It’s that time of year again: folks from the UK cigar industry head to Dortmund, Germany 🇩🇪 for InterTabac 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for tobacco products and smoking accessories. This year, the event runs September 18–20.
At its core, InterTabac is a business-focused event for trade and media only – sadly not for the general public. International distributors attend to discover new cigar brands to represent in their markets, while cigar shops and lounges often come seeking the latest accessories and innovations. While the fair covers the tobacco industry broadly, cigars remain central, with two full arenas dedicated exclusively to them. In 2024, InterTabac attracted around 14,500 attendees, but it is unclear how many of them visited the cigar section.
By comparison, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in the United States 🇺🇸 is a smaller, more specialised event, but highly respected within the industry. Focused on premium cigars and pipes, PCA 2024 drew over 5,383 attendees and placed strong emphasis on retailer–manufacturer connections.
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending this year’s event. I assumed it would be very similar to last year’s, which I loved. But I’m low on annual leave 😭 and have other trips planned, so I’ll be reporting live ‘from my sofa’, using social media and online sources to bring you updates – as I deal with my FOMO 😁.
| Summary – The world’s largest tobacco fair, InterTabac, held in Dortmund, Germany, successfully attracted thousands of industry professionals from September 18th to 20th, 2025. The event has now concluded. – Next year, the fair will take place mid-week, from Tuesday to Thursday, instead of the usual Thursday to Saturday schedule. – The first Cigar Culture Summit established a powerful agenda that addressed critical issues concerning the industry’s future, including sustainability, EU regulations, and farmer livelihoods. – Major companies such as Oliva, Plasencia, Padron, and Rocky Patel showcased their impressive offerings, while prominent brands like Habanos, Davidoff, Joya de Nicaragua, and Drew Estate chose not to participate. – A notable highlight was the empty booth of Arturo Fuente, which gained attention following the termination of its long-standing distribution partnership with Meerapfel, marking a significant turning point for the brand. – Noteworthy cigar launches included Oliva’s Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025, Fratello’s Dominican puro “1821,” and Gurkha’s “Fat Boy.” There did not appear to be many other new launches. – In a surprising development, Dunbarton’s renowned golden cigar-smoking gorilla statue, the “Megasquatch,” mysteriously disappeared overnight from their booth. – Recognition for excellence was also a significant feature of the event, with Nick Perdomo Jr. receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Tor Imports from the UK being honoured for its outstanding charitable contributions. |
Jump to:
Day 0: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Day 1: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Day 2: Friday, 19 September 2025
Day 3: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Day 3: Saturday, 20 September 2025
14:30 GMT – Things are quieting down at Messe Dortmund
The trade fair is starting to look a lot quieter now that it’s coming to the end of the event. This update comes from the German live streaming of the event on YouTube with EtwasGenuss.
From what I’ve seen – and I could be completely off – UK distributors like Tor Imports, Brightleaf, TabacWorld, Barkers of Harrogate, and Global Leaf co often line up new partnerships to bring in new cigars. These events are where a lot of the deal-making and conversations happen, and it’s also a chance for distributors to meet brand owners and factory representatives face-to-face. We probably won’t really see the results until 2026 or 2027, when those new cigars and partnerships start hitting the UK market.
14:00 GMT – Saga Gem Series: Ambar from De Los Reyes cigars
Charlie Minato of Half Wheel has just published an article saying that one of his most interesting finds at this year’s InterTabac is the Saga Gem Series: Ambar from De Los Reyes Cigars.
He noted: “It’s quite interesting because of its packaging. Each box comes with 20 cigars, but there are 10 different bands used. While the cigars in the picture above aren’t like this, the bands are meant to be placed in a specific order to form an image resembling amber, the stone. This must be quite a challenge for the packaging department, which will need to band the cigars in sequential order based on the wrapper color.”
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a photo of that cigar box, but you can see Nirka Reyes Estrella enjoying a cigar from brand from the Dominican Republic.
12:45 GMT – Tam Hanna, a cigar enthusiast, does the rounds at InterTabac
I am absolutely hooked on Tam Hanna’s updates on social media at this year’s InterTabac trade show—what a force of nature! Give him a follow 🙌.
Here he is with Sabrina Fontaine and Jerome Monetti of Corita Cigars, showcasing their all-in-one Culebra cigar named Rasine.
Next, he features Blase of Las Villas cigars. I was lucky to try one of their cigars earlier this year, and they are quite impressive—they are distributed by Barkers of Harrogate.
Tam also spoke with Francisco Almonte of DBL cigars about cigar pricing and trends in Mexican tobacco.
Lastly, Emmanuel Diaz, son of Master Blender Eladio Diaz, discussed the new La Diana cigar, part of Eladio Diaz’s range. Eladio is known in the industry from his career with Davidoff of Geneva in the Dominican Republic. In 2021, he left Davidoff to open his own factory and create his own brands, starting with Before & After and now La Diana.
11:35 GMT – Rocky Patel shares more about new Emerald cigar
09:30 GMT – Final day of InterTabac
Unfortunately, the day did not start well. David Lafferty of Dunbarton Tobacco reported on social media that their “Megasquatch statue”—a large, cigar-smoking gorilla—was stolen from their booth overnight.
This bizarre heist has left people scratching their heads, wondering how anyone could steal such a large, one-of-a-kind piece – without getting noticed! 😔.
01:00 GMT – InterTabac after parties kick off with Vandermarliere’s celebration
In the early hours of the morning, the after-parties of InterTabac illuminated the night, with one gathering in Dortmund stealing the spotlight: the event hosted by the Vandermarliere Cigar Family. This was the place to be.
The Vandermarliere family is a prominent name in the tobacco industry with a storied history. Founded in 1926 in Belgium, the business began as a small tobacco shop and has since grown into an international powerhouse, now featuring some of the most well-known brands, such as J. Cortès and Oliva Cigars.
Among the highlights of the evening was Marko Bilic, head of the Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC), whose presence certainly didn’t go unnoticed. The crowd was in high spirits as Bilic took things to another level by appearing as a DJ at the event. Is there nothing this man cannot do? He is a legend ❤️😁, and there’s no doubt that there isn’t a party without Marko in the house! His energy resonated with everyone.
Meanwhile, the Belgian cigar community is navigating turbulent times. This week, Cigar Journal reported a government decision to implement a smoking ban on terraces in Belgium effective January 1, 2027.
Despite this regulatory uncertainty, many attendees at the Vandermarliere event embraced the moment, with the ‘VCF team dance’ waving the Belgian flag in defiance. They were determined to celebrate their shared passion for cigars. This dance seems to be a tradition they uphold each year at the event.
The UK cigar industry is also on edge due to the upcoming Tobacco & Vapes Bill, which could introduce similar restrictions. The potential for tighter regulations has left the community on high alert.
The night was a testament to the resilience of the cigar community in the face of regulatory challenges—not to mention some fun and very interesting dance moves showcased! 💃🕺😃 It was a reminder of the spirit and camaraderie that define the world of cigars.
Day 2: Friday, 19 September 2025
18:30 GMT – Wrap up for Day 2
As Day 2 comes to a close, tomorrow marks the final Day 3 of the trade fair.
If I remember correctly, Saturday was the quietest of the three days when I attended this event last year. That could be why InterTabac is shifting to a Tuesday-to-Thursday schedule in 2026.
16:30 GMT – Hiram & Solomon
Fouad and Romy of Hiram & Solomon cigars are also at their booth in Dortmund, Germany, showcasing a wide range of their cigars to the crowd.
Brightleaf distribute their cigars in the UK.
Source: Hiram & Solomon | Instagram
16:00 GMT – Nova Cigars highlights at InterTabac with Kopp Tobaccos
Nova Cigars, led by CEO Leonor “Leo” Abzaradel appears to have been drawing strong interest at the InterTabac trade show alongside its partner Kopp Tobaccos.
The team is using the event to connect with both long-time supporters and new contacts, reflecting on its growth since the brand’s launch and giving thanks to its community.
I don’t think Nova Cigars are distributed in the UK just yet but who knows what the future holds?
Source: Nova Cigars | Facebook
14:15 GMT – An explosive cigar
Some folk at Intertabac have spotted this cigar from Sinistro Cigars. These are packaged in a wooden crate designed to look like dynamite, with each cigar bundled to resemble a stick of TNT.
The design is eye-catching, but good luck trying to get that passed airport security 😬😂.
12:30 GMT – Fratello Cigars
Omar de Frias of Fratello Cigars is over in Dortmund from the USA and has launched his new cigar line, The 1821. This release is a true Dominican puro, crafted entirely from Dominican tobacco.
It comes as a single vitola — a 6 x 58 — presented in 12-count boxes and produced at the renowned La Aurora factory.
11:15 GMT – Gurkha goes large with ‘Fat Boy’
Gurkha Cigars has unveiled the Fat Boy, among its headline releases for this year’s fair. The line emphasises bold ring gauges and powerful flavour profiles. Read more about it here.
Who knows if they will come over to the UK?
11:00 GMT – Meerapfel issues statement on Arturo Fuente split
Earlier this week, folks may have noticed Arturo Fuente’s trade floor space was empty, marked only by a sign. According to Cigar Coop, Meerapfel has now released an official statement:
“Unfortunately, Fuente & Meerapfel have ceased trading together. We are disappointed and saddened by this, and it brings an important chapter in our esteemed history to a close. We now find ourselves at a pivotal point in our story.”
Read the full statement here: Cigar Coop
Interestingly, just a few weeks ago, Ray Prodanoff (former Casa1910 and cGars) shared a post with added speculation and behind-the-scenes gossip on the matter between Fuente & Meerapfel: “What’s Really Going On?” – The Late Smoke.
09:00 GMT – Day 2 commences
Day 1: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Still trying to work out what the big cigars of the event are… maybe more will be revealed tomorrow…
22:15 GMT – Full list of winners announced
The winners of the Cigar Trophy Awards 2025 have been officially announced. These awards are determined by public vote for many of the categories, with additional “Jury Awards” decided by the editorial staff of Cigar Journal.
🏆 Best Brand 2025
- Cuba: Partagás Serie D
- Dom. Rep.: Arturo Fuente Don Carlos
- Honduras: Plasencia Cosecha 151
- Nicaragua: A.J. Fernandez Días de Gloria
- Other Countries: The American (USA)
🏆 Best Cigar 2025
- Dom. Rep.: Casa Carrillo Allegiance Confidant
- Honduras: Leaf by Oscar 10th Anniversary Criollo Toro
- Nicaragua: Oliva Serie V Double Robusto
- Other Countries: Toscano Master Aged Serie 1 (Italy)
🏆 Best Boutique Brand 2025
- Nicaragua: Dunbarton Sobremesa Brûlée
- Other Countries: Casdagli Cigars Daughters of the Wind (Costa Rica)
🏆 Best Lounge 2025 *where was the UK? 😥*
Europe: La Casa del Habano am Osthafen, Berlin, Germany
Asia: La Casa del Habano, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Americas: Corona Cigar Co. & Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge, Tampa, USA
🏆 Charity & Community
Tor Imports 🇬🇧
🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award
Nick Perdomo Jr.
(Full winners’ list via Cigar Journal Magazine).
20:00 GMT – Cigar trophy awards underway
The Cigar Trophy Awards are under way. The ceremony is being broadcast live on Facebook, giving cigar fans around the world the chance to follow along. The stream will remain available to watch back afterwards.
📺 Watch the full ceremony here: Facebook Live Stream
14:20 GMT – Sneakers meet cigars
One of my favourite spots from the online footage being shared on social media, features Vijzbespokes, creating bespoke Nike/Nubke* (Nub) hybrid sneakers — combining sneaker culture with cigar aesthetics. Attendees can try on the designs in person and vote for their favourite. Perhaps reflective of how cigar culture is increasingly intersecting with other lifestyle spaces.
I also love the fact that Adrian Magnus has a throne on their cigar trade fair stand…
12:00 GMT – Big names in the house
Nick Perdomo Jr of Perdomo Cigars, and members of the Oliva cigars team, were among those photographed at the trade show.
11:00 GMT – Intertabac in full flow
A German cigar blogger https://etwasgenuss.de/ is live-streaming from InterTabac, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the trade fair atmosphere. The stream is in German. We definitely need an English-language equivalent!
07:30 GMT – Doors open at InterTabac 2025
The doors open at InterTabac 2025 in Dortmund, the world’s largest trade fair for tobacco products and accessories.
Exhibitors from across the globe are in attendance, with names including Aganorsa Leaf, Casa 1910, Casa Carillo, Casa Turrent, Cavalier Cigars, Chateau Diadem, Dunbarton, Gurkha, Hiram & Solomon, La Flor Dominicana, La Galera, My Father Cigars, Notorious Cigars, Oscar Valladares, Padron, Plasencia and Tor Imports all confirmed.
One stand drawing particular attention is Notorious Cigars – the brand linked to former UFC champion Conor McGregor. Could McGregor himself make an appearance? Ahead of his much-publicised return to the ring at the White House next year. Previous editions of the fair have seen sporting icons such as Mike Tyson make appearances.
Source: ruhrnachrichten.de
Visitors today can also expect a full programme of cigar seminars, while this evening focus will turn to the Cigar Trophy Awards – streamed live on Facebook.
A full exhibitor list and rolling updates are available via the official InterTabac 2025 App.
Day 0: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
23:30 GMT – Arturo Fuente skips InterTabac 2025
Reports from L’Amateur de Cigare tonight suggest the Arturo Fuente booth will remain empty for the full three days of the fair. 😳😱
The move comes just weeks after the announcement that Fuente and the Meerapfel family had ended their long-standing distribution partnership. That split was confirmed in mid-August and widely covered across the cigar press. (Arturo Fuente, Meerapfel end distribution agreement – Half Wheel)
An empty stand from one of the industry’s most iconic names is certain to spark questions — and plenty of speculation — on the trade show floor.
21:00 GMT – Cigar dinners taking place
In Dortmund this evening, cigar makers were keen to showcase their craft beyond the exhibition halls. Across town, the team behind Casa 1910 welcomed clients to a dinner at a local restaurant. The gathering offered an opportunity for business partners to meet face-to-face, share a meal, and, of course, enjoy a cigar together.
18:00 GMT – Final touches ahead of opening
Cigar brands are putting the finishing touches to their stands ahead of the event. Among them is Cigar Kings, now distributed in the UK by Bright Leaf, alongside Mantis Accessories – a newly launched British company, and humidor specialists Raching Group. The calm before the storm, as they prepare to welcome visitors in the morning.
The calm before the storm!
17:35 GMT – Oliva Cigar Co. to unveil Limited-Edition Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025
Oliva Cigar Co. will introduce its limited-edition Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025,, shipping globally this week following its InterTabac debut.
“A tribute to the tobacco leaf,” returning to the company’s roots after last year’s musical theme.
Size: Robusto Extra, 5 inches × 54 ring gauge, sold in 10-count boxes.
Wrapper & Filler: Ecuador Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan tobacco from Oliva’s own farms; produced at Tabolisa factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
CEO Fred Vandermarliere: “An ode to the most beautiful story: the cycle that turns pure seeds into exclusive cigars.”
Whether this makes it to the UK market remains to be seen, but it’s one to watch for Oliva fans.
Source: Cigar Aficionado
17:00 GMT – Unofficial gathering at Cigar World, Düsseldorf
Many UK cigar industry members are heading to Dortmund early, stopping at Cigar World in Düsseldorf for an informal meet-up tonight.
- A fantastic cigar lounge; highly recommended – see my review here.
- Some attendees are traveling from further afield, including Rocky Patel.
14:00 GMT – Cigar leaders confront sustainability challenges
Producers and growers highlighted mounting regulatory, environmental and social pressures facing tobacco. From EU rules to farmer livelihoods, speakers said the sector must adapt — or risk being left behind.
13:15 GMT – And they’re off…
The Cigar Culture Summit is officially underway! Attendees are gathering for the workshops and panels, with early excitement visible on social media.
08:00 GMT – The Cigar Culture Summit
For the first time, InterTabac is preceded by The Cigar Culture Summit, taking place a day before the fair officially kicks off.
Ricardo Carioni talks about it here 👇
The Summit includes:
- Cigar industry panels
- Educational workshops
- German market specialist cigar and pipe retailers
The day concludes with a large evening cigar reception.
Moderated by Ricardo Carioni of the PCA (recently associated with The Cigar Academy), the Summit aims to share knowledge, celebrate tradition, and connect people across the cigar world. I had the chance to speak with Ricardo last week—it sounds like an excellent addition to the InterTabac experience and hopefully one that continues for years ahead 🙌.
Source: InterTabac
00:00 GMT – Who’s missing in 2025?
Despite the excitement, several major players are absent from this year’s fair:
- Habanos, Davidoff, and Scandinavian Tobacco Group are not returning after pulling out last year.
- Dannemann, Joya de Nicaragua, and Drew Estate are also missing.
These absences leave room for boutique and emerging brands to shine.
Source: Cigar Inspector
Keep your eyes peeled as more updates will come soon!
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