45th InterTabac impresses with innovations, concentrated expertise and international credentials
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High satisfaction levels among visitors and exhibitors.
Three days of InterTabac and InterSupply 2025 – three days of innovation. Three days of chats and lively technical discussions. Three days of closing business deals. And three days of variety. The global flagship trade show has once again made Dortmund the epicentre of the tobacco and nicotine world. With over 800 exhibitors from nearly 70 countries spread over 11 halls and the North Entrance, the 45th InterTabac again took on dimensions no one would have dreamed of when it débuted back in 1978. The trade visitors were delighted with this anniversary event, with almost 90 percent saying they want to return in 2026.
Dortmund, 22 September 2025 – The initial verdict of Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, was correspondingly up-beat: “Together, InterTabac and InterSupply are the world’s leading forum for innovation, professional dialogue and deal-making. This is seen not just in the high satisfaction ratings among visitors and exhibitors, which motivate us every year to continue evolving the show, but also in the high level of international participation among exhibitors and visitors alike. An interested, well-informed trade audience from all segments of the industry is encountering unrivalled variety and diversity of products and services. That’s what makes trade shows – and InterTabac in particular – unique and irreplaceable.”
International visitors and exhibitors highly satisfied
This year, visitors travelled to the Ruhr conurbation from countries including the US, Canada, Brazil and Argentina to maintain and develop their business networks, discover new products and find out about current topics and trends. Numerous interested visitors also flew in from China, Indonesia, India, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and from countries such as South Africa and Tunisia as well as European countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, the Benelux countries and the United Kingdom. Once more, around 50 percent of visitors were from Germany, demonstrating the importance of the show to the industry’s local representatives.
At around 35 percent, the retail sector once again accounted for the largest share of visitors this year – followed by wholesale and foreign trade at 20 percent and manufacturing and production (15 percent). All were unanimous in their verdict on the show, with nearly 90 percent wanting to come back in 2026.
The situation was similar among exhibitors, with almost 90 percent of all InterTabac exhibitors in favour of participating again next year. Incidentally, almost 80 percent of them had come from abroad. At InterSupply, that figure was almost 90 percent, with satisfaction levels also running high and around 97 percent of businesses – who had been presenting here for three whole days – wanting to come back and do the same in 2026.
An event ‘first’ on the eve of the shows
This year, around 250 participants filed into InterTabac the day before the show officially began, as the Cigar Culture Summit made its début on 17 September, attracting visitors to the conference rooms in the North Entrance complex with a compact five-hour specialist programme and three streams addressing various different subject areas. With the support of new partner The Cigar Academy and big-name sponsors and partners from within the industry, the summit offered valuable content for various target audiences ranging from manufacturers and growers to media, importers and retailers. Speakers from companies and organisations such as VRIJDAG B.V., Boveda, Humidif Group, Villiger Cigars, Casa Turrent, Tabacalaera S.L.U., the Premium Cigar Association, the Cigar Association of America and the International Tobacco Growers’ Association were among those involved.
Ricardo Carioni, Co-Founder of The Cigar Academy and also Director of International Affairs & Education at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), came to an up-beat initial verdict, saying: “Education is at the very heart of the PCA’s mission – both at home and abroad. At the Cigar Culture Summit, we witnessed not only dialogue but true collaboration – bridging tradition, innovation, and responsibility. We are profoundly grateful to Sabine Loos for her vision, to the exceptional team for their flawless partnership, and to all the speakers, moderators, sponsors and attendees, whose support and insight made the Summit into a success we can all be proud of. Together, we have set a powerful example of what education and collaboration can achieve.”
In view of this special start to the show and the diversity among the 170+ exhibitors from the cigars and accessories segment alone, Bodo Mehrlein, Chief Executive of the German Cigar Manufacturers’ Association (BDZ), had nothing but positive things to say: “For the cigar industry, for the association and for me, InterTabac was once again a very well-organised event and an excellent platform.” The German Cigar Manufacturers’ Association, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, also took part in the specialist programme at the Cigar Culture Summit.
Anniversaries, débuts and a VIP guest
The German Cigar Manufacturers’ Association was not the only ‘birthday boy’ at the show – it was joined in this by InterTabac itself and by organiser Messe Dortmund. The show organisers also congratulated Landewyck which, like Westfalenhallen, celebrates its centenary this year, with congratulations also going to Maya Selva Cigares on its 30th anniversary and the Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG) which has been campaigning for sensible, objective, fair regulation of e-cigarettes for 10 years now.
Many of the exhibitors also celebrated product launches and débuts at InterTabac – including, for example, VCF, Kopp Tobaccos, Valentino Siesto Cigars, Natura Cigars, Artista Cigars, Villiger Söhne, Landewyck, Hermann Hauser, PMI, BAT, Clipper, Zippo, Denssi, Voopoo, Pro Vape, FirstUnion and FAV Tech Limited.
To help it stand out at the show, InterTabac newcomer LA FLOR DE ZAIDA from Las Vegas brought along a VIP guest, with Hollywood star Ralf Moeller visiting the stand in Hall 4 on Day 1 to try out the company’s cigars, engage in conversation with aficionados and pose for photographs.
Regulation – a hot topic in the conference programme
In-depth industry talks, discussions and presentations were once again at the forefront of the InterTabac and InterSupply conference programme. Interested trade visitors flocked to the conference rooms on all three days of the shows to pick up on the latest insights in the industry. There was a particularly strong need for dialogue around the whole topic of regulation. The need for dialogue and discussion in the industry is high in view of the numerous challenges and ongoing refinements, with events such as the presentation ‘Tobacco and nicotine: Overview of industry paradigms, evolution of trends and legislative challenges’ by Raphael Moreau, Senior Research Consultant at Euromonitor International, the master-class ‘Regulatory Update: Navigating the EU Tobacco Product Directive (TPD) & EUDR – What’s Next for the Tobacco Industry?’ by Leonhard Kipphan, Head of Customer Success at osapiens Services GmbH, and the presentation ‘Market and Legal Risks and Opportunities for the Nicotine and Novel Tobacco Industries in the EU and Beyond’ by Pablo Cano Trilla, Head of Legal Analysis at ECigIntelligence/TobaccoIntelligence, all fully booked.
Also, the hybrid event organised by Tobacco Europe, the European umbrella organisation for manufacturers of tobacco and nicotine products, entitled ‘Eyes on Brussels’ also struck a chord with those who attended. Master-classes and panels on innovations and trends were also in demand – such as ‘What’s Next for Filters?’, with Dr Frank Henkler-Stephani, Director of Tobacco Harm Reduction at the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE), and Hugo Azinheira, Managing Director, Global Research & Innovations at Filtrona, and the panel “Driving Change: Responding to the Unmet Needs of Heated Products’ with Bruno Stefani, New Generation Product Marketing & Sales at SWM International, and other speakers.
No escaping pouches
Whether it was browsing the stands, in the conference programme or at the side events, there was one topic no one could avoid at InterTabac – modern oral products such as nicotine pouches, with the most popular programme items including the panel ‘Innovating the Oral Nicotine Segment: Product Development & Consumer Trend’, to which the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) had invited Dr Sydney Hiller, Scientist at Sanova, and Paweł Woźnicki, Research & Development Specialist at Chemnovatic, and the master-class ‘EU Nicotine Pouch Report: Regulatory and Market developments across the European Union’ with speakers such as Jonas Lundqvist, CEO of the Nordic Nicotine Pouches Alliance (NNPA.EU).
Anyone wishing to continue the conversations started there had the opportunity to do so on Thursday evening at PouchXchange, the exclusive networking platform for the pouch and snus industry being held for the second time. GINN was also involved here as knowledge partner. Director Shem Baldeosingh summed up afterwards, saying: „The PouchXchange evening programme reached full attendance and featured 1-1 and roundtable discussions exploring international compliance frameworks and business development opportunities. These sessions reinforced GINN’s commitment to fostering evidence-based dialogue and equipping stakeholders with credible strategies for sustainable growth in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.”
Jan Mücke, Chief Executive of the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE), also said at the show: “This year, InterTabac has focussed in particular on the new types of reduced-risk products. They are an important alternative for adult smokers. The added value of these products in terms of health policy must finally be recognised by policy-makers. It is therefore high time to regulate tobacco-free nicotine pouches in Germany in the same way as e-cigarettes in tobacco product law.”
Awards for innovative products and businesses
Reduced-risk products were also the focus of another evening event, which was also the continuation of one of last year’s débuts: the InterTabac World Alternative Awards. When the industry convenes, it’s the perfect opportunity to honour the latest innovations and the most progressive businesses helping shape it. While the awards were still presented on-stand at the 2024 show, this year a dedicated festive gala was held on Friday with the support of The Vaping Group, giving the award-winners a more exclusive stage and allowing more space for important interaction and dialogue.
The categories represented the entire diversity of the NGP industry. The 2025 winners are:
Best HNB Product of the Year: Usonic Dual from China Tobacco Hunan IC/First UnionBest Open Pod System of the Year: Medo Q from Golisi/House of VapeBest Closed Pod System: KIWI GO+ from KIWI/Vapour International d.o.o.Best E-Liquid: Lemon Tart from Dinner LadyBest Juice Flavour: Kiwi Passion Lime from Fruit Full/Dinner LadyBest Pouch Product: Nicotine Pouches from DenssiBest Pouch Flavour: Tropical Fruit from iNIC NicotinePouches/PCMKBest Nicotine Innovation: Greentank TechnologiesBest Alternative Product: FAV Tech LimitedBest Branding & Marketing: Vape Gold (Gold Bar)Best Product Manufacturer: Global Snus
Best Innovation: Vape Gold (Gold Bar)Best Newcomer: BLIP from Pouch solutions FZ
The InterTabac World Alternative Awards were not the only awards presented at the show. On Saturday lunchtime, InterTabac media partner Die Tabak Zeitung (DTZ) presented the InterTabac Stars. Every year, the trade journal honours the most popular exhibited products in all retail-related categories, getting them extra attention and visibility. This year the accolades went to: Philip Morris for Iqos Iluma (Category: Heat-not-burn), OCB for the Premium Pure Pipe (category: Alternative Products), Hermann Hauser for the Esse (category: Cigarette), Gizeh for the ProCell Active Filter (category: RBA), Vauen for the Champagne (category: Pipe), CigarKings for the Coy 25 (category: Longfiller), Villiger for the Shots Melicious (category: Shortfiller), BAT for Vuse Ultra and Zippo for the DBX Concept (category: E-cigarette) and Landewyck for its Rothfuchs Rolling Tobacco (category: Fine Cut).
The Cigar Journal, another media partner to the twin shows, focussed exclusively on the cigar sector. Once again this year, the magazine honoured the best companies in this classic core segment of InterTabac on Day 1 of the show with the Cigar Trophy Awards.
Highlighting the industry’s diversity
it’s not just these events that make it clear – this year again, the tobacco and nicotine industry presented itself in Dortmund in all its diversity. In fact: this is the kind of diversity that no one would have thought possible back at the very first InterTabac in 1978, with exhibitors now covering all segments from classic products such as cigars, pipes, cigarettes and fine cut to smoking accessories, hookahs, new-generation products like e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn products, pouches and goods containing cannabidiol as well as everything for specialist retailers could dream of – from shopfitting to complementary product items. Complemented by exhibitors at InterSupply focusing on the entire tobacco industry production chain and presenting a host of products and services ranging from basic raw materials, packaging and labelling solutions to software and machinery for the production processes.
For the third time, the CB Expo the Cannabis Business Expo and Conference, expanded the range of topics covered by InterTabac and InterSupply – not just by adding international exhibitors in Hall 9 covering the entire process from cultivation to end product, but also by presenting over 50 speakers from the industry who shared their knowledge with interested visitors on two stages during the conference programme.
New date already set
When one show closes, the run-up to the next one gets underway, and the date for 2026 has now been set. Messe Dortmund had already announced the changed sequence of days for the coming year back in June. InterTabac and InterSupply will now be taking place between 15 and 17 September – from Tuesday to Thursday instead of Thursday to Saturday.
>>> Click here to read the curtain-up report on the show complete with detailed information on exhibitors and the programme.
Here you will also find the first photos from InterTabac and InterSupply 2025.
Attached you will as well find a document with voices of exhibitors talking about the event.
>>> What associations and partners had to say
Every year, Messe Dortmund can rely on strong partners who know the industry’s needs inside out when preparing and planning InterTabac and InterSupply. Here is what partner associations had to say on this year’s trade fair:
Michael von Foerster, Chief Executive of the German Smoking Tobacco Industry Association (VdR – Der Tabakmittelstand):
“Every year, InterTabac is the most important family gathering in our industry — for three days, we meet the entire tobacco family here and see what we are fighting for and what needs to be preserved. This makes it all the more important for regulators from Brussels, Berlin, and other capitals to find their way to Dortmund — to see and experience for themselves that a cultural asset is being lived here with a great deal of passion, and that it must not be destroyed by ideological vandalism.”
Jan Mücke, Chief Executive of the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE):
“This year, InterTabac has focussed in particular on the new types of reduced-risk products. They are an important alternative for adult smokers. The added value of these products in terms of health policy must finally be recognised by policy-makers. It is therefore high time to regulate tobacco-free nicotine pouches in Germany in the same way as e-cigarettes in tobacco product law. It is therefore high time that tobacco-free nicotine pouches were regulated in Germany in the same way as e-cigarettes under tobacco product legislation. These products are as harmless as nicotine patches. The least harmful product is still effectively banned in Germany, even though it is freely available to adults in 16 EU member states and is used safely in many countries around the world with low health risks. This anachronism must be ended. InterTabac 2025 has sharpened the focus on the necessary regulation and approval. We look forward to InterTabac 2026 with great anticipation.”
Bodo Mehrlein, Chief Executive of the German Cigar Manufacturers’ Association (BDZ):
“For the cigar industry, for the association and for me, InterTabac was once again a very well-organised event and an excellent platform for member companies to present their products, conclude orders, and establish new contacts. Cigars and cigarillos in particular are an important part of the trade fair as cultural and luxury goods.”
Thomas Gryson, Co-Founder of The Cigar Academy:
“What made the Cigar Culture Summit at InterTabac 2025 remarkable was the spirit of openness and the willingness to listen, share, and learn from one another. It was a celebration of culture, knowledge, and responsibility woven together. We are deeply proud of what has been accomplished. Together, we have laid a strong foundation. We look forward to building upon this momentum and working together again to elevate and expand this important platform next year.”
Steffen Kahnt, Managing Director of the German Federal Association of Tobacco Retailers (BTWE):
“45 years of InterTabac means 45 years of inspiration, exchange, and innovation. In 2025, Dortmund was once again the place to be for the international nicotine industry – with impressive brands, exciting innovations, and valuable contacts. A big thank you to the unbeatable trade fair team, who always have their finger on the pulse and have made InterTabac the ultimate meeting place for the global nicotine industry!”
Oliver Pohland, Managing Director of the German E-Cigarette Retailers’ Association (VdeH):
“Every year, InterTabac is a key highlight for the German E-Cigarette Retailers’ Association and the entire industry. The large number of visitors and the intensive discussions with our members and trade visitors once again demonstrated the high level of interest in our work and in e-cigarettes. The industry continues to grow and has once again seen a slight increase in sales. At the same time, however, it is becoming clear that this growth is increasingly reaching its limits – not least due to the continuing strength of the black market, which is putting considerable pressure on the legal market. The new 2025/26 fact report, which the VdeH presented at the trade fair, was received with great interest. It is and remains our goal to create reliable and practical framework conditions so that the potential of e-cigarettes in Germany can be fully exploited.”
Philip Drögemüller, Managing Director of the Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG):
“We are very satisfied with this year’s InterTabac and the overall development of the fair. The share of e-cigarettes is growing continuously, demonstrating the increasing relevance of our sector. InterTabac remains the most important meeting point for manufacturers, retailers, and associations.”
Ciprian Boboi, Treasurer of the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA):
„All major European e-cigarette associations were present in Dortmund. InterTabac provides an excellent platform for exchange, networking, and joint strategic discussion. It strengthens the European unity of our industry and highlights its importance in an international context.”
John Dunn, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA):
“Having the support of trade shows like InterTabac are critical to associations to help educate and guide the industry on the ever changing domestic and international regulatory landscape. This information is critical to exhibitors, attendees and media. Without the support of the organisers we would be far less effective in this goal.”
Thomas Schäfer, Managing Director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Westfalen-Münsterland Trade Association:
“InterTabac has been developing steadily since 1978, and this year is no exception. Whether in terms of exhibition stands, exhibitor diversity, product quality, or visitor interest, InterTabac has once again distinguished itself as the world’s leading trade fair for the tobacco industry and as a meeting place for the tobacco family in its 45th edition. My thanks go to the trade fair company and the professional team that does such a great job of organizing this unique trade fair year after year — à la bonne heure!”
Folke Rega, Managing Director of the German Water Pipe Tobacco Association – DER SHISHA-VERBAND:
“This year’s InterTabac was a great success from the perspective of the hookah industry. There was a great deal of interest in the stands. There are signs of a recovery in the market, which is strongly driven by innovation. Electronic heating sources, closed systems, and nicotine-free variants are particularly prominent. We look forward to the next InterTabac with even more innovations.” Shem Baledosingh, Director of the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN):
“This year’s InterTabac and PouchXchange events were defined by energy, forward thinking, and a strong spirit of collaboration—offering a clear view of the direction the alternative nicotine sector is taking. As the world’s largest trade fair for nicotine products and accessories, InterTabac delivered an impressive range of non-combustible, alternative nicotine products for consumers seeking a better choice to smoking. GINN’s presence was both visible and influential. Member companies hosted prominent booths and even full-scale hospitality suites. Acting as knowledge partner for PouchXchange, GINN curated expert-led sessions designed to deliver practical, actionable insights. Two standout panels addressed critical industry topics: ‘Innovating the Oral Nicotine Segment’, moderated by Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, and ‘Regulation, Retail, and Compliance in the Nicotine Market’, chaired by Robert Sidebottom.”
EXHIBITIONS AT A GLANCE |
| INTERTABAC – THE WORLD’S LARGEST TRADE FAIR FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND SMOKING ACCESSORIES InterTabac, the world’s largest trade fair for tobacco products and smoking accessories, is where trade visitors meet top decision-makers from the retail, manufacturing and service sectors. The quality and international credentials of visitors is a hallmark of the world’s leading event for the tobacco industry – with over 40% of visitors coming from abroad. International market leaders and industry representatives from the fields of cigars, cigarillos, cigarettes, pipes and smokers’ requisites, cigarette and pipe tobacco, RYO and MYO, fine cut and leaf, shop fittings, press and IT, point-of-sale systems, vending machines, water pipes and accessories, electronic cigarettes and next generation products will be represented. The subject-matter leadership of InterTabac as a leading global trade fair has been enhanced further with presentations on current issues and challenges facing the industry as part of the newly developed, innovative InterTabac supporting programme. INTERSUPPLY – INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TOBACCO GOODS, E-CIGARETTES, PIPES AND SHISHAS The international trade show InterSupply sees market leaders and industry representatives from all over the world presenting their innovations in Dortmund each year. InterSupply covers all aspects of the manufacturing processes behind tobacco products, e-cigarettes, pipes and hookahs. The product and range segment offers top decision-makers, trade visitors and employees in the tobacco industry a complete overview. InterSupply, which is held in tandem with the renowned InterTabac show, is therefore ideal for networking with regular customers, generating leads and acquiring new customers. |
| DATE: 18 to 20 September 2025 EVENT ORGANISER: Messe Dortmund GmbH EXHIBITORS: More than 800 exhibitors from nearly 70 countries VISITORS: 14.500 visitors PARTNERS: North Rhine Westphalia Retailers‘ Association, State Tobacco Association (conceptual sponsor) German Federal Association of Tobacco Retailers (BTWE) German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Next-Generation Products (BVTE) German Cigar Industry Association (BdZ) German Smoking Tobacco Industry Association (VdR) German Shisha Tobacco Association Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) Alliance for Tobacco-Free Enjoyment (BfTG) German E-Cigarette Retailers‘ Association (VdeH) Cigar Association of America (CAA) ProCigar – Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers International Tobacco Growers´ Association (ITGA) European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers (C.E.D.T.) OctoberMultimedia And many more: Overview | TARGET VISITOR GROUPS INTERTABAC: Top international decision-makers in the sales channel (tobacco retailers, wholesalers and retailers), as well as manufacturing and service sectors. Industry representatives from home and abroad in the fields of cigars, cigarillos, cigarettes, pipes and smokers’ requisites, RYO, MYO, fine cut, pipe tobacco, shop fittings, press and IT, point-of-sale systems, vending machines, water pipes and accessories, and electronic cigarettes.InterTabac caters for everyone in the tobacco industry – in Germany and across the world. The fair is ideal for networking with regular customers, generating leads and acquiring new customers. Admission only for trade visitors aged 18 and over. TARGET VISITOR GROUPS INTERSUPPLY: Market leaders, key players, manufacturers and suppliers in the tobacco industry across the world. National and international managers and specialist staff in the purchasing, production, product development, R&D, quality and management accounting disciplines. |
