Three days at the trade fair, numerous industry discussions and visitors from around the world: From September 15 to 17, 2026, the international tobacco industry gathered for InterTabac in Dortmund. VILLIGER was once again present this year, placing a clear focus on handmade longfiller cigars and its role as a manufacturer and importer in the handmade cigar segment.

A Meeting Place for the International Tobacco Industry

Around 750 exhibitors from 64 countries attended InterTabac and the concurrently held InterSupply in 2026. This year, NUBIZ joined as a new third event, completing the trade fair trio. More than 170 exhibitors represented the cigar segment. The trade fair provides manufacturers, importers and specialist retailers with an important platform for personal exchange and for presenting the latest developments within the industry. At InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, VILLIGER consistently positioned itself as a manufacturer and importer of premium handmade cigars. Compared to previous years, the booth featured a more compact design, with a corresponding focus on this segment. The concept was well received by trade visitors. Throughout all three days, the booth attracted a steady stream of visitors and provided the setting for numerous discussions with existing, new and potential business partners, industry representatives and other trade professionals.

Two New Releases from VILLIGER de Nicaragua

Among the highlights of this year's trade fair appearance were two new cigar lines and editions from the VILLIGER de Nicaragua cigar factory in Estelí. The VILLIGER DE NICARAGUA Edición Limitada 2026 marks two anniversaries: five years of VILLIGER's own cigar factory and five years of the annually released Edición Limitada series. The latest Limitada marks the conclusion of this series and was created in the Gordo format to celebrate the anniversary. The second new release presented in Dortmund was the VILLIGER 1888 SAN ANDRÉS, available in three formats. The yellow line joins the VILLIGER 1888 family as its third variation, following the red line from the Dominican Republic and the blue line from Nicaragua. It is also produced at the VILLIGER de Nicaragua factory. The SAN MARTÍN, launched in April 2026, was also a recurring topic of discussion throughout the trade fair. The interest gave the team an opportunity to gather feedback from the market and engage directly with retail partners.

The SAN MARTÍN, launched in April 2026, was also a recurring topic of discussion throughout the trade fair. The interest gave the team an opportunity to gather feedback from the market and engage directly with retail partners.

Media Discussions and Insights into Daily Operations

In addition to discussions with specialist retailers, various members of the press, influencers and YouTubers visited the VILLIGER booth. On September 16, a livestream was also held in collaboration with "EtwasGenuss". During two discussion sessions of approximately 45 minutes each, moderated by Martin Zurek and David Philippe, a range of topics from within the company were explored. Christoph Schüpbach reflected on his first 118 days as CEO of VILLIGER. Felix Wallenhorst spoke about his work as a Brand Ambassador and his tour. In the second session, Désirée Leers and Karin Weyel presented the VILLIGER 1888 SAN ANDRÉS and offered insights into their respective roles in product management and graphic design. Alongside the products themselves, the discussions also highlighted the collaboration between different departments within the company.

Members of the Villiger family also attended InterTabac: Corina Villiger and Lucien Villiger, along with Damian Wirth, travelled to Dortmund. This meant that nearly the entire Board of Directors was present at the event.

InterTabac Star

At the conclusion of InterTabac, the SAN MARTÍN received the InterTabac Star 2026 award in the category "Most Interesting New Longfiller Cigar". For the team, awards like this are above all a recognition of the work involved in every stage of creating a cigar, from product development and production to its final presentation.

Three Days of Personal Exchange

After three days at the trade fair, it was above all the intensive exchange with specialist retailers, industry representatives and the media that left a lasting impression. The positive response to the more compact booth also confirmed the decision to focus this year's appearance clearly on the handmade cigar segment.

In an industry with such an international presence, personal contact remains an essential part of a trade fair. Dortmund once again provided the opportunity for this in 2026: for discussions, new connections, market feedback and exchanges about the development of the cigar segment. For VILLIGER, these were three intensive days at the trade fair, shaped not only by new releases and awards, but above all by the people and conversations that made the event memorable.