By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- New market: Messe Dortmund will launch the inaugural Cigar Culture Summit Africa in Johannesburg on Oct. 23-25, expanding the event beyond its European debut.
- Industry backing: The event is supported by organizations such as the International Tobacco Growers’ Association, the European Cigar Manufacturers Association, the Cigar Association of America, and ProCigar.
- African focus: Organizers aim to connect cigar manufacturers, tobacco growers, distributors, retailers, and hospitality professionals while highlighting Africa’s growing role in the premium cigar industry.
The Cigar Culture Summit will expand beyond Europe this fall with the launch of its first African edition, bringing premium cigar manufacturers, tobacco experts, retailers and enthusiasts to Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 23-25.
Organized by Messe Dortmund GmbH, the event follows the second Cigar Culture Summit, scheduled for InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. It reflects the organizers’ vision of creating an international platform dedicated to premium cigars and cigar culture.
The three-day conference will feature presentations, panel discussions, workshops, brand showcases, and tastings to promote education, collaboration, and business development across the premium cigar supply chain.
“The future of premium cigars is not shaped in boardrooms alone,” organizers said in announcing the event. “It is shaped by the people who create outstanding brands, build thriving businesses, cultivate communities and inspire new generations of cigar enthusiasts.”
The program is expected to bring together a broad cross-section of the industry, including master blenders, tobacco experts, brand founders, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, cigar lounge operators, hospitality professionals, media, and consumers interested in premium cigars.
“Following its partnership with the Lagos Cigar Festival in Nigeria, the expansion into South Africa marks another important milestone in the internationalization and strategic development of InterTabac,” the website states.
Organizers said the summit is designed to create networking opportunities and provide attendees with direct access to industry knowledge, new market perspectives and emerging business opportunities.
The Johannesburg event also underscores Africa’s importance to the global premium cigar business. The continent is home to several tobacco-growing regions that supply premium cigar tobacco to manufacturers worldwide, and interest in premium cigars continues to grow across many African markets.
The summit is being organized in partnership with CST Consulting LLC, led by Claudio Sgroi, and has garnered support from several prominent industry organizations, including the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA), the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA), the Cigar Association of America (CAA), and ProCigar, with additional partners expected to participate.
Tickets for the event are now available, and organizers said that additional program details, speakers, and participating brands will be announced in the coming months.
