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.
EPP Accused of Being Tobacco ‘Mouthpiece’ Ahead of Vote
The debate comes as the EU considers significant revisions to tobacco and nicotine regulations that could affect product availability.
N.C. Politicians Call for Relief for Tobacco Farmers
The lawmakers said tobacco production costs rose 30% between 2021 and 2025, compared with an 18% increase across U.S. agriculture overall.
Kentucky Tobacco Farm Gets DOL Reprieve Over Visa Enforcement
The case stems from allegations that the farm violated H-2A temporary agricultural worker program requirements involving wages, recordkeeping, and worker housing.
Pakistani Tob. Growers Call to End Export Tax
The group also opposed a proposed minimum indicative price of $1.89 per kilogram for Virginia tobacco in the 2026-27 budget.
THR Advocates Criticize COP11 Transparency, Agenda
Delegates should demand a broader range of observers and greater transparency to avoid a situation where one billionaire funder can speak through dozens of organizations.
EU Abstains from COP11 Vote Amid Internal Disagreements
Public health groups said a weakened EU position would embolden the tobacco industry, while THR proponents welcome evidence-based policies.
Mexico Debates Vaping Ban Amid Constitutional Reform
A recent constitutional reform, supported by most major parties, criminalizes the production, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vape devices, and unauthorized toxic substances.
WVA Holds Light Protest Ahead of COP11
The WVA said it was drawing attention to what the group calls misinformation and exclusion of consumer voices in global tobacco control debates.
Vapers’ Alliance Challenges WHO Ahead of COP11
The group warned that WHO proposals to ban flavored vaping and raise taxes ignore scientific evidence that vaping and nicotine pouches are less harmful alternatives.
WCTC Gets Protestors Wanting Input
The campaign comes at a time when the WHO is pushing for sweeping bans on flavored nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
WVA Raises Alarm About Misperceptions
The consumer group organized a protest in front of the WHO headquarters today.
EU Urged to Adopt Science-Based Strategy
Health Ministers are currently debating Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in Brussels.
Activists Lament EU Stance on THR
The EU Commission’s approach is out of touch with citizens’ views, according to the WVA.
