Successful cigar summit

Die Tabak Zeitung// InterTabac 2025 and the Cigar Culture Summit, which was held for the first time, reflect current developments in the cigar industry. In the field of tension between regulations, growing export markets and the need for exchange, the event showed how manufacturers and retailers are adapting to changing conditions and creating new networks and impulses for the future of cigars.

With the cigar event, which was held for the first time one day before the official start of the trade fair, the trade fair has set a clear signal for the future of the cigar industry, according to its own statements. At the international trade fair, manufacturers and service providers presented themselves for three days in Dortmund as a flexible, networked community that actively responds to regulatory changes, international markets and new demands from the specialist trade.

With over 170 exhibitors in total, the industry platform underlined its status as a leading trade fair. Highlights included anniversaries such as 75 years of BdZ, 100 years of Landewyck and 30 years of Maya Selva Cigars, not forgetting the 100th anniversary of Messe Dortmund and numerous new products from brands such as VCF, Kopp Tobaccos, Valentino Siesto Cigars, Natura Cigars, Artista Cigars and Villiger Söhne. La Flor De Zaida made a special appearance as a trade fair newcomer together with Hollywood star Ralf Moeller.

Bodo Mehrlein, Managing Director of the BdZ, described the event as “excellently organized” and highlighted the trade fair as a platform for initiating business and expanding networks. Cigars and cigarillos continued to take center stage. The classic cigar halls 4 and 7 were packed with visitors on some days of the fair, for example at the stand of M.K. & Söhne. There was not a free seat to be had. Numerous orders were already booked on the first day. Prominent guests such as Rocky Patel, Enrique Seijas, Raymondo Bernasconi and Daniel Marshall also generated a great deal of interest. Katharina Kohlhase particularly praised the good cooperation with the trade fair management and the prominent space in Hall 4. According to Kohlhase, the specially developed stand architecture and fast communication with the organization team contributed significantly to the success. Don Stefano also attracted international visitors and industry leaders. Investor Thomas Sonnenberg was very satisfied with the response to new brands such as GH Cigars and Kafie Cigars. Sonnenberg was particularly proud of the visit by Nick and Janine Perdomo and recalled the long-standing collaboration with Nick Perdomo, which originated in Germany. Sonnenberg rated the trade fair as positive overall, but would like to see a stronger differentiation between premium cigars and new nicotine products (NGP) in the future.

The Kopp Tobaccos stand was packed with national and international customers on all days. The concept was revised to create a more private atmosphere on site compared to the previous year. In an interview with DTZ, Oliver Kopp emphasized that the market for limited editions had calmed down considerably. If you really want to sell volume, then in the price range between 6 and 10 euros. For higher-priced cigars, more targeted strategies are required. The stand concept was adapted to appeal specifically to trade visitors. “We are seeing strong growth in exports in both areas, both for pipe tobacco and cigars.” Private labels for the specialist trade are also gaining in importance. The trend is clearly towards specialties: “We sell far more flakes than we can actually supply.” Kopp Tobaccos is also presenting its first in-house cigar, the “Dios del Sol”. Oliver Kopp is personally responsible for this. After two years of development and over a year of maturing in the aging room, the company from Rellingen presented the Honduran long filler at InterTabac 2025. Kopp Tobaccos is benefiting from changes in the market and is continuing to expand its export business. There is still demand for classic formats such as Corona and Toro. And with Lea and Daniel, the next Kopp generation has already made its presence felt at the trade fair stand. Felix Wallenhorst from Villiger also reports on consistent internationalization: new products are being launched in Germany and Switzerland at the same time, while the USA is being served on a project basis. Wallenhorst observes a clear trend towards large formats such as Toro and Gran Toro and sees a continuing strong segment in the 6 to 10 euro price range. Premium products continue to gain acceptance. The economic situation in the industry remains stable, it was reported. Specialty products, rising exports and the adaptability of companies are shaping the picture. Volume sales are concentrated in the mid-price segment, while targeted marketing and innovative strength are becoming decisive for success in the premium segment. The Schuster Cigars stand was also very popular with visitors. Martin Schuster emphasized the importance of the German short-filler industry. He has been Managing Director of the family business from Bünde since 2024. “With 116 years of tradition, I believe we have high quality standards,” he emphasized. Senior boss Philipp Schuster was “very positively surprised” by the demand at the trade fair stand: “The cigar has made InterTabac great.” As a supplier of premium short fillers, this was the right place to be.

The Cigar Culture Summit presented itself with a five-hour specialist program, which was attended by around 250 participants. Topics such as tradition, innovation and responsibility took center stage. Ricardo Carioni from The Cigar Academy and PCA emphasized the importance of education and cooperation, while Thomas Gryson highlighted the participants’ openness and willingness to learn. According to Messe Dortmund, InterTabac 2025 has given the cigar industry new impetus for strong networks, innovation and an optimistic outlook for the future. The companies see themselves well positioned for the coming years.