InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply: International industry at a turning point

Innovations and regulatory issues shaped the trade shows

After three intensive days, the trio of InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply came to an end in Dortmund. Around 750 companies from 64 countries and numerous international trade visitors gathered in the ten exhibition halls to exchange views on current developments, new products and innovations. “This year, the trade show trio took place at a pivotal moment for the industry. Regulatory decisions are currently being prepared both in Germany and at European level that will shape the industry’s future development. The resulting need for orientation and dialogue was clearly evident,” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue.

Dortmund, 18 September 2026 – “The innovative strength of the companies was equally evident. They presented a broad range of new products, technologies and solutions,” Loos continued. “Once again, the trade shows demonstrated that the industry is resilient, even under challenging conditions, and supported by a strong sense of cohesion. The international exchange with manufacturers, retailers and distributors from different markets was particularly valuable, as it opened up new perspectives and provided important insights for the future.”

High international appeal and strong satisfaction among exhibitors and visitors
The initial evaluation of the visitor survey confirms this positive conclusion. Around 90 per cent of respondents said that they intended to visit again. The results also highlight the international reach of the trade show trio: around 40 per cent of visitors came from different German federal states, demonstrating the importance of the event for the domestic industry. Some 60 per cent travelled from around the world. Numerous visitors came from countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, China, Indonesia, India and South Korea, as well as the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. European countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, the Benelux countries and also the United Kingdom were strongly represented.

Once again, the largest proportion of visitors – almost 30 per cent – came from the retail sector. Around 23 per cent worked in wholesale and foreign trade, while approximately 25 per cent were involved in manufacturing or industry.

The exhibitor survey produced similarly positive feedback. More than 90 per cent of exhibitors said that they planned to return to Dortmund in 2027.

Starting with a knowledge advantage: cigar industry met on Monday
For part of the industry, the visit to the trade show began on Monday. For the second time, the Cigar Culture Summit brought together the international cigar industry at the North Entrance. Around 250 participants attended the six-hour program, which focused on current topics ranging from new markets and regulatory issues to product development and innovative approaches for specialist retailers. Numerous speakers from companies and organizations such as CST Consulting, Maya Selva Cigars, JC Newman, Vrijdag, Vandermarliere Cigar Family (VCF) and Scandinavian Tobacco Group contributed their expertise. The event was supported by high-profile sponsors and partners from the industry. It offered a unique opportunity to begin the trade show visit on Tuesday with a head start in terms of knowledge.

Bodo Mehrlein, speaker at the Cigar Culture Summit and Managing Director of the German Cigar Industry Association (BdZ), summed up the event during InterTabac: “The cigar and cigarillo industry was able to present its products of enjoyment and cultural significance extremely well. Once again, the Cigar Culture Summit provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the special characteristics of the industry.”

First photos from the Cigar Culture Summit are available here.

Experiencing new products first-hand
From Tuesday onwards, the trade show activities moved into the ten exhibition halls. For three days, direct dialogue between manufacturers, distributors, retailers and other market participants shaped the event in Dortmund. The focus was on numerous new products, innovations and market launches, which could be tested directly on site. For exhibitors, the immediate feedback from trade visitors provided valuable insights from the market and important findings for further product development. The exchange with international experts, associations and market participants made InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply a platform where current trends, opportunities and challenges became visible from a wide range of perspectives.

Jan Mücke, CEO of the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE), summarized why this exchange was particularly important for the association’s members at the present time: “Far-reaching decisions are pending regarding tobacco taxation in Germany and forthcoming European regulations. For our members, this is specifically about reliable and realistic conditions that reflect actual market developments. The openness and intensity of the discussions in Dortmund demonstrated the strong demand for direct dialogue about the future of our industry. InterTabac is the central meeting place for this purpose and once again underlined its importance as the industry’s leading platform.”

Steffen Kahnt, Managing Director of the German Federal Association of Tobacco Retailers (BTWE), added: “Despite all the challenges, the tobacco and nicotine industry once again demonstrated the dynamism and innovative strength with which it is shaping its future. Once again, Dortmund was THE place for strong products, new ideas and the personal exchange that makes all the difference.”

>>> First impressions of the three trade shows are available here.

Particularly high demand for information on regulation
Especially in times of change, the conference program at the trade shows takes on particular importance. It creates space for well-founded information, the exchange of different perspectives and new insights into the future of the industry. In view of the current regulatory debates, the strong interest in panels and presentations on regulatory issues came as no surprise. The positive response to the international top speakers who travelled to Dortmund to share their expertise with the trade audience was all the more pleasing.

One of the best-attended events was the panel “Where does it all end up? Can Europe maintain a coherent tobacco & nicotine market”, featuring Tim Phillips, Managing Director of Tamarind Intelligence; Nathalie Darge, Secretary General of Tobacco Europe; Ciprian Boboi, Co-Founder of the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA); and Leonhard Kipphan, Head of Track & Trace Sales at osapiens. The all-female panel “The future of nicotine: science, perception & consumer reality” also attracted considerable interest. The panel featured Sarah Marking, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Sanova; Beth G. Oliva, Partner at Fox Rothschild; Elizabeth DeMartini, Managing Director at the Applied Research and Analysis Company (ARAC); Victoria Taverner, scientist at Sanova; and Liz Frank, Head of Business Relations & Operations at Ki. The discussion “Is innovation a panacea? How new products and technologies are shaping the future of tobacco & nicotine” was equally well received. Participants included Marc Reisner, editor-in-chief of Die Tabak Zeitung and Tobacco Journal International; Prof. Dr Douglas Ming Deng, Head of NGPs Studies at Yunnan University; Reese Chen, Product Manager at REJO; Lorenzo de Plano, CEO of Alp Pouch; and Umberto Roccatti, Vice-President of the IEVA.

The presentation “The uncertain future for nicotine pouches in Europe” by Jonas Lundqvist and Robert Casigne of the European Nicotine Pouches Alliance (ENPA) also attracted considerable interest. Nicotine pouches are one of the most dynamic segments in the market for next-generation products. This development was reflected at NUBIZ in the strong presence of relevant suppliers and product solutions. On the first day of the trade fair, PouchXchange also provided an exclusive forum for the pouch and snus industry, focusing on the segment’s key issues. These included rapid market development, regulatory questions and the different perspectives of market participants. The focused side event highlighted the importance of sound expert knowledge and direct dialogue in a rapidly developing market whose regulatory framework in Europe is still evolving.

Shem Baldeosingh, Director of the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN), which once again acted as the event’s knowledge partner and contributed to the conference program, said: “InterTabac remains a major international meeting point for the nicotine-products sector, while PouchXchange gives modern oral nicotine its own dedicated forum for exchange, connection and collaboration. At the 2026 Dortmund events, GINN brought expert discussion, member engagement and partnership to the forefront, reinforcing that building a credible and sustainable pouch category requires more than product innovation alone. The conversations focused on the regulatory, sustainability and standards challenges that will define the sector’s future, alongside the need for stronger dialogue across the value chain.  Together, InterTabac and PouchXchange demonstrated how informed collaboration can help shape a responsible, globally connected future for modern oral nicotine.”

Another side event recognizes the innovative strength of the NGP industry
Another side event brought the second day of the trade show to a close and placed the innovative strength of the NGP industry center stage. At the presentation of the InterTabac World Alternative Awards, companies were recognized for solutions that convinced the NUBIZ audience with their future-oriented approach. The winners were selected not only by a seven-member expert jury before the trade show, but also by members of the industry in an online vote.

The awards went to:
Best Pouch Product of the Year: iNIC Nicotine Pouches (Votary Investments)Best Pouch Flavor of the Year: FEDRS ONLY Mango Storm 20 mg/g (FEDRSz.oo.)Best Pouch Innovation of the Year: Energy Pouches (DENSSI)Best Pouch Manufacturer of the Year: UAB Global SnusBest Vape Device of the Year: NURA ZERO (Greentank Technologies)Best E-Liquid / Flavor of the Year: Lemon Tart (Dinner Lady)Best Vape Innovation of the Year: Spark 2 Series (KIWI Vapor)Best Next-Generation Product of the Year: Spark 2 Series (KIWI Vapor)Best Reduced Risk Concept / Innovation of the Year: Quantum Chip (Greentank Technologies)Best Branding & Marketing of the Year: ALPBest Overall Alternative Brand: WHAM (W&D Lifestyle Private Limited)

There was further applause on the final day of the trade show. Die Tabak Zeitung (DTZ), media partner of InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply, presented the InterTabac Stars awards for the most popular exhibited products in all categories relevant to the retail trade. The winners were selected by the trade show visitors themselves. The following exhibitors received awards on the Main Stage in the North Entrance: Heintz van Landewyck for “Mademoiselle La Rose” in the cigarette category; Philip Morris for “Veev One Plus” in the e-cigarette category; Gizeh for “Active Filter Mosaic 9mm Shorty” in the RBA category; Vauen for “Eldorin/Signature Edition” in the pipe category; CigarKings for “Coy 26 Aero Lancero” in the cigar category; Villiger for “San Martín” in the cigar category; Cigarrenfabrik August Schuster for “XO” in the cigarillo category and OCB for “Glas Tips” in the other product innovation category. Sanaleo received the special award from the DTZ editorial team for its pre-rolled CBD joints with a tax stamp.

The annual Cigar Trophy Awards ceremony, held on Tuesday evening at the Congress Centre, was once again dedicated exclusively to cigars. A list of all winners of the awards presented by Cigar Journal is available here.

Save the date: The 2027 date has already been set
The three days of the trade shows initiated important discussions, enabled new contacts and strengthened existing networks. At the same time, they demonstrated that, despite regulatory and economic challenges, the industry has considerable innovative strength and is determined to actively shape its own development.

Anyone wishing to start preparing for next year’s trade show visit can begin by making a note in their calendar: in 2027, InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply will take place from 14 to 16 September.

>>> Voices from associations and partners
Every year, Messe Dortmund can rely on strong partners who have an in-depth understanding of the industry’s needs when preparing and planning InterTabac, NUBIZ and InterSupply. Here are some statements from the partner associations on this year’s trade show:

Jan Mücke, CEO of the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE)
“Every year, InterTabac gives us the opportunity for direct exchange with companies, retailers and the media. This year, this exchange was particularly important in view of the current political and regulatory decisions that are setting the course for the future. Far-reaching decisions are pending regarding tobacco taxation in Germany and forthcoming European regulations. For our members, this is specifically about reliable and realistic conditions that reflect actual market developments. The openness and intensity of the discussions in Dortmund demonstrated the strong demand for direct dialogue about the future of our industry. InterTabac is the central meeting place for this purpose and once again underlined its importance as the industry’s leading platform.”

Bodo Mehrlein, Managing Director of the German Cigar Industry Association (BdZ)
“Once again, this was a very well-organized trade show for exhibitors and visitors alike. The cigar and cigarillo industry was able to present its products of enjoyment and cultural significance extremely well. Personally, I once again found the Cigar Culture Summit to be an excellent opportunity to highlight the special characteristics of the industry. The press conference also generated a good media response, even though the subject itself was not a particularly positive one.”

Maximilian van Ackeren, Head of SMEs and Technical Regulation at VdR – Der Tabakmittelstand
“This year, we used InterTabac even more intensively than usual to discuss with our members what the planned tobacco tax law will mean for them. Precisely because so much is at stake, personal dialogue here in Dortmund was particularly valuable this time. The trade shows demonstrated that, despite all the pressure, the small and medium-sized businesses of the tobacco industry are a united and resilient alliance. We would like to thank Messe Dortmund and everyone who made this exchange possible.”

Steffen Kahnt, Managing Director of the German Federal Association of Tobacco Retailers (BTWE)
“Despite all the challenges, the tobacco and nicotine industry once again demonstrated at InterTabac 2026 the dynamism and innovative strength with which it is shaping its future. Once again, Dortmund was THE place for strong products, new ideas and the personal exchange that makes all the difference. A great compliment to the trade show team, which once again set new standards through its instinct, energy and closeness to the industry. See you in 2027!”

Tobias Buller-Langhorst, Managing Director of Handelsverband Nordrhein-Westfalen Westfalen-Münsterland e. V.:
“InterTabac 2026 was an important platform for our association to engage directly with members, manufacturers and partners. For us and our members, it was a key event this year to learn about current developments in the retail sector, maintain valuable contacts and strategically prepare for the months ahead — particularly at a time when many retailers are having to realign their product ranges and processes.”

Philip Drögemüller, Managing Director of the Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG)
“InterTabac is the most important industry meeting of the year for the BfTG and its members and offers a unique opportunity for personal exchange. Particularly in view of the numerous current regulatory challenges at German and European level, we were able to use the trade shows for many intensive and constructive discussions with companies, associations and other industry representatives. Direct dialogue on issues such as regulation, taxation and the development of the legal market is particularly valuable for our political work. Once again this year, InterTabac impressively demonstrated how important it is as a central platform for the e-cigarette industry.”

Horst Winkler, Press Spokesperson for German E-Cigarette Retailers‘ Association (VdeH)
“Every year, InterTabac is the highlight of the industry for us and, at the same time, the most important meeting place for personal exchange. We were able to use the trade show intensively for discussions with our members, media representatives and many interested visitors, focusing in particular on the pressing issues of the black market and youth protection. We also presented specific findings in this area through the results of our latest test purchases and an update of our fact report. The excellent organization and the successful new format of the press event also contributed to making the trade show a complete success for us.”

Ciprian Boboi, Board Member of the Independent European Vape Alliance
“InterTabac is an important meeting point for IEVA, bringing together our members and international partners from across the vaping sector. This year, the exchange was particularly valuable as our industry faces major regulatory developments at EU level. The many discussions in Dortmund help us strengthen our international network and ensure a strong, coordinated European voice.”

More exhibitors’ voices can be found here.