Welcome and opening remarks from the organiser
5 minute session
As global supply chains face growing disruption from geopolitical tensions, shifting trade dynamics and rising customer expectations, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as a trusted manufacturing and sourcing hub for the international tobacco industry. This keynote explores the strategic decisions manufacturers and distributors must make to build resilient supply chains, maintain consistent quality and remain competitive in an increasingly volatile global market.
This presentation explores how innovation is advancing the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP) category, driving change across the tobacco value chain, and supporting broader ESG ambitions.
Maaran and Hugo from Filtrona will share how sustainable product solutions and strategic partnerships are helping customers navigate this transition while creating long-term value across the industry.
Hugo Azinheira is a seasoned professional in the industry with extensive experience in innovation, product development, and strategic management.
His career spans over two decades, starting as a trainee at Pechiney in 2003 and progressing through various roles at international companies such as Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Essentra and now, Filtrona.
Currently the Global Director of Innovation & ESG at Filtrona since 2023, Hugo brings a wealth of expertise in R&D leadership, product development and innovation, portfolio strategy and management, IP activities, and new product commercialisation.
As a speaker, Hugo has demonstrated his thought leadership by participating in many industry events. Hugo's unique blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and global experience makes him a sought-after speaker for audiences interested in innovation, sustainability, and strategic business management.
Maaran Nadarajah, Innovation Director at Filtrona, brings over 25 years of tobacco and nicotine industry expertise to his role overseeing R&D and new product innovation. With a career spanning key positions at Philip Morris International and Imperial Brands PLC, Maaran has extensive experience in product design, category innovation, development, and commercialization across several categories in the industry. His global perspective and deep industry knowledge make him a leading authority on the development of new product categories.
Indonesia's tobacco industry depends on a resilient domestic leaf supply, yet climate variability, changing farmer economics and evolving regulation are placing increasing pressure on production. For manufacturers, securing a consistent supply of high-quality tobacco has become a strategic business priority.
This session examines the outlook for Indonesia's tobacco leaf supply, the risks facing key growing regions and the practical strategies manufacturers are using to strengthen supply chain resilience, support growers and safeguard long-term quality and continuity.
What the future of Indonesia's tobacco-growing sector could mean for manufacturers through 2027 and beyond.
Working in tobacco since 1996, Henri started with helping his father who
worked as a supplier for Sampoerna. He is from a tobacco family: Almost
all his family members work in tobacco. Later he worked in various
national and multinational company and in positions from leaf to
managerial. In 2021 he set up his own company, namely PT Andalan Asia
Tembakau, with a focus on importing tobacco and selling locally and also
exporting Indonesian tobacco abroad.
Margins under pressure: smarter manufacturing strategies for Indonesian tobacco producers
Rising production costs, tighter regulation and increasing operational pressures mean Indonesian cigarette manufacturers can no longer rely on price increases to protect margins. Instead, competitive advantage is being built through smarter manufacturing.
This session explores how real-time production data, predictive maintenance, connected automation and digital performance analytics are helping manufacturers improve productivity, reduce downtime, increase equipment effectiveness and maximise the return on existing assets. Through practical examples, discover the operational and technology investments delivering the greatest business impact in today's margin-pressured environment.
As governments across Southeast Asia rewrite tobacco legislation, manufacturers and distributors face one of the biggest strategic shifts in decades. Traditional cigarette volumes are under pressure, while heated tobacco, vaping products and nicotine pouches are emerging at very different speeds across individual markets.
Drawing on independent intelligence from around the world, this session will examine where regulation is heading, which Southeast Asian markets are opening, or closing, to next-generation products, how taxation and enforcement are evolving, and what businesses should expect over the next five years.
Rather than focusing on one product category, this talk provides a strategic roadmap for navigating an increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape while identifying the commercial opportunities that still exist.
Tim Phillips is the Managing Director of Tamarind Intelligence, a global independent market and regulatory intelligence service providing data for businesses operating in a number of fast-moving consumer sectors facing regulatory change, including vape, cannabis and tobacco alternatives. Tamarind Intelligence provides market leading insights and regulatory tracking for clients ranging from governments and academic institutions to multinational companies and professional service providers.
Phillips is a UK-qualified attorney, having worked at the European Commission, international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, media companies BSkyB and AOL, and Betfair (now Flutter Entertainment), where he ran global public affairs as the company went through its IPO. He was also a partner in a New York venture capital-funded start-up in the diamond sector. Tim holds a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the University of Law, London and a masters degree in geology from Oxford University. He has run Tamarind Intelligence for the past 9 years.
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