Tobacco is harvested through priming or stalk-cut methods. Raw tobacco is green and moisture-rich, requiring curing. Curing process removes excess moisture and changes leaf color
Turkish tobacco originated in Ottoman Empire's Thrace and Macedonia regions. Sun-curing process reduces nicotine content significantly. Grows in Mediterranean climate with sandy soil and low acidity. Plant reaches only three feet tall with 100 small leaves
Tobacco is cured to dry and age for human consumption. Raw tobacco leaves are too wet for smoking and acrid for chewing. Traditional barns replaced by prefabricated metal boxes. Aging continues for months after curing
Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarettes. Kentucky produces approximately 70% of burley tobacco in the US. Major production occurs in Brazil, Malawi and Argentina. Originated in 1864 by Webb and Fore in Ohio. Kentucky became first state to produce burley tobacco in 1880
PMI introduces Levia Zero Tobacco for IQOS ILUMA as first tobacco-free product. Product uses herbs instead of traditional tobacco leaves. Levia Zero Tobacco offers two flavors: Electro Rouge and Island Beat
Family has been growing tobacco in Southside Virginia for 5 generations. Company expanded operations in 1989 with dealer company. S&M Brands, Inc. established in 1994 for cigarette and cigar production