when Benson and Hedges U.S.A. was bought by and merged with Philip Morris. Philip Morris has kept the Benson and Hedges name alive over the succeeding years; it is credited with starting the 100 millimetre cigarette craze when Benson and Hedges 100's were introduced with a unique ad campaign in 1966 ("Oh, the disadvantages of the new Benson and Hedges").

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Pre-1954 Brands

Post-1954 Brands

Vintage Advertising Links

See Also

Other "B" Brand cigarettes

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