High product quality and cutting-edge manufacturing technology are the hallmarks of Real Tobacco SA.
The investment
The company’s initial investment in modern buildings, high-tech production lines equipped with quality assurance systems and efficient H&S solutions is giving a new lease of life to the local economy of Kilkis.
The company is firmly committed to support the region, choosing local partners and suppliers. In addition, approximately 50% of its staff comes from the wider area of Kilkis. The company is providing excellent training and working conditions to its employees with visible career growth.
The company was founded in 2017 and has grown into one of largest industry production unit in Northern Greece and one of the most innovative and dynamic manufacturers in the global tobacco industry. Boosting over 140 talented employees, a sophisticated quality assurance laboratory on-site and modern production facilities, Real Tobacco SA is a trusted partner to clients and customers in over 30 countries globally. The company applies in its production process a combination of excellent raw materials, latest innovation, modern “MULTILOCK” (re-closable packing) technology and proud tradition.
One of the company’s comparative advantages comes from its investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities equipped with the latest models of re-closable “MULTILOCK” production lines, quality assurance and warehouse technology at its 30,000 sq.m. production site near Kilkis. The six high-speed production lines are able to produce with automated quality control backed by the latest hardware and software technology. The ERP and WHMS systems together with other integrated software solutions allow Real Tobacco to reach high level of flexibility and efficiency unmatched by other competitors in the industry.
Real Tobacco SA is the first company which invested and successfully launched specific products with the new “MULTILOCK” technology and is also the only company in the world that has the ability to manufacture six different formats, all in MULTILOCK packs.
“MULTILOCK” packing technology guarantees longer shelf life of the products and makes them more resistible to higher temperatures and humidity. The new “MULTILOCK” pack has been proven to keep FMCG products fresh longer after opening the pack and guarantees a lifespan twice longer than that offered by traditional packaging. These advantages make the products more attractive to both customers and distributors according to Mr. Hristo Latchev, Chief Operating Officer of Real Tobacco SA.
Mr. Hristo Latchev is a seasoned FMCG and tobacco professional with over 30 years of industry experience, who previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Bulgartabac Holding, Plc., the Bulgarian state-owned tobacco and cigarette manufacturing company. For the last 15 years, Hristo Latchev has kickstarted several successful private ventures across three continents and has continued pioneering new and innovative technologies and operations in the FMCG industry.
Certified quality and safety
The fully equipped quality assurance laboratory and custom software systems at Real Tobacco, combined with specialized personnel, guarantee the highest quality of the finished goods.
Notably, Real Tobacco and its modern testing laboratory were certified by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) in July 2022. The equipment and capabilities of the testing laboratory at the factory were tested by the competent certification body in Greece prior to the successful completion and awarding of the certificate to the company.
“Real Tobacco continuously invests in modern technology and the training and upskilling of our laboratory scientists and quality assurance personnel”, said Mr. Latchev. “It is no surprise that our hard work over the years pays off and we receive attestation and positive feedback from internationally recognized industry bodies”.
The factory has also received various ISO certifications for its production and quality assurance processes, including ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety management system and SO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the adequacy of testing and calibration laboratories.
Production Unit
The 30,000 sq.m. factory building is situated on a 100,000 sq.m. commercial plot in the heart of the region of Northern Greece in Kilkis municipality, where one can find the production facility, the warehouses and the administration offices.
Real Tobacco has a direct link to important supply chain infrastructure. The production site is located just 20 km from the port of Thessaloniki and benefits from quick access to the old National Road of Thessaloniki – Kilkis and the highways that connect Thessaloniki with the ports of Piraeus (Athens) and Igoumenitsa. The factory is also closely connected to international “goods transport corridors” connecting neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey.
Dedication to the industry
Real Tobacco S.A. is committed to being the best in its field on all levels and create the finest products with the highest quality standards. At the same time, Real Tobacco is a company that strictly follows all good practices of circular economy and sustainability, while being environmentally and socially responsible. According to its Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Hristo Latchev, employees are one of the most important success factors of the company and the company is oriented towards maintaining a positive work environment by offering modern infrastructure, excellent working conditions and a competitive system of benefits and opportunities for development and continuous training.
In the face of global challenges and opportunities in the sector, the company plans to continue expansion on international markets and attract interest from clients, partners and investors.
The Real Tobacco group has offices in Bulgaria and Dubai. It mainly exports its products to the Middle East and Asia and is consistently entering new markets with its high-quality products.
