Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1545684
62 tobaccoasia Issue 4, 2026 July / August The Brazil pilot: testing innovation in real conditions The pilot project in Brazil, launched on March 18, 2026, serves as a proving ground for the Pyxus Alliance™ platform. Conducted in phased waves, the pilot is designed to test not only the technology but also its adoption and impact in a real operating environment. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Farmers report increased autonomy, time savings, and improved access to in- formation. One grower noted an 80% reduction in the time required for the con- tracting process, highlighting the efficiency gains enabled by digital self-contracting. Initial challenges, such as login issues and varying levels of digital proficiency, were anticipated and addressed through targeted support from field advisors. The pilot has demonstrated the platform's robustness, security, and seamless integration with pro- duction processes. A foundation for global expansion The Brazil pilot is not an end point but a starting point for Pyxus International. Helio Moura described the contracting module as "only our initial phase," with plans to expand digitization across the company's global operations. The platform is seen as a scalable solution that can support sustainability initiatives, compliance requirements, and future growth. Meanwhile, Phani K. Chitti reinforced this perspective, noting that Pyxus Alliance™ is "not just a new mobile app" but the beginning of a broader shift in how growers interact with the business. The insights gained from the pilot will inform subsequent phases, ensuring that the platform evolves in response to real-world needs. Zimbabwe's TIMB and a National Digital Transformation A strategic vision for sector-wide modernization While the Pyxus Alliance platform represents a company-driven initiative, Zimbabwe's approach is rooted in national policy. The country's regulator, the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) launched a five-year digital transformation plan in 2026 as part of the Zimbabwean government's declared tobacco value chain transformation plan. Emmanuel Matsvaire, c.e.o. of TIMB, outlined to Tobacco Asia a vision centered on operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and strengthened governance. The plan aims to modernize not only tobacco farming but the entire value chain, in- cluding processors, marketers, and exporters. Phani K. Kitti, director of internal global business systems, Pyxus International. Credit: Pyxus International For ease of use, the Pyxus Alliance™ interface is held deliberately simple. Credit: Pyxus International Brazilian farmer Samuel Ernesto Krambeck is getting the hang of the Pyxus Alliance™ platform. Credit: Pyxus International Helio Moura, senior vice president of environment, sustainability & crop governance, Pyxus International. Credit: Pyxus International