Tobacco Asia

Tobacco Asia 13 Q&A THE TA You can view the latest issue of TOBACCO ASIA magazine and TOBACCO ASIA's archived issues and searchable content at www.tobaccoasia.com All free. No passwords. No paywall. Just click and read. We'd like to let you in on an industry secret rollout. Launching the pilot in Brazil also reduced costs and complexity compared to implementing it in another AOI market, while still providing a strong and representa- tive test environment. TA: Has the pilot project revealed any weak points in the app that don't work as intended and require fixing? SS: Early results show strong grower acceptance and high interest in the platform. At this time, no major gaps have been identified. We continue to gather app feedback and monitor performance, helping us to identify any areas that may need refinement as the pilot progresses and expands to other regions. TA: Once the pilot has concluded successfully, what are AOI's further plans? Will the platform be launched in other countries as well? SS: The Brazilian pilot is being conducted in preparation for a global rollout. TA: Pyxus Alliance™ has been described by AOI as being "the first platform of its kind worldwide." How do you substantiate that claim? SS: The claim is based on how the platform is designed and positioned. Pyxus Alliance™ brings together multiple functions, including company-to-grower commu- nication, crop data availability and digital services that allow growers to request crop inputs, access crop-related data and update personal records into one integrated mobile platform, rather than relying on separate tools or manual processes. That all-in-one, end-to-end approach is what supports the "first-of-its-kind" description. TA: Is the Pyxus Alliance™ platform part of a greater drive to fully digitize the company? SS: Yes, Pyxus Alliance™ is part of the company's broader digital transformation strategy and an initiative to modernize and streamline processes across all of its operating markets. TA: Is there also an element of transparency in that digitization drive? In how far? SS: Yes, transparency is one of the goals and benefits of the platform. Digital self-contracting and centralized access to information contribute to clearer, more transparent interactions between growers and the company. TA: So the platform is more than just a new technology gadget, isn't it? SS: One important point is that Pyxus Alliance is so much more than just another technology rollout. It represents a shift in how the company engages with its growers by enabling two-way communication rather than simply collecting data, creating a more direct and responsive relationship. The platform also gives growers greater visibility and access through self-service capabilities, including the ability to request crop inputs, access crop-related data and update personal records digitally. Over time, the platform is expected to support more data-informed decision- making, improve operational efficiency and create greater consistency across markets. Ultimately, however, its success will depend on strong grower adoption, making ease of use, accessibility and training especially important. At its core, Pyxus Alliance™ is about strengthening and modernizing grower relationships. It moves the company from a more labor-intensive, transactional model to a transparent, connected partnership that supports long-term loyalty, consistency and scalability across our operations. For more on digitization in the leaf business, please read our related article in this issue.

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