Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1544874
56 tobaccoasia Issue 3, 2026 May / June By Thomas Schmid A heritage rooted in Plovdiv's tobacco history The story of KT International SA (aka KTI) is closely intertwined with the long tobacco history of the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv. Located in the country's south-central part, Plovdiv's tobacco heritage can be traced back to 1872, when its first tobacco manufacturing facility was established. Situated near major tobacco-growing regions in Turkey and along historical trade routes connecting Asia and Europe, Plovdiv developed into one of southeastern Europe's most important centers of tobacco processing and cigarette production. The newly formed company inherited valuable technical know- how but also had to contend with outdated production facilities in its early years. A major turning point came in 2014 when the firm opened a brand new factory. Equipped with cutting-edge machinery and developed in cooperation with leading equipment manufacturers, the plant positioned KTI among the most modern tobacco manufac- turing operations in Europe. A defining moment for the company came in 2008, when KT International was established, marking the beginning of a new chap- ter built on strong industry know-how. The early years brought chal- lenges, particularly in modernizing inherited production capabilities, but also laid the foundation for future growth. A major milestone followed in 2014 with the opening of one of the most modern tobacco factories in Europe. Equipped with the lat- est production technologies and developed in partnership with leading machinery manufacturers, this investment marked a significant step forward, reinforcing KTI's commitment to quality, innovation, and the development of its global brands. KT International: Bulgaria's Independent Tobacco Champion The company successfully carries on the proud legacy of long-defunct Bulgartabac. One of Southeastern Europe's independents Privately owned, the company has built its strategy around three core principles: quality, flexibility, and innovation. "Quality is at the core of every- thing we do," said Stuart Buchanan, the compa- ny's chief commercial officer. "From pack design and material sourcing to production and market implementation, every stage is designed to meet the highest international standards." Full independence, Buchanan noted, pro- vides the company with the agility needed to re- spond quickly to changing market conditions and regulatory developments. "Our independence al- lows us to remain flexible, focused and responsive to market changes, regulatory developments and partner needs," he told Tobacco Asia. "This agility enables us to develop tailored solutions and expand into new markets more effectively." The company's workforce reflects this international outlook. KTI employs about 740 people representing ten nation- alities, combining local expertise with a globally ori- ented commercial and technical team. State-of-the-art production and technology A defining feature of KTI is the modern tech- nological base that underpins its manufacturing operations. The company's facility in Plovdiv is furnished with advanced machinery supplied by leading global equipment brands and supported by in-house laboratories that oversee quality control and compliance. The company also maintains extensive in- ternal capabilities across the production chain. In 2019, KTI launched its own filter manufacturing operations, later expanding the facility to include capsule, charcoal, and tube filter technologies. These investments allow KT International to re- spond quickly to evolving consumer trends and provide a wide range of product formats tailored to specific markets. KTI's c.e.o., Stuart Buchanan. Credit: KTI Primary processing at KTI. Credit: KTI