Wrapping method and unit for folding a sheet of wrapping material about a group of cigarettes

A method of producing a package containing a group of cigarettes and having a cigarette extraction opening;

• the method comprising the steps of:
• providing a first wrapping wheel including a first pocket having an inner bottom wall and an outer opening opposite the inner bottom wall;
• feeding, by means of a first inserter, a sheet of wrapping material having a cigarette extraction opening into the first pocket of the first wrapping wheel so that:
• the sheet of wrapping material is folded into a U-shape inside the first pocket,
• the cigarette extraction opening of the U-folded sheet of wrapping material is arranged near the inner bottom wall of the first pocket, and
• the U-folded sheet of wrapping material provides two free flaps that are arranged on opposite sides of the first pocket and project outside the outer opening of the first pocket;
• and
• subsequently feeding the group of cigarettes into the first pocket containing the U-folded sheet of wrapping material.