About Cricket
Cricket is an international consumer brand best known for its disposable butane lighters. Founded in 1961 in Annecy, France, the brand has built its reputation around safety, reliability, and simple functional design. Today, Cricket is owned by Swedish Match, a company specializing in fire-related products such as lighters and matches. Cricket products are sold in more than 100 countries and are widely distributed through supermarkets, convenience stores, hardware stores, and online marketplaces. [1]
On Lazada Philippines, Cricket products are commonly listed under the Household Supplies category because they are everyday household ignition tools used for lighting gas stoves, candles, charcoal, grills, fireplaces, incense, mosquito coils, and other household applications rather than being marketed solely as smoking accessories. [2]
History
Cricket introduced one of the world’s earliest disposable gas lighters in 1961, during a period when reusable petrol lighters dominated the market. The brand focused on producing an affordable, maintenance-free lighter that offered consistent performance.
One of Cricket’s major technological innovations came in 1977 with the introduction of its patented Fixed Flame Technology, which prevents users from adjusting the flame height. During the same year, Cricket also introduced a self-extinguishing design that automatically stops burning when the ignition is released. These innovations became defining characteristics of the brand and remain key selling points today. [3]
Ownership
Cricket is owned by Swedish Match, a Swedish company with a long history in fire-related consumer products. Swedish Match manufactures matches and lighters for global markets, with production facilities located in several countries, including the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Brazil. Cricket is considered the company’s flagship lighter brand. [4]
Product Range
Although the Cricket name has expanded into different lighter styles in some markets, its core products include:
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Disposable butane pocket lighters
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Electronic ignition lighters
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Flint ignition lighters
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Utility and barbecue lighters (selected markets)
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Limited-edition and decorative designs
The exact product lineup varies by country and retailer. [5]
Safety Features
Cricket has long positioned itself as a premium safety-focused lighter brand. Its products commonly incorporate:
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Fixed Flame Technology for a consistent flame height
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Self-extinguishing mechanism
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Child-resistant ignition systems
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Self-extinguishing nylon body material
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Compliance with international lighter safety standards such as ISO 9994 and child-resistance requirements in applicable markets
Each lighter undergoes extensive quality testing before release. [6]
Manufacturing
Cricket lighters are manufactured in multiple facilities operated by Swedish Match. The company has stated that lighter production takes place in:
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Philippines
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Netherlands
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Brazil
The Philippines serves as one of the company’s important manufacturing locations for Cricket lighters supplied to various international markets. [7]
Position in the Market
Cricket competes primarily in the premium disposable lighter segment. Its major international competitors include brands such as BIC, Tokai, and numerous regional manufacturers. Swedish Match has described Cricket as one of the world’s largest disposable lighter brands, with hundreds of millions of units sold annually worldwide. [8]
Cricket on Lazada Philippines
Within Lazada Philippines, Cricket products are generally categorized under Household Supplies because they are intended for everyday household ignition tasks, including:
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Lighting LPG gas stoves
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Candles
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Charcoal grills
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Fire starters
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Incense
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Mosquito coils
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Emergency household use
Listings may include single lighters, multi-packs, or retail display strips depending on the seller. [9]
Brand Reputation
Cricket has established a reputation for emphasizing:
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Consistent flame performance
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Durable construction
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Safety-oriented engineering
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International quality standards
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Wide global availability
Rather than competing primarily on low price, Cricket has generally positioned itself as a dependable, premium-quality disposable lighter brand. [10]
Summary
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cricket |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Founded in | Annecy, France |
| Owner | Swedish Match |
| Industry | Fire-lighting products |
| Primary Products | Disposable butane lighters and related ignition products |
| Manufacturing | Philippines, Netherlands, Brazil |
| Known For | Fixed Flame Technology, self-extinguishing design, child-resistant safety features |
| Global Availability | Sold in more than 100 countries |
| Lazada Philippines Category | Household Supplies |
