Dominican Cigar Expo 2025: Where Tradition Met Innovation in Santiago

From June 20 to 22, 2025, Santiago de los Caballeros became the epicenter of the cigar world. The Dominican Cigar Expo 2025 once again united the heart of the tobacco industry — bringing together growers, manufacturers, blenders, and aficionados under one roof to celebrate the craft that defines the Dominican Republic.

The third edition of the Expo, organized by the Asociación Dominicana de Cigarros y Tabaco (ADOCITAB), proved to be the most ambitious yet — blending business, education, and celebration in perfect balance.

The People Behind the Event

The event was led by Osvaldo Radhamés Rodríguez, President of ADOCITAB, whose opening speech reminded attendees of tobacco’s place not just in the economy, but in the Dominican soul.

“Tobacco is part of who we are. Every cigar rolled in this country carries a piece of our heritage,” Rodríguez said during the inauguration ceremony.

Francisco Matos Mansebo directed the technical and operational organization, ensuring each detail — from exhibitor logistics to seminars — ran seamlessly.
Production and event management were executed by SAVIT, whose experience in large-scale expos elevated the professional image of this year’s edition.

A Celebration of Dominican Craftsmanship

This year’s Expo featured over 80 exhibitors representing every corner of the tobacco world — from family-owned farms in the Cibao Valley to major international brands.
Visitors experienced live cigar-rolling demonstrations, master classes on fermentation and blending, and interactive tastings pairing cigars with Dominican coffee, rum, and chocolate.

The atmosphere was vibrant yet refined — the kind of event where a handshake could mean the start of a business deal, or a shared cigar could spark a lifelong friendship.

The Venue: Santiago’s Parque Central

The move to Parque Central de Santiago gave the event new energy.
Surrounded by green spaces and modern infrastructure, the venue allowed for large exhibition halls, outdoor lounges, and exclusive networking areas — all infused with the cultural heartbeat of Santiago, the “Cigar Capital of the World.”

During the day, visitors explored brand showcases and production equipment. By evening, the Expo transformed into a social experience: live music, tastings, and conversations drifting through clouds of aromatic smoke.

What Made 2025 Special

Industry-Focused Vision
Previous editions leaned more toward public celebration. The 2025 Expo, however, sharpened its professional focus — designed by and for those shaping the future of cigars.
Panels covered export strategies, technology in manufacturing, and sustainable tobacco cultivation.

Innovation Meets Tradition
While heritage remained the foundation, technology took center stage. Several exhibitors introduced digital traceability systems, QR-coded cigar packaging, and new methods of warehouse control — proving that even in tradition, innovation thrives.

Global Recognition
Delegations from the U.S., Spain, Nicaragua, and Honduras attended, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s leadership in premium cigar production.
Many visitors described the event as “the Caribbean’s answer to InterTabac.”

Moments to Remember

The opening ceremony, where Rodríguez lit the symbolic first cigar of the Expo, marked the official start of three unforgettable days.

The Roll-Your-Own-Cigar Workshop, led by master rollers from Tamboril, let attendees experience the delicate art of cigar construction firsthand.

A special tribute honored veteran cigar makers and innovators who have elevated Dominican tobacco on the world stage.

The Tasting Pavilion offered curated pairings — Dominican cigars with single-origin coffees and aged rums — turning every session into an educational journey of flavor.

Beyond Business: A Cultural Statement

The Dominican Cigar Expo 2025 was more than an industry event — it was a statement of identity.
For locals, it reaffirmed pride in a national craft passed down through generations.
For international guests, it was a window into the artistry, hospitality, and depth behind every Dominican cigar.

“This Expo shows the world that tobacco is not just our product — it’s our story,” said one participant from Tamboril.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the final day ended, the sentiment among exhibitors and visitors was clear: this edition set a new standard.
Plans are already underway for Dominican Cigar Expo 2026, with promises of expanded international participation, advanced logistics, and even more premium experiences.

Until then, the smoke lingers — a reminder that the Dominican Republic continues to lead the world not just in cigar production, but in passion, tradition, and innovation.