Since its inception in 1978, the inter tabac tobacco and cigar trade fair in Dortmund, Germany, has become a premier global event for the tobacco industry. The most recent edition spanned 40,000 square meters, attracting 500 exhibitors and 18,900 visitors, 66% of whom were international participants from across the globe. Covering a wide array of product categories—including cigars, cigarettes, smoking accessories, and e‑cigarettes—the fair provides a specialized business platform for the worldw
The Exhibition Value of inter tabac in Dortmund, Germany
- The world’s largest and longest-running B2B trade show for the tobacco and smoking‑related industries: Since its inception in 1978, inter tabac has been held 45 times, organized by Messe Westfalen GmbH. It is one of the most important global platforms for the tobacco industry, covering traditional tobacco products, e‑cigarettes, smoking accessories, and the entire upstream and downstream supply chain. The event is widely recognized as a leading indicator of trends in the global tobacco sector and a key gateway for companies seeking to enter the EU market.
- A one‑stop showcase spanning the entire value chain: The exhibition features traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, and cut‑fill tobacco, alongside emerging tobacco categories like e‑cigarettes, heat‑not‑burn devices, and nicotine pouches. It also includes related accessories—lighters, humidifiers, and more—as well as supply‑chain services encompassing manufacturing equipment, packaging, and raw materials. From classic cigars to cutting‑edge NGP products, and from handcrafted pipes to smart e‑cigarettes, exhibitors can seamlessly connect with buyers across all stages of the value chain, from product presentation and brand exposure to business negotiations.
- Precise access to global key buyers and industry resources: The 2025 edition will bring together over 800 exhibiting companies from 70 countries, attracting 14,500 professional visitors, approximately 50% of whom come from outside Germany, representing Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and other regions. Retail professionals account for roughly 35%, while wholesale and international trade participants make up about 20%, and manufacturers comprise around 15%. Nearly 90% of exhibitors have expressed intent to return, with nearly 80% hailing from countries beyond Germany.
- Unique value for Chinese enterprises: a strategic engine for expanding into the EU market: inter tabac serves as a critical platform for Chinese tobacco and e‑cigarette companies to enter the EU market, engage with international buyers, and showcase their own brands. With an international participation rate of 66%, Chinese exhibitors can directly connect with European and global purchasing decision‑makers. As EU tobacco regulations continue to evolve, the accompanying regulatory symposiums provide invaluable insights into policy trends and compliance requirements.
- A cutting‑edge hub for technological innovation and industry trends: At this year’s show, novel products such as nicotine pouches, heat‑not‑burn devices, e‑cigarettes, and nicotine‑infused fabric strips are drawing significant attention. For the first time, the 2025 edition will feature CB Expo, a dedicated cannabis‑related trade show, highlighting the growing convergence between the tobacco and nicotine industries. Concurrently, the InterTabac World Alternative Awards will recognize innovative products across 14 categories, complemented by dozens of specialized events, including a Cigar Culture Summit, a focused seminar on nicotine pouches, and panel discussions on regulatory issues.
- Dortmund’s locational and industrial advantages: Held at the Messe Dortmund exhibition center, the event enjoys a central European location with excellent transport links. Leveraging Germany’s strategic position as a major economic powerhouse in Europe, inter tabac offers exhibitors a powerful platform to connect with both European and global markets.