Tobacco world meeting in Dortmund for the 45th time
Erschienen am:
InterTabac and InterSupply impress again with 800+ exhibitors and 11 halls
August 1978. Two days. 78 exhibitors. Halls 6, 7, 8 and the North Entrance complex do not yet exist. Vaping, heat-not-burn, pouches – all unheard of. September 2025. Three days. Over 800 exhibitors from nearly 70 countries. A total of eleven halls are occupied. Classic products such as cigars, pipes and cigarettes are still out in strength, but alternative products are anything but unheard of. It’s a remarkable development that InterTabac has undergone. The 45th edition of the global flagship show for the tobacco industry gets underway today, 18 September, turning Dortmund into a showcase for an industry that’s becoming more and more diverse.
Dortmund, 18 September 2025 – “The 45th InterTabac show. In the same year our business celebrates its 100th anniversary. Even in the lead-up to the event, the congratulations and acknowledgements have been flooding in from the tobacco industry across the world. Now it’s time to give something back. And the figures speak for themselves: we’ve a lot to offer the industry. Exhibitors from all over the world are heading for Dortmund to show their latest products. Almost 80% are from outside Germany – another increase. We also have big-name companies from Germany taking the opportunity to present themselves to an international clientèle and to the ever-important German specialist retail trade,” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Messe Dortmund owner Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, as the show was about to start. “High-calibre speakers are sharing their knowledge in the conference programme, with exciting events providing additional networking opportunities. Working with our partners, I reckon we’ve succeeded in creating an optimum environment for gathering inspiration and knowledge, closing deals and growing networks – factors that are crucial for this fast-moving, diverse, forward-looking industry.”
Exhibitors include major respected players in the industry as well as newcomers and those attending InterTabac for the very first time. They come from all over Germany, from European countries such as Italy, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Benelux countries, Sweden and Spain, and also from countries including the UK, the US, the United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic, China and beyond. Traditionally, companies in the cigar segment congregate in Halls 4 and 7 – including businesses such as von Eicken, Kleinlagel, VCF J. Cortes, J.C. Newman, House of Grauer, Kopp Tobacco, Fuente Cigars, Casa Turrent, Maya Selva and Villiger Söhne. Notorious Cigars – the brand of MMA superstar Conor McGregor – is in attendance for the first time, as are Selected Tobacco and Guri Cigars. The total number of cigar manufacturers is in excess of 170.
VIP guest inbound from the US
Las Vegas cigar maker LA FLOR DE ZAIDA brought in celebrity assistance for its trade show appearance, with body-building film star Ralf Möller, as seen in films such as ‘Gladiator’, ‘The Scorpion King’ and ‘The Tourist’, and also known for his passion for cigars, attending the company’s stand in Hall 4 (Stand A16) on Thursday between 10:00 and 13:00 hrs.
Among the exhibitors of classic smoking products such as cigarettes, pipes and pipe tobacco are names including VAUEN, Landewyck, Lex Tobacco, Maans Nirdosh and Swan Valley International with stands located mainly in Halls 4, 5, 7 and 9, while Hall 8 is primarily dedicated to hookahs, shisha and smoking accessories. The latter can also be found in Hall 6, represented by companies such as GIZEH, Moosmayr, OCB and Zippo.
Trade visitors looking for inspiration for the point of sale will find what they’re looking for in the foyer of the North Entrance complex, which has everything the retail trade requires – from displays and shopfitting to shelving, security, merchandise management systems, press products and spirits. Exhibitors include POS Tuning and Schapfl.
The multi-faceted world of next-generation products is growing
Widely distributed, as it is, across the Westfalenhalle, Halls 1, 1B, 2, the interconnecting covered ways and parts of other halls: the next-generation products sector is growing steadily, accounting for over 300 of the 800 exhibitors at InterTabac and InterSupply. These include businesses presenting the increasingly popular nicotine pouches such as ICE, the Altria Group, Luna Corporate, Denssi and Dholakia. Heat-not-burn products are also represented, including offerings from Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Imiracle Technology, First Union and Zlab. E-cigarettes, too, are on parade from companies such as Intrade (Elfbar), InnoCigs, Feal, Goldbar, Kiwi, Flerbar and Dinner Lady. For the first time, Alibarbar, Nois Nicotine Pouches, Heartbeat Technology and LONO International will be exhibiting at the show in the NGP segment.
>>> The full list of exhibitors at InterTabac can be found here.
InterSupply again highly international
Hall 3 is the centre of attraction for all trade visitors interested in the full process chain behind fabrication of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, hookahs and accessories. Since 2015, InterSupply has been the independent trade show complementing InterTabac and has since developed into an internationally highly significant meeting place for buyers, product developers, plant and factory managers, packaging designers, engineers and other players in the tobacco and smoking products manufacturing industry. More than 150 exhibitors will be present this year. Over 90% of these are from outside Germany, with exhibitors from Asia and the Americas – namely the US, Paraguay, Brazil, Singapore and China – joining those from most European nations in creating a truly international scene. Exhibitors include Universal Leaf Tobacco, Tembogroup, Körber Technologies and Hertz & Selck. Companies such as HERMOS AG, Budhan Engineerings Pvt Ltd and Dynamic Tools Pvt Ltd are exhibiting at InterSupply for the first time.
>>> The full list of exhibitors at InterSupply can be found here.
Numerous companies with débuts in store
InterTabac and InterSupply are not just places where the industry meets up to talk, share knowledge and showcase innovations – they’re also where top international businesses present their latest trends to a trade audience for the first time. The global flagship shows for the tobacco industry are increasingly being used to celebrate débuts and product launches.
Valentino Siesto Cigars have announced an exclusive unveiling during the show. A brand-new format. And all that is known are three keywords: short, intense and yellow. Kopp Tobacco is introducing a new limited series of pipe tobacco. The Meerapfel family is presenting the Family Reserve Blends: five brands, each one telling its own story. Villiger Söhne is unveiling ‘La Capitana’, honouring the women who make a major contribution right across the company. Among other things, M.K. & Söhne will be showing the Rocky Patel Emerald as a German first, and the Vandermarliere Cigar Family (VCF) is launching Plasencia Alma del Cielo, the first vitola from the highest growing regions of Nicaragua, onto the European market. Maya Selva will present the Flor de Selva Salomón 30 Años for the first time, celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary. Natura Cigars is celebrating the launch of Petite Altura, made from tobaccos grown on the company’s own farm 1,350 metres above sea level, and Artista Cigars has new products in store including the Artista Mini Club. The series is produced in Artista’s new cigar factory which uses restored vintage machinery from the mid-20th century.
Things are also happening in the cigarette space, with Hermann Hauser working the German market with ESSE, a new slim cigarette, Philip Morris International presenting Marlboro Crafted to meet the desire for an affordable premium cigarette, and British American Tobacco bringing along Luckies Crafted 1871 with similar intentions. At Landewyck (7.B16), the Rothfuchs rolling tobacco is celebrating its comeback.
Innovations in the NGP sector include, for example, a brand-new product from Zippo, with the lighter specialist presenting a small e-cigarette that fits snugly into the casing of the traditional Zippo. FAV Tech Limited is presenting FAV, a hybrid electronic nicotine delivery system that combines heat-not-burn technology with a vaping device. First Union also wants to present a new vaping brand. At InterSupply, Senzani Brevetti, among others, will be presenting a new product: U-Seal, the new patented cold sealing technology. According to the company, this is a revolution in the industrial product packaging market.
Successful début of the Cigar Culture Summit on the eve of the shows
This year, InterTabac and InterSupply began with a special kind of début on the day before the official start – not a product unveiling, however, but a new event – as Messe Dortmund, in conjunction with The Cigar Academy from the US, held the Cigar Culture Summit, thereby serving one of the core segments of the show. With big-name partners and leading personalities from the international cigar world, the Summit programme provided inspiration for participants from all areas of the industry – from manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to cigar clubs and specialist retailers. Five hours of conference programme, divided into three streams, provided not just in-depth technical insights but also lively discussions and important exchanges between industry insiders. These discussions were deepened at the evening Cigar Reception, an exclusive networking event.
Fittingly, two works of art created especially for the fair by New York artist Robert Glick also made their first appearance yesterday. They are on display during the show at the entrance to Hall 4. Robert Glick works with cigar bands and, with the two works, pays tribute to the 45th edition of InterTabac and to the venue’s centenary. The American artist has used the wrappers to create unique works of art that celebrate cigar culture. “I’m honored to contribute these two art pieces recognizing the centennial of Westfalenhallen and the 45 years of InterTabac. For me, creating this artwork isn’t just a gesture – it’s a heartfelt tribute to two institutions that have shaped the global cigar community, connecting manufacturers, collectors, artisans, and enthusiasts alike,” explained Glick. “Every cigar band used is a nod to that heritage and to the countless moments shared around smoke. It’s my way of giving back and honoring the powerful stories behind both Westfalenhallen and InterTabac.”
Side events offering exclusive platforms for the NGP industry
Two further side events on the first two days of the show will be dedicated to innovative products. Both emerged from event débuts last year. On Thursday evening, the PouchXchange will provide a central platform for exchanges between experts, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors in the field of novel nicotine and modern oral products. Following the positive feedback from 2024, the concept of the event has been expanded to include innovative ideas such as live pitches and speed dating featuring industry experts. Fredrik Schauman, CEO of Wellgio Medical Oy Ltd, to which sponsor ICE belongs, explained the importance of such events, saying: “For many of us in this industry, the work is intense and demanding. That’s why events like the Pouch Exchange at InterTabac are so important — they give us a chance to step back, connect with one another, and mix a bit of fun with some meaningful networking.” The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) is involved as a knowledge partner.
Friday evening will see the second presentation of the InterTabac World Alternative Awards. Together with The Vaping Group, publisher of ‘Alternative’ magazine, awards will be presented in 14 categories at a festive gala event. The categories cover the entire diversity of the NGP industry: Best HNB Product of the Year, Best Open Pod System of the Year, Best Closed Pod System, Best E-Liquid, Best Juice Flavour, Best Pouch Product, Best Pouch Flavour, Best Nicotine Innovation, Best Alternative Product, Best Branding & Marketing, Best Product Manufacturer, Alternative Magazine Legacy Award, Best Innovation and Best Newcomer.
Big-name supporting programme to provide exciting inspiration
However, the supporting programme of InterTabac and InterSupply is not limited to theme-related side events. The conference rooms in the North Entrance complex will become much more of a knowledge hub as top businesses, research institutions and associations dispatch their experts to Dortmund to share their knowledge in a varied programme of talks, panels and workshops. The focus is on current challenges facing the industry, trend and market analyses. Lead topics include international regulation, sustainability and harm reduction.
Participants can expect a highlight in the ‘Bruges’ conference room on Friday at 12:00 hrs (in fact the title ‘Eyes on Brussels’ gives it away somewhat), as Tobacco Europe, the European umbrella organisation for manufacturers of tobacco and nicotine products, brings the latest news from the EU Parliament to this hybrid event, with Secretary General Nathalie Darge, Filip Haugland, Director of EU Affairs, and PR Manager Alix Carlier reporting on the latest developments in Brussels and the European scene and their potential impact on the tobacco and nicotine industry. It will be possible to listen in online and at the venue. Media partner 2FIRSTS is also offering an exclusive session on next-generation products. The following topics are on the agenda on Friday from 15:00 to 17:30 hrs: NGP regulations in China and the US market, a global trend report on e-cigarettes and a market analysis of nicotine pouches in China.
Other top speakers covering all segments of the tobacco industry will include Pablo Cano Trilla, Head of Legal Analysis at Tamarind Intelligence/TobaccoIntelligence, Raphaël Moreau, Research Consultant at Euromonitor International, Renzo Cattaneo, CEO and Research & Development Manager at Blendfeel, Scott Pearce, President of the Cigar Association of America, Joshua Habursky, Chief Executive of the Premium Cigar Association, Maaran Nadarajah, Head of Product Development at Filtrona, Dr Erika Grandolfo, Scientific Affairs Manager at Imperial Brands, Dr Stefanie Scheffler, Chemist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Peter Schweinschwaller, President of the Confédération Européene des Détaillants en Tabac, and Ciprian Boboi, co-founder of the Independent European Vape Alliance.
Trade visitors from the cigar world will not have to do without the exclusive Cigar Pairings – this year led by Jens Tausch – or the Blending Experience with master blender Claudio Sgroi.
>>> The entire conference programme is in English and is available for download here.
CB Expo in Dortmund for the third time
For the third time, InterTabac and InterSupply will be joined this year by the Cannabis Business Expo and Conference (CB Expo for short). It is a recognised meeting place for the European cannabis industry. The entire process from cultivation to end product is presented by international exhibitors in Hall 9, and around 50 speakers will complement this by sharing key insights in keynotes, panels and sessions at the CB Conference on the stage in the North Entrance complex and in the ‘Bergen’ conference room. The programme focuses on industry subject matter such as the legalisation of recreational cannabis in Germany and other European countries, the promotion of hemp as a raw material and the challenges and trends involving cannabis in medicine. Visitors’ tickets provide admission to all three shows: InterTabac, InterSupply and CB Expo.
International partners coming to Dortmund
In their 40-year-plus history, InterTabac and InterSupply have grown far beyond the status of product exhibitions. They now offer international delegations and associations an indispensable forum for engaging and interacting. Messe Dortmund can once again look forward to the presence of numerous partners and associations. For example, representatives of the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE), the German Cigarette Association (DZV), the Tobacco Section of the North Rhine Westphalia Retailers’ Association, the German Smoking Tobacco Industry Association (VdR), the German Cigar Manufacturers’ Association (BdZ), the German Federal Association of Tobacco Retailers (BTWE), the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA), the Global Vape Alliance, the German Shisha Tobacco Association, the Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG) and the German E-Cigarette Retailers’ Association (VdeH) will be making their way to Dortmund.
The Federatie van de Sigarenindustrie in België en Luxemburg (FECIBEL) is also attending InterTabac, as are Tobacco Europe, ProCigar, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) and the Premium Cigar Association (PCA). The European Cigar Manufacturer Association (ECMA), the Cigar Association of America (CAA), the ERPA European Rolling Paper Association, the European Smoking Tobacco Association (ESTA), the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) and the German Association of Tobacco Product Wholesalers & Vending Machine Installers (BDTA) are also taking part. The Confédération Européene des Détaillants en Tabac (CEDT) is travelling to the event with members from Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Hungary and Greece.
>>> Note for media representatives:
We have compiled a wealth of information about the trade fair in a digital press kit on our website. Here and under “Download material” you will find the first photos of the trade show.
