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Gama spoke to Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, ahead of the latest edition of InterTabac.
What are your expectations for this edition of Inter Tabac?
I’m full of anticipation and very excited about InterTabac and InterSupply 2023. I’m particularly looking forward to the many new products that are traditionally presented at the show, and also to the many contacts and discussions with people in the industry. Overall, I’m convinced we’re going to build on last year’s really successful comeback and reaffirm our status as the leading global forum for the industry.
This is also borne out by the number of exhibitors – including regulars, returners and newcomers – who have confirmed they’ll be taking part. Bookings are looking good, as are advance ticket sales. We look forward to welcoming international trade visitors wishing to discover more about the latest news, current developments and topics of future importance in the industry, and also looking to initiate business deals. Above all, businesses, professionals and experts in the tobacco industry convene with us in Dortmund to engage and interact, learn from each other and shape the future of the industry together. That’s why the show’s new strapline is “Together for tomorrow”, because the future path the industry takes is something that can best be tackled together.
How are tobacco / nicotine firms evolving to meet consumer needs, in particular to meet the goal of harm reduction?
Looking to the future, the tobacco industry is expected to continue to evolve in order to meet the changing needs of consumers and increasingly strict legal requirements. This certainly includes designing new products. In addition, tobacco companies are already investing in education campaigns and research. InterTabac and InterSupply are the ideal meeting place for the industry to discuss precisely these topics, to exchange ideas and to work out shared solutions for the way forward.
What other key trends do you expect to shape innovation in tobacco and nicotine products in 2023 and beyond?
One key trend is the increased awareness of sustainability, a common thread running through the entire industry. This is in line with a global macro trend that is likely to continue shaping the coming years and decades. In the tobacco industry, this is reflected, among other things, in more environmentally-friendly packaging and measures to help reduce the ecological footprint of production.
In the classic segment, especially in the cigar market, we have seen that hand-rolled products and high quality are becoming increasingly important to consumers. Aficionados are prepared to spend more money on corresponding quality, which in turn increases sales and turnover. Premium products have been growing strongly for many years.
About Inter Tabac
At the trade fair duo InterTabac and InterSupply from 14th to 16th September 2023, trade visitors meet top decision-makers from retail, manufacturing and the service sector. The world’s leading event for the tobacco industry brings together international market leaders and industry representatives from all areas at Messe Dortmund.
