In 2025, global tobacco leaf production surged, but prices stagnated as climate change intensified farming risks. 2Firsts reports from the ITGA meeting, revealing structural challenges and transition pressures in the industry.

At InterTabac/InterSupply 2025 in Dortmund, ITGA gathered growers from four continents to address market trends, regulation, and sustainability. The AGM reaffirmed ITGA’s mission to secure farmers a living income and highlighted the need for grower-led advocacy to ensure fairness, transparency, and resilience in the global tobacco sector.

As next-generation products reshape the global tobacco landscape, ITGA President Jose Aranda tells 2Firsts that growers must be included in policymaking, not sidelined. He advocates for stronger international cooperation to help farmers adapt to sustainability, climate, and market challenges.

The ITGA Africa meeting highlighted sustainability, labor reforms, and challenges posed by novel nicotine products. Countries like Malawi stressed crop diversification and climate-resilient farming to help farmers adapt to global market shifts and secure their livelihoods.

Malawi hosts ITGA Africa meeting, emphasizing tobacco’s importance to regional economies. Global leaf output hit record levels, prices declined, cigarette demand remained stable, and nicotine product growth continued in Africa.

The ITGA Americas meeting gathered growers and stakeholders from key regions to address climate impacts, rising production costs, and shifting global demand. 2Firsts was invited to attend, with Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra reporting on-site.

Brazil has long been hailed as a global model in tobacco farming—known for its high yields, quality leaf, and sustainable practices. But shifting demographics, labor shortages, and the rise of next-generation products are reshaping the landscape. In this 2Firsts exclusive, Afubra President Marcilio Drescher reflects on 70 years of progress and the uncertain road ahead for Brazil’s 90,000 growers.

As ITGA’s media partner, 2Firsts provides this digest summarizing Brazil’s tobacco model and key global production data, offering readers a clear industry overview.

2Firsts and the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) have formed a strategic partnership covering media collaboration, event co-organization, Greater China representation, and joint publications to support the transformation and sustainable development of the tobacco-growing sector.