What to Expect from Intertabac 2025 in Dortmund
Next week, the cigar world turns its attention to Dortmund, Germany, as the annual Intertabac trade show takes place. While the event is the largest tobacco trade fair globally, only part of it is cigar-focused. Still, cigar brands, retailers, and aficionados will find plenty of reasons to attend.
Intertabac’s Growing Cigar Presence
Intertabac is larger than PCA when measured by overall size. However, PCA remains the biggest cigar-dedicated event. In recent years, Intertabac has expanded its cigar offering with a dedicated cigar pavilion, giving smaller brands more visibility.
This year, the fair also introduces a new initiative: the Cigar Culture Summit, held the day before the trade show opens.
The Cigar Culture Summit
The Cigar Culture Summit is expected to be a highlight of Intertabac 2025. Organised in partnership with the Cigar Academy, the summit aims to bring together the most influential figures in the cigar industry.
It will feature presentations, roundtables, and networking opportunities. Attendees will include manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, associations, and passionate cigar smokers. The summit positions itself as a forum for innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on the future of cigar culture.
Key Exhibitors Missing
Despite the expanded focus, several major brands will not appear at Intertabac 2025. Habanos, Davidoff, and Scandinavian Tobacco Group withdrew last year and are not returning this year. Other notable absentees include Dannemann, Joya de Nicaragua, and Drew Estate.
In response to questions, Joya de Nicaragua explained its decision to skip the event. The company cited internal constraints and a focus on strengthening existing business priorities. While Dortmund remains important, the brand considered it wiser to pause its participation this year rather than overstretch resources.
Other companies have chosen not to issue statements about their absence. Industry sources indicate that at least one other prominent brand had planned to exhibit but withdrew due to unforeseen circumstances.
Intertabac 2025 Outlook
Even with some high-profile names missing, Intertabac 2025 remains a significant event for the cigar industry. The introduction of the Cigar Culture Summit and the growing cigar pavilion highlight the fair’s importance in shaping the global cigar conversation.
