When the international tobacco industry gathers in Dortmund, the trade fair becomes a place filled with encounters, conversations and new impressions for three days. From September 15 to 17, 2026, InterTabac once again brought together specialist retailers, manufacturers and industry experts from around the world. Right at the heart of it all: VILLIGER – this year with a clear focus on handmade longfiller cigars.
Three Days Dedicated to Handmade Cigars
Around 750 exhibitors from 64 countries gathered in Dortmund in 2026 for InterTabac and the concurrently held InterSupply. This year, NUBIZ joined as a new third event, completing the trio of trade fairs. More than 170 exhibitors showcased their brands and products in the cigar segment alone. For trade visitors, the fair offers an opportunity to discover new products, maintain existing relationships, establish new contacts and engage directly with the people behind the brands. In 2026, VILLIGER consistently presented itself as a manufacturer and importer of premium handmade cigars. The slightly more compact booth placed an even stronger emphasis on this segment – and was very well received by visitors. Throughout all three days, the booth was at times filled to capacity. But the conversations were about more than just products. Many discussions focused on origins, production, current developments in the specialist retail trade and, of course, the shared passion for cigars.
Two New Releases from Nicaragua
The spotlight was on two new releases, both produced at the VILLIGER de Nicaragua cigar factory in Estelí. The VILLIGER DE NICARAGUA Edición Limitada 2026 (swiss and german market) marks a special moment. Both VILLIGER's own cigar factory and the Edición Limitada series celebrate their fifth anniversary in 2026. At the same time, the latest Limitada marks the conclusion of the successful series. To celebrate the anniversary, it is being released in a generously sized Gordo format. The second new release at the fair brought a splash of color to the booth: the VILLIGER 1888 SAN ANDRÉS. 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 was presented in Dortmund in three formats. Produced at the factory in Nicaragua, it combines the historic year 1888 with VILLIGER's cigar craftsmanship of today.
The SAN MARTÍN (swiss and german market) also attracted considerable interest. Since its launch in April 2026, it has already found its way to many aficionados. The numerous conversations at the booth showed that there is still much to discover and share about this relatively new line.
Personal Encounters and Livestreams
A trade fair comes to life through its people. Accordingly, personal encounters were once again among the defining moments of InterTabac 2026. Members of the press, influencers and YouTubers visited the booth, engaged in conversations and took a look behind the scenes. A special format took place on September 16 in collaboration with "EtwasGenuss". Two livestreams, each lasting around 45 minutes and hosted by Martin Zurek and David Philippe, focused on people and topics from different areas of VILLIGER.
Christoph Schüpbach reflected on his first 118 days as CEO, while Felix Wallenhorst shared insights from his Brand Ambassador Tour. Désirée Leers and Karin Weyel then introduced the VILLIGER 1888 SAN ANDRÉS and offered a glimpse into their daily work in product management and graphic design. The conversations highlighted just how many different tasks and perspectives come together before a new cigar makes its way to the trade fair booth.
The Villiger family also attended InterTabac: Corina Villiger, Lucien Villiger and Damian Wirth traveled to Dortmund. This meant that almost the entire Board of Directors was present at the event.
InterTabac Star
At the conclusion of InterTabac, the SAN MARTÍN (swiss and german market) was honored with the InterTabac Star 2026 in the category "Most Interesting New Longfiller Cigar". This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone for the brand and serves as confirmation of the company's entire product development process – from the initial concept and traditional craftsmanship involved in production through to the final market launch. This success was perfectly complemented by the valuable conversations, feedback and encounters that took place over three intensive days at the trade fair.
What Remains from Dortmund
InterTabac 2026 once again demonstrated that the world of handmade cigars is about far more than tobacco alone. Behind every new release are experience, craftsmanship and people who contribute their knowledge and enthusiasm. For the VILLIGER team, it was three intensive days filled with familiar faces, new encounters and a consistently positive atmosphere. The enthusiastic response to the more compact booth made this year's trade fair particularly special. And in the end, what remains is precisely what makes a successful trade fair: personal exchange and the shared appreciation of a long-standing culture of enjoyment.