FAQ
When was Swedish Match founded?
Swedish Match springs out of two historical Swedish companies. In 1915, The state-owned Svenska Tobaksmonopolet (the Swedish Tobacco Monopoly) was founded and in 1917, Svenska Tändsticks AB was founded, with Ivar Kreuger as President.
How do I apply for a vacancy?
When applying for a particular position we would like you to write a cover letter and attach your CV/resume. It is important that your CV is accurate, lack of information could result in not being considered for an interview. For more information, see the page Vacant positions.
Can Swedish snus be purchased directly from you?
Yes, you can order the entire Swedish Match snus range via the Company's e-commerce service, www.swedishmatch.se, and via your local brand page if you are a resident in another market.
Search FAQ
General
What is the definition of a cigar?
In general, a cigar is usually classified as short filler (finely divided) or long filler (whole leaf). The technology used depends on the manufacture method where long fillers are best suited for handmade cigars, while short fillers are mostly used in machine manufactured cigars. Methods of manufacture do not always agree since there are combinations and exceptions.
Are there any differences between cigars?
A cigar comprises three parts: filler, binder and wrapper. The filler consists of one or several different types of tobacco, which are carefully chosen based on taste, aroma, burning properties and quality. The filler can consist of either a few whole tobacco leaves - long filler, or a base of tobacco chopped into pieces - short filler. The technology used depends mainly on the manufacture method, where long fillers are best suited for handmade cigars, while short fillers are often used in machine manufactured cigars. Methods of manufacture do not always agree since there are combinations and exceptions.
The terms long filler and short filler should not be interpreted as quality conclusive. The quality is determined by the type of tobacco used and the craftsmanship used in manufacturing the cigars. Short fillers are especially popular in Europe since the combination of various types of tobacco creates a balanced aroma and the manufacturing process produces light and smooth draws. Even though long fillers are used for handmade cigars, the technology naturally limits the possibility of complicated mixtures.
Short fillers and long fillers also differ with regard to moisture sensitivity. Long fillers dehydrate easily and have a very short shelf life if not stored in the correct atmospheric humidity. This also applies to short fillers. However, many cigars on the Swedish market are “dry short fillers,” which means that they are less sensitive to moisture and taste excellent even though they were stored outside a humidor for a while.
What is the difference between premium cigars and mass market cigars?
In Sweden, it is really a matter of size and weight, based on old tax classes. The weight limit between a cigar and cigarillo is often 3 grams. Internationally, this distinction does not apply.
What is filler?
A cigar comprises three parts: filler, binder and wrapper. The filler consists of one or several different types of tobacco, which are carefully chosen based on taste, aroma, burning properties and quality. The filler can consist of either a few whole tobacco leaves - long filler, or a base of tobacco chopped into pieces - short filler.
What is a binder?
A cigar comprises three parts: filler, binder and wrapper. The binder encloses the filler and holds the cigar together. Vickel is the name used for the combination of binder and filler. The binder is not visible and is not chosen for its appearance but for its strength and burning properties where excellent binding creates a slow and even burn.
What is a wrapper?
A cigar comprises three parts: filler, binder and wrapper. The wrapper is the outer tobacco leaf, which is seen on the cigar and is chosen for its appearance. It should be attractive, without spots or blemishes and uniform color. Other demands are that it should be thin, smooth and without large veins and be supple and durable.
In order to produce perfect wrappers for handmade cigars, the tobacco is often shade-grown. This protects the tobacco from strong sunlight, which in turn produces light, thin and elastic leaves with small veins.
What is a natural leaf cigar?
Natural leaf cigars are cigars which have binders and wrappers made of parts of selected tobacco leaves cut specifically to form the binders and/or wrappers. The main distinctions between natural leaf cigars and hand rolled cigars are that they contain short filler tobacco versus long filler tobacco and that machines are utilized in the later steps of the manufacturing process. A rolled leaf cigar is a "rough cut" natural leaf cigar and is easy to light.
What is a HTL (homogenized tobacco leaf) cigar?
Certain short fillers, often cigarillos, have binders and/or wrappers made from homogenized tobacco leaves. HTL is tobacco that is finely ground to a powder, mixed with water and rolled into tobacco sheets. This is done in order to maintain an even quality in mass produced products.
