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The episode features an engaging interview between Thomas Schmid and Emily Sahakian, co-founder of the premium cigar brand, Chateau Diadem. The remarkable growth of Chateau Diadem is underpinned by its success at various trade exhibitions and the dedication of its two founders, Emily and her cousin, Thierry Farah. Emily shares the backstory of the brand, revealing her and her cousin’s lifelong passion for cigars, their playful childhood experiences, and the eventual realization of their dream to create their own brand. She elaborates on initial obstacles and how the brand evolved from a white-label production to being manufactured in its own...

He discusses the challenges he faced, such as gaining clients' trust and overcoming initial slow business years. He emphasizes the importance of repeat business over short-term profits, sharing that his company's success is reflected in returning customers. He highlights the strategic partnerships Prestige Leaf has with various international merchants and emphasizes the importance of aligning common objectives with them. The conversation also touches on the company’s Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, including a commitment to supporting sports, arts, education, and community programs. Zafer talks about fis future plans for Prestige Leaf, including expanding into more tobacco-growing countries and possibly...

The interview discusses Rebellion Cigars, a niche company founded in the UK by Mandi and Shaun Wilkinson in 2019, covering the company’s inception, Shaun Wilkinson’s passion for cigars, and the significant challenges faced entering the exclusive cigar market. Host Thomas Schmid also picks Wilkinson’s brains about the production process in a factory in Honduras and the development of Rebellion Cigars’ unique cigar blends. Wilkinson explains the distinctive pink branding and his strategy of naming cigars after favorite rock songs, as well as the launches of a special country music-themed range for the US market and upcoming limited editions. The episode...

Thomas Schmid interviews Waqas Khan, global CEO of Nevcore Innovations, about the misconceptions surrounding nicotine pouches. Khan discusses the unique features and high standards of Clew, a newly launched nicotine pouch brand that has already achieved significant recognition, including FDA approval and winning the MENA Awards. Khan explains the intricate R&D behind Clew's products, their market strategy, and their emphasis on consumer-focused design. He also highlights the importance of consumer education and the differences between synthetic and tobacco-derived nicotine products. The discussion concludes with plans for future expansions and participation in industry events.

Thomas Schmid interviews Guilherme Costa, Vice President of Sales at SWM International. The discussion revolves around the scope of SWM International’s paper products for the nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis industries. Guilherme touches upon the company's two market brands, SWM and Botani, exploring their roles and differences. He also delves into topics like sustainability, compliance with regulations, and the innovative materials used in SWM and Botani products, highlighting how SWM International leverages its global presence to navigate different markets and offer tailored solutions to its clients.

Rodolfo Maria Salvi is the sustainability and international relations manager of Salvarat s.r.l., a company specializing in post-harvest pest control for the tobacco industry. His conversation with host Thomas Schmid covers the significant impact of tobacco pests on global produce, highlighting both direct and indirect losses. Salvi explains Salvarat's integrated pest management strategy, PRE.MO.S.T., which encompasses prevention, monitoring, and synergetic treatment tailored to client-specific needs. The discussion also addresses the importance of sustainability, the effects of climate change on pest resistance, and Salvarat's commitment to providing bespoke solutions to their clients.

Thomas Schmid talks to Justin Tarbell, vice president of strategy and business development of Ohserase Manufacturing, discussing the history of tobacco among Native American tribes. Located on Mohawk land in upstate New York, Ohserase produces the all-natural cigarette brand, Signal, which uses augmented reality technology and unique packaging features. Tarbell also explains the brand's commitment to giving back to Native American communities, its connection to Mohawk heritage, and plans for international expansion.

Tadas Lisauskas is the founder and CEO of San Diego-based Greenbutts. The company has invented a revolutionary cigarette filter material that may well have a shot at eventually displacing the presently used (but environmentally unfriendly) cellulose acetate tow (CAT). The Greenbutts substrate is 100% plastic-free, as it is composed solely of natural fibers and a starch-based binding agent. When immersed in water, Greenbutts completely disintegrates and disperses in 30 days, while on land it takes about 60 days. There are no residues left behind, let alone dreaded micro plastics. Lisauskas talks to Thomas Schmid about the numerous advantages of the...

With increasingly more countries starting to ban disposable vapes, Chinese manufacturers are scrambling to adjust to the fast changing landscape. For some, it will be easier than for others, as they have always put a heavy focus on innovation. Tao Cui is Director of Innovation, Strategy and Compliance at Innokin Technology, one of China’s most progressive vape tech firms. In this podcast episode, he tells the audience what Innokin has up its sleeves, including MeFree, the world’s first metal-free heating coil, EcoDrain, a technology that makes batteries safe to discard, and Trine, a groundbreaking “3-in-1” vape system.

Christian Adi Njoto Njoo is the president of well-known Indonesian leaf merchant, PT. Mangli Djaya Raya. The company recently established a wholly-owned subsidiary, PT. Besuki Raya Cigars, one of Indonesia’s few premium cigar manufacturers. With brands such as El Gaucho, Airlangga, Brawijaya and, oddly, MyLockdown, the firm intends to restore an industry that had withered following Indonesia’s independence in 1945 from Dutch colonial rule and put Indonesia back on international cigar smokers’ radar.