Cigar Culture Summit: Shaping the future of the cigar industry

Three thematic streams offer market analysis, practical insights and fresh perspectives.

Cigar culture combines traditional craftsmanship and a strong commitment to quality with a market undergoing profound change. Regulatory frameworks, global supply chains and changing consumer habits are raising new questions and opening up fresh perspectives for international markets. To actively shape these developments, well-informed dialogue across national borders is becoming increasingly important. The second Cigar Culture Summit will therefore bring together manufacturers, distributors, specialist retailers, media representatives and industry strategists at Messe Dortmund on Monday, September 14. Three thematic streams will provide global market analysis, practical insights and opportunities to build international business relationships. 

Dortmund, 13 August 2026 – Even before InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply begin, renowned industry experts will gather at the North Entrance to discuss key questions about the future of the cigar world. Following the opening remarks by Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, at noon, the first expert presentations will begin. In developing the program, the InterTabac team was able to draw on extensive industry expertise – from knowledge partners the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA), the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) and the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), as well as numerous leading companies sending their speakers to Dortmund. Media partners Cigar Snob, Cigar Journal, halfwheel, EtwasGenuss, AromaG and smokerspress will also host many of the sessions.

As with the inaugural event, the program is divided into three thematic streams, providing manufacturers, importers and retailers with targeted insights into current market developments and best practices.

Stream 1: New opportunities and global expansion
The first stream explores growth markets and strategies for international market entry. Panels on the Main Stage will analyze market potential, regulatory frameworks and consumer habits in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Ra’ed Saqfelhait, co-founder of The Leaf Master, will also discuss how to lead a company during an international conflict. The stream will conclude with the panel discussion “The Future of Handmade Cigars,” featuring industry representatives including Niels Frederiksen, President of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, and Frederik Vandermarliere, CEO of Vandermarliere Cigar Family (VCF). The complete program for Stream 1 is available here.

Stream 2: Tradition meets progress
The second stream, held in the London/Bruges conference room, will focus on combining quality leadership, brand development and technological progress. Sessions will cover topics including tobacco cultivation, seed breeding, fermentation and storage, selecting the right distribution channels, and balancing production growth with brand exclusivity. Speakers sharing their international, hands-on experience will include Claudio Sgroi, owner of CST Consulting LLC; Maya Selva, founder of Maya Selva Cigars; and Juan Ignacio Martínez, Executive President of Joya de Nicaragua. The complete program for Stream 2 is available here. 

Stream 3: Focus on the DACH region and practical insights for specialist retailers
The third stream, held entirely in German in the Bergen conference room, is specifically aimed at representatives of specialist cigar and pipe retailers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It will begin with a regulatory update from Bodo Mehrlein, Managing Director of the German Cigar Industry Association (Bundesverband der Zigarrenindustrie, BdZ). Further sessions will address new growth opportunities for specialist retailers, optimal cigar maturation, digital solutions for retailers, and current legal issues relating to tobacco marketing. The complete program for Stream 3 is available here. 

Starting at 7:30 p.m., the exclusive Cigar Reception will provide an opportunity to continue conversations, make new connections and get ready for the three days of the trade show.

Sponsors supporting the second Cigar Culture Summit in Dortmund include The Leaf Master, Vrijdag, Platinum Nova Cigar, Tabacalera del Oriente, Artesano del Tobacco, Grupo TPG S.R.L., CST Consulting LLC by Claudio Sgroi, Victor Calvo Cigars, EazyAsh, Tabacalera Werbin Vargas, Casa Carrillo, Les Fines Lames, Camorra Cigars, Fabrica de Puros International, Stauffenberg Cigars, EGM Cigars Chaveta SA, Arturo Fuente and Bronco GmbH.

All information and the link to the ticket shop are available here.

>>> Note for journalists: The InterTabac 2026 press shop allows you to apply for accreditation not only for the trade show, but also for the Cigar Culture Summit. The press shop is available here.