Philip Morris drives innovation and sustainability in the South

On the first day of Expoagro Afubra 2025, Philip Morris Brasil (PMB) held a press conference to mark the 15th anniversary of Leaf, the company's division focused on supporting and modernizing tobacco-producing properties. The event was attended by company executives, press representatives and rural producers, highlighting advances in sustainability and innovation in the tobacco production chain.

Since 2010, PMB has been expanding its operations in southern Brazil, purchasing tobacco directly from small producers and promoting sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy, the preservation of biodiversity and the efficient management of water resources. The company currently works with around 5 integrated producers in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná, totaling 15 hectares contracted and a production of 35 million kilos of tobacco in the 2024/2025 harvest.

During the press conference, Roberto Schloesser, director of Leaf Brazil, highlighted the importance of domestic production for the company’s future. “We are proud to say that the smokeless tobacco of the future comes from Brazil,” he said, referring to Philip Morris International’s combustion-free products, which already account for 40% of the company’s global revenue.

PMB also reinforced its commitment to modernizing and mechanizing production, forecasting investments of up to R$60 million to increase producers' efficiency and improve their quality of life. In addition, the company is expected to allocate R$85 million to cover the costs of the 2025 harvest.

In the socio-environmental field, Débora da Silva Teixeira, PMB's Sustainability Supervisor, presented the company's main projects in the South region, which have 56 partners and aim to promote positive impacts on environmental conservation and the quality of life of farmers. Among the initiatives, the Áuera project, developed in partnership with Embrapa Clima Temperado for the conservation of biodiversity on rural properties; the Water Protector program, which has already benefited 20 thousand people in Rio Grande do Sul; and the clean energy and food security projects, such as Solar Panels and Organic Backyards, which help reduce firewood consumption and diversify agricultural production.

In addition to the press conference, Philip Morris Brasil was present at Expoagro Afubra 2025 with a special stand, where it presented its main initiatives and paid tribute to Leaf's 15 years, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the Brazilian tobacco sector.