Three questions for … Matthias Junkers, BDTA

Die Tabak Zeitung // InterTabac is getting closer and closer. DTZ wanted to know from well-known industry representatives what they expect from this year’s trade fair. Today: Matthias Junkers, Managing Director of the Federal Association of German Tobacco Wholesalers and Vending Machine Operators (BDTA).

Mr. Junkers, what does the double trade fair – with InterSupply – mean for the BDTA?

Matthias Junkers: InterTabac and InterSupply are key industry meeting points for us. Personally, I appreciate the direct exchange with our members, partners and decision-makers from industry, trade and politics. For the BDTA, the trade fair is an important platform for making the interests of the wholesale trade and the vending machine industry visible and providing impetus for the future of the industry.

What are your plans for InterTabac 2025?

Junkers: Our aim is to promote dialog – both within the industry and with external stakeholders. We want to address current challenges, provide information on regulatory developments and develop strategies together with our members on how we can actively shape structural change in the tobacco retail sector.

What significance does the BDTA have within the tobacco industry?

Junkers: Wholesalers and vending machine operators offer a legal range of legal tobacco products and implement regulations such as the protection of minors stringently and reliably. They are the backbone of tobacco product supply in Germany. Without us, there would be no nationwide and reliable distribution. Our segment ensures efficiency, logistics expertise and innovation – particularly in areas such as digitalization, age verification and product selection at vending machines.