The Dominican manufacturer’s booth at the world’s largest tobacco products trade show will remain empty for the three days of the event.

“Due to unexpected circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to join you this year at Intertabac,” reads a sign placed on an easel in the middle of an empty Arturo Fuente Cigars booth. The message is signed by Carlito Fuente, owner of the Dominican brand.

The “unexpected circumstances” are not detailed, but according to a senior official of the Dominican group contacted by L’Amateur, the decision was made to skip Intertabac Dortmund 2025 after the breakdown of distribution partnership with the Meerapfel family, announced in mid-August.

The (empty) Arturo Fuente booth is facing the Meerapfel products booth, a layout that has been replicated for several years in Hall 7 of the Dortmund Exhibition Center.

The Intertabac 2025 trade show will be held from September 18 to 20, 2025.

Laurent Mimouni, special correspondent in Dortmund (Germany)