Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1545684
66 tobaccoasia Issue 4, 2026 July / August By Thomas Schmid A new digital companion for tobacco growers As the brand new Pyxus Alliance™ platform (is taking root in Brazil, its impact is best understood through the voices of the farmers who use it as part of the extensive pilot project currently underway there. Tobacco Asia asked five local growers operating in three Brazilian states to offer firsthand insights into how digital tools are reshaping their routines, decision-making processes, and interactions with the company. Vinicius Zimmermann – Santa Catarina Vinicius Zimmermann views the Pyxus Alliance™ platform as a for- ward-looking innovation that aligns with the future of farming. He emphasized its role in modernizing agricultural practices, describing it as "extremely valuable" for growers. In his daily routine, the platform enhances efficiency by providing clear visibility into orders, availabil- ity, and financial values. This enables more accurate crop planning and better financial management. Zimmermann particularly values the au- tonomy the platform provides, allowing him to manage all aspects of his operations directly from his mobile phone. He suggested that improvements could be made in how total order values are displayed and how inputs are organized, which would further strengthen finan- cial oversight. Voices from the Field How Brazilian Growers Experience the Pyxus Alliance™ platform. Gustavo Sidooski – Santa Catarina For Gustavo Sidooski, the platform's strengths lie in its speed, intuitiveness, and efficiency. He high- lighted how it integrates seamlessly into daily farm management, making operations more agile and organized. The ability to select inputs and manage contracts independently has reduced reliance on physical visits and fixed schedules. This flexibility. Sidooski said, has transformed how he approaches his work, allowing for more efficient planning. He also appreciates having all relevant informa- tion readily accessible, noting that it improves or- ganization and supports better decision-making. He envisioned further enhancements, such as ac- cess to additional management data, which would make the platform even more comprehensive. Emanuela Ingles Gaspar – Paraná Emanuela Ingles Gaspar noted the platform's accessibility, describing it as intuitive and easy to use even for those less familiar with digital tech- nologies. This ease of use has been instrumental in integrating the platform into her daily routine. She finds it particularly helpful for organiz- ing and monitoring crop orders, which has im- proved the structure and efficiency of her work. The ability to place orders directly through the app provides a sense of autonomy and confidence in decision-making. Gaspar suggested that adding more detailed product descriptions would enhance the user experience, enabling growers to make more informed choices. Gustavo Sidooski Credit: Pyxus International Emanuela Ingles Gaspar. Credit: Pyxus International