Tobacco Asia

70 tobaccoasia Issue 6, 2026 November / December Left to right: K2 Tobacco Company's Basit Ullah Khan (c.e.o.) and Sighat Ullah Khan (international business development manager). Credit: Thomas Schmid A diverse product range K2 supplies flue-cured virginia (FCV) and dark air-cured tobacco (DAC), burley, rustica WP, and tobacco stem. This range allows it to serve cus- tomers seeking different leaf characteristics and product applications. Khan highlighted the influ- ence of local growing conditions on tobacco char- acteristics, particularly nicotine content and aro- ma. "It's because of climate," he explained, noting that Pakistani tobacco is distinguished by its pleas- ant aroma and light lemon color. K2's website lists indicative nicotine content of 2.6–3% for its FCV, with sugar levels of 9–18%. Rustica is listed at ap- proximately 4–5% nicotine. Actual specifications vary by grade and crop, making direct discussion with buyers important when matching tobacco to manufacturing requirements. The inclusion of tobacco stem further broadens the portfolio, while the company's range of cured varieties reflects the diversity of Paki- stan's tobacco production. Expanding the farmer network K2 works with more than 300 contracted farmers. As an agronomist, Khan has developed a close re- lationship with growers and a strong understand- ing of their needs. He emphasized his preference for working directly with farmers, allowing them to benefit more directly from export opportunities rather than relying on intermediaries. Khan reported that the company plans to expand shipments in the coming season. Achiev- ing this growth will depend on converting inqui- ries into orders while ensuring sufficient leaf is available to meet customers' specifications. Its es- tablished farmer network provides a strong foun- dation for expansion, while close coordination between growers, processing operations, and buy- ers will be essential. Maintaining consistent qual- ity and reliable delivery will remain key to building lasting customer relationships. Export markets and strong interest in burley K2 has supplied customers in both Europe and Asia. Khan reported strong interest in burley at InterSupply. In response to this demand, the company plans to place greater emphasis on the variety in the following season. However, while the response at InterSupply was encouraging for a business seeking to expand its exports, commer- cial opportunities will depend on whether K2 can supply the grades and volumes required by buy- ers and turn initial discussions into repeat orders. Khan found the exhibition productive neverthe- less, reporting that the team spoke with approxi- mately 18 to 20 people each day. He suggested that an additional exhibition day would have allowed more time for discussions. Raising Pakistan's international profile For K2, InterSupply provided an opportunity to explain its capabilities directly to buyers who might be less familiar with Pakistani leaf. The company hopes its range, agricultural knowledge, and growing export network will help it secure a larger place in the international market. Meeting it will require careful supply planning and sustained customer development, but the exhibition gave K2 a platform to begin building the relationships needed to support that growth. More info at: k2tobacco.pk CTJ: Argentina's cooperative leaf sector goes global Cooperativa de Tabacaleros de Jujuy (CTJ) used its first appearance at InterSupply to introduce Ar- gentina's leaf tobacco capabilities to a wider inter- national audience. Founded in 1969 and based in Perico in Argentina's Jujuy province, the coopera- tive plays a significant role in the country's virginia tobacco supply chain. Rubén Puede, leaf manager and an accomplished tobacco blender, said the ob- jective was to meet potential customers and estab- lish new commercial relationships. CTJ also sought to raise awareness of the wider cooperative sector "Maintaining consistent quality and reliable delivery will remain key to building lasting customer relationships."

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