On October 8, 2026, in Hamburg, ANI e.V. and NGG successfully concluded their 2026 collective bargaining negotiations at the end of the first round.

With a term of 25 months running until December 31, 2028, both parties have established a long-term outlook and planning certainty for companies and employees alike.

Two wage increases were agreed upon for employees in the tobacco and nicotine industry. In the first step, wages will rise by 3.1% starting December 1 (for a period of 13 months), followed by a further increase of 2.6% on January 1, 2028.

Both social partners placed special emphasis on the industry’s apprentices; they will receive an additional €80 at each of these two points in time.

Ulf Zedler, Chairman of the Board of ANI e.V., emphasizes: “Our industry faces significant pressure, both regarding the market and issues such as tobacco tax and regulation. We value our strong social partnership with NGG, which goes beyond mere collective bargaining. It is through this partnership that we have reached a solid, long-term agreement today, one that was not easy for either side to achieve but was accomplished together.”