John Player Special Red cigarettes

John Player Special, commonly known as JPS, is a historic British brand of cigarettes named after John Player, a pioneer in the tobacco industry. Originally established in Nottingham, United Kingdom, the brand became globally recognized, particularly through its iconic sponsorship of Lotus Formula One cars in the 1970s and 1980s. The packaging shown features German health warnings, indicating it is intended for the German market.

Today, the brand is owned and manufactured by Imperial Brands (formerly Imperial Tobacco). While the brand has its roots in the UK, manufacturing takes place in various facilities across Europe and internationally to serve different regional markets. In Germany, for instance, products are typically distributed by Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH, a major subsidiary of Imperial Brands.

As of 2024 and looking toward 2026, John Player Special remains a core international label within the Imperial Brands portfolio, continuing the legacy of the original John Player & Sons company within a modern multinational corporate structure.