Special Report: Italy’s Tobacco Innovation Hub
Photo: Stefanie Rossel
Sale et tabacchi, the inscription on the logo of Italian tobacconist shops, still speaks of tobacco’s long history on the peninsula. It calls to mind the country’s monopoly on salt and tobacco in colonial times.
Today, Italy is the European Union’s largest producer of leaf tobacco, with an annual production of 50 million kg, representing a market share of 27 percent. The country’s economic powerhouse in the north is home not only to leaf tobacco cultivation but also to leading cigarette companies’ and suppliers’ manufacturing sites, which continue to invest in the region.
Philip Morris International has a state-of-the-art tobacco heating factory in Bologna, BAT recently inaugurated an innovation hub in Trieste, Tobacco Technology has a set up a flavorings lab in the region and Montrade is expanding its operations, to name just a few developments.
In the runup to TabExpo Bologna 2023, Tobacco Reporter’s Stefanie Rossel traveled through northern Italy to learn about the tobacco industry’s latest investments. In this special report, she shares her insights.
Poised for Growth
Montrade is expanding its portfolio and manufacturing facilities.
Designing the Future
An exclusive tour of PMI’s state-of-the-art heated-tobacco units plant in Bologna
An Italian Flavor
From its new subsidiary in Umbria, TTI can supply its global customers more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Shaping Tomorrow
The future envisioned by BAT will partially be created at the company’s new innovation hub in Trieste.
More from Italy
Smokers Ordered to Keep Their Distance
Turin has banned outdoor smoking unless others are a least five meters away.
Italy: BAT Fined Over Heated-Tobacco Ads
BAT plans to appeal, saying it implemented all suggested changes to its marketing.
BAT Opens Innovation Hub in Italy
It is estimated that the innovation hub will create 2,700 future jobs.
Innovative Focus
TabExpo returned to the nicotine show circuit in Bologna, Italy, in May with valuable industry insights.
Glo Hyper Under Scrutiny
BAT has not clearly stated that Glo contains nicotine and is aimed at adults, says regulator.
Innovation Hub
Northern Italy provides the perfect business environment for pioneering tobacco companies and their suppliers.
Poised for Growth
Montrade is expanding its portfolio and manufacturing facilities.
Ministers Oppose Vaping Ban
It would include bars, public transport stops and parks with pregnant women and children.
Italy to Ban Indoor Vaping
The law tries to cover ‘the constantly increasing diffusion of new products on the market.”