Universal Leaf Tobacco
We are the vital link between farmers and manufacturers of consumer tobacco products, sourcing the crop for our customers, and processing it to meet their exact specifications.
Our Tobacco Varieties
We are the leading global supplier of leaf with more than a century of experience providing a wide range of high-quality tobacco types to meet the supply needs of consumer product manufacturers, including Burley, Flue-Cured, Oriental and Dark. Our presence in virtually all major tobacco growing regions of the world, combined with our expert ability to meet customers’ requirements for style, volume, and quality, is key to our success.
Flue-Cured
Flue-cured tobacco is cured with artificial heat, after which it ranges from light yellow to dark orange in color and possesses a sweet aroma. It is sometimes referred to as bright leaf or Virginia tobacco.
Burley
Burley tobacco is usually air-cured and light brown to deep reddish-brown in color with an aroma similar to cocoa. There are two types of burley: filler type is generally light in body and neutral in flavor, while flavor type is similar in weight to flue-cured tobacco and has a stronger flavor.
Oriental
Oriental tobacco is characterized by its small leaves and strong aroma. The oriental tobacco plant produces a larger number of leaves, more than other tobacco types and is typically grown in arid climates, which assists in maximizing the aromatic properties associated with these tobaccos.
Dark
Dark air-cured tobacco is distinguished from other types primarily by the fermentation process it undergoes which gives the tobacco a medium- to dark-brown color and distinct aroma. Dark air-cured tobacco is used in cigars, dark cigarettes, pipe mixtures, and chewing tobaccos.
How the Tobacco Supply Chain Works
As the intermediary between farmers and consumer product manufacturers, we are experts in delivering premium products grown in a sustainable, traceable, and compliant manner to meet our customers’ exact and every-evolving needs.
STEP 1
Working
with Farmers
Universal provides comprehensive training and works closely with our farmers to ensure adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), thereby promoting sustainable tobacco production.
STEP 2
Transforming
Raw Products
Universal procures, processes, packages, and ships a variety of leaf tobacco to meet the supply needs of consumer product manufacturers.
STEP 3
Shipping
& Transport
Manufacturers produce consumer end products by leveraging Universal's supply chain and adherence to good agricultural practices.
Global Footprint
We don't own farms, but we work with growers to connect them to manufacturers by purchasing, transforming, and transporting crops sourced from around the globe.
Through our worldwide network of farmers in 30 countries across five continents, Universal Corporation has been a trusted provider of responsibly produced and traceable products for over 100 years.
