Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company, founded 1904 – initial notes

HF: This article was updated on 14th August 2019 with information and cigarette packet images sent by Dheeraj Khiytani, see below.

Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company was founded in 1904. At least in Hong Kong.  This undated postcard, sent by IDJ, would appear to show its Hong Kong factory shortly after. I am presuming the white building on the right is not part of the works until corrected.

Nanyang Brothers Tobacco, undated postcard of factory flikr IDJ

Adapted: “Nanyang Brothers Tobacco (short for “NBT”) is the largest cigarette manufacturer in Hong Kong. Its main brand is “Double Happiness”. The company has a history of more than 100 years. Currently, “Double Happiness” is one of the most valuable trademarks in the tobacco industry.
The production base of NBT is located in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. NBT owns advanced manufacturing techniques, and its process of production is completely under computer control and management in order to guarantee the quality of products. The products of NBT are not only sold in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, but also to Singapore, Thailand and Korea and elsewhere.
In 2011, its sales revenue and net profit reached 2,473 million HK dollars and 610 million HK dollars respectively.”(1)

The company is currently owned by Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co Ltd.

Dheeraj Khiytani, was in touch in August 2019: I’m a native of Hong Kong, born and bred with an interest in tobacciana. Specifically I have been collecting early US or English cigarette packs for a number of years.

I have a pack that I bought recently from auction. I actually purchased this lot because I saw another article on Nanyang Bros Tobacco Co. on your website. I had no idea they were based in HK at the turn of the century so I had to have them. Please find attached pictures of the back and front of this pack. The words Whuoping actually stand for ‘peace’ in Cantonese so that is why you see the characters shaking hands. I think it is really neat and I have you to thank as I would not have bid for this if I had not known the company was from HK.

Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Whuoping Ciggy Packet Back From Dheeraj Khiytani

Back of pack

Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Whuoping Ciggy Packet Front From Dheeraj Khiytani

Front of pack

Source:

  1. The Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co Ltd website

This article was first posted on 4th February 2016.

Related Indhhk articles:

  1. British-American Tobacco Company (HK) Ltd – established 1903 – initial notes
  2. “HK Tobacco Company” (AKA BAT), WW2
  3. Orient Tobacco Manufactury – many questions, any answers? – initial research
  4. C Ingenohl – company and man – HK cigars
  5. C Ingenohl (Hongkong Tobacco Manufactury ?) – cigar factory in Manila
  6. Kruse & Co – HK importers of cigars – Imperia del Mundo Manila cigars
  7. Hong Kong Industry during World War Two – Fishing, Food and Beverages, Tobacco

 

4 Comments

  • Prince collection

    I want double happiness ciggarate

  • ROD HANCOCK

    GREETINGS
    We are a volunteer organisation in Australia that deals with Rubbish that is washed onto our beaches.
    We have recently found a number of the cigarette containers washed up.
    They are toxic to marine life.
    Please just be aware of your product being disposed of to prevent fish marine death. THANK YOU
    ROD HANCOCK
    NATURE PARK
    PHILLIP ISLAND
    VICTORIA
    AUSTRALIA

  • ROGERIO TUCCI

    Hi! I’m from Brazil and I’ve 50 years old and I’m cigarette packages collector (EMPTY)!
    I would like so much to have all possible brands of your company in my collection (soft packs or box); it can be reppeated packs too!
    I would be very grateful if you could send me empty packages; and if possible let me know, because I need a courier fee to withdraw! Please!
    Thank you so much!
    Name: Rogerio Tucci My address: RUA TAQUARI, 894 AP 52, CEP 03166-001 – MOÓCA – SÃO PAULO – SP – BRAZIL

  • Bob Park

    Dear Sir / Madam,
    This is Very Important matters for us and your factory.

    I am old man ,Bob Park of Bae Sung Co., Ltd. in Seoul , Korea.
    I was your Korea Regional agent for Double Happiness from your factory..
    Long time ago, due to lose Double Happiness brand paitent , I could not handle your goods in Korea market.
    from Last Oct. 2022, I imported Double Happiness Cigarette over 10 x 40ft container from your Trader in Hong Kong . ( under my young friend’s company name )
    Now,,, N.V. Sumatra argue and prepare to sue to my younger friends for the deals of Double Happiness of Nan Yang brother’s cigarette.

    As I know that you registerred DH brnad in Korea also…
    I wana discuss this matters with your factory,

    Request you to be informed me as
    ” BAE SUNG CO., LTD.” Tel : 82-2 835-4799 Fax : 82-504-298-5888
    Cell : 82-10-6214-5888 Wechat : Koreabob

    Thank you for your attention, Regards, Bob Park.

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