Shows
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #48Hugo Azinheira, Filtrona
In this episode, Hugo Azinheira of Filtrona discusses with host Thomas Schmid the company’s pioneering work in sustainable, plastic-free filters for the tobacco industry. Driven by the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive (EUSUPD), Filtrona invested in R&D to launch the ECO range of biodegradable filters, using both new and historical materials. The conversation highlights how regulatory changes have spurred industry demand for sustainable solutions and how Filtrona’s innovation center in Indonesia accelerates product development and customer collaboration. Hugo also outlines Filtrona’s ambitious ESG goals, including carbon neutrality by 2040 and net zero emissions by 2050...
2025-11-1824 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #47Wael Safi, Altria Managing Director
Altria has launched the "Connect and Transform" initiative to accelerate its shift away from traditional tobacco products and drive innovation by connecting with external partners. Wael Safi, Altria’s Managing Director of Open Innovation and Venture Growth, explains that the program is designed to identify company needs, connect with outside experts, startups, and inventors, and bring in new capabilities to transform the business.
The initiative stands out for its intentional approach: Altria clearly defines its needs through "needs briefs," actively seeks out relevant partners, and maintains ongoing relationships even if there isn’t an immediate fit...
2025-08-2918 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #46Jordan Herring, Founder & CEO Hidden Valley Genetics
Thomas Schmid interviews Jordan Herring, CEO of Hidden Valley Genetics, discussing the rapid changes in Thailand’s cannabis laws. In 2022, Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize cannabis, creating a booming industry but with little regulatory framework. In June 2025, the government reversed course, making recreational use illegal again and restricting cannabis to medical use only, which now requires medical prescriptions and on-site doctors at dispensaries. The interview highlights the economic, legal, and social consequences of these policy shifts, the struggles of small business owners, and the ongoing adaptation of the industry to ne...
2025-08-2024 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #45Julian Homer, Arden Dies Ltd.
Thomas Schmid hosts a discussion about advancements in anti-counterfeiting technology, particularly focusing on the hidden image technology used in packaging. He introduces Julian Homer, the commercial manager at Arden Dies Limited, to elaborate on this innovative technology.
Julian explains how hidden image embossing (or debossing) works, detailing that this method invisibly embeds a secondary image within a primary embossed or debossed design, which can be revealed using a special plastic lens. This technique offers increased security against counterfeit products, particularly in the tobacco industry.
Julian clarifies how the hidden images work, how they can be...
2025-07-1815 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #44Kimberly Foley, Executive Director, Tobacco Associates Inc.
In this episode, host Thomas Schmid interviews Kimberly Foley, the new Executive Director of U.S. FCV grower cooperative, Tobacco Associates. Kimberly shares her passion for the U.S. tobacco market and outlines her plans to maintain and enhance the organization’s operations, focusing on quality, farmer visibility, and market development.
She elaborates on efforts to navigate challenges such as global competition, costs, and tariffs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong international partnerships. She identifies potential growth markets for U.S. leaf, including Japan, Turkey, India, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, and Poland, while acknowledging th...
2025-05-2820 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #43Shivam Bihani, AVB International
Thomas Schmid interviews Shivam Bihani, the director of AVB International, about the evolving landscape of nicotine pouch regulations. The conversation covers various regulatory challenges faced by nicotine pouches across different markets, focusing on restrictions in the EU, UK, and the US. Thomas and Shivam discuss the potential for bans, flavor restrictions, and tax implications, highlighting the impact of stringent regulations on both manufacturers and consumers. Shivam emphasizes the importance of reasonable regulations rooted in scientific evidence to maximize harm reduction and prevent the rise of black markets. The discussion concludes with insights into how AVB International...
2025-04-2223 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #42Carolin Götze Global Application and Scientific Coordinator Detia Degesch Group
Host Thomas Schmid welcomes Carolin Goetze, the Global Application and Scientific Coordinator at Detia Degesch Group and an expert with extensive academic and professional background in biological sciences and toxicology. They discuss the critical issue of tobacco beetle populations developing decreased susceptibility to phosphine fumigation, an essential topic for stakeholders in the tobacco industry.
The conversation covers the definition of phosphine resistance versus tolerance, emphasizing the term "decreased susceptibility." Goetze provides detailed insights into the functionality of phosphine gas and its effect on insect respiratory systems. She explains how v...
2025-03-1723 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #41Sonny Suciawan, Mata Hari
Thomas Schmid interviews Sonny Suciawan, the creator of the Mata Hari cigar brand. The conversation begins with a brief history of Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and alleged spy during World War I, who was executed by the Germans. Sonny explains the brand's ties to Indonesia and discusses the intricacies of its cigar blends, including the types of tobacco used and the taste profiles of the various product lines: Mata Hari Courtesane, Mata Hari Limited Edition 2024, and Mata Hari Java Exotica. The dialogue also covers the production process in Indonesia and the brand's aspirations to...
2025-02-0717 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #40Rachel Gawith, director, Gawith-Hoggarth Ltd.
Hosted by Thomas Schmid, this episode focuses on the history and current market strategies of Gawith-Hoggarth Limited, the UK's sole remaining tobacco manufacturer. The company’s director, Rachel Gawith, discusses the company's unique position in the global market, particularly its surprising market presence in several Southeast Asian countries. Rachel also touches upon the company's cautious approach to opening new markets due to production limitations, regulatory challenges, and ensuring sustained product quality. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance and benefits of Gawith-Hoggarth exhibiting at InterTabac, a key trade show where the company can me...
2025-01-1024 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #39Andreas Schweiger - Sales Manager, MLT Micro Laser Tech
Thomas Schmid interviews Andreas Schweiger, sales manager at Micro Laser Technology (MLT), about microlaser perforation technology in the tobacco sector. Andreas explains how MLT stands out in the field with its high-performance systems and details the origin of the company, its competition, and technological advancements that make its product unmatched. Schweiger reveals that MLT is the leader in the field due to its innovative polygonal technology, which allows for high-speed perforation producing millions of tiny holes per second, far outpacing competitors.
Schweiger also delves into the practical applications of microlaser perforation...
2024-12-0923 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #38
The episode features an engaging interview between Thomas Schmid and Emily Sahakian, co-founder of the premium cigar brand, Chateau Diadem. The remarkable growth of Chateau Diadem is underpinned by its success at various trade exhibitions and the dedication of its two founders, Emily and her cousin, Thierry Farah. Emily shares the backstory of the brand, revealing her and her cousin’s lifelong passion for cigars, their playful childhood experiences, and the eventual realization of their dream to create their own brand. She elaborates on initial obstacles and how the brand evolved from a white-label production to being manufactured in its ow...
2024-11-1129 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #37Zafer Atiçi, founder and CEO of Prestige Leaf, talks to host Thomas Schmid about his journey from being a “one-man show” to establishing his full-blown company in Dubai.
He discusses the challenges he faced, such as gaining clients' trust and overcoming initial slow business years. He emphasizes the importance of repeat business over short-term profits, sharing that his company's success is reflected in returning customers. He highlights the strategic partnerships Prestige Leaf has with various international merchants and emphasizes the importance of aligning common objectives with them. The conversation also touches on the company’s Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) ac...
2024-10-1617 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #36Shaun Wilkinson, Rebellion Cigars
The interview discusses Rebellion Cigars, a niche company founded in the UK by Mandi and Shaun Wilkinson in 2019, covering the company’s inception, Shaun Wilkinson’s passion for cigars, and the significant challenges faced entering the exclusive cigar market. Host Thomas Schmid also picks Wilkinson’s brains about the production process in a factory in Honduras and the development of Rebellion Cigars’ unique cigar blends. Wilkinson explains the distinctive pink branding and his strategy of naming cigars after favorite rock songs, as well as the launches of a special country music-themed range for the US market and upco...
2024-09-0917 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #35Waqas Khan
Thomas Schmid interviews Waqas Khan, global CEO of Nevcore Innovations, about the misconceptions surrounding nicotine pouches. Khan discusses the unique features and high standards of Clew, a newly launched nicotine pouch brand that has already achieved significant recognition, including FDA approval and winning the MENA Awards. Khan explains the intricate R&D behind Clew's products, their market strategy, and their emphasis on consumer-focused design. He also highlights the importance of consumer education and the differences between synthetic and tobacco-derived nicotine products. The discussion concludes with plans for future expansions and participation in industry events.
2024-08-1224 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #34Guilherme Costa
Thomas Schmid interviews Guilherme Costa, Vice President of Sales at SWM International. The discussion revolves around the scope of SWM International’s paper products for the nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis industries. Guilherme touches upon the company's two market brands, SWM and Botani, exploring their roles and differences. He also delves into topics like sustainability, compliance with regulations, and the innovative materials used in SWM and Botani products, highlighting how SWM International leverages its global presence to navigate different markets and offer tailored solutions to its clients.
2024-07-1213 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #33Rodolfo Maria Salvi
Rodolfo Maria Salvi is the sustainability and international relations manager of Salvarat s.r.l., a company specializing in post-harvest pest control for the tobacco industry. His conversation with host Thomas Schmid covers the significant impact of tobacco pests on global produce, highlighting both direct and indirect losses. Salvi explains Salvarat's integrated pest management strategy, PRE.MO.S.T., which encompasses prevention, monitoring, and synergetic treatment tailored to client-specific needs. The discussion also addresses the importance of sustainability, the effects of climate change on pest resistance, and Salvarat's commitment to providing bespoke solutions to their clients.
2024-06-1322 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #32Justin Tarbell, Ohserase Manufacturing
Thomas Schmid talks to Justin Tarbell, vice president of strategy and business development of Ohserase Manufacturing, discussing the history of tobacco among Native American tribes. Located on Mohawk land in upstate New York, Ohserase produces the all-natural cigarette brand, Signal, which uses augmented reality technology and unique packaging features. Tarbell also explains the brand's commitment to giving back to Native American communities, its connection to Mohawk heritage, and plans for international expansion.
2024-05-1618 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #31Tadas Lisauskas is the founder and CEO of San Diego-based Greenbutts. The company has invented a revolutionary cigarette filter material that may well have a shot at eventually displacing the presently used (but environmentally unfriendly) cellulose acetate tow (CAT). The Greenbutts substrate is 100% plastic-free, as it is composed solely of natural fibers and a starch-based binding agent. When immersed in water, Greenbutts completely disintegrates and disperses in 30 days, while on land it takes about 60 days. There are no residues left behind, let alone dreaded micro plastics. Lisauskas talks to Thomas Schmid about the numerous advantages of the patented material, but...
2024-04-1818 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #30Tao Cui
With increasingly more countries starting to ban disposable vapes, Chinese manufacturers are scrambling to adjust to the fast changing landscape. For some, it will be easier than for others, as they have always put a heavy focus on innovation. Tao Cui is Director of Innovation, Strategy and Compliance at Innokin Technology, one of China’s most progressive vape tech firms. In this podcast episode, he tells the audience what Innokin has up its sleeves, including MeFree, the world’s first metal-free heating coil, EcoDrain, a technology that makes batteries safe to discard, and Trine, a groundbreaking “3-in-1” vape system.
2024-03-1520 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #29Christian Adi Njoto Njoo - Vice President at PT Mangli Djaya Raya
Christian Adi Njoto Njoo is the president of well-known Indonesian leaf merchant, PT. Mangli Djaya Raya. The company recently established a wholly-owned subsidiary, PT. Besuki Raya Cigars, one of Indonesia’s few premium cigar manufacturers. With brands such as El Gaucho, Airlangga, Brawijaya and, oddly, MyLockdown, the firm intends to restore an industry that had withered following Indonesia’s independence in 1945 from Dutch colonial rule and put Indonesia back on international cigar smokers’ radar.
2024-02-0922 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #28Reimund Ameskamp (Ray) is head of international business at 250-year-old J.W. von Eicken,...
Reimund Ameskamp (Ray) is head of international business at 250-year-old J.W. von Eicken, which is located in the old Hanseatic city of Lubeck, and today is Germany’s last remaining independent cigarette manufacturer. Ray fills us in how his company successfully prevails against the overwhelming competition from multinationals as well as an increasingly difficult regulatory environment, not only at home but also in dozens of countries abroad. While Ray admits that it is not always easy, von Eicken’s eclectic cigarette brand portfolio exclusively “Made in Ger...
2024-01-1018 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacNavigating the Global Landscape of Cannabis InvestmentsIndustrial Hemp and Adult_Use Regulation - Updates and Challenges/ produced by CB Expo
Delving into worldwide investments in both recreational and medical cannabis, this panel discussion will tackle the complexities of investing across varied regions and sectors, gleaning insights from seasoned cannabis investors around the world.
The panel will unpack international investment nuances and spotlight European-specific hurdles, offering advice for entrepreneurs in search of funding.
2024-01-0247 min
2023-12-2018 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacUnraveling the Dutch Cannabis Experiment and Lessons for Global LegalizationIndustrial Hemp and Adult_Use Regulation - Updates and Challenges/ produced by CB Expo
The Dutch cannabis experiment started! After years of preparation, the first growers will start supplying cannabis, hash and edibles to the coffee shops in the cities of Breda and Tilburg in Q4 of this year. The other growers and participating cities will follow next year. What is going well, what still needs attention, and what can other countries learn from this legalisation?
Speakers
Thomas Rau (Moderator), CMO Q-Farms, Founder LCC and Cannabisiness
Claas van Os (Speaker), Q-farms - Blowing Minds, CEO & co-founder/ Licensed grower of cannabis...
2023-12-0447 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacAddressing Non-Financial KPIs in a Saturating Market: Operational Efficiency at the Peak of GlobalizationIndustrial Hemp and Adult_Use Regulation - Updates and Challenges/ produced by CB Expo
At a time of rising market volatility, consolidation, and innovation, finding future-proof decisions is challenging.This panel aims to address the need for an ever-expanding matrix of data for informed C-Suite leaders. From traditional COGS reduction strategies, to doubling down on people, and harm reduction, we’ll hear from today’s impact icons on pathways towards a more sustainable industry.
Language: English
Speakers
Leonid Kotlyar (Moderator), DéWarrior Unlimited B.V., Managing Director
Tjalling Erkelens (Speaker), Bedrocan, Founder and Chairman of the Board
William Muecke (Speaker), Artem...
2023-11-2051 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/ InterTabac Podcast #26Recyclable, Re-usable Disposable E-cigarettes?
Podcast guest is Sam Ong, co-founder and CEO of Airscream UK, a company which addressing the growing concerns that disposable vapes — one of the world’s fastest growing consumer products — pose possible environmental concerns. Airscream UK claims to offer the world’s first true disposable e-cigarette recycling system.
2023-11-1418 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacCannabis Reform throughout the Globe, where are we now, and where are we heading?Industrial Hemp and Adult_Use Regulation - Updates and Challenges/ produced by CB Expo
Various differing approaches to cannabis reform are now being developed and implemented throughout the world, from Malta’s cannabis clubs, to Switzerland’s pilot framework, and Germany’s exploration of both. In this panel, we’ll dive into each of these emerging strategies, explore how they are influencing one another, and consider the budding global economic, policy and social trends which are shaping the development of the international cannabis industry.
Langugage: English
Speakers
Ben Stevens (Moderator), Business of Cannabis, Editor
Dr. Bernd Werse (Speaker), Goethe-Universität, Centre fo...
2023-11-0748 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacThe Second Pillar of Legalization: Is the Awakening of the Commercial Adult-Use Market Coming to Germany?Industrial Hemp and Adult_Use Regulation - Updates and Challenges/ produced by CB Expo
Model projects are a legitimate means of the political and regulatory process to explore new markets, your products and services. What approaches have proven successful in the past and what new approaches can we see among European neighbours? The political will to end the prohibition of cannabis beyond medicine can be seen in many European countries. How will Germany position itself and how can the experiences from Switzerland and the Netherlands help with the legislative process and implementation? The Netherlands has tolerated a grey market for...
2023-10-2448 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #25Search for Acceptable Non-Acetate Filter Materials.
Acetate for cigarettes filters is the material traditionally used, and it is inexpensive. However, with recent shortages of acetate, rising environmental concerns, taxes on single use plastics (which acetate falls under), even calls for the complete ban, are there any alternatives? Tobacco Asia’s podcast guest is Katja Selle, association sales director at McAirlaids, talks to us about new bridgeable, non-plastic products offered by her company and others.
2023-10-1716 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacGermany's Challenging Cannabis Reforms: Navigating Medicinal Cannabis,...Where there's a will, there's no way? According to the German legislature, the will exists to re-regulate legal industries around the hemp plant in a new and solution-oriented manner. Only seemingly are the possibilities lacking. The step backwards after the initial framework paper in the consumer goods market, the absurd BtM sword of Damocles for all industrial hemp actors, the uncertain future for medical cannabis flowers. How industry and legislators finally leave the status quo behind will be discussed in this panel discussion.
Langugage: German
Speakers
Moritz Förster (Moderator), www.krautinvest.de, Editor-in-Chief
Dirk Heidenblut (Speaker), The German Bundestag, S...
2023-10-1645 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #24NGP/HNB: Keeping the “Consumer" in Consumer Products - ANDS
Our guest Is Mohamed Agrabawi, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at ANDS, the “alternative nicotine delivery solutions ” products company headquartered in Dubai. Agrabawi, who draws on experience working in diplomacy the Middle East and working at Philip Morris regionally on its IQOS brand, talks to us about challenges the NGP business including delivering products to consumers that they like, the recycling possibilities of disposables, the Middle east market, and more. ANDS is quite well known throughout the Middle East and now sets its sights on Europe, establishing an off...
2023-09-1820 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #23Nicotine: Natural vs Synthetic and Why Purity Matters
Our guest is Robin Ward, who is head of sales and marketing at Alchem Europe, the leading global supplier of nicotine for manufacturers. Robin talks to us about the many interesting aspects of nicotine and why purity matters when it comes to vapes and pouches.
2023-08-2320 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTOBACCO ASIA’S News & Views Podcast #22Latest Legislative Trends Rattling the Tobacco and NGP Industries
Our guest is Raphael Moreau, analyst with Euromonitor International, specializing in beverage and tobacco including reduced risk products. He fills us in on the latest legislative trends rattling the tobacco industry from generational bans, excessive tax increases as smoking deterrent, curbing disposable vapes and the effect some of these have on increasing illicit trade.
2023-07-1817 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #21A More Holistic Approach to Sustainability Programs in Tobacco
Tobacco companies have long put emphasis on GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and sustainability. The latest advance is in this is investing in a more holistic approach ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Our guest Peter Sikkel, president and C.E.O. of PYXUS International, parent company of leading tobacco company Alliance One International fills us in on ESG and how it is realized globally in tobacco growing operations
2023-06-1219 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #20Challenges on the Way to Cannabis Decriminalization
Our guest is Georg Wurth, a life-long advocate for decriminalizing cannabis and founder/managing director of the German Cannabis Association. As Germany moves toward decriminalization and, perhaps, legalization, Wurth talks about his hopes for a cannabis-embracing Germany and also the countless obstacles strewn in the way for reaching that lofty goal.
2023-05-1518 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #19China and the Global Supply of NGP
Guest is Jason Tian, the international representative of 2Firsts which is the most subscribed professional news media reporting on China's e-cigarette industry. It offers public database of the licensed Chinese manufacturers, and follows closely the global corporate and government affairs related to the e-cigarette industry. Jason talks to us about recent developments in China, which could effect the global supply and supppliers of NGP products, brands, hardware.
2023-04-1120 minNews&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #18US Tobacco Markets Overseas
House talks to us about business with China, the market for flue-cured US leaf and US made cigarettes and cut rag. Due to the pandemic and disruptions in trade with China, US Tobacco declared bankruptcy in July 2021, and with trade to China restored, House explains how to successfully navigated to the company to re-emerge from bankruptcy only a year later with strong financials and operational positions.
2023-03-1416 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #17Trends/Innovations in New Generation Products: What to Expect in 2023
Our guest is Aron Byrne-Carter, managing director of NGP Trends, which provides reports, workshops and consulting on.trends in NGP. We talk to Aron to get an overview of the direction that the NGP industry was headed this year, in both trends and products.
2023-01-3120 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #16The History of the Smokeless “Cigarette”
Dr Roger Penn is a well known figure in the global tobacco industry. Most know him from his 22 years at leading flavor/fragrances houses Firmenich, IFF and most recently Mane Suisse.
Roger is now the principal consultant for Las Casucha Consulting working form his bases in Indonesia and France. Roger’s experience in toxicology and developing tobacco products with major manufacturers goes back a long way and today, here’s here to talk about the history and development of smokeless cigarettes (or heat-not-burn products or heated tobacco products) going back to the late 1980s.
2022-12-1223 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #15Talking About Global Cigars: Business and Opportunities
Justo Rico, well-known personality in the tobacco industry and principle of PCB (Premium Cigar Brands), headquartered in Barcelona, is a long time veteran of the global cigar business – selling and manufacturing premium cigars and securing tobacco.
Justo talks to us about his business and the global world of cigars from Europe to Africa to Asia.
2022-11-1414 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #14The luxury of a self-lighting cigarette
Rom Soriano is a young Israeli who invented something that sounds just as crazy as it sounds intriguing: the self-igniting cigarette.
But how does it work? And is it scalable for mass production?
Tobacco Asia’s Thomas Schmid talks to Soriano’s business partner, Roy Weisberger.
2022-10-1715 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #13
As several changes face the cigar industry, the Tobacco Asia podcast welcomes David Ozgo, president of the Cigar Association of US, the leading US trade cigar group to share his views on increases in the premium segment, decreasing venues for purchase and consumption, new flavor regulations, supply chain problems, and the US-Cuban cigar ban.
2022-09-1919 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterSupply Podcast #12Sustainability in Manufacturing and Managing Resources
Packaging materials and paper notably use many resources and the processing can contribute to environmental degradation. Our guest is Liem Khe Fung, innovations director at BMJ (Bukit Maria Jaya) who discusses how his company is leading the way in managing resources and sustainability in its manufacturing processes.
2022-08-1218 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #11Insights into different tobacco countries
Now that the masks have come off and and most countries have opened up again, and the tobacco industry— a notoriously travel-heavy industry — can take to the air again. Our podcast guest is Dr. Iqbal Lambat, CEO and president of Istanbul-based Star Agritech International, a medium-sized supplier of tobacco leaf and reconstituted tobacco. He’s a very avid traveler and will give insights into a handful of tobacco countries he is looking at.
2022-07-1118 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #10Plain Packaging and Beyond
Gory warnings and plain packaging have disrupted the normal production/distribution of tobacco products and to most accounts, they have been a total failure in their express goal in reducing tobacco consumption. Instead, plain packaging destroys branding and makes life much easier for counterfeiters. Our guest is Mike Ridgway, long time consumer packaged goods expert and current director of the Consumer Packaging Manufacturers Alliance to talk to us about gory warnings, plain packaging and what the future holds for regulatory overreach on tobacco products globally.
2022-06-1018 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #9Future of Synthetic Nicotine
Synthetic nicotine, used in new generation products, is produced in a lab and not from the tobacco plant itself, which - until now - provided a regulatory escape route for some products manufacturers. Now, FDA regulate e-cigarettes and similar products using synthetic nicotine the same as those using plant-derived nicotine. Our guest is George Cassels-Smith, the well known CEO of Tobacco Technologies (TTI) and also director of Zanoprima Lifesciences, a supplier of SynNic synthetic nicotine. He discusses the regulations, uses, and the future of synthetic nicotine.
2022-05-1620 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #8“Designing an NGP and Making it Market-Ready”
Launching new style tobacco and vape products is getting much more complicating over the years with the ever-developing new rules, regulations, restrictions and and market barriers. Our guest in this podcast is Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, Chief Scientific and Regulatory Officer at Broughton, a consulting firm specializing in science and regulations, explaining that although product launches in the industry are quite complex, it is possible to pre-design a product for regulatory approval.
2022-04-0417 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #7“Industry’s Role in Sustainable Tobacco Farming"
An overview of the challenges facing farmers and farming and what the industry and manufacturers are doing to help. Tobacco Asia talks with MERCEDES VAZQUEZ, the recently appointed c.e.o. of the International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA), which, founded in 1984, is the global growers association whose core objectives focus on the sustainability of tobacco farmers and their communities.
2022-02-2817 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #6"Synthetic Nicotine: Uses/Development and is it a Tobacco Product"
Mark McQuillan, Managing Director of Nicobrand which is part of Contraf Nicotex Tobacco
"Synthetic Nicotine: Uses/Development and is it a tobacco product!
2022-01-3115 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #5“Shisha: Time to Clear the Air”
KAMEL JABBOUR, director of ESCA, European Shisha Community Alliance
“Shisha: Time to Clear the Air"
A talk with KAMEL JABBOUR on hookah/shisha, the highly sociable tobacco product category to clear up the air on the myths and misconceptions on its health aspects, consumer appeal, ingredients, labeling requirements, and unfair taxation.
2022-01-1616 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #4“Selling Cigars (and other Tobacco Products) into China"
ERIC PIRAS, a veteran cigar marketer and purveyor in Hong Kong and China
“Selling Cigars (and other Tobacco Products) into China"
A talk with Eric Piras, long time Asia cigar expert formerly with Pacific Cigar, and Altadis and now with cigar venues in Hong Kong and a consultancy in China on cigars.
An overview with a barebones structure on how — and if — this is possible and whether it is worth trying.
2021-12-1311 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #3“Let's talk about SNUS"
CECILIA KINDSTRAND ISAKSSON, director of public affairs, Swedish Match
"Let's talk about SNUS"
A talk with CECILIA KIRDSTRAND ISAKSSON, director, public affairs, Swedish Match on that company’s iconic and controversial snus products, which some call the original reduced risk tobacco product.
What is the product? And if it is reduced risk, why is it illegal in the EU and other markets? What is being done to clarify snus status as a reduced risk product globally?
2021-11-2914 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #2Upcoming EU Plastic Packaging Requirements and the Tobacco Business
HUGO AZINHEIRA, global innovation and marketing director at ESSENTRA
"Upcoming EU Plastic Packaging Requirements and the Tobacco Business"
A talk with HUGO AZINHEIRA, global innovation and marketing director at ESSENTRA, the leading global suppliers of specialty filters and scientific services for the tobacco industry.
Filling you in on the EU Plastic Packaging Requirements and how this effects cigarette manufacturing and other tobacco products industries.What kind of plastic replacement products can be used for tobacco product? What are the plastic contents in a tobacco product?
2021-11-1613 min
News&ViewsPodcast | Tobacco Asia - InterTabacTobacco Asia/InterTabac Podcast #1"Prohibition and the Nanny State; Defending the Right to Smoke”
A talk with SIMON CLARK, director of the UK smoker’s lobby group FOREST (Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco) founded in 1979.
We’ve seen indoor smoking bans adopted globally, then gory warnings reared their ugly heads and were adopted globally, then the plain packaging idea was planted in Australia and grew like fungus all over, and then taxes rising around the world trying to price cigarettes out of reach of many . . . one wonders what else besides just banning cigarettes can be done by the anti-tobacconists? What is the...
2021-11-1519 min