All episodes

Thomas Schmid interviews Waqas Khan, global CEO of Clew, discussing how the nicotine pouch brand became the world's third-largest by distribution in just two and a half years. Khan attributes this rapid success to building a complete manufacturing ecosystem with pharma-grade facilities and prioritizing quality over cost. The brand has launched in 50 countries across five regional hubs, customizing products for local taste preferences.

A major achievement has been penetrating the travel retail sector, with Clew now present in over 15 duty-free locations worldwide. Khan explains how the brand pioneered nicotine pouch listings in challenging markets like Thailand by working...

In this episode, Thomas Schmid interviews Dr. Allen Liao, founder of Tobacco China Online, about China's groundbreaking regulations on oral nicotine products that took effect in January 2025. The new framework—covering everything from nicotine pouches to nicotine patches—came with no transition period, catching many smaller manufacturers off guard. Liao explains why the government moved so swiftly, how the rules will reshape the entire supply chain, and what it means for local companies. While some businesses may face closure or consider relocating their production overseas, Liao assures that this is not the end of China’s oral nicotine sector. Far from it....

Thomas Schmid interviews Shem Baldeosingh, the director of the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN). Shem discusses GINN’s foundation in 2024, its mission to promote safer nicotine products, and its evolution into a structured organization with global influence.

He highlights GINN’s advocacy for non-combustible and non-vaping products like oral nicotine pouches and mentions significant markets including Spain and Saudi Arabia. The discussion also covers regulatory challenges, regional dynamics, and future opportunities in Asia and indeed around the world, emphasizing the importance of standards, regulatory engagement, and consumer protection.

Shem addresses innovations in nicotine delivery formats and urges policy makers and...

Thomas Schmid interviews Marcelo Marques, General Manager of B2B Tobacco Processing in Brazil. The discussion covers the current state and outlook of the Brazilian tobacco industry, focusing on expected crop shortages, especially in Burley tobacco, due to climate and market factors. Marcelo explains that while Burley will be in shorter supply, Virginia tobacco quality and volume should remain stable. The conversation also addresses price fluctuations, the impact of previous climate disasters, and the dynamics of stock and demand in the market.

Marcelo introduces his company, B2B Tobacco Processing, highlighting its rapid growth and its focus on quality and expansion in...

In this episode, Hugo Azinheira of Filtrona discusses with host Thomas Schmid the company’s pioneering work in sustainable, plastic-free filters for the tobacco industry. Driven by the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive (EUSUPD), Filtrona invested in R&D to launch the ECO range of biodegradable filters, using both new and historical materials. The conversation highlights how regulatory changes have spurred industry demand for sustainable solutions and how Filtrona’s innovation center in Indonesia accelerates product development and customer collaboration. Hugo also outlines Filtrona’s ambitious ESG goals, including carbon neutrality by 2040 and net zero emissions by 2050, and notes the company’s remarkable...

Altria has launched the "Connect and Transform" initiative to accelerate its shift away from traditional tobacco products and drive innovation by connecting with external partners. Wael Safi, Altria’s Managing Director of Open Innovation and Venture Growth, explains that the program is designed to identify company needs, connect with outside experts, startups, and inventors, and bring in new capabilities to transform the business.

The initiative stands out for its intentional approach: Altria clearly defines its needs through "needs briefs," actively seeks out relevant partners, and maintains ongoing relationships even if there isn’t an immediate fit. Success stories include leveraging AI to...

Thomas Schmid interviews Jordan Herring, CEO of Hidden Valley Genetics, discussing the rapid changes in Thailand’s cannabis laws. In 2022, Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize cannabis, creating a booming industry but with little regulatory framework. In June 2025, the government reversed course, making recreational use illegal again and restricting cannabis to medical use only, which now requires medical prescriptions and on-site doctors at dispensaries. The interview highlights the economic, legal, and social consequences of these policy shifts, the struggles of small business owners, and the ongoing adaptation of the industry to new regulations.

Delving deep, Jordan explains...

Thomas Schmid hosts a discussion about advancements in anti-counterfeiting technology, particularly focusing on the hidden image technology used in packaging. He introduces Julian Homer, the commercial manager at Arden Dies Limited, to elaborate on this innovative technology.

Julian explains how hidden image embossing (or debossing) works, detailing that this method invisibly embeds a secondary image within a primary embossed or debossed design, which can be revealed using a special plastic lens. This technique offers increased security against counterfeit products, particularly in the tobacco industry.

Julian clarifies how the hidden images work, how they can be verified, and who can access...

In this episode, host Thomas Schmid interviews Kimberly Foley, the new Executive Director of U.S. FCV grower cooperative, Tobacco Associates. Kimberly shares her passion for the U.S. tobacco market and outlines her plans to maintain and enhance the organization’s operations, focusing on quality, farmer visibility, and market development.

She elaborates on efforts to navigate challenges such as global competition, costs, and tariffs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong international partnerships. She identifies potential growth markets for U.S. leaf, including Japan, Turkey, India, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, and Poland, while acknowledging the complexities of certain regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America....

Thomas Schmid interviews Shivam Bihani, the director of AVB International, about the evolving landscape of nicotine pouch regulations. The conversation covers various regulatory challenges faced by nicotine pouches across different markets, focusing on restrictions in the EU, UK, and the US. Thomas and Shivam discuss the potential for bans, flavor restrictions, and tax implications, highlighting the impact of stringent regulations on both manufacturers and consumers. Shivam emphasizes the importance of reasonable regulations rooted in scientific evidence to maximize harm reduction and prevent the rise of black markets. The discussion concludes with insights into how AVB International plans to adapt and...