Intertabac.
Podcast.
The industry to listen to.
Insights, trends and voices from the world of tobacco and luxury food retail – compact, up-to-date and to the point.
Welcome to the InterTabac podcast world!
Whether you are a retailer, manufacturer, aficionado, or industry insider – here you will find selected podcasts covering the latest industry news, market trends, and exciting behind-the-scenes insights from the international tobacco and cigar world.
From compact news updates and trade fair insights to entertaining conversations from the premium cigar scene, our podcast selection keeps you informed anytime and anywhere.
Discover the official InterTabac Podcast, DTZ – Tabak-Flash, and The Cigar Hustlers Podcast.
the current highlights
Chris Gemmell – Chief Product and Innovation Officer, Green Tank Technologies
Host Thomas speaks with Chris Gemmell, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Green Tank Technologies, a Canadian company pioneering chip-based atomization. Chris brings over 25 years of experience from Kellogg’s and BAT to his role leading Green Tank’s R&D efforts across the nicotine, cannabinoid, and wellness segments.
The conversation traces the vapor industry’s 20-year evolution—from early “cigalikes” to open systems, pod mods, and disposables—highlighting how consumer preferences and regulation have shaped each wave. Chris emphasizes the need for an “era of trust” in the category.
The discussion then centers on Green Tank’s patented Quantum Chip, a nano-fabricated heating element with over 3,000 precision ports that delivers consistent flavor and reduced harmful constituents compared to conventional wick-and-coil or ceramic technologies. Chris also previews upcoming product announcements for InterTabac and reflects on the regulatory landscape across various markets.
Paul Varakas, ECMA
Host Thomas Schmid interviews Paul Varakas, Director-General of ECMA, the Brussels-based trade association representing over 30 European cigar and cigarillo manufacturers, most of them family-owned MSEs. Paul argues that cigars are artisanal, occasionally consumed products — primarily by adults over 35 — and should not face the same regulations as cigarettes. He pushes back against one-size-fits-all tobacco policies, citing Eurobarometer data showing negligible youth consumption. He welcomes the European Parliament’s recent rejection of a Commission proposal to raise cigar taxes by up to 1,000%, and encourages listeners to submit evidence to the EU’s ongoing tobacco regulation consultation at ecma.eu.
Hugo Azinheira
Tobacco Asia’s Thomas Schmid interviews Hugo Azinheira, Executive Director for Global Research and Innovation at Filtrona, discussing the company’s ESG and SBTi commitments. Hugo marks 2025 as a turning point, with Filtrona transitioning from setting sustainability goals to executing them at scale. Key achievements include a 51% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, zero waste to landfill, 37% renewable electricity use, and EcoVadis Gold status. Hugo stresses that sustainability is embedded in daily operations across the company’s nine global manufacturing sites — not just annual reporting. Looking ahead, Filtrona plans to expand renewable energy, grow its plastic-free filter solutions portfolio, and also enter reduced-risk product categories.
Mark McQuillan, Nicobrand
Thomas Schmid interviews Mark McQuillan, the managing director of Nicobrand, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical-grade nicotine suppliers. McQuillan explains what truly qualifies nicotine as “pharmaceutical grade.” For instance, beyond basic monographs, it requires regulatory audits, drug master files, and strict impurity controls. McQuillan argues that all next-generation products like pouches and e-liquids should use pharma-grade nicotine to ensure consumer safety. The global nicotine market is roughly 1,000–1,500 metric tons annually, with nicotine pouches growing fastest. McQuillan also stresses the importance of supply chain transparency and correcting the widespread misconception that nicotine itself causes cancer.
You can always find more episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Cigar Hustlers Podcast
The Cigar Hustlers Podcast is a fast-paced, no-BS cigar lifestyle show that blends industry insight with real-world conversation. Hosted by Mike Palmer and co-host Mike Szczepankiewicz—with Phil McGuffey behind the board—the podcast covers everything from premium cigars and industry news to current events, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories from the retail and manufacturing side of the business.
Known for its daily format, sharp takes, and unfiltered personality, ACHP delivers a mix of education, entertainment, and insider access—making it a go-to listen for both seasoned cigar smokers and newcomers looking to stay in the know.
The Cigar Guys Podcast
The Podcast is a premium cigar lifestyle show that blends industry knowledge with authentic conversation and media-driven entertainment. Hosted by co-hosts Alex, Mark, Zach, and Jared, the podcast explores every aspect of cigar culture—from premium cigars, lighters, cutters, brands, lounges, wholesale, and retail, to the people and stories shaping the industry today.
Featuring guest appearances from cigar industry professionals and insiders, the show delivers a mix of education, entertainment, and real-world insight for both seasoned cigar enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Known for its engaging discussions and passion for the cigar lifestyle, The Cigar Guys podcast strives to create content that keeps listeners informed, entertained, and connected to the cigar community.
