Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1547352
68 tobaccoasia Issue 6, 2026 November / December By Thomas Schmid InterSupply, held annually in Dortmund, Germany, has long established itself as a meeting place for companies operating across the international tobacco and nicotine industries. Its appeal extends beyond established multinationals and major leaf merchants, attracting smaller suppliers seeking to introduce their products, establish new commercial relationships, and expand their international reach. At the latest exhibition, three first-time exhibitors illustrated this growing global dimension: Shire Momentum from Malawi, K2 Tobacco Company from Pakistan, and Argentina's Cooperativa de Tabacaleros de Jujuy (CTJ). Although their histories, geographical origins, and business models differ, all three share an ambi- tion to connect their tobacco-growing operations with customers in international markets. Shire Momentum: Building a business in Malawi For Shire Momentum, exhibiting at InterSupply marked an important step in introducing a new leaf to- bacco supplier to international buyers. Established in Malawi only in early 2026, the company combines the experience of Spanish tobacco professionals with local operational knowledge. The outfit's Spanish co-founders, Rafael Cabrera Pérez and Antonio Clares Dominguez, hail from Andalusian families with three generations of tobacco-industry experience, while a Malawian shareholder partner oversees local operations, providing a presence in the country where the company sources its leaf. The company name reflects Cabrera and Clares' connection to their new home: the Shire (pronounced shee-ray) is Malawi's principal river, while "momentum" conveys their ambitions for growth. Beyond building an export busi- ness, the founders say they want to improve conditions for farmers and contribute to local communities. Fresh Faces in the Global Leaf Trade InterSupply 2026 once again showcased the event's growing importance as a global marketplace for new leaf traders. Shire Momentum prides itself on its tobacco quality. Pictured here (left to right): Rafael Cabrera Pérez (president and c.e.o.) and Antonio Clares Dominguez (c.s.o.). Credit: Thomas Schmid