[2Firsts] 2Firsts and the International Tobacco Growers’ Association have agreed to jointly support the development of the tobacco-growing sector amid the global rise of next-generation products (NGPs).
During the ITGA Americas Regional Meeting held April 23–25 in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, ITGA CEO Mercedes Vazquez and 2Firsts Global Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the framework for their cooperation.
The partnership aims to explore the potential of traditional tobacco growing in the conventional and NGP sectors, while promoting communication and collaboration within the global tobacco farming industry.
This collaboration encompasses four key pillars that reflect a shared commitment to supporting tobacco growers worldwide:
1.Official Media Partnership
2Firsts shall serve as an official media partner of ITGA, participating in and reporting on ITGA activities. ITGA will support 2Firsts’ reporting and interviews, helping expand the reach and visibility of tobacco growers’ issues.
2.Asia-Pacific Conference Collaboration
2Firsts will collaborate with ITGA to co-organize its Asia-Pacific conference. With strong roots in Asia, 2Firsts will help convene stakeholders across borders to drive meaningful dialogue on farming, policy, and industry transformation.
3.Greater China Strategic Representative
2Firsts commits to acting as ITGA’s exclusive local liaison in Greater China—including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan—strengthening ITGA’s presence and dialogue with stakeholders in this vital region.
4.Joint Research and Publication
2Firsts and ITGA will co-develop and publish industry bluebooks and market insights, combining 2Firsts’ analytics and communication capabilities with ITGA’s firsthand knowledge from the field.
“We believe this partnership marks a new chapter in how we support tobacco growers worldwide,” Vazquez said. “By working with 2Firsts, we can better communicate the realities and challenges our farmers face, especially in a market increasingly shaped by innovation and shifting consumer preferences.”
Alan Zhao, Co-Founder and CEO of 2Firsts, sent a congratulatory message from Shenzhen, China, celebrating the success of the 2025 ITGA Americas Regional Meeting and expressing strong support for the partnership.
“We are grateful for ITGA’s trust in 2Firsts,” Zhao said. “2Firsts will fully leverage its strengths in media, research, and global industry influence to support ITGA’s continued growth. We believe that greater information exchange and cross-regional collaboration can help unlock new opportunities for the global tobacco-growing sector. As the market continues to evolve, we hope this partnership can foster broader understanding and dialogue among stakeholders—and support inclusive, sustainable approaches to meeting the challenges ahead.”
“We are thrilled to announce our cooperation with the ITGA,” Tuinstra said. “While our roots lie in the NGP business, we are keen to serve all segments of the supply chain. As a significant source of raw materials for both traditional nicotine products and new ones, tobacco farmers are instrumental to the success of our industry. The ITGA understands the business of tobacco cultivation better than any other, and we could not wish for a better partner as we seek to strengthen our coverage of this key sector.”
Founded in 1984 by growers’ representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Malawi, the United States and Zimbabwe, the ITGA provides a unified voice for tobacco growers worldwide and offers a platform to represent their interests.
Today, the organization has members in more than 20 countries. It plays an active role in international discussions about the tobacco industry, emphasizing the need to balance regulatory goals with the livelihoods of farmers. As part of its mission, the ITGA also promotes sustainable farming practices to help growers adapt to changing conditions and market demands, including the shift from combustible cigarettes to NGPs.
2Firsts is a leading global media and consulting organization focused on the next-generation products industry and dedicated to advancing tobacco harm reduction worldwide. Through professional reporting, in-depth research, compliance services and international forums, 2Firsts connects regulators, businesses, scientific institutions and supply chain stakeholders to build an efficient platform for communication and collaboration.
As a connector and catalyst for the industry, 2Firsts is deeply rooted in China’s supply chain and actively engaged with global markets, striving to support the transformation and sustainable development of the global nicotine business through information, insight and cooperation.
Cover photo：ITGA CEO Mercedes Vazquez and 2Firsts Global Editor in Chief Taco Tuinstra toast to their organizations’ future cooperation following the growers’ group’s recent regional meeting in Argentina’s Jujuy Province.
Click to read the ITGA special report:
